Charlene Prince Birkeland, Shine staff’s Blog

New LeapFrog "Let's Go to School" DVD can help preschoolers "first day" fears (p.s. Dear LeapFrog, I love you.)

nospam@example.com () — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:01:17 -0700

Every parent has many, many "I will never forget when [insert child's name and memory]..." moments. For me, it was a few days after my second son was born. I was holding him in the living room and my older son, then 3, was singing on the patio. My…

Without the Kids: 4 date ideas for new parents

nospam@example.com () — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:13:44 -0700

Sometimes new parents can't even imagine leaving the house without their adorable baby. Or they're just too tired and would rather hire a babysitter to watch the bambino so they can get an uninterrupted nap. In the hustle and bustle of changing diapers, cleaning bottles and nursing gear and…

Help your college kid get organized

nospam@example.com () — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:25:02 -0700

I was at my local bookstore earlier this week and this CollegeCase (US$20) caught my eye. It's a sleek binder filled with pocket folders for bills, banking information, pay stubs, and all of those…

Parenting Poll: What's the going rate for the tooth fairy?

nospam@example.com () — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:36:26 -0700

My oldest son is losing his teeth left and right. It's a big kid milestone and a big parenting milestone (mostly with Mom doing a lot of this: "Ohhhh, mah baaaay-beeee is growing up." Sigh. Look at baby pictures. Sigh again.) I've been saving cute "tooth fairy" ideas for…

New PBS parents blog helps parents inspire their kids to read

nospam@example.com () — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:18:07 -0700

I just took through the exhibit hall at BlogHer 09 in Chicago and one of my favorite finds? These adorable PBS parents booklights, which are helping to promote the site's new blog,

Daddy Dish: Rick Springfield on parenting mistakes, child stars and how to raise a gentleman

nospam@example.com () — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:34:45 -0700

You lose track of time when you're talking to Rick Springfield, especially when it's a subject he loves. (He's kind of dreamy, so you want to talk for a long time.) And he really loves his two sons, and loves being a dad. A few months ago I posted part one of

Etsy Pet Pick of the Week: Give your dog a wild look

nospam@example.com () — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:11:26 -0700

I noticed my dog's leash is getting a little worn and ragged, so I took a little Etsy stroll to search for a new one. I found this adorable eco-friendly green leopard leash (US$28) made by…

An easy way to organize your kid's writing and art supplies

nospam@example.com () — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:41:23 -0700

I've tried a handful of ways to keep my kids' writing and art supplies organized such that they are easy to access and easy to hide when not in use. As we start preparing for the new school year, I'm already thinking about what to do with their workspace.

Crafty mamas help their kids make...DIY moon sand

nospam@example.com () — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:54:46 -0700

I've somehow managed to avoid this thing called "moon sand" from entering our home. Don't hate me. But you? You should totally try this DIY moon sand project with your kids…

Fertility abuse: Are we crossing the line in the quest to have kids?

nospam@example.com () — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:51:42 -0700

Many woman and couples dream of starting a family and having their own babies. But are they going to extremes without thinking of the future ramifications of fertility treatments and having multiples? According to news reports out of Spain,