Parenting Tips & Advice

Parenting articles

I'm not one to dole out parenting advice as I'm still figuring it all out myself with three boys. But along the way I've come to collect quite a few tips, tricks and lots of resources to help make parenting easier!

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Popular parenting articles can be found below, they're a great place to get started!

Looking for something? Search for activities:

10 Things to Do on a Walk for More Memorable Moments With Your Kids

In Depth Examples of Adapting Activities for Your Child’s Skills & Interests

Why Does your Child Repeat Questions Over and Over and How to Stop it!

Road Trips with Toddlers: 6 Must-Have Survival Tips

Chore List with Dominoes & Numbers

5 Waiting Games That Kids Can Do Anywhere

How to Build Confidence in Kids Through Activities

Recommended 4th Grade Books for Boys

8 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Preschool

How to Make Personal Time as a Mom

How to Create a Routine That Works For You

Build Your Own DIY Toddlers Busy Activity Boxes – Free Tutorial

16 Animal Books for Kids that Adults Enjoy Reading

How to Entertain Kids on a Plane (Without Screens)

10 Benefits of Mud Play & The Magic of Dirt

7 Tips for How to Keep Toddlers Busy While You’re With the Big Kids

Simple Thanksgiving Conversation Starters for Kids

New Birthday Tradition: Make it a ‘Yes’ Day

10 Messy Play Ideas to Keep it More Contained & Clean

Year-End Interview Questions for Kids + Free Printable

How to Get Kids to Clean up on Their Own

5 Simple Language Play Ideas for Language Development

Life Skills for Preschool and Things to Teach a 3 & 4 Year Old

10 Gross Motor Activities YOU can do Outside with the Kids

How to Keep the Baby Busy While Your Cooking Dinner

Feelings Activities for Preschoolers to Learn to Handle those Big Emotions

The Guide to Making Homemade Gifts with Kids

HELP! My Child Doesn’t Want to Do Any Activities! 4 Steps to Follow

Why Routines for Kids are Important

No More Witching Hour! 10 Things to Do Between Dinner & Bedtime

10 Ways to Slow Down & Make Your Child’s Day

How to Make Chores Fun for Kids

10 Low-Key Birthday Party Activities for Kids

Little Hands that DO… Memories in the Making

7 Ideas to Sneak an Activity into Your Kids Daily Routines

Nursing Baby? Try Fun Busy Boxes for Older Siblings

3 Questions for Doing an Activity with Both a Toddler and Preschooler

Make a Cereal Fall Tree Craft and “Kid-Powered Mornings”

5 Ways to Make Chores Kid-Friendly Fun

Easily Overcoming 10 Hands-On Hurdles to Become More Involved

Make Back to School Mornings More Positive with Put Ups!

Cool Preschool Watch Makes Taking Turns & Transitions Super Simple

5 Ways to Burn Off Extra Energy as a Family

How to Make This Holiday One Your Kids Will Remember

Tips for Traveling with Kids for the Holidays

A No-Stress Philosophy for Doing Activities with Kids

How To Solve 5 Preschooler Struggles with Audiobooks

The Not-So-Secret Tip to Do More Activities

5 Peanut Butter & Jelly Variations for Field Trip Lunches (+ Tips)

How to Transform Activities to What Your Child Enjoys

25 Ways to Make Today an Adventure with FREE Printable

4 Simple Ways To Sneak In More Quality Time With Your Kids

Achieve Your Summer Goal of Fun & Relaxation!

How to Calm Toddler Jealousy When Your Baby Arrives

Build Your Confidence as a Hands-On Parent

Your Three Essentials For Mom “Me Time”

Women History Books With Corresponding Kids Activities

How to Fulfill Your Activity Goals this Year

How to Actually Protect Your Family

Valentine’s Day Stamped Cards

Five Ways for Kids to be Glad to Give

How to Address Grief With Your Little One

How to Make Doing Kids Activities All About YOU

3 Photo Activities For Kids Who Love Taking Pictures

Salt Color Soak Sensory Activity for Hurt Little Fingers

How to Teach Kids About Recycling When They’re Young

3 Questions for a Second Chance at Parenting

Non-Rules to Let Kids be Kids & Never Grow Up

5 Simple Steps to Reclaim Your Child’s Bedtime Tonight

7 Ways Kids Can Help in the Kitchen

Ultimate List of Conversation Starters for Every Family

Help Your Child Make Friends at Any Age

Managing Screen Time Rules for Kids + Free Guide

How to Play Outdoor Games for All Ages, Together

How To Cook Dinner Without Your Kids Driving You Crazy

The Secrets to Get Kids to Eat Healthy

5 Activities To Turn Around a Crazy Day

5 Resolutions to Make the Most of Our Time with Kids

The ‘For Boys’ Label and What I Mean By It

Display Kids Artwork from School in One Spot

5 Things to Do Before Heading on the Road with Kids

Stop the Yelling & Learn How to Get the Kids to Listen

Why Is it Important That I Do These Activities with My Kids Anyway?

What Can Kids Do While Waiting at a Restaurant? Plus, What Your Kids Do

Improve the Photos of Your Kids with These 3 Tips

In Reality I’m Not The Oprah of Motherhood

5 Beginner Photography Tips for Moms Plus FREE Class from Craftsy

5 Things I Want For My Kids’ Rooms

5 Reasons Why You SHOULD Let Your Kids Watch TV

Sticking with our One-On-One Time with Every Kid, Every Day

One on One Time #EveryKidEveryDay

I’m Playing Hookie.

Monster Chocolate Sandwich Cookies! Nam Nam Nam

5 Activities to Help Strengthen Sibling Relationships

Playful Learning Ecademy: What Is It All About?

What to do on Vacations with the Kids

6 Tips for Reading Chapter Books to (Very) Young Kids

Family Activities to Do This Summer

It’s Okay to NOT do Hands on Activities with the Kids. Really. It is.

Hey! I'm Jamie. I have 3 boys that are crazy energetic & we like to have fun!

Hands On As We Grow Newsletter

"It is hard to think of things to keep the 3 year old entertained and engaged while taking care of the baby. Everything we have tried so far from your website, the three year old has loved. Your ideas are so simple and he can do them for hours. HEAVEN!" - Karen I.
I am now one happy Dad!

"You have changed how I spend time with my kid in so many positive ways! I am now one happy dad that no longer wonders what I am going to do with this little guy for the next 12 hours :P Your site was this first time dad life saver!" - Jack C.
Hands On As We Grow Newsletter

"I feel like a new mama having so many fun ideas. I used to dread the afternoon, after naps, as it was so boring doing the same thing day after day but now I look forward to our "play" time!" - Haley S.
Free Activity Challenge

"Thank you so much for these activities. They have proven to me that I CAN be that mom that does cool and creative things with her kids! And those cool and creative things can actually be quite simple! What a revelation. Thank you!!" - Katie M.
Activity Plans eBooks

"This takes down the need to scour the internet for ideas. It's like looking for a recipe on the internet, so many options that often times it is less overwhelming to look in a book on the shelf than stress about too many options." Robyn G
So organized and easy to use.

I have found it impossible to Google ideas from a million different sites, get organized, shop for supplies, etc. This is exactly what I have been searching for! Thanks for making something so organized and easy to use. - Early Years Activity Plans User, Melissa C.
The Activity Room Member

"I absolutely love that this takes all the prep work out of engaging my children. It is so easy to just put up the calendar, and glance at it for inspiration when we are in a funk." - Rachel
Grateful to have activities handed to us...

"There's always something new for us to discover, as well as old favorites. I am so grateful to have activities handed to us... Fun and easy ones that can be put together in a moment's notice! You're awesome Jamie and I appreciate you sharing your activities and ideas!!" - Melissa C.