• Last updated 2/12/11 by Laura E Taylor

Remember the fun of exchanging those cute (and, well, corny) valentines in elementary school? Times have changed, but kids still love to swap valentines. Here are some quick and easy ones for you to make. Just print out these charming cards (designed by Mothering staffer Melyssa Holik) from one of the PDFs provided below and customize them with a thumbprint. (To download instructions and to see examples of where thumbprints might go, click here.) What you’ll need • card stock (white or lightly colored) • a stamp pad •  thumbs • crayons, markers, paint, or glitter... read more

• Last updated 11/10/12 by Cynthia Mosher

When I was 19, I went to Europe with 2 girlfriends for 9 1/2 weeks. On the train in France, I was listening to Sinead O’Connor for the first time on my walkman (yes, I am that old) and I was deeply moved by just how incredible she was. Everyone had told me she was amazing, but I hadn’t checked her out yet because I thought if she was that great, I would have discovered her myself. I had a similar experience with The Mother Daughter Project. My friend eagerly told me about the book by SuEllen Hamkins, MD and Renee Schultz, MA. The movement had been a... read more

• Last updated 3/29/11 by Jennifer Margulis

The problem with going away is that it’s hard to come back to your “real” life. The free Jelly Belly factory tour in Fairfield, California (my cousin: “I can’t really imagine you guys doing that.”) was a smashing success with the kids. The tour includes free samples, historical videos, and lots of viewing of busy yellow robots and factory workers.James and the older kids before the Jelly Belly tour Silly hats are mandatory once the tour starts If you decide to go, arrive when they open. We got there at 9:15 a.m. and there were eight people ahead of us. We waited for... read more

• Last updated 4/8/13 by Monica S

  Learn how to help your child create a heartfelt gift for your family and friends.    To view more videos from The Possibility Shop, click here. read more

• Last updated 6/18/12 by Mothering Blogger

Backing is made of light blue felt. If you have some wool felt scraps, needle, and some embroidery floss, you can make this cover for your scissors and give yourself or your mother a gift from the heart.  Everyone has a pair of scissors that needs a pretty new home!  Click here to go to Living Crafts blog and find tutorial and pattern. Living Crafts 1-Year Subscription + 2 Felt BOOKs GIVEAWAY!!!! Win a 1-Year Subscription PLUS 2 felt books! For all you felt lovers who like to hand-sew, Living Crafts Magazine has two beautiful books to giveaway today. One of them is the... read more

• Last updated 3/20/13 by mamazee

  Grandparents on canals with grandchildren Hi Friends, I want to share with you a L.O.V.E. Parenting concept called the Family Unity Speech. This conversation helps ground your child(ren) in their unique history, the core values of your family and helps elevate the consciousness of your intensions for daily living. I give this talk to my kids during a relaxed moment cuddled on the couch or walking or driving; I’ve repeated the conversation for maximum impact! Share your Family Unity Speech in the comments section! The crux of... read more

• Last updated 1/17/13 by Melanie Mayo

This giveaway has ended. The lucky winner is Maegan, comment #11. Congrats!! You will be contacted by email. Even if you didn’t win you can grab 20% off  at STORK Organic Baby Boutique with coupon code Mothering20! – Win a $200 clothing shopping spree from STORK Organic Baby Boutique! The Prize: An awesome $200 clothing shopping spree to STORK Organic Baby Boutique. STORK carries only 100% Organic Cotton and Wool clothing–offering one of the largest selections you will find anywhere.  With clothing from newborn to age 6 and a... read more

• Last updated 3/14/13 by mamazee

Back in October, I mentioned a new feature that we were going to be including in our November–December issue, but I neglected to follow up on it. So here’s the scoop: paper dolls. Originally created by our very own Melyssa Holik as a Christmas present for Mothering publisher-editor Peggy O’Mara—who liked them so much she suggested we put them in the magazine as a holiday gift for our readers. And here is where you can download PDFs of four different dolls and their wardrobes—for hours and hours of good old-fashioned paper doll play.... read more

• Last updated 12/15/09 by Jennifer Margulis

As I’ve been posting about this week, we exchange poetry, not gifts, on Hanukkah. “I EAT KIDS YUM YUM!” by Dennis Lee is one of our family’s favorite poems: I EAT KIDS YUM YUM!A child went out one day. She only went to play. A mighty monster came along And sang its might monster song: “I EAT KIDS YUM YUM! I STUFF THEM DOWN MY TUM. I ONLY LEAVE THE TEETH AND CLOTHES. (I SPECIALLY LIKE THE TOES.)” The child was not amused. She stood there and refused. Then with a skip and a little twirl She sang the song of a hungry girl: “I EAT MONSTERS BURP! THEY MAKE ME SQUEAL AND... read more

• Last updated 3/11/13 by Momsteader

Breaking news! Due to the enthusiastic response to this giveaway, Charlie Banana has upped the number of prizes. There will now be THREE Reusable Diapering Systems awarded to THREE winners. Yay! Charlie Banana is giving away their 2 in 1 Reusable Diapering System collection (a whopping package of 6 one-size diapers plus 12 inserts) and some Charlie Banana Wipes (chlorine, perfume and chemical-free). I love the tutti fruity colors, don’t you? Here’s how you enter to win: 1. Leave a comment below. 2. For a second chance to win,... read more