
The coolest backpacks for preschoolers and little kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016
It seems like our annual Back to School Guide gets earlier each year, because hey - we're here for you, parents! Whether you're already scrambling to get those school shopping lists covered or you've got a good month left to track down the best backpack or lunch box...

FinFun: Mermaid tails for swimming that take summer fun to new heights. Or, depths.
The coolest thing you'll encounter in the water this summer may be my daughter, who has transformed herself from a normal 13-year-old into a full-fledged mermaid. And, whoa, if you have a child who would love to swim like one of these creature of the sea, you'll want...

The lunch box napkins that can help kids make new friends
I'm not even ready to think about back-to-school season yet, but it's coming -- and sooner than later for parents like me in the south! While I've never been the type of parent who attempts to learn Bento arts or making a panda bear rice ball for my kids' lunch boxes,...

12 unique tattoo ideas for parents, beyond your kid’s name on your back.
I loved tattoos ever since I got my first one back in college (sorry, mom), but after having kids, I was all about searching for unique tattoo ideas for parents. For me, it was about honoring the journey of becoming a mom, as well as keeping a little part of my kids...

5 of the cutest backpacks and lunch boxes to give you a head start on back to school
With lots of kids heading back to school in early August, and September really not that far behind, it's not too soon to start thinking about back to school. Especially when they're some of the most adorable backpacks and lunch boxes you'll see, and at an extra...

Why I stopped making my daughter clean her room | Thinking : Parent
I am a neat person. Well, as neat as a mom of four kids can be. I wasn't always considered neat. In fact, my college roommate might read this and laugh hysterically because there was a point in time that you couldn't even see my bed because of the piles of crap. And...

4 reasons to consider an ecotourism vacation for your family. (Besides being awesome.)
The idea of combining education and conservation with a family vacation is super appealing to parents, which is why ecotourism is such a fascinating concept for me -- and maybe for you. If you're not familiar with ecotourism, it's aimed at providing travelers with...

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: 5 cool fall and winter staples we love
I love a Nordstrom sale, and their Anniversary Sale is no exception, because you can get great discounts on brand new items. So, if you've got a little cash stashed, here are 5 of my favorites, all fabulous fall and winter staples, if I do say so myself, that I'm...

13 cool art projects for those summer seashells
If you're feeling a bit #clambitious about that bucket of shells you and your kids collected on your beach vacation, we've got good news for you. Here, we've rounded up some of our favorite seashell art projects for those summer finds, good for kids of all ages,...

4 fun DIY friendship bracelet patterns for a rainy (or just unbearably hot) day.
It's no mystery that crafts for kids are great for when they're feeling a little listless (or demanding to go to the pool yet again). But tons of prep work and shopping for supplies (Dremel tool. Um, no)? Not really worth the hour or two of entertainment they might...