As a 15-year-old Catholic girl who found herself “in the family way” in 1982, I didn’t have a whole lot of options. My parents enrolled me in counseling at Catholic Social Services in preparation to place my baby for adoption. It wasn’t what I wanted to do, but I was still in school and lacking resources to be independent, so I went along.
Read MoreMichigan winters can be brutal. Between the cold weather, dark and early nights, and ice storms, it can be easy to fall into a seasonal depression and adopt a very mundane routine. But just because it can be that way does not mean it has to be that way. There are so many avenues to enjoy winter in Michigan with your family, and you can finally have answers to the dreaded question from the kids who are home from school this Christmas break when they ask, “What are we doing today?”
Read MoreNow that we have packed away our Halloween decorations, it is time to turn our focus to Thanksgiving and the holiday season. This is the perfect time of year to focus on family and loved ones with some classic (and new) traditions! Below is a list of ideas to incorporate this coming “Turkey Day.”
Read MoreEvery year, it seems as if Halloween is arriving earlier and earlier in the year….and I don’t know about you guys, but I don’t hate it. Halloween is such a fun way to bond with your children and get creative while you do it. While you can go the traditional “trick-or-treating” route, (an oldie but a goodie), why not put a fun spin on it and start branching out to create new ghoulie traditions you and your kids will love and remember for years to come?
Read MoreAnd as we head into September, our minds have undoubtedly switched from splash pads and family road trips to school and extracurricular activities. But just because the kiddos are going back to school, it does not mean the fun has to stop. There are tons of ways to keep your family bonded and enjoy shared experiences even in the colder seasons. Below are just a few of my favorites.
Read MoreSummer is really heating up! And because we have barely been able to go outside earlier this summer because of the poor air quality, we have to make up for some much-needed splash time. Thankfully, though, you don’t have to travel too far to engage in some family-fun outdoor activities. So many new splash pads and aquatic centers have emerged in the last few years; allow me to list a few.
Read Moret’s summer and the kids are out of school; now is the perfect time to hit the road and make some memories. What better way to do that than with a family road trip? There is no shortage of ideas when it comes to choosing a destination – whether staying within Michigan or traveling to other states. The only hiccup, however, is how passengers spend their time on those long car rides – especially the younger ones. As great as an iPad and some snacks are at keeping kids occupied, the whole point of a family trip is to bond and make memories. There is no reason that you must wait until you reach your destination to do so.
Read MoreIt has been proven, repeatedly and irrefutably, that fresh air and physical exercise do wonders for children’s physical and mental health, as well as their intellect, spirit, and overall happiness and well-being. However, with technology and social media consuming the lives of children, long gone are the endless bike rides and neighborhood-wide backyard games.
Read MoreThe Great Lakes State has long been a destination for travelers and natives alike seeking natural beauty, scenic drives, historical sites, and relaxing (or even risky) recreation. With its stunning sunsets and its wondrous four seasons, the “Mighty Mitten” is a great place full of exceptional experiences just waiting for you.
Read MoreEaster is a time for new beginnings and with that, why not try new family traditions this Easter season? While I am not suggesting replacing all your annual Easter traditions such as Easter Mass and family gatherings, there are ways to spice them up a bit with a new twist. You may even find yourself a new family Easter tradition!
Read MoreWhen Genevieve Kashat was 3 years old, she watched with awe as her mother made a rich, delicious, and familiar banana bread for her family to enjoy. Years later, this moment would blossom into something much greater: a budding baking career and a shot at Food Network stardom. The road from mom’s banana bread to the Kids Baking Championship requires just the right mixture of talent, hard work, creativity, and inspiration.
Read MoreIn 1977, the medical community abandoned the biomedical model used in healthcare since its genesis for a more comprehensive one which better encapsulates the picture of health—the biopsychosocial model. Over the last half-century, countless studies have proven that overall health is dictated by more than just biology. As the name “biopsychosocial” suggests, our psychology and social lives factor in just as much.
Read MoreAs we pack away the Christmas decorations and ring in the New Year, our minds shift focus from “good tidings” to “new beginnings.” With this shift, we often lose the spirit of the season. The extra warmth and grace that fills us up around the holidays seems to get packed away with the Christmas ornaments, waiting until next year to re-emerge.
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