Mom Life

Stories from Pack Your Patience

August 20, 2025

Back-to-School: Finding the Balance Between Summer Freedom and New Routines

Part of me longs for the carefree days of summer—no schedules, late nights, and endless possibilities. At the same time, I’m ready for routine. Fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and the feeling of a new beginning always bring a sense of excitement. This year, my girls are heading into 5th and 2nd grade. Like many moms,…

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July 8, 2025

Creating a Budget-Friendly Spa for Kids in Snow

Okay, so picture this: It’s Michigan. It’s snowing. My kids are bouncing off the walls. I’m staring at two giant plastic storage totes wondering, “Could this be... a spa?” Answer: Yes. Yes, it could. Let me walk you through how I created a budget-friendly, kid-approved, snow-surrounded hot tub experience using stuff I already had around…

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August 7, 2024

Honoring Memory: Steps to Cope with Loss

My life, lately, has felt like a ship adrift during a hurricane, struggling to find its way without a compass. The passing of my mother has altered everything, leaving me grappling with a reality I still can’t fully grasp. How do you say goodbye to the person who brought you into this world? How do…

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July 31, 2023

Memorable Camping Adventures: Discovering Mammoth Cave

I've realized that camping is a great source of inspiration for writing. It's no wonder that writers often hide away in remote cabins to focus on their work (if the movies are telling the truth because I've never known an author). Surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, I find myself compelled to unleash my…

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June 29, 2023

Effective Family Meetings: Tips for Success

Family Meetings: How We Make Them Fun, Functional, and Full of Snacks If you’re hosting family meetings (or thinking about starting), here’s a simple tip that will save your sanity and prevent future sibling showdowns: Write down what was discussed. Having a record means no more “But you said I could go to Grandma’s with…

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June 29, 2023

How Family Meetings Strengthen Family Bonds

Here's one meeting that benefits from not being an email. Family meetings might sound a little “corporate” at first, but don’t let that scare you off—they’re actually one of the best low-key parenting tools I’ve ever used. Here’s why: She takes her role as Snack Maker seriously. ✏️ They give everyone a voice.Kids, grownups, and…

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