Hi Reader, While we still have a few weeks before school, one thing that I’d start thinking about right now is healthy snacks. Because we always need ideas for that – and most schools require nut-free snacks, which limits your options. The next couple of weeks are the perfect time to: Toss one new school-friendly snack into the afternoon snack rotation. Find 2–3 winners before the school rush. Avoid buying a giant Costco box of something that comes home untouched every day. Here are some of...
11 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I saw a video this week about the "sardine fast." (Seriously, how do people come up with this stuff?) If you haven't heard of it, people are eating nothing but sardines for a few days because it's supposedly going to "reset their body's chemistry." Reset what chemistry exactly? I'm not entirely sure, and they're definitely not either. Then I talked to a friend who told me she'd decided to try it. She made it until lunchtime. 😅 And I'm not making fun of her – it just reminded me of...
18 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Is your kid’s diet just as bad as if they’re smoking cigarettes? I’ve seen some posts over the past few months claiming that ultra-processed foods are “the new cigarettes” or that they “have more in common than you’d think.” Posts like this make me so angry because they grab attention, but they are not particularly helpful. We know cigarettes directly cause disease. But ultra-processed foods aren’t automatically bad for you – it’s more nuanced. What are ultra-processed foods?...
25 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Has anyone solved the problem of strawberries growing mold if you don’t eat them five seconds after you get home from the grocery store?? I swear I inspect every carton like I'm on a forensic investigation, looking for even the tiniest hint of mold. And somehow...they still seem to go bad overnight. 😩 This week I caught them just in time and turned them into a recipe my kids (and Ben!) absolutely loved. It's one of those recipes that's almost effortless—you just need to be home for...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I have to tell you – I’m constantly reminded how amazing the Mama Knows Community really is. The replies I get to these emails are so thoughtful and kind. I appreciate your willingness to spend your precious time reading my newsletter and to share your personal stories and thoughts! This has long been my favorite way to connect with all of you, and I’m grateful for that. We’re coming off yet another Amazon sale week, and I know that these sales are something people either love or...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Before Prime Day ends, I wanted to share the MKN community's favorite items! Most Popular 🌟 10. We all love independent play!! This is basically the Nugget's more affordable cousin. 9. If your kids listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, I will never stop recommending this. We've used ours almost daily for years and it's still one of the best purchases we've made. 8. Apparently a lot of us are tired of wet bathroom floors. 😅 These are a mom's best friend. 7. I own this everyday...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I love a good deal, and there's some great ones today and tomorrow on my favorite items that I wanted to share with you! If you shop from any of my links, thank you! It makes a big difference to MKN and even if you don't buy something I share, and you buy something else you need, I still get credit if you accessed Amazon from my links. <3 My Favorite Purchase of the Decade If cleaning is the bane of your existence, you're gonna want to hear this. While we are in bed, the entire...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, A mom in Emilia’s grade group chat sent around this article a few days ago about the UK’s plans to ban under-16s from social media, following in Australia’s footsteps. The U.S. has no ban plans, but is considering legislation to force social media companies to do more to protect kids and teens. Will any of these policy actions make kids safer or happier? I’m not sure that they will directly. It’s fairly easy to get around age verification checks, or seek out alternate social media...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Thank you so much for all of the replies with Father’s Day gift ideas! It’s only a week away now, so if you’re still looking for ideas, this is for you! A few of these ideas are things Ben loves, but most of them came from the MKN community. ♥️ What I’m getting Ben – he already has two, but I once listened to him and a random guy at the coffee shop talk about their shared love for these for 10 minutes, so I think his collection can never be big enough! For outdoor enthusiasts and...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read