Hi Reader, If you have a kid starting school for the first time or starting at a new school, and you’re feeling a little nervous about how lunchtime is going to go, there are a few things you can practice at home ahead of time. These are things their teacher will appreciate, too! 1. If you only do one thing, do this: Do a full lunchbox test run. Pack their lunch and snack exactly the way you plan to send it to school: water bottle, lunch box, thermos, pouches — everything. Then have them open...
11 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I tend to wait til the last minute to do everything – I’m the one panic ordering things on next-day Prime because I thought I had all kinds of time before whatever holiday or school event is happening, and then all of a sudden… I didn’t. If you’re already fully ready for back-to-school, I applaud you. Truly. I am in awe of your planning prowess. Those of you who are more like me, we still have time! And the time is now. Because you don’t want it to be 2 days before school and still...
18 days ago • 1 min read
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...
25 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...
about 1 month 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?...
about 1 month 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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