Simple life parenting: Teaching kids how to slow down

Whenever I ask fellow parents how they are, the first answer is always "busy." Parents are under a lot of pressure from work, family, school and community. It's easy to get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget to live. We disconnect from spouses and kids because we're stuck in a too-fast lifestyle. We complain that kids are too busy, but they learn from our example. As we begin thinking about Advent, here are ways parents teach kids, by example, how to slow down.  Advent slow-down tips

Free Printable Advent Countdown to Christmas Activities for Catholic Families, Homeschoolers

We homeschooled our four children for over 10 years. As a Catholic family, we set aside the month of December for advent activities. Advent begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and countdowns to the feast of Christmas. Here are countdown activities, including Advent calendars, crafts, devotions, Jesse Tree, prayers, kids almsgiving and family activities. read on

Free Pritntable Christmas Cookies Recipes with Catholic Christian Object Lessons

Our Family Advent and Christmas Cookie Recipes
Advent was our favorite season when our family was homeschooling. We did holiday math, advent writing, Christmas social studies, winter science. Everything about Advent and Christmas is a teachable moment. Here are Advent and Christmas cookie recipes with holiday object lessons. Read More

Advent and Hanukkah Lesson Plans for Interfaith Families

Hanukkah FAQs: History, Celebration and Symbols historical description of Hanukkah, the festival of lights, its symbols, ways of celebrating. Hanukkah generally falls during the Christian season of advent. Interfaith families might use these activities to explore Jewish festivals. Hanukkah activities