As we approach the holiday season, let’s shift our focus from material gifts to meaningful experiences that foster connection and joy. By embracing alternatives to traditional gift-giving, we can create lasting memories and strengthen our relationships with loved ones. Thoughtfully choosing how we spend our time and resources not only enriches our lives but also helps cultivate a spirit of generosity and gratitude that resonates far beyond the holiday season.

Let's be honest: parenting is exhausting. You're managing work schedules, after-school activities, meal prep, and endless daily logistics. By evening, you're running on fumes, and that's when routines tend to fall apart. Here are a few evidence-based strategies to help your family move from survival mode to smoother routines.

This summer, let go of the pressure to overfill every hour. Give yourself—and your child—the gift of space. To breathe. To play. To connect. Because sometimes, less structure is exactly what our hearts (and brains) need most.