Having the kids off school during the summer is a mixed bag. The long-anticipated freedom from being over-scheduled quickly gives way to the stressful fatigue of managing high-intensity kids looking for outlets. It’s exhausting to constantly be ‘herding cats’, or trying to muscle our kids into ‘helping’ or ‘things to occupy them’. As parents, we can still reap the helpful benefits of rhythm during the summer free-for-all by getting creative. Here are 10 parenting tips to beat summer boredom!

During pregnancy, women are already feeling extra warm because of their hormonal changes and increased blood flow.  When the weather turns super-hot, midwives look for all the tricks to help their miserable mamas stay a little more comfortable and guard against dehydration and overheating.  

Here are the strategies that helped me get through my own hot pregnant July, and that help my midwife clients get through their hot season.

The dazzling heat of a bright summer day makes it a perfect time try some new refreshments.  The herbs are growing wildly in many yards and gardens, new flavors are popping up at your local farmer’s market, and the eagerness for thirst quenchers buys you a little grace as you try out new recipes. Herbal teas are simple, tasty ways to keep everyone hydrated with budget-friendly variety and nourishing minerals.