Children don’t need much to create fantastical, magical worlds — a bed sheet can create a tent in a far-off jungle, a stick from the backyard can help ward off pirates, and a few pillows can become a bridge. But there are some great toys that engage their imaginations and curiosity for hour as well. These toys make great gifts for birthdays or perhaps just something fun for them to do on a hot, summer day.

Continue reading 12 Screen-Free Toys on Amazon That Fuel Imagination and Creativity at Do Say Give.

Last week, I shared several tips for selecting schools for the upcoming school year on Instagram. As always, our Instagram community blew me away with their words of encouragement and additional advice! Since we’re in the middle of “admission season” for private schools, and many families are considering moves to other states and evaluating different school districts, I thought it would be helpful to dive deeper into things to consider when choosing schools for your children.

Continue reading 20 Things to Consider When Choosing Schools at Do Say Give.

With one study showing teens spend an average of more than seven hours a day on their phones (yes, you read that right!) and much of it is on social media, it’s important to teach them the ins and outs of social media before they post their first photo. But where to start? Social media is still relatively new, so there isn’t a playbook on what to do, who to follow, or how to interact with others.

Continue reading 10 Things to Discuss With Your Teen Before Using Social Media at Do Say Give.

It’s so tempting to skip over Thanksgiving and get right in the Christmas spirit. But like the Pilgrims, who stopped to remember all that God had done for them, we also should take time to celebrate our blessings, which includes spending time with our families. In this post you’ll find easy yet meaningful family traditions and activities you can start this year. But, first, you’ll be inspired by the swoon-worthy Thanksgiving tablescape from a recent “Modern-Day Lady Pilgrims” collaboration I took part in with San Antonio-based Cloche Designs.

Continue reading How to Make Thanksgiving Memorable for Your Family at Do Say Give.

I hope you have been enjoying our guest posts as much as I have while I am taking some time off. Since video games are a part of so many children’s lives these days I am so thankful for the insight in today’s guest post. Cole Thatcher is a video game developer and the husband of one of our team members (Meg!). He explains the different kind of video games, why you don’t have to be scared of all games, and some great tips for making video games work in your family. 

Before we get to the Q&A with Cole, I want to highlight that this post is meant to be informative so you can make the best decisions on video games for your family.

Continue reading Ask a Video Game Developer: Making Video Games Work for Your Family at Do Say Give.

Leighanne Scheuermann from Written and Bound is joining us today to encourage both parents and students. Leighanne is a reading and learning specialist based in Dallas, Texas providing so many great online resources for parents.

As a reading and learning specialist, the first thing that I do when I start working with a student is to focus on the child’s self-esteem. I have a background in social work, so I love this part of my job.

Continue reading What to Say When Your Child Struggles with Learning Something New at Do Say Give.

A silver lining to this unusual spring and summer we are experiencing? You are likely getting to enjoy a little extra time with your children. Take advantage of this extra time together to bond with your teen daughter. Today I am sharing eight simple ideas for things you can enjoy together this summer – and beyond! 

1. Take a daily walk or bike ride. 

Teens tend to open up more when conversations are side by side rather than face to face, so a long walk or a leisurely bike ride might be the perfect mother/daughter pastime. 

2.

Continue reading 8 Ways to Bond with Your Teen Daughter this Summer at Do Say Give.

Some people pity children with December birthdays. I say embrace them! For my daughter’s recent 7th birthday party, we hosted St. Lucia Day celebration inspired by the classic American Girl book. I enlisted the help of Camp Crafty Parties to bring my vision to life. And, today Lilly, the founder of Camp Crafty Parties, is giving us some tips for simplifying themed birthday parties!

I love a good themed birthday party, especially unique themes.

Continue reading 4 Tips for Simplifying a Child’s Birthday Party at Do Say Give.

All week on my Instagram stories I’ve been sharing tips for streamlining your home management, calendar and purse. Today I’m sharing a few ways to simplify motherhood including your day-to-day routines, especially if you are in the thick of motherhood. None of these ideas are groundbreaking. But sometimes the simplest things can make a big difference!

1. Wake up early

I know, I know. No one wants to read this one.

Continue reading 6 Ways to Simplify Motherhood at Do Say Give.

I am not one for New Year’s resolutions. (Who actually keeps those?!) But I did use our extended holiday to reflect on how I want this new year to look for our family and what things I want to instill in my children as far as values and instruction.

If you’ve been doing the same, I wanted to share some resources we have that might help. I’ve written several “Intentional Motherhood” posts on the following topics.

Continue reading Intentional Motherhood in the New Year at Do Say Give.