Beth Shea

Christmas is one of the most exciting holidays for kids and families. Counting down the days till Christmas can be a treasured tradition that kids will always remember and hold dear, and maybe even pass down to their own children one day. Beyond the advent calendar, there are amazing ways to make each day leading up to Christmas feel special and exciting. Here are five ideas that will have younger and older kids feeling joyful throughout December.

Schipperkes are small dogs who believe they’re giant and possess the boisterous demeanor to match. Also called the “little black devil” because their curiosity can land them in trouble, Schipperkes (pronounced “skipper-kee”) are dynamic pups with the heart of a lion—in the body of a fluffy, feisty guard dog. With their take-charge, “I have it covered” nature, Schipperkes will keep you on your toes with their clever ways and high level of intelligence.

Declare your love for summertime with summer letter board quotes that will add a ray of sunshine to your home. From popular song lyrics and beach and lake house themes to celebratory words about the 4th of July, these summer quotes for letter boards will set the tone for a great season.

If you’ve always wanted a workout buddy who never flakes and will accompany you on your adventures without asking anything in return—except maybe a sloppy kiss—then a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever could be your new favorite buddy. The smallest of the retrievers was bred to run along riverbanks to entice ducks to the shore. So, if “water sports” is your middle name, this pup’s ready to make a splash with you. Tollers are energetic pups who are ready to pack the car and head to the lake.

There are so many fun ways to spend time with your child. Whether you have one minute, an hour, or the entire day, slowing down life's hectic pace to spend time with your kids is rewarding and beneficial.

When it comes to raising children, as the old adage goes, "it takes a village." Online communities are today's take on the modern-day village.

We recently packed up and moved from California to Texas using organizational guru Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” method, in which you touch each object you own, and if the item doesn’t spark joy in you, you part with it via donation or trash. My family learned that the vast majority of things filling our home did not resonate with us on a joyful level — and the process was life-changing.

Nothing compared to the freedom of going on family road trips as a child. Rolling down the windows in the backseat, wind blowing through my hair, I literally watched the world go by. The open road opened doors to an otherworldly life where rules were bent and adventure triumphed over routine.

Have you been debating whether to get your older kid a smartphone? I’m about to share seven compelling reasons why you shouldn’t.

Thinking of adopting a family pet? We’ve interviewed several experts on whether your kid is ready and up to the task of getting a dog or other animal companion. To help you make the best decision, learn what a veterinarian and several adoption managers of animal shelters advise on the important topic.

What do you do with all that free time?

Comments like these used to come my way whenever people heard that I work from home — which I’ve been doing since my kids were born over a decade ago. Why is it that everyone seems to think being home all day is synonymous with some sort of clandestine luxury? Hence the misguided notion that moms eat bonbons on the couch while watching soap operas with their feet up to pass the time. But if there's one silver lining to this pandemic, it's that no one wi...

Make the jump to light speed and recruit your young Jedi because it’s time to plan your visit to the just opened, absolutely mind-blowing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. From flying the Millennium Falcon to building your own droid to meeting interactive exotic creatures to drinking blue milk, we’ve got a first look at this land and it’s truly out of this world. Read on for what you need to know to have a stellar adventure with your kids.

Every time I read a study on how important it is to get a good night’s sleep or you could develop a whole host of diseases, or even premature death — I freak out. Am I literally going to die from not getting enough sleep? Some days it feels that way — and this worry is just another thing that keeps me up at night.

Looking for a summer travel adventure that’s out of this world but still close to home? Consider us your travel agent with this amazing list of nearby vacation rentals! These Airbnb rentals really wow with features including a treehouse nestled in the pines, the beach footsteps from your door, an infinity pool with a view, even a stay at a secluded hobbit house!

Traveling via road trip or in an RV to national parks in California tops every family’s bucket list. Luckily, there are several national parks near San Diego where you can explore the beauty of nature and have unforgettable adventures close to home. We even show you where to book a stay in cozy cabins and amazing nearby Airbnbs during your travels.