Candice Schaffer, Author at The Mom Kind

22 Nov

Top 5 Ways to Get Your Kids Excited for Thanksgiving

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsKid Stuff, ParentingHolidays with Children, thanksgiving

There’s a pretty big gap between what kids learn about Thanksgiving in school and the true meaning. While your kids may know that it’s an occasion that allows them to consume pie in vast quantities and watch TV all morning, there’s so much more to the holiday than that. To teach your kids the real meaning of Thanksgiving and get them excited for the holiday this year, here’s how: Top 5 Ways to Get Your Kids Excited for Thanksgiving By Candice Shaffer of 100 Shawmut, ARO, 830 Brickell, 200 Amsterdam, Madison Realty Capital, The Belnord, One Dalton Cook some traditional food: We hate to break it…

15 Nov

5 Tips for Having Kids Share a Room

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsKid Stuff, Parentingsiblings

Part and parcel of growing up with siblings are usually sharing a room with them. This does leave parents searching for Tips for Having Kids Share a Room. It's an age-old tradition that saves space in the home and leads to some (mostly) great childhood memories of bonding with a brother or a sister. Making your kids share a space that helps their development. It teaches them valuable social skills they'll use for the rest of their lives: sharing, adaptability, socialization, problem-solving, reducing anxiety, etc. The Chicago Tribune even states that while the home size is growing, more and more families are…

29 Aug

5 At-Home Activities for Your Family Over Labor Day

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsParentingHolidays with Children

Summer is winding down, and the school year is going into full swing. As beach- and bathing-suit weather turns into a backpack and sweater-weather, why not have one last hurrah to close out the season? Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to gather with your kids and have a blast before autumnal activities begin to take over the schedule. But the question remains: What to do for the long Labor Day weekend? Pack up the car and head to the beach? Try to rent a last-minute lake house? What about hiking? Camping? Maybe something outdoors to squeeze out just…

22 Aug

How to Create a Homework Space for Your Kids

Candice Schaffer1 CommentAdvice, Kid Stuff, Parentingback to school

It's back to school time around the country. Some parents are happy to have their kids out of the house, furthering their education, and making friends. But some of us know the cold-hard reality of kids being at school: homework. Yes, homework is something that parents dread almost as much as their kids and teens (just what is the Phytahogrean theorem again?). One of the biggest problems with after-school studies is getting your kids — especially the young ones — to do the work in the first place. How to Create a Homework Space for Your Kids By Candice Schaffer…

12 Aug

Birthday Party Ideas when in Los Angeles

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsParenting

Birthday Party Ideas when in Los Angeles You or someone in your brood is having a birthday in a few days. You are in The City of Angels, and you are wondering how to mark this happy occasion. From its multicultural neighborhoods to its amusement parks and studios, Los Angeles offers myriad ways to celebrate a birthday. Wherever your passions and interests may lie, LA has an experience that is just perfect for you. Children's Birthday Parties If you're looking for a fun and easy way to host a kid's birthday party in Los Angeles, you can head on over…

03 Jul

How to Decorate Your Apartment for the Fourth of July with Your Kids

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsKid Stuff, ParentingHolidays with Children

The Fourth of July is here, and with it comes all of the trappings of America's favorite summer holiday: dazzling fireworks, time with friends and family, much-needed days off from school and work, and not to mention the delicious food—fried chicken and corn on the cob, anyone? You and your family are ready to head outside to bask in the summer sun to celebrate the nation's independence. But why keep the holiday festivities outdoors this year? Add a little bit of the red, white, and blue to your interiors and decorate your apartment for the 4th! These uncomplicated projects are…

03 Jul

Best Fourth of July Activities for Kids

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsParentingHolidays with Children

July is here, and summer is in full swing. That means everyone’s favorite summer holiday is upon us. Yes, the Fourth of July—that most American of celebrations when friends and family get together to celebrate our country’s independence and the gorgeous weather. While busy parents are outside grilling, making sure the pool is skimmed, or trying to figure out the best vantage point to catch fireworks this year, the kids are sometimes left out of the festivities. While allowing young ones to man the firecrackers and sparklers is a definite no-go, there are lots of ways to involve your kids…

04 Jun

5 Ways to Get Your Kids Excited for a Move

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsAdvice, Parentinghomemaking, moving

5 Ways to Get Your Kids Excited for a Move So you're making the big move. Papers are signed, you're searching for the best coffee shop in the new neighborhood, you have been scanning online for some decor, and you are ready to pack up that truck and get to your new home as quickly as possible. But not so fast—your little ones might not have the same excitement about uprooting their young lives and living in a strange place. A move to a new home in town or even a new city might be one of the most significant changes…

08 May

Top 5 Staycation Activities Over Memorial Weekend for Families

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsParentingHolidays with Children

The Top 5 Staycation Activities Over Memorial Weekend for Families After 40-plus hours at the office every week, there are few things working parents want more than to find time to spend with their spouses and children. However, the combined expense and time it takes to travel often make taking a trip—even one just a few hours from home—seem like it’s not worth the effort. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far to have the time of your life with your kids. Planning a staycation in your own town or city can make the most of a short break from…

07 May

5 Ways to Make Spring Cleaning Fun for Kids

Candice Schaffer1 CommentParentingcleaning

Let’s face it: cleaning is a challenge on the best of days, but that’s especially true if you have children running around the house, running to school, and running to all of their activities. This leaves busy parents with little to no time to tidy up around the house or—a dream of dreams—do a deep clean of the garage. As messy as your home gets, you’ll still be bombarded with work and other obligations, not to mention needing some time with your family. Why not combine spring cleaning and time with the fam? Hear me out: This doesn’t have to…

10 Apr

The Top 5 Cultural Activities to Do in Brickell

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsParentingtravel

The Top 5 Cultural Activities to Do in Brickell While Miami has a reputation for having an amazing nightlife scene, the Magic City is home to so much more than just restaurants, clubs, and bars. In fact, the city’s Brickell neighborhood is the epicenter of countless attractions, from museums to performance venues to shopping destinations like Brickell City Center. If you find yourself in Miami and want a change of scenery, make sure to check out these cultural attractions: What to do in Brickell? By Candice Shaffer of Manor Riverwalk, Brooklyn Point, 88 & 90 Lexington, 3550 South Ocean, 555TEN, The Hayworth The Perez Art Museum |…

29 Mar

Top 5 Activities Moms Can Do For Self-Care

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsAdvice, Being A Better You, Parentingself care, tips for moms

Top 5 Activities Moms Can Do For Self-Care They say parenting is the hardest job in the world, and with good reason. While a typical job may have you working the occasional 10-hour day, parenting takes 24 hours a day. There are no breaks, no bonuses, no vacations, and not a paycheck to be had. For moms, who tend to tackle the bulk of the parenting duties, the workload can prove particularly trying. This making many mothers feel drained even on otherwise peaceful days with their kids. The good news? Parenting doesn’t have to be such a slog, especially if…

13 Mar

Where should I take my Family during Spring Break in Chicago

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsParentingchicago, travel tips

Chicago is known for being one of America’s most cosmopolitan cities, but it’s not all modern art museums and Michelin-starred restaurants. In fact, the Windy City is a pretty amazing family-friendly destination—and one well worth visiting this spring break. If you’re looking for something fun for your family to do this spring break, check out these family-friendly places to visit: Top 5 Places to Visit With Your Family in Chicago Over Spring Break By Candice Shaffer of The Lindley, 1010 Park Avenue, Park Loggia, 90 Morton, El Centro Hollywood, NEMA Chicago, Urbana Properties The Shedd Aquarium | 1200 S Lake Shore Drive One of the world’s most celebrated…

26 Feb

Top 5 Ways to Get Your Kids to Honor the Environment

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsParenting

Top 5 Ways to Get Your Kids to Honor the Environment From increased pollution in urban areas to rising sea levels to climate change, there are plenty of reasons to be concerned about the state of the sustainability of the planet these days. And while, short of splurging on a Prius or living off the grid, many attempts we make to clean up the earth may feel like they verge on futility, there’s an easy way to ensure the continued health and survival of the planet and the people who call it home: teaching the next generation to respect Mother…

12 Feb

Valentine’s Day Art Projects to Do With Your Kids

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsDIY, Kid Stuff, Parenting

What’s not to love about Valentine’s Day? It’s an entire day dedicated to expressing your love for the people who matter the most to you, as well as a great excuse to watch romantic comedies to your heart’s content and enjoy a few more sweet treats than you’d normally allow yourself to indulge in. For those with kids, the holiday is particularly sweet, as it offers a great excuse to enjoy some bonding time with your little ones as you create Valentine’s Day Art Projects for their friends and classmates. If you’re a parent for whom off-the-shelf valentines just won’t…

18 Jan

Top 5 Activities to Honor Martin Luther King Jr With Young Kids

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsParentingHolidays with Children

Undeniably one of the greatest civil rights leaders of all time, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy is celebrated throughout the United States each year with a national holiday, a time to reflect on the innumerable contributions of Dr. King to the progress of human rights in the short 39 years he spent on this earth. For parents and caregivers, the day off from work and school provides a perfect opportunity to teach kid about Dr. King’s accomplishments and how they’re still impacting the world today. The only problem? Outside of repeating what your kids are doing in school, many adults…

14 Jan

Indoor Snow Day Activities for Your Kids This Winter

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsAdvice, Parentingparenting, snow days

Indoor Snow Day Activities for Your Kids This Winter by Candice Shaffer of 888 at Grand Park Hope, The Belnord, Brooklyn Point, EVGB, and The Rennie As the winter trudges on, the temperature only stands to get colder. This meaning one thing for parents: snow days are in store. While these days off may be a fun break for kids, for parents, they can be a minefield. There’s tons of time to fill and many of your kids’ preferred activities outside of the house, from play gyms to music classes, are closed due to the weather. That's when you need indoor…

14 Dec

Things for Families to Do Over Christmas in NYC

Candice Schaffer2 CommentsAdvice, ParentingChristmas Activities, Christmas in NYC, Christmas Travel

Things for Families to Do Over Christmas in NYC By Candice Shaffer of Brickell City Centre, NEMA Chicago, Algin Management, and The Lindley The sidewalks have already had a dusting of snow, the tree-lined streets are covered in twinkle lights, and there's that distinctive smell of street vendors roasting nuts on almost every corner. This all signals, perhaps, one of New York City's most magical seasons: the holidays. From St. Patrick's Cathedral to the new real estate being developed around the city in buildings like 200 Amsterdam on the West Side and 25 Park Row downtown, stay aware of your surroundings since walking down…

09 Nov

Colors in a Child’s Room – How Color Can Affect Their Mood

Candice Schaffer0 CommentsKid Stuff, Parenting

How the Colors in a Child’s Room Can Affect Their Mood When people talk about raising kids, their discussions generally center on topics like attachment versus free-range parenting, Waldorf versus Montessori schools, or how much screen time a mom or dad can safely give their little one before they turn into a zombie who can’t be consoled without a phone or tablet in hand. Colors in a child's room is not a common topic. However, there are surprising factors to consider in raising kids: The color you paint their bedroom. While it may seem like a relatively insignificant detail, choosing…

29 Oct

How to Tell if Your Teenager is Over scheduled

Candice Schaffer2 CommentsKid Stuff, Parenting

How to Tell if Your Teenager is Over scheduled The American workweek seems to be getting longer by the minute. In fact, according to research from Gallup, what was once intended to be a 40-hour workweek is now edging closer to 50 hours—or 10 every single weekday—with the average American working a staggering 47 hours a week. Do you know how to tell if your teenager is over scheduled when your stuck at work? For those with children, logging these long hours at work often means a difficult choice. One choice is leaving kids to their own devices. The other is…