But I used to be a single mom, and I remember the stresses of sharing my son during the holiday season. It felt like a game of Jenga. One wrong move would send it all crashing down. One thing I have learned over the years is when you’re co-parenting holidays together, you have to be creative, flexible, and willing to let go of the norms. Here are 4 ways to do that and ease co-parenting holiday stress.

1. Celebrate on a different day.

Holidays are special. Those earmarked days on the calendar symbolize what I always think of as the perfect family day. However, when co-parenting holidays together, celebrating on the actual date of the holiday may not work. The good news is you can celebrate any day you’d like. My husband used to turn Christmas Eve into Christmas Day because his ex-wife had the kids for Christmas Day. The kids loved it and it showed them holidays are about family, not dates on a calendar.

2. Combine holidays.

When my husband was a single dad, he didn’t always have the kids on certain holidays. So he created a tradition of combining Thanksgiving and Christmas into “Thanksmas.” Crazy as it sounds, his two kiddos liked the idea of combining Thanksgiving food with Christmas presents and decorations. It lessened the hard feelings when the holiday rolled around, and he couldn’t have the kids with him.

3. Invite your ex’s family to join.

Maintaining good relationships with an ex’s family members can be difficult, even impossible. People take sides for obvious reasons. But if you have a good relationship with your ex-husband’s family, one way to make the holiday more fun for your kids is to invite those family members to join in. My husband often has invited his ex’s grandmother and cousins into our holiday celebrations. Open-ended invitations to the other part of your children’s family allow you to keep communication flowing and surround your kids with people who love them.

4. Remember it’s the time spent with your kids that really matters.

Kids make a big deal about the presents. They love the decorations. They can’t wait to have their favorite foods. But when all is said and done, it’s the time you’ve spent with them that really matters. Sure, all the other things are fun, but investing that focused time will mean so much more. My son and I still sit and giggle watching the Grinch together each season. Put the gift-giving stress aside for a moment to bake the cookies, sing the carols, and watch the movie you have memorized because those are the things your kids will remember.

How will you make sure you find joy in the holiday stress?

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The cool thing about Easter riddles for kids is that they bring the whole family together. The kids can read the riddles and try to stump the adults, or you can test their problem-solving skills and sit back and watch their wheels turn. Kids think riddles are fun (and they are), but they also are like little workouts for kids’ brains. If you solve all of these and are ready for more, click here for 300 more awesome riddles—and this printable page is filled with Easter jokes for kids. Have a happy Easter!

Q: What Easter treat can you find at the bottom of the ocean?
A: Oyster eggs

Q: What does the Easter Bunny say when it burps?
A: Eggs-cuse me!

Q: Where does Easter come before Valentine’s Day?
A: In the dictionary

Q: How does Easter end?
A: With an “r”

Q: What do you call a group of rabbits marching backward?
A: A receding hare line

Q: Where does the Easter bunny eat breakfast?
A: IHOP

Q: What’s the Easter Bunny’s favorite sport?
A: Basketball

Q: What has to be broken before you can use it?
A: An egg (egg-cept on Easter!)

Q: How can you tell which rabbit is the oldest?
A: Look for the gray hare.

Q: How can parents make Easter easier?
A: Replace the “t” with an “i”

Q: Why did the Easter Bunny have to fire the duck?
A: He kept quacking all the eggs!

Q: What’s the best way to catch a rabbit?
A: Pretend to be a carrot

Q: Which branch of the military is a bunny’s favorite?
A: The hare force

Q: On Calvary, there were three, not six. It’s also known as a crucifix.
A: A cross

Q: He came to Earth to show us how to live, how to put others first, how to love, and how to give.
A: Jesus

Your turn! Tell us your favorite joke or Easter riddle for kids!

The post 15 Easter Riddles for Kids appeared first on iMOM.

iMOM’s Easter activities for kids will help spark great ideas for family traditions. And you’ll be making the most of the beautiful spring weather. If you’re trying to teach your kids about Jesus, there are some great ways to add a bit of faith to your fun and fun to your faith! So hop down to the ideas below and be sure to let us know how you like to have Easter fun with your family.

Easter Smiles

Bunnies, chicks, and eggs are good fodder for jokes, so let your kids crack everyone up with these 20 fun easter jokes for kids. And here are some cute and creative ways to decorate eggs.

Easter Basket Builders

Filling Easter baskets usually means candy, but it doesn’t have to be all sweets. Here are some great ideas for themed baskets, which are great for older kids. And if you want to use an Easter basket as an opportunity to show someone you care, here are some unique ideas.

Easter Faith and Fun

Kids love hunting for eggs so much that one hunt just isn’t enough. Instead of hiding more candy-filled eggs, share the story of Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection with our printable Easter Story Hunt. And to answer all the questions about what eggs and bunnies have to do with Jesus, use our guide to Easter traditions.

What are your favorite Easter activities for kids?

The post Easter Activities for Kids appeared first on iMOM.

So what can you do with one extra day off? Here are 5 things to do on a long weekend that will get your bodies moving without costing an arm and a leg.

1. Rearrange a room (or two!).

Have you ever changed up a room and thought, “Why hasn’t it been like this the entire time?” It’s wild what moving furniture can do to make you love a space again. Any time you move furniture, you end up having to do some tidying, so a long weekend gives you enough time to get the job done and still get in some relaxation. Focusing on your kids rooms will make them feel special, and it might even get them to keep their rooms clean for a few days.

2. Have a no-rules night.

A no-rules night is definitely one of those things to do on a long weekend. Sure, you can do it on a regular weekend, but you’ll be hurting on Sunday. And if you’re like me, you won’t fully recover from the lack of sleep until Tuesday. Check out All Pro Dad’s guide to a No Rules Night. Kick it off on Friday or Saturday evening, and then enjoy the bonus recovery time. You’re going to need it!

3. Try out geocaching.

A few years ago when geocaching blew up, it was not on my radar. But now that I have two kids who love the idea of a real-life treasure hunt, it’s a great family activity. Geocaching is hiking for hidden “caches” you can track by their GPS coordinates. We did it for the first time and discovered there was a cache hidden right outside our neighborhood! All you need is transportation, a pen, and a smartphone.

4. Get weirdly local.

This is a twist on the whole “be a local tourist” idea that encourages people to do the things tourists do in their city. Maybe you’ve done “that thing,” but have you done the weirdest thing? Every city has a weird museum, landmark, or tourist trap. Pick a max traveling distance, do some research with the kids, and go embrace your city’s oddities.

Take our free printable City Scavenger Hunt along if you find yourself downtown.

5. Rent a pool.

OK, this one isn’t free, but it’s less expensive than staying at a hotel. If you don’t have a pool but want to get some sun, there are websites that allow you to book a local private pool by the hour. Swimply is one of them. I did a quick search and found options near me between $15 and $60 an hour. I’d have to get over the awkwardness of being at a stranger’s house, but a few minutes of floating on a raft in cool water would definitely help.

What are some fun other things to do on a long weekend?

The post 5 Fun and Frugal Things to Do Over a Long Weekend appeared first on iMOM.

We have a scavenger hunt for each of the big holidays, which is perfect for keeping the kids occupied so you can get some of the to-do list done. And our any-day scavenger hunts are handy for sleepovers or when rain sidelines your outdoor plans. If you don’t have a prize for the end of the hunt, don’t stress. A piece of candy or a love note will leave your hunter beaming! And don’t tell the kids, but these scavenger hunts will help them work on their reading and problem-solving skills. Talk about buried treasure! Mom win!

Dollar Store Scavenger Hunt

Looking for a fun rainy day activity? Need to get out of the house and let the kids stretch their legs and exercise their brains? Try our Dollar Store Scavenger Hunt! Print the list, pile the kids in the car, and solve the riddles to grab items from the shelves. There are plenty of jobs for everyone!

Water Scavenger Hunt

Need a fun activity on your next vacation? Send your kids exploring with our Water Scavenger Hunt. Whether you’re at the beach or the lake, send your kids on an adventure to find these items. Print out whichever page of the scavenger hunt that fits your trip and soak up the memories today.

Treasure Hunt Clues

The next time your kids come up to you and whine, “I’m bored!” We have two words for you – Treasure Hunt! Download our new Treasure Hunt Clues printable.

Selfie Scavenger Hunt

Update your party with a 21st-century take on a classic: a selfie scavenger hunt. All you need is a phone (or dust off an old digital camera if you have one!) and our free printable. Print your list, pick a time limit, and go hunting. 

City Scavenger Hunt

A trip to the city offers plenty for everyone to experience. There’s so much to see! With their eyes peeled, your kids might notice more with this handy checklist. If they’re old enough, give each child a copy along with a pen to check off the sights. If the kids are little, guide them along the way by working on the City Scavenger Hunt as a team.

Photo Scavenger Hunt

No plans for the day? Then take your kids on a fun photo scavenger hunt outdoors. See how many photos you and your kids can check off this list! Or, if you have a large group, split them up and see which team can get the most photos taken in an hour.

Mall Scavenger Hunt

A mall scavenger hunt is a fun rainy day activity for families, but it’s also perfect for a tween’s birthday party. Grab a mom friend to help chaperone and then break into teams. The kids will love scurrying around, finding the items on the list, snapping photos, and being silly. No one will even mind that you’re not actually shopping.

Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

Are you ready to head outside? Print out our list of 30 items and then look high and low for each one as you walk (or bike!) around the neighborhood. How many can you check off the Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt list today?

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Nature is fascinating but easily overlooked. Our Nature Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to teach your child about how to perceive life. You can discover it in your backyard, a park, a pond, or a beach.

Birthday Scavenger Hunt

Looking for a unique way to celebrate a birthday? A birthday scavenger hunt is a fun way to build anticipation and excitement while making your child feel like the guest of honor. This hunt has eight steps, including the starting clue and the final “Happy Birthday” note. Just hand the starting clue over and let the hunter run wild!

Superstore Scavenger Hunt

This Superstore Scavenger Hunt is a blast! It’s great for a free family night out or a tween’s birthday get-together with a couple of friends. Grab the family and head to the nearest superstore. It’s fun, free and a total memory maker, so don’t forget the camera.

Colorful Treasure Hunt

I spy a colorful treasure hunt for kids! Each treasure hunt clue in our newest printable has something to do with colors. And, believe me, little kids and big kids will love seeking, finding, and figuring out these clever clues.

Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Even though Valentine’s Day is meant for couples, kids absolutely love it! Many of us came home from school with a brown bag full of cards from our classmates. But did you ever come home to a Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt? Send your little loves on a hunt for whatever prize you have in mind.

Spring Treasure Hunt

When spring has sprung or when the weather feels like it’s spring, send your kids outside for this Spring Treasure Hunt! After being stuck inside for the winter, a fun outdoor activity will breathe life back into your family’s spirit!

Bible Scavenger Hunt

Who said thumbing through your Bible had to be boring? iMOM’s Bible scavenger hunt printable is a fun way to grow more familiar with the scriptures and have a friendly competition within your family, small group at church, or youth group. Check out both versions!

Camping Scavenger Hunt

Our camping scavenger hunt is a perfect distraction for the kids while you set up camp or prep dinner around the fire. Better yet, get the kids involved with both of those activities and leave time for everyone to do the scavenger hunt together. Then, after a nice hike around the campground, sit together around the fire or stretch out in a hammock and relax. 

Zoo Scavenger Hunt

A day at the zoo is always a fun memory for moms and kids. There are so many sights, sounds, and smells to take in. When kids see an animal they’ve only encountered in books or on a nature show, their eyes light up, and the world becomes a little more vivid. Next time you take your little one to the zoo, bring iMOM’s zoo scavenger hunt to add a fun activity to an already exciting day.

Easter Story Hunt

Children love to look for Easter eggs, but how about taking it up a notch with an Easter scavenger hunt? In this egg-citing game, your kids can hunt for eggs over and over again without ever being at risk for a cavity from too much candy. And best of all, they will actually be hunting for the best treasure of all—the story of Easter.

USA Scavenger Hunt

History is fascinating and can be a lot of fun. Download iMOM’s USA Scavenger Hunt game and watch how easily your kids can learn about our country.

Back-to-School Treasure Hunt

Make back-to-school time a fun time for your children with our Back to School Treasure Hunt for kids. As they search for clues they’ll find lots of surprises, but no homework — we promise! When a clue calls for something like crayons, or a book, you can get new ones to surprise your children, or just use things you have around the house.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Halloween is all about family and treats, right? But Mom always has a trick up her sleeve to take the fun up a notch. iMOM’s Halloween Scavenger Hunt is a not-so-spooky but perfect addition to your trick-or-treat tradition. 

Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

This is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish your children are sure to love—a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt for kids! Not only will they love searching for these indoor clues, they’ll also learn some fun facts and interesting tidbits about the first Thanksgiving!

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year for many reasons—but sometimes the whole Christmas thing can feel overwhelming and not so fun. So before the stress of the season makes you a mean elf, sprinkle some levity into it with our Christmas Scavenger Hunt.

Which one is your kid’s favorite? What other kinds of scavenger hunts would you like to see?

The post 22 Great Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids appeared first on iMOM.

Also, all the inconveniences of traveling with children are worth it if we can reframe our expectations of our children and the trip. Years from now, when I look back on my parenting, I’d like to believe that I chose to value shared family experiences over accumulating nice things. I want my wealth to lie in rich memories and deeply authentic relationships. In the end, it’s relationships that matter most. I wish someone would have the courage to look us mothers in the eyes and say that it’s all going to be so worth it in the middle of the epic inflight tantrum.

Lex Brinton, cofounder of Walker Family Goods, traveled to all 50 states in a span of 5 years with her family of 8 and shared a similar sentiment to what I’ve been feeling. She reminisced about her experience in a recent issue of the Magnolia Journal sharing, “I would much rather be exhausted from chasing kids around an unknown city than not travel with them at all, and I have my parents to thank for that…I think our culture can sometimes make traveling with kids seem like a daunting task – and it can be – but I’m a firm believer that it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of how-tos in this world; you don’t need an instruction manual for traveling with kids. But keep it simple- and essential.”

So, if you’re debating about taking one last vacation as summer is coming to a close or thinking about a fall family getaway, then take the trip and make the memories. Don’t be afraid to be the parent in uncomfortable circumstances. Your children will thank you one day, and they will be so grateful for the adventures you paved and paid a way for. If you’re thinking about hitting up one of these three cities, then check out our Kid-approved City Travel Guides with recommendations from our staff who’ve called these places home.

Nashville City Family Travel Guide

New York City Family Travel Guide

Philadelphia City Family Travel Guide

Bonus Tip: If it’s been a while since you’ve had a girl’s getaway or time away with your husband, then, by all means, dream up, save for and plan a kid-free vacation soon. We’ve included a getaway guide to Atlanta that’s for adults only and full of some of the most fun spots this city has to offer.

What vacation are you looking forward to?

The post On Traveling with Kids appeared first on iMOM.

We also have a quick guide to Easter traditions and some creative ideas for how to fill your homemade Easter baskets. So hop to it, Mom! Easter morning will dawn before you know it!

Easter Egg Hunt Printable

You provide the plastic eggs, and we’ll take care of the rest. Our Easter Story printable is a puzzle too. Intrigued? Print it here!

The Complete Guide to Easter Traditions

How did bunnies, chicks, and lambs get top-billing at Easter? Our quick guide will tell you, so you can tell your kids. Get the guide here.

Homemade Easter Basket Ideas

Sure, you’ll want to fill your children’s basket with jelly beans and chocolate, but we have some unusual and creative ways to make their basket really special. These Easter basket ideas might be eggzactly what you need!

What are your most fun Easter ideas?

The post Fun Easter Ideas for Kids! appeared first on iMOM.

So before Peter Cottontail comes hopping down the bunny trail, we have some Easter games and Easter crafts that will keep your kids excited about this wonderful holiday and make it the best Easter ever.

1. First, our favorite… our Easter Story Hunt Game printable.

Yes, it’s an Easter egg hunt, but it’s also a way for your children to learn more about the true story of Easter. So, download the printable for your Easter Story Hunt.

2. Decoupage Easter Eggs.

Imagine the fun you can have and the endless possibilities… cut out photos from magazines or photos of your family, and decoupage them onto boiled eggs. Don’t have decoupage? Just use a glue stick!

3. Tissue Paper Easter Eggs.

This is an oldie but goodie. Cut tissue paper into small shapes about the size of a dime. Pour some liquid glue into a small bowl and thin it with some water. Brush glue over your egg. Press the tissue paper over the glue. Simple, but so pretty!

4. The Truth behind Easter Traditions.

A guide to Easter traditions that answers the whys behind bunnies, eggs, and lambs.

Tell us! What’s the best part about Easter at your house?

The post 4 Things that Will Make This the Best Easter Ever appeared first on iMOM.

When a school break starts, we tend to let our kids sleep in and veg to recover from being overscheduled throughout the rest of the year. Extended breaks need some purpose and a plan, though. Try these 6 ideas for keeping your kids active and engaged during school breaks.

1. Maintain normal hours.

If your children stay up until the wee hours, they’re naturally going to want to sleep all morning. Try to keep the family on a reasonable schedule, even when school’s out so that more can be accomplished during the day. You don’t have to wake them up at their normal alarm time, but sleeping until noon will lead to lazy days.

2. Set aside some tasks for the break.

We all have those things we would get done if we “just had the time.” Whether it’s cleaning out the kids’ closets or getting all those decorations back into the attic, you have a golden opportunity to get caught up with family to-dos (or maybe just one to-do) during the break. Delegate portions of each task to the kids so everyone is part of reaching the goal.

3. Focus on service.

Giving time to others in need is difficult during the school routine. Do some research in advance and make plans to volunteer at a local shelter or nonprofit during a longer break. Or let the kids grab $5 from their piggy banks and run to the store to buy groceries for a local food bank. Remember those closets that you cleaned out? Let your children participate in the process of donating those items.

4. Put limits on screen time.

When the exhaustion of homework and activities overwhelms you, it’s incredibly difficult to resist the temptation to let the kids entertain themselves with screens. But they’ll feel a greater mental reset by spending time outside breathing in fresh air or playing a game with you. It’s unrealistic to say no screens, but go in with limits using our screen time tickets to strike a balance.

5. Schedule some friend time.

Make plans with other moms to have a friend or two over. It will keep your crew engaged and having fun, and you’ll get to see how they interact with their peers. You never know what you might overhear!

6. Make a stop at the library.

A building full of books might be the last place your kids want to be during school breaks, but there’s something about walking through those aisles that sparks excitement for learning. Your kids can search for books that match their interests instead of what’s required by the school. And the quiet environment automatically creates some mental white space that can help some kids feel restored. If your kids aren’t reading age yet, check the library for special activities or story time. You might even make a new friend.

Want more ideas for enjoying time off of school with the kids? Check out the iMOM Podcast episode, “Making the Most of a School Break.” Be sure to subscribe to receive new episodes every Monday.

What makes you feel like the time during school breaks has been spent well?

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We’ve put together a guide to help you connect the dots between our favorite Easter traditions and their greater significance. Use it to make this year’s celebration the best ever!

What do eggs have to do with Easter?

This is one of those traditions with origins both secular and religious. Before the time of Christ, eggs were used as symbols of new life and fertility, and were often incorporated into springtime celebrations such as the vernal equinox (the first day of spring). Early Christians adapted this practice to symbolize the new life that Christ’s resurrection represented both for Him and all who believe. The decorating of eggs with colorful dyes also dates back to ancient history. Orthodox Christians in Eastern Europe have dyed eggs red for centuries to signify the blood of Christ which was shed on Good Friday.

What do bunnies have to do with Easter?

The bunnies we see everywhere as Easter approaches also have duel origins in history. They were heralded as symbols of fertility and new life prior to the advent of Christianity. The connection between the bunny and the Christian celebration of Easter originates in a German tradition which is first mentioned in writings in the 1500’s. German children looked forward to a visit from the “Easter Hare” on the evening before Easter, leaving little nests to receive the colorful eggs he would leave. This tradition was introduced to America by German immigrants who arrived in Pennsylvania Dutch Country in the 1700’s.

Why do people get new clothes for Easter?

Early Christians sometimes wore the same clothes throughout Lent, the weeks leading up to Easter. This was another exercise in self-denial and spiritual discipline used to help the Christian focus on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. The period of abstaining from changing clothing ended on Easter day, when the worshippers would don new apparel for the resurrection celebration. In modern America, the tradition of the new Easter outfit has a very practical origin, as well. For many poor, rural families, each child would have only one “Sunday” dress or outfit. The child’s summer or warm weather Sunday dress would often be worn for the first time on Easter Sunday, as the weather turned warm.

What do lambs have to do with Easter?

We often see depictions of lambs on Easter-themed items; this also has origins in the Christian tradition. The bible often refers to Christ at the “Lamb of God.” The Jewish tradition required the sacrifice of lambs for the forgiveness of sins. Scripture explains that Christ’s death on the cross, which made forgiveness of sins and a relationship with God possible for all who trust in Christ, made him the ultimate sacrificial lamb. In addition, spring is the season in which female sheep give birth, making adorable, wooly lambs a springtime fixture in the country.

Why do we eat chocolate bunnies at Easter?

This is another tradition that we probably owe to our German ancestors. The first edible Easter bunnies were made by them in the 1800’s using pastry and sugar. From that tasty beginning, it was a short leap to chocolate versions, which have remained popular in modern times.

If you want to help your children understand the greater significance of Easter, check out iMOM’s new Easter Game and Puzzle; it makes sharing the Easter story with little ones memorable and fun.

What do chicks have to do with Easter?

These cute little balls of yellow fuzz are a sideline to the egg tradition, symbolizing new life and a fresh start.

The post A Complete Guide to Easter Traditions appeared first on iMOM.