Alison Edelstein
Helping Kids Change Can’t into Can
"Mom, I can't do it!" How many times have you heard your kids say this? I've heard it many times in my house. Recently, our family has been learning about using a "growth mindset."...
How a 504 Plan Can Help a Child with Anxiety in School
Does your child have anxiety or other mental health issues? Has this led to struggles in the school setting? My kids both have anxiety and this has made it challenging to navigate school at...
Money-Saving Tips for Holiday Gift Shopping
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I love the holidays as much as anyone but my wallet doesn't always agree. Gifts are a wonderful way to show our loved ones we care...
Sanity Saving Tips for Work-at-Home Moms from Work at Home Moms
Do you struggle to find a balance between work and mom life? Since becoming a mom, I've been searching for a job that provides the best work-life balance (is there really such a thing?)....
Arizona Helping Hands Holiday Toy Drive- Serving Foster Families in Arizona
My family and I recently attended the Arizona Helping Hands Holiday Toy Drive. A fun, family-friendly event for families, the Holiday Toy Drive allows kids to donate toys to foster children and learn about...
Allergy-Friendly and Dye-Free Halloween Candy Options
What child doesn't love Halloween candy? I know I did as a child and my kids sure do now. When I found out I had food sensitivities a few years ago, I took most...
Giving Back with At-Home Charitable Projects
Like most moms, I have always wanted teach my kids the value of kindness and helping those in need. Whether it's a smile or a hug for someone who is having a rough day,...
Kid in the Corner Aims to Shatter the Stigma of Mental Health Issues
Kid in the Corner is a local non-profit dedicated to "helping each Kid in the Corner feel connected to and supported by the community." I heard Kid in the Corner founder, Francine Sumner, speak...
A Boredom Jar for the “Mom, I’m bored” Summer Moments
"Mom, I'm bored," my six-year-old states after a full morning of summer camp, swimming and playing x-box. In my head, I exclaim, "really?!?!" Out loud, I say, "look around honey, there are many things...
Indoor Energy Busters for Hot Summer Days
Is the AZ summer heat making your kids stir crazy?? When my kids first got out of school it was still cool out! What? I wasn't about to let this amazingly unseasonable weather fool...
How to Detoxify Your Home Without Making Yourself Crazy
Have you ever felt overwhelmed about reducing the toxins in your home? I sure have! I've been on a journey to detoxify my home and live a less-toxic life for the past 11 years....
Kid Approved Tips for Calming Anxiety
Does your child suffer from anxiety? The answer is likely "yes," because we all have anxiety from time to time. I have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and my daughter has anxiety as well. As...
Encouragement for Moms of Kids Having a Tough Year in School
Hi fellow mama. I want you to know that you are amazing. You put your heart and soul into parenting your kid(s) and although you often go unnoticed, I see you. I see how...
Tidying Up With Your Kiddos {KonMari-ish Style}
Are you enthralled with Marie Kondo's seemingly effortless and joyful take on tidying? I love watching "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" because it reminds me of how great it feels to declutter and provides...
Planning for Your Family’s Year Ahead
Are you a procrastinator like me? I'm organized with certain life details, but others get pushed aside until the very last minute, if they get done at all. Recently, my husband and I decided...
Using Social Stories for Tricky Transitions
My daughter did not want to give up her bottle. She was already 20 months and I knew it was time. I tried all my usual tricks, positive reinforcement charts, modeling drinking milk from...
Mommy Has a Tummy Ache: Navigating Motherhood with IBS
"Mommy has a tummy ache," I told my daughter as I lay on the floor next to her while she played with her baby dolls. I was in the midst of an IBS (Irritable...
Supporting Toddler Language Skills With Daily Routines
Does your toddler look forward to daily routines like snack time, bathtime, play time, or bedtime? When my girls were toddlers, they sure loved their routines! Daily routines provide golden opportunities to support language...
10 Ways to Encourage Your Toddler’s Speech Development
Isn't it amazing watching your little one's communication skills develop? Toddlers are going through a stage of rapid brain development which provides the perfect time to encourage speech and language skills. There are many...
What to Do If You Have Concerns About Your Child’s Speech Development
Watching your child's communication skills develop is both fascinating and adorable! As a mom and an SLP (Speech Language Pathologist), I am very passionate about early communication development. This is the second post in a...
Speech and Language Development Series from an SLP
Isn't it fascinating to watch your child's communication skills develop? As a mama of two and an SLP (Speech Language Pathologist), I am very passionate about early speech and language development.
May is "Better Speech...
Adult Improv Classes at Dearing Acting Studio
When I last wrote about Dearing Acting Studio on Scottsdale Mom's Blog, my daughter had tried a month of acting lessons in November. Here we are in March and loves her acting classes more...
Upcycled DIY Planters for Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day is right around the corner! What better way to celebrate with your kids than a fun craft that involves gardening, upcycling, and lots of sparkly Valentine's hearts? I am not usually a...
Children’s Acting Lessons at Dearing Acting Studio
Looking for a fun activity for your kids that builds confidence, encourages teamwork, and supports communication skills? My eight-year old daughter was so excited to have the opportunity to take acting lessons at Dearing Acting...
Shop Local Mama-Owned Businesses For Unique Holiday Gifts
The holidays are right around the corner, so why not shop local this year!? The Valley is filled with countless amazing local businesses and many of them are owned by moms. Whether it's a...
Family Day Trip to Northern Arizona: Filled with Fun (+ a Few Fails)
Last week, my family and I decided to head up North for a day trip. I love that there are so many great places to visit in Northern AZ (Sedona & Flagstaff are my...