Mama Knows Best: for Mothers from Mothers [Jen from Kitchen Counter Chronicles]

Best Blog for Moms
The first blog I ever fell in love with was Maya Made, a lovely blog written by a crafty mom, who embraces nature in everything she does. 

Best Baby Product
When I think of great baby products, I think of wash cloths…you need a lot of wash cloths. When I think of the best product that occupied and entertained my baby, I think of the “Winkle” by Manhattan Toys. It’s easy for babies to grab, it makes noise and it is perfect for chewing. We give the “Winkle” to every expecting mom we know.

Best Parenting Advice
Never say never. Don’t pass judgment on other parent’s approaches because you never know what you will have to do during the course of your parenting experience.

Best Parenting Book
“The Baby Book” by Dr. Sears. A great resource, easy to read, lots of diagrams and covers all the main areas you need to know. 

Best Children’s Book
Ask my kids, and they’ll say “The Big Red Barn” by Margaret Wise Brown. Ask me, and I’ll say anything that they want to read! I truly feel that reading with your children is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child.

Best Kids’ Toy
Things that spark their imagination. It really depends on your child. For my one daughter it was all about books, costumes and dressing up. My next child was motivated by doll houses and small people. Best advice, follow your child’s lead. 

Best Kids’ Game
I love the various versions of Monopoly that are out there. A great way to get kids thinking about addition, subtraction, strategy, taking turns and rules. 

Best Kids’ Craft
We love open ended craft supplies; glue, crayons, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, toilet paper rolls…anything that can be anything. I mean really, how many things you can make with a toilet paper roll. 

Best Outdoor Play Idea
An easy way to introduce your kids to outdoor play is by grabbing a book and reading under a tree. So simple and so lovely. 

Best Way to Stay Organized
Keep a calendar – online, pen and paper, whatever works for you. 

Best Way to Keep a Happy Relationship or Marriage
Talk with your partner – don’t talk at your partner. When communication breaks down, the relationship is not far behind. 

Best Family Outing or Vacation
We really love camping. It’s hard work, it might rain, sometimes it’s cold and sometimes it’s too hot. There really is nothing as wonderful as exploring with your kids.
 

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant
This is a tough one. In our neighborhood, the hotspot is a restaurant called Green Eggplant. Finding a great kid-friendly restaurant is like finding a needle in a hay-stack. 

Best Family Meal or Recipe
Our family favorite at the moment are our super easy and delicious BBQ chicken wings…the kids love them!

Best Behavior Management or Discipline Tip
Choose your battles wisely. Does it really matter if they wear shorts on a cool day? Or, does it matter that they behave respectfully at a family function? Pick which battle really matters. 

Best Way to Spend a Mommy Moment
I really love going for a walk. I live in a great neighborhood. On my walk I can stop in at the tea shop, hop into the library and read a book down by the beach. This reminds me, I need to take some time for a mommy moment!

In her “previous life” Jen was a mental health professional…in her current life she’s a stay-at-home mom with 2 beautifully adventurous kids. Jen shares everything that lands on her kitchen counter over on her blog, Kitchen Counter Chronicles. Swing by and learn how they are greening their lives; what they are crafting; what they are cooking and what they are reading. While you will often find Jen and her girls inside the kitchen, you will also find them out and about getting their hands dirty, exploring and learning outdoors.