Maggie Wells's blog

About Maggie Wells

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Urban progressive mother + Conservative rural setting = Some really interesting parenting.Maggie Wells's profile

Top 7 Things to Give the Non-Traditional Mother for Mother's Day

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Not all mothers want potted plants, a day spa, and brunch for Mother's Day. Know your mother! full story

Why Jason Collins Is a Great Role Model for LGBTQ Youth and Straight Youth

Posted May 16, 2013 - 12:50 by Maggie Wells

News & Commentary

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While many people are praising NBA player Jason Collins' coming out this week, still many parents are upset at the sports role model's admission. Here's why it's a good thing.

What Your Community College Student Needs to Know About the New Financial Aid Policies

Posted May 13, 2013 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

News & Commentary, High School, Higher Education

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The states and fed are tightening the financial aid belt for today's community college financial aid recipient, but not all college students or parents are aware of what problems they might be in for.

Are We Raising Justin Biebers?

Posted April 27, 2013 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

News & Commentary

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While Justin Beiber embarrassed himself at the Anne Frank House, he gave parents everywhere a teachable moment.

5 Winter Activities to Keep the Household Sane, Happy, and Productive

Posted January 23, 2013 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

Tips, Entertainment, Learning Tools, Time Management, Work Balance, Home School, Culture, Extra Curricular

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It's too cold to play outside. Can you face another afternoon with them glued in front of the Xbox? Want to give them some fun constructive things to do? See our suggestions.

Be a Changemaker in Your Community

Posted January 16, 2013 - 20:51 by Maggie Wells

News & Commentary

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Promised Land strikes an inspirational chord; it reminds me of my beginnings in activism. You can be a Changemaker in your community too.

When Friends Break Up With Your Family

Posted January 4, 2013 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

Tips, Social Skills, New Parents, Etiquette, Conflict Resolution, Culture, Relationships

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It's a different kind of divorce but just as common. What do you do when your old friends divorce your family?

Book Review: Teaching Kids To Be Good People by Annie Fox

Posted December 28, 2012 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

Safety, Tips, Discipline, Education, Social Skills, Learning Tools, Etiquette, Conflict Resolution, Culture, Relationships

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Teaching Kids to be Good People challenges parents to be open and honest with their children in the hopes that children will learn from them and, in turn, become better people.

Shelf the Elf: Why NOT to Do the "Elf on the Shelf" Instant Tradition

Posted December 16, 2012 - 16:00 by Maggie Wells

News & Commentary

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Are we mothers to succumb to yet one more Christmas tradition that's not a tradition at all but a marketing gimmick? Just say No to Elf on the Shelf.

Should You Be Worried About GMOs in Your Family's Diet?

Posted November 10, 2012 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

News & Commentary, Shopping, Health, Nutrition, Allergies, Diseases & Disorders

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On the ballot this November, California will decide whether or not to label GMOs in food. What are GMOs, and are they affecting our children's overall health?

7 Ways to a More Diverse Lunch Box

Posted October 3, 2012 - 11:20 by Maggie Wells

Tips, Education, Shopping, Nutrition

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It's almost October. Aren't your kids tired of PB&J sandwiches yet? Give them something a little more ethnic to try.

7 Ways to Keep Your Kids Out of Remedial English

Posted September 28, 2012 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

K-8, High School, Higher Education

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Follow these 7 steps while your children are in K-12 and they won't wind up in remedial college courses.

The Perfect Dorm Gifts For a New College Student

Posted August 23, 2012 - 11:00 by Maggie Wells

Tips, Finances, Shopping, Culture, Higher Education

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A lot has changed since today's moms and dads first stepped onto a college campus, but some necessities are still the same. Check out these perfect dorm gifts for your college freshman.

Movie Ratings: What’s “Appropriate” for Our Children to See?

Posted August 8, 2012 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

Safety, News & Commentary, Tips, Entertainment, Etiquette, Conflict Resolution, Culture, Wellness

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Parents judge each other on whether or not we let our children see PG-13 and R movies. But do we know what we are even talking about?

Summer Afternoon Fix-Your-Clothing Day Party

Posted August 2, 2012 - 10:57 by Maggie Wells

Tips, Learning Tools, Culture, Extra Curricular

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Want to get together with your mom friends and have it be a guilt-free afternoon of fun? Plan a Fix-It Day Party! You're being productive AND having fun (kids optional).

Gymnastics for the Non-Olympian

Posted July 30, 2012 - 12:18 by Maggie Wells

Tips, Health, Social Skills, Learning Tools, Wellness

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There's no getting around it: someone in your household is going to want to be a gymnast by the time the Olympic closing ceremony airs. What does gymnastics offer the average kid?

Archery for Kids: The Ins and Outs of Bows and Arrows

Posted July 28, 2012 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

Safety, Tips, Entertainment, Learning Tools, Extra Curricular

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Raise your hand if your daughter has asked for a bow and arrow lately!

Quick and Easy Paletas (Mexican Ice Pops) for Kids

Posted July 2, 2012 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

Tips, Shopping, Nutrition, Culture, Pre School, K-8, High School

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Looking for an amazing healthy summer treat that's not the same old popcycle or frozen grape? Try making perennial Mexican favorite — Paletas!

Beyond the Pool: Summer Water Safety for Lakes and Oceans

Posted June 29, 2012 - 11:00 by Maggie Wells

Safety, Tips, Diseases & Disorders

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There's more to summer water safety than just swim lessons and floaties!

Fighting the Child Abuser in You

Posted June 25, 2012 - 01:00 by Maggie Wells

Safety, Tips, Home Life, Discipline, Learning Tools, Conflict Resolution, Relationships, Wellness

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If you came from an abusive environment, if you've ever flown into a rage, you know that feeling that builds up in you on stressful days. How do you keep yourself from falling into the pattern and routine of child abuse?