Kristen Ireland
Big Boys (and Girls) CAN Cry
BIG E M O T I O N S
My son has big emotions. BIG E M O T I O N S. And he’s not afraid to unleash them. This is, of course, a...
How to Handle Holiday Birthdays
Everyone wants to feel special on their birthday - the one day of the year where YOU are the focus for celebration! But what happens when your (or child's, friend's, etc.) birthday falls close...
National Recycling Day
National Recycling Day is November 15.
Though there are many historical examples of recycling that date back long, long ago, National Recycling Day (American Recycles Day) was first established in 1997. According to the EPA,...
Back to School From a Teacher Mom
As soon as the calendar hits August, I start to wonder where the summer went? It seems like things were just getting started when, all of a sudden, the "Sunday of Summer" storms onto...
I Am A SIDS Sibling
1982 started with my parents and older brother, Cameron, welcoming my brother, Graham, to the family. Little did my parents know every parent's worst nightmare was about to come true, just a few short...
Swap To Safer – Household Products Edition
Why Swap to Safer?
I started paying attention to labels when I finally got pregnant after struggling with unexplained infertility. Previously, I assumed products were safe if they were on the shelves. However, I've learned...
A Tale of Two Cesareans
My birth plan wasn’t typical. I wished for a c-section. From very early on in my pregnancy, the thought of delivering vaginally was not appealing to me. Probably, it’s because my mom delivered all...
My Story of Infertility: Kristen Ireland
The year is 2016. I'm a newlywed. We decide it is time to have a baby. As a science teacher, I have a strong understanding of the physiology involved in human reproduction. There are...
An Open Apology Letter From Pre-Kids Me
Dear Mama,
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry for thinking time is linear. I didn't know how much time distorts after having kids. Babies are so small, so fragile, so needy for so long, yet they also grow...
STEM Experiments At Home
As a science teacher, I have often found the most effective experiments and demonstrations are the simplest ones. Just because you find yourself at home, doesn't mean you can't conduct high-quality STEM (science, technology,...