In April, the weather softens, the days stretch out a little longer, and suddenly it feels like we all have permission to spend more time outdoors. If you’re like most parents I talk to, you’re probably more than ready for it.
This month, we’re talking about something every family is dealing with—how to get kids off screens and back outside. And let’s be honest, that’s easier said than done. Screens are built to win. But spring gives us a bit of an edge. You don’t always need a big strategy… sometimes it’s just opening the door and saying, “Hey, let’s go outside for a while.” A ball, a bike, a walk around the block—it doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
We’re also tackling sibling rivalry this month, which—if you’ve got more than one child—you know is very real. Some days it feels like you’re refereeing more than parenting. But underneath all that bickering is something important: the potential for a lifelong relationship. That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s shaped over time, in how we guide them through conflict, how we encourage respect, and how we help them see each other as more than just competition. You can’t eliminate the friction, but you can help turn it into something that actually strengthens their bond.
April is also our Annual Childcare and Preschool Issue, and I know for many of you, this is a big one. Finding the right place for your child can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of options, a lot of opinions, and a lot riding on the decision.
That’s why we’ve put together our local guide to daycares and preschools—to give you a starting point you can trust. And our article, “7 Simple Tips for Finding the Perfect Preschool,” is exactly what it sounds like—practical, straightforward help to guide you toward the right fit for your child and your family.
One of my favorite pieces in this issue is our “Grands Are the Greatest” feature with Karen Ingram—better known as “Gacky.” And yes, there’s a story behind that name, and it’s a good one. What I love most, though, isn’t just the nickname—it’s the intentional way she shows up for her grandkids. After 30 years as a school psychologist, she’s taken that same heart for kids and poured it right into her role as a grandmother. From “Mix Mix Day” to her creative ways of teaching and connecting, she’s making memories that will stick.
You’ll also meet Brittney Dabney in this month’s Mom2Mom interview. She’s balancing a full career, community involvement, and raising two young kids—and she says something I think a lot of us need to hear: perfection isn’t the goal. Being present is. That’s easy to forget in a world that constantly feels like it’s pushing us to do more and be more. But at the end of the day, our kids aren’t keeping score on how flawless we are—they just want us there.
So as spring settles in, open the door. Let them run. Let them get a little dirty. Laugh a little more. And maybe slow down just enough to enjoy it too! May your April be full of outdoor fun and family memories in the sunshine!
