Mary’s 2025 New Year Resolutions

It’s a new year which means a new opportunity to dust off those old resolutions, update, and try again. While last year’s resolutions did not go as planned, I believe I fulfilled 2024’s intention: to feel fulfilled, secure, accomplished, and complete. With that said, 2025 poses similar challenges to years past. Every resolution looks like the one before it, but why? Obviously, I’m seeking to achieve something greater than the tasks, so what is it?

After looking over my goals for the year (and the year before that, and the year before that), I noticed that I ultimately want to be more productive and intentional with my time. I’ve struggled with time management for years and while I score mini wins in establishing a new habit every now and then (daily workouts, drinking water, etc.), I never feel like I accomplished what I’m truly aiming for. So now that I’m 40 (Happy Birthday!), this year serves as a reset: ridding old habits, establishing new ones, and maintaining consistency.

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Mary’s Favorite Posts: 2024

What is my favorite post of 2024? While many contenders vied for this coveted spot, I’d have to say it would be Course Notes: The ADHD Brain.

At the beginning of the year, I found myself needing professional direction during a lull in my career. Becoming an ADHD Certified Rehabilitation Services Provider (ADHD-RSP) seemed like the perfect jumpstart. If I’m being honest, I believed this certification would just review what I already knew about ADHD, given my extensive experience treating children with the diagnosis. I was wrong.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Things Mary Would Love

As the holiday season approaches, my friends and family inevitably ask, “What do you want for Christmas?”
Honestly, I never know how to respond. Since I usually buy what I need or want as part of the never-ending Mom To-Do list, it’s hard to come up with thoughtful gift ideas. But this year, social media has definitely given me some inspiration. So call me influenced.

Here are the things I (would) love this holiday season:

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Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Middle Grades 8+

This category is new for us but TBH, the toys and games in this age range have upped their game in the last couple of years.

Around ages 8-12, kids make big strides in many areas of development. Their skill refinement allows for:

  • Improved attention, problem solving, and critical thinking
  • The ability to strengthen friendships and resolve conflicts more efficiently
  • Participation in skill-based activities requiring refined motor movements
  • The ability to express themselves more clearly
  • Increased independence and thought

Here are our recommendations for kids 8+:

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Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Preschool and Early Elementary

This has got to be the largest list we’ve put together to date, but not just because we love toys.

Kids at this age are achieving key developmental milestones and improving their executive functions, allowing for better focus and memory. As they continue to refine their skills, they enjoy social play, seek friendly competition, pursue independence by testing limits, try new things, and make new friends.

Not only did we pick a ton of toys and games geared towards these age-range skills, but we also chose practical items to encourage independence, and bigger, family-friendly gifts that include your littlest.

Here are our gift picks for kids 3-7:

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