Family meetings were a total gamechanger for us {issue 54}

Plus, 10 nursery items that can actually grow with your kids.

October 14, 2021 No. 52 This past weekend, we dove into a home project: a painted scallop wall inspired by Cubby home tours. It was 100% free and, surprisingly, easy as could be. Are you working on anything around your home? Tell us more! — Thao      Family Meetings Were a Total Gamechanger for Us Anyone who's ever sat through a meeting that should've been an email knows that meetings can be tedious. And the idea of holding a weekly meeting with your partner and children can seem pretty overwhelming. With school, homework, extracurriculars, social engagements, and everything else going on, committing to family meetings can feel extremely challenging. But it's a challenge that promises a big reward, and after a few years of making them a part of our weekly routine, my kids know that family meetings are a safe time to advocate for themselves and their many, many wants.   Here's how we do it in our family: read more > cubby cooks Spooky season calls for some thematic treats, and The Official Harry Potter Baking Book is full of the most creative, impressive yummies. Think Slytherin Sourdough Snakes, a Hogwarts gingerbead castle, Sorting Hat cupcakes, and so much more.     eat     I Tried Ina Garten's Perfect Roast Chicken and It Was Way Easier than I Expected Delicious, crowd-pleasing — and only requires 20 minutes of prep? Sign us up. read more >     The Worst Cooking Advice I Ever Received — And What I Do Instead Relying only on stainless steel pains, EVOO, kosher salt ... the list of bad advice goes on! Here's what I learned about these "rules." read more > play     8 Things New Parents Secretly Wish You'd Bring Them They may not say it aloud — but these practical gifts are what new parents REALLY need. read more >     West Elm Kids Is Celebrating Black Voices in the Best Way Quilts with rustic farm scenes to a snuggly science-themed kids chair — these new launches have it all. read more > live     10 Timeless Nursery Items That Will Grow with Your Kids For long-lasting pieces, ditch the cutesy trends and focus on classic products like these. read more >     5 Chores Our 5-Year-Old Tackles Without Having to Be Asked These tasks are really are so simple and kid-friendly that she can't wait to help. (Plus, I get some cleaning done while she's occupied!) read more > cubby finds: kids bookshelves Sloan Konmari pop color scallop ask maxwell We have a little one who is about to turn 3 in two weeks. Even though we never in our wildest parental imaginations thought we would be co-sleeping with our kid, he sleeps with my husband (and stay-at-home Dad extraordinaire) in the bachelor bedroom. Our son has his own bedroom that he slept in until he outgrew his Snoo. I'm wondering what your insights might be on bedroom design for the little people whose interests change weekly, and also what might be a good "first bed" that we could pitch to our son when he seems more ready to sleep on his own. — Stacey Dear Stacey,   It is very tricky to lure a child back into his or her own room once they've gotten used to climbing into bed with you again. I remember very much relying on the high sides of the crib to prevent Ursula from climbing out in those early years. It is hard to get them back in, BUT it will happen and making his room cozy and with his personality is a really nice way to do it.  read more > Maxwell Ryan is a father and was an elementary school teacher in NYC before founding Apartment Therapy. He'd love to answer your question: askmaxwell@cubbyathome.com ( trust us ) Paradise Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences  View this email in your browser  Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home. If we've inspired you, we may receive a share of purchases made through this email. Apartment Therapy Media 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10013 ABOUT | CONTACT US | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE