valplowman

Valerie, also known as The Babywise Mom, is the mother to four children. She has been blogging on Babywise and general parenting since 2007. She has a degree in technical writing and loves using those skills to help parents be the best parents they can be! Read her book, The Babywise Mom Nap Guide, to get help on sleep from birth through the preschool years. You can also find her writing at Babywise.life, Today Parenting, and Her View From Home. Read more about Valerie and her family on the About page. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more tips and helps.

Managing Marriage Slumps

January 14, 2019February 22, 2016 by valplowman

married couple looking at each other

Managing Marriage Slumps. How to manage the slumps that are sure to come in marriage. 13 things to do when times get tough. I recently posed a question on the …

Organizing Kids Crafts and Memories

February 16, 2026February 18, 2016 by valplowman

Girl doing art on the floor with her pictures hanging on the wall behind her

Drowning in artwork? Learn a simple 4-phase system to manage kids’ crafts without guilt or clutter. Weekly photos, strategic sorting, and smart storage keep memories safe while preventing paper overwhelm. …

Giving Prime Relationships Prime Time

February 16, 2026February 17, 2016 by valplowman

Mom, child, Dad walking along a path in the fall with beautiful autumn colors on the trees

Are your most important relationships getting your best time? In our distracted, overscheduled world, it’s easy to give the world our prime while families get leftovers. Learn to balance service, …

Foundations for a Strong Marriage

February 9, 2026February 12, 2016 by valplowman

Married couple with a sunset in the background

Build a marriage that lasts. Discover four essential cornerstones for a strong relationship: mutual respect, kind communication, financial honesty, and prayer. Whether you’re newlyweds or decades in, these foundational principles …

Getting Out of Debt is Not About the Math

February 9, 2026February 11, 2016 by valplowman

A photo with the word "DEBT" in blocks, a caluclator, some cash, a pen, and a calendar

Debt isn’t a math problem—it’s an emotional one. Emotions justify overspending, blur logic, and keep you stuck. Learn why Dave Ramsey’s debt snowball works and how to separate feelings from …

Brinley Preschooler Summary: 42 Months Old-3.5 Years!

February 9, 2026February 9, 2016 by valplowman

Life with a 3.5-year-old! Follow Brinley’s month at 42 months as she navigates boundary-testing, transitions to big-kid church classes, entertains her family, and shines at her first dance showcase. Includes …

The Why and How of Parent/Child Dates

February 9, 2026February 8, 2016 by valplowman

McKenna and Nate ice skating

Strengthen your bond through monthly parent-child dates! Learn why one-on-one time matters, how to make it happen even with busy schedules, creative low-cost date ideas, and tips for planning dates …