It's not perfect. It's parenting.
Sometimes you need answers to the little everyday things that parents encounter. And sometimes, you just need someone to encourage you through all of the craziness and challenges of parenthood. Welcome to Parent-ish, a blog from the experts at Children's Mercy.

Category: Holidays
Winter safety tips you may not realize you need
Each winter brings a new chance for fun things for kids to do, like ice skating and snowball fights. As we gear up to celebrate the season, keep these 5 things in mind.
Teaching kids about helping others
It’s that time of year… when our kids are making their lists and checking them twice. Full of wishes for the best new toy or the coolest new shoes. But it’s also the time of year when many parents begin to think about how to teach kids a compassionate spirit and desire to help others.
5 great family Halloween costumes to try
Dressing up for Halloween doesn’t always have to be just for the kids. The whole family can enjoy playing dress-up with these fun family group costumes. No matter the size of your family, there’s bound to be a group costume to win you best dressed! Check out these fun ideas submitted by Children’s Mercy employees.
5 harmless April Fool’s Day pranks to play on kids
Well, it’s that time of year again – April Fool’s Day. This year is a good time for some light-hearted, harmless pranks parents can play on kids.
7 great classic family friendly holiday movies
The holiday season brings along many of our favorite traditions. One we all can love is watching a classic holiday movie with the whole family. So, cuddle up with your warmest blanket, hot chocolate and the entire family for one of these great classics.
7 ideas to host a rocking virtual holiday party
Many families are choosing to not have extended family and friends over for the holidays this year because of COVID-19. But, that doesn’t mean the holidays can’t be fun. Here are a few ideas to get that holiday party popping – virtually!
Make the season bright: KC area holiday displays
This season, many families are looking for ways to celebrate the season while social distancing. Outdoor events and driving to look at holiday lights is a tradition that doesn’t have to change. Here are some of the Kansas City area’s best light shows you won’t want to miss.
Tips for celebrating the holidays safely during COVID-19
The holidays are generally a time for people to reconnect with family and friends, but it is important to remember you can spread illnesses, like the virus that causes COVID-19, even when you feel healthy. Here are some suggestions for helping to make your holiday plans safe for everyone.
How to stay safe this Halloween
Halloween is a great time of year for many children. Like many other activities, Halloween could look different this year during the COVID-19 pandemic as we all work to keep our families and community safe. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe this spooky season.
Birthdays in the time of COVID-19
My birthday is Nov. 27. It’s 1981, if you really want to know. Every year for my birthday growing up, my parents let me pick where we could go out to eat for dinner. I usually picked Oak Park Mall’s food court. It was the 80s and my parents had four kids, spaced two years apart.
5 Ways to Make Magical Memories this Holiday Season
I can’t remember the gifts I received on Christmas morning. But I remember how I felt. A mix of excitement, pure joy and anticipation for a day spent together as a family. I remember waking up way too early and climbing into bed with my sister on Christmas morning until everyone else was awake.
Halloween safety: 5 things parents should (and shouldn’t) do
The countdown is on until Halloween, but before your kids head out to trick-or-treat here are some lesser-known safety tips to help keep your ghosts and goblins safe.