Laurie's Column

Read Laurie's wonderful and touching stories of parenting, friendship and faith. Laurie's parenting advice is profound and valuable.

My Christmas Pajamas

Merry Christmas

When I was a young girl, I remember how excited I was for Christmas to come. Oh sure there was the yummy cookies and desserts we got to bake, and eat. I remember how good it felt to decorate the house … Read More »

The Fall Leaves

If you haven't taken a walk with your kids yet, now is the time. Make it a regular "thing to do." It's amazing what a walk can do for everyone. If you are fortunate enough to live where the trees … Read More »

Troubled Days

When I read the newspaper or catch the news about the economic situation, it saddens me to know single mother's are hurting so badly. Not enough money to buy groceries, and if there is, maybe there … Read More »

Two Wrongs are Never Right

You know how it feels when someone has hurt your feelings? When somebody close to you has been mean spirited? It hurts bad. Sometimes you want to get back at them, either by gossip or directly by … Read More »

The Young Woman

When I was younger, I couldn't wait to be a mom. I would imagine cuddling my baby and would dream about my future. It was filled with images of love, tenderness and warmth. It was a dream I couldn't … Read More »

The Homeless Philosopher

I was watching a show the other night and it was a documentary on the homeless. I don't know about all of you, but I couldn't help but be inspired by their courage. Maybe some of you are facing this … Read More »

The Saturday Chore List

When my children were younger, around 5 and 6 years old, I started writing a chore list. With five young children, I knew it was important to teach them all, the value of responsibility. Of course … Read More »

Library Time

In my childhood going to the library was a very big deal. We had books at home, but nothing like my collection is today. For my own children, before they got hooked on computers, the Library still … Read More »

Mothers In Need

How well do we understand how our fellow person is coping with their life? Are we available for a conversation? Do we go out of our way to ask? It's a very simple thing to do. Just start with, "how … Read More »

Summer Fun

Okay, break out the sunscreen, the sprinkler, the buckets and shovels, get out those (new, clean) paintbrushes for your kids, and let them have hours of fun! It is very inexpensive to buy these items. … Read More »

Some Things Should Never Change

The other day I was watching a family play together and the mother was reassuring her little boy that someday he too will learn to ride a bike. It was obvious that he took great comfort in his mothers … Read More »

The Wonders of Springtime

You know what they say...never lose the child inside of you. That couldn't be more true when I think of the changes and joy this season brings to all of us. This is the time of year, for new … Read More »

About The Author:
Laurie Cesario-Overton was born and raised in California. She was happily married for many years to a good man, but unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Manic/Depression. They tried counseling, Marriage Encounter and sought guidance from their church, however his health issues became a greater concern and grew into a much bigger problem.

She was a stay at home mother of five, and to supplement their income she took care of several neighborhood children. When her marriage ended, a friend suggested she get Licensed for Family Home Daycare, to add a more professional stamp to her home-based business. It was the best decision for her family at that time.

They did not have much, and faced many struggles and hardships. Even through her most difficult times, she has always said," It is a Gift and an Honor to be their mother." She has been in the business of caring for children for over twenty-five years.

Many families have asked Laurie to write about her experiences and tips on parenting. Due to complications recovering from surgery, she was unable to return to the work she has loved all her life.

In 2007, she remarried a wonderful man and now lives in Nevada. She decided to write her first book titled, "Home Daycare and Practical Parenting". She has begun working on her second book about mental illness and hopes to shed some light on how families are affected. Her children are all grown and now some of them are raising their own babies. She considers herself to be a very lucky mom, with many blessings.

Laurie's book
The author has over 25 years of experience in caring for children. She worked from home as a Licensed Family Home Daycare Provider, and raised a family of five, for 14 years, as a single mom. This book will cover a wide range of issues related to Home Daycare from a Provider's perspective and gives valuable information to new parent's and families as well.

Laurie maintains two websites:

» Homedaycare4You.com - This site is for both Providers and Parents seeking information about Family Home Daycare. Whether you are interested in becoming a childcare provider or you are searching for a smaller, more personal family-environment, you will find valuable information here.

» ParentsTalking.com - A journal blogging site of: Shared stories, Family Life, Raising children and Finding Yourself. Feelings about Sisterhood, Motherhood, and Friendships along the way. Letters describing what it felt like becoming a Grandmother to getting Remarried in your 50's. A little Something for Everyone.