It's just one of those things that happens, whether we want it to our not. Once we have kids, our friendships change. Sure, we can still hang out with the people we did before, even the ones that don't have kids. But finding the time to do it can be a challenge. New research reported today from the University of Chicago reinforces something that common sense already tells us -- parents use their kids' childcare as a place to make new friends just as much as their kids do. Childcare centers turn out to be a resource for parents to connect and find support, regardless of income.

These parents are the ones you go on field trips with, see at birthday parties and hang out with at soccer games. It sort of turns into a ready-made social network, one where you can share potty training woes, ask what other parents do about obstinate three year olds and vent about the stresses of parenthood.

What if your kids don't go to daycare? For stay-at-home moms, those peer group connections might be even more important. That's where play groups come in. Triadmommies is a great way to connect with other moms in our area. And we've got a list of MOMs and MOPs groups that meet regularly on our Web site.

And of course, it's important to maintain those old friendships. This article from Life123.com has some good ways to keep those relationships strong, even through the rocky first years of parenthood.

Consignment-sale season is starting, and you know what that means -- weekends full of shopping for great deals! This weekend, check out the Mothers of Multiples consignment sale at Starmount Pres. Church, Trinity Church Consignment Sale and the Summerfield UMC Consignment sale, all in Greensboro.

The consignment sales are one of the best kept secrets of the Triad. It's something I had no idea went on until I became pregnant and someone said to me, sort of on the sly, "aren't you going to the consignment sale at Christ UMC this weekend?" I went, thinking it would just be like some yard sale, and ended up having to go home and get my husband to help me tote home the stroller and changing table I bought.

Spring and fall, for entire weekends, churches all over our area have these great sales. Gently used baby, child and maternity clothes, books, dvds, baby equipment and more are on display. Check out a few on your own this weekend, or ask around at playgroups to get the scoop. You're sure to get an ear full of what sales are the best and what times to go to get the best deals.

During a research study, experts found that eating dinner together as a family was a stronger indicator for early literacy than even reading together. That's just one more benefit to add to family dinners, from better grades to less substance abuse.

Unfortunately for many of us, the back-to-school routine means fewer nights to eat together as a family thanks to sports, music and a variety of extracurricular activities. But no matter how busy your days, and nights, get, try to make an effort to sit down together at the end of the day at least a few times a week. We've provided a few ideas for making it work in our online exclusive, "Making it Easy to Eat Together." There's even some good ideas from members of Triadmommies, including cooking a bunch of ground beef at once and using it later.

Of course, you don't have to cook to enjoy a good family dinner. Pick up a frozen lasagna at the store or take-out from your favorite fast casual restaurant. Or try out one of the take-and-bake entrees from Greater Expectations Catering. In fact, we're giving away a free entree in this month's online contest. Enter today for your chance to win.

Each September, Carolina Parenting, Inc. recognizes the top companies in our state that promote a good work/family balance for their employees. Today, we're announcing this year's Family Friendly 50 winners on our Web site. And this year, we've made it the top 50 rather than just 40. Over the ten years that Carolina Parenting has done this survey, we've seen a growing number of companies that work hard to make it easier on parents to give their all at work and home, and the best way to recognize that was to increase the number of winners.

Check out the list today on our Family Friendly 50 page. And if you feel like your company is deserving of this award, nominate them for consideration for next year.

Then check out all the great articles and information about this year's winning companies and how they promote a work/family balance for employees in our Feature Articles.

For the first time that I can remember, most kids in our area are starting school on the same day -- today! Of course, that means traffic will be slow this morning. If you happen to be taking your kids to school, or just driving to work after watching them board the bus, make sure you refresh yourself on the bus stop laws. And it's a good idea to go over some simple bus safety tips with your kids too!

Help your kids get off to a good start this week with the resources available on our site. Check out ways to make a bedtime routine from yesterday's blog. Help them concentrate by fueling them with good nutrition. Triad moms gave us some great ideas for back-to-school lunches that we've published in our Back to School Central, which also has links to breakfast ideas and after school snacks.

And of course, don't forget to send us those first-day-of-school pictures! We've got a brand new photo gallery set up for this year's cute poses.