Author: Kimberly Blaker
Whether you’re helping with your child’s Valentine’s Day party at school or planning one at home, there are so many fun, creative ways to keep kids busy and make their party a blast. Try some of these ideas kids are sure to love: CRAFTS Heart suncatcher. Lay a sheet of wax paper in front of each child. Then have the kids cut red, pink, and white tissue paper into squares or other shapes. Next, lay a tissue square on the wax paper and brush it with liquid starch. Continue by overlapping the pieces of tissue to create an 8” x…
With higher credit card interest rates, consumers will feel more of a pinch with holiday gift shopping this year. Throw in the costs of holiday cards, decorating, baking, holiday dinners, and unplanned purchases, and holiday shopping can add up to a heap of change. Many people are set back financially for months, if not longer, following the holiday season. One big reason for this is that credit cards make it easy to overspend, leaving individuals and families to suffer the consequences later. The problem with credit cards isn’t just the monthly payments; it’s the long-term cost from accrued interest. So,…
Limiting the time kids spend on the computer can be a daunting task. But there are plenty of fun educational sites kids will love that make learning a blast and make their time spent plugged in healthier. Animals Abound kids.nationalgeographic.com Travel to faraway states and countries at National Geographic for Kids to discover all kinds of critters and cool places. In addition to freaky creatures, there are fun things you can make, as well as photo tips with Hilary. You’ll also discover lots of other weird stuff. Space is a Blast starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov At NASA’s Star Child, there’s plenty to discover.…
As you prepare to see your adolescent off to college, you flashback to all your child’s milestones, special moments, and fun times you’ve shared together. It feels like only yesterday your toddler said his or her first word. Soon after, you dropped your child off for the first day of kindergarten, prepared your preteen for puberty, and took your teen shopping for the high school prom.But now, in an instant, your adolescent is headed out into the world, more or less on their own. This is a turning point at which you no longer have much oversight or say in…
A vacation is a great way to escape the monotony and responsibilities of everyday life and to have fun, explore new places, and try new things. Unfortunately traveling for vacation isn’t always realistic if money’s tight or you have time restrictions. Despite such obstacles, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a refreshing break and memorable staycation. 1. Camp Out or Make a Fort Who says you have to head to the mountains to camp out? You can easily recreate the camping experience in your own backyard (or living room, if you prefer). Just pitch a tent or make a…
Education experts have known for some time that kids who don’t go to school year ‘round experience summer learning loss. Still, most schools and districts have yet to extend the school year in light of this information. Statistics on summer learning loss vary depending on the study. But those studies most commonly cited have found kids lose, on average, 2.6 months of math and 2 months of reading skills over the summer. The good news, however, is there are ways to reduce your child’s summer learning loss. You can help your kids by providing them with plenty of educational and…
“It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.” – Anne Sexton Fathers play a significant role in their kids’ lives. They’re essential role models, influence children’s self-esteem and school performance, and make great coaches and fun-loving playmates. Once kids have grown and aged, fathers make great friends and confidants, and are there to lend a hand. Father’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t be caught scrambling for the perfect way to show you care. Try some of these ideas to show your dad just how important he is to you. Video Surprise…
“I realized when you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.” – Mitch Albom The role of mothers in shaping their daughters’ and sons’ lives is unsurpassed. Mothers teach us to love, be strong, be confident, persist, live life to its fullest, and be the best we can be. Mother’s Day is just around the corner. So, this year give her a gift from your heart and your undivided time to make it a special day she’ll treasure. Mother’s Day Brunch Serve your mom a scrumptious breakfast or take her out for…
What better day to celebrate Read Across America Day than on March 2, the birthday of the beloved Dr. Seuss? It’s the perfect kickoff to March’s National March Into Literacy Month, both of which are dedicated to the promotion of reading and literacy. Read Across America Day was first introduced by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998. The NEA’s goal for the celebration is to motivate kids to become lifelong readers, thereby improving student performance. Every year, schools, public libraries, and other organizations celebrate this day by holding reading events for kids. Ways Parents Can Promote Reading There are…