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Mentors Provide Peer Power not Pressure
Erika Ledtke, 11, grabs a handful of wooden craft sticks as Ashley Schreiner, 18, fills a dish with glue in the cafeteria of Ontario (N.Y.) Elementary School. “I’m going to build a house!” Erika...
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Top 10 Tips to Avoid the Freshman 15
A study in the Journal of American College Health reported that half of all college students gain weight during their freshman year. Defy statistics and stay fit with these 10 easy steps to avoid the...
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How to Collect Marbles
Marble collecting isn’t just for kids. The nostalgic toy can take adults back in time to childhood games. Their distinctive and colorful materials and styles also can help collectors of all ages...
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Five Good Reasons to Go Fly a Kite
Thom Shanken, 56, of Seneca Falls, N.Y. (pop. 9,040), doesn’t know exactly how many kites he owns, but he enjoys every one for the pleasure they bring on a breezy day. “There are so many ways to enjoy...
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How to Fly a Kite
Flying a kite is as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Pick your place. “Look for a big, open space without obstacles such as power lines, trees, buildings and roadways,” says David Gomberg, owner of Gomberg Kite...
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Beverly Cleary: Inspiring Children For Generations
While her stories amuse today’s young readers, it was in 1950 that Beverly Cleary, a librarian-turned-children’s author, began introducing the world to Beezus, Ramona, Henry Huggins, Ellen Tebbits and...
View ArticleLittle Shutterbugs
Do your kids fill up your smart phone with 500 photos of stuffed animals or “selfies” of silly faces? Today, with cameras so ubiquitous, kids are more eager than ever to capture their world through a...
View ArticleSummer Games
In the not-so-distant past, it was nearly impossible to drag kids away from a good old-fashioned game of kickball, tug-o-war or capture the flag. But today’s children, whom experts agree spend far less...
View ArticleCute and Creative Teacher Gifts
Update the centuries-old tradition of placing a fresh, juicy apple on the teacher’s desk with handpicked gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to your child’s teacher’s face. Lisa Cannon, a...
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Nine Ways to Make School Lunch Cool Again
Kids might thinK reading, writing and ‘rithmetic are tough. But the three Rs are nothing compared with moms’ biggest back-to-school challenge: packing a noontime meal kids will actually eat. Make...
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Kids Battle Bullying with Kindness Club
At a harvest festival last fall at her children’s school, Rio del Mar Elementary in Aptos, Calif., Justina Bryant spotted two boys teasing a fourth-grader with a squirt gun. He was crying and begging...
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Five Ways to Make Math Fun
As kids head back to school, the thought of math may send shivers down their spines. But it doesn’t have to be that way. “Kids should love math like they love dessert,” says Laura Overdeck, a Short...
View ArticleFun Fraction Pancakes
Take your fun math lesson one step further and serve it up for breakfast. Make pancakes, stack them up, then cut them into eighths. Ask your kids to add up the pancake wedges until they get 1/4, 1/2,...
View ArticleActress Danica McKellar on Why Math Matters
Danica McKellar, 39, first caught the eye of America when she was 12 years old as schoolgirl Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years. But instead of cashing in on TV fame when the series wrapped in 1993, she...
View ArticleTips for Tricking Out Your School Locker
Rugs, wallpaper and chandeliers aren’t found on most back-to-school lists. But today’s students seem to be snapping up these items—the more color- blazed and blinged-out the better—to creatively shore...
View ArticleDon't Let School Expenses Break the Bank
When my oldest daughter was in first grade, I got wrangled into volunteering as the treasurer of the school’s parent-teacher association. Silly, naïve me suggested that we create an all-in-one cost for...
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DIY Advent Calendar for Your Christmas Countdown
Christmas is coming. And of all the traditions—tree trimming, gift wrapping, setting up nativity scenes— nothing ramps up the anticipation of Santa’s arrival as much as opening a door a day on an...
View ArticleThe Kids’ Table: Family New Year’s Fun
Just because New Year’s Eve galas have been replaced with singing “Auld Lang Syne” at home with the kids (and you’re cool with that), that doesn’t mean the night can’t be special. Here are some ideas...
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How to Raise Kind Kids
You already know you should teach your children how to tie their shoes, answer the phone and safely cross a street. But what about teaching them to be kind? Like any parent, Sheila Sjolseth, a...
View ArticleBest Mother’s Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms
Shopping for a lover of the great outdoors? You've come to the right place.
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7 DIY Kids’ Games for Backyard Fun
Along with trips to the beach and icy glasses of lemonade, lawn games are a beloved summer pastime for many families. With these creative DIYs, you can turn up the fun on outdoor games and spend the...
View ArticleCooking Shows Inspire Once-Picky Teen
Thirteen-year-old Chase, a formerly fussy eater, discovered a love for cooking shows as a means of self-expression–now, he’s an internet sensation.
View ArticleTop 8 Bloggers to Follow for School Year Inspiration
Take it from them–this year's back-to-school transition doesn't have to be difficult or boring!
View Article14 Coloring Books That are Totally for Grown Ups
Giving your inner childhood artist a chance to shine is just the thing to relieve stress.
View ArticleSleepover Survival Guide
Ahh, the slumber party—a rite-of-passage in which nobody actually sleeps, pizza is inhaled and the giggles continue until early morning. Try these sleepover survival strategies to salvage your sanity...
View ArticleWitches’ Fingers with Creamy Ketchup Dip
These wickedly wonderful honey mustard chicken strips will be a hit with the kids before they embark on their trick-or-treating adventures. Bonus: Check out these Halloween water bottles so your child...
View ArticleSpider Web Quesadillas
Work in batches and keep completed quesadillas warm in a 200-degree oven. Create the sour cream spider web just before serving. Using these great, colorful cooking tools, preparing this...
View ArticleAngel Hair Witches
2 large eggs 1 pound angel hair pasta 1 cup prepared basil pesto, preferably the refrigerated variety 1-2 carrots 4 black olives, halved crosswise 1 red bell pepper Place the eggs in a small saucepan...
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Hot & Cold Snacks to Fuel the Trick-or-Treat Trek
At the end of a long night of gathering sugary treats, little ghouls and goblins need a more fulfilling snack to replenish all that energy lost in the inevitable sugar crash. Robin Miller White Hot...
View ArticleTrick-or-Treat: The Top 5 Spirited Neighborhoods in America
These Halloweentown communities will change your kids' expectations for the night of fright for good.
View Article11 Ways to Use Leftover Halloween Candy
Overzealous in your trick-or-treating? These tips will make the most of your Halloween haul.
View ArticleStill Serving: Veterans Share Love of Country with the Next Generation
John Ballinger had always been a take-charge kind of guy. So in 2010, after seeing the deplorable conditions at an at-risk elementary school in Chattanooga, Tenn., the former Army maintenance officer...
View ArticleHow to Help Kids Shine on Thanksgiving
Make Thanksgiving a delightful celebration for all ages with these kid-friendly Turkey Day tricks.
View ArticleSpruce Up the Kids’ Table This Thanksgiving
Want to guarantee your status as “cool parent” this year? Give little ones a space of their own for Turkey Day!
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Editor’s Pick: LeapFrog Tablet for Kids
For the little ones on your list, opt for a gift that reads “cool” to everyone involved. Designed for children ages 3 to 9, the Android-based LeapFrog Epic 7″ Tablet ($128) is their most advanced...
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Editor’s Pick: Hand-Finished Rubber Teething Toys
Of this much, we’re certain—teething has never been cuter. For the new parents on your list, consider one (or two, or three) of these Hand-Painted Rubber Teething Toys from Vulli ($20). Little ones...
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Editor’s Pick: Lego and Marvel Meet XBOX 360
For the XBox gamers on your list, consider a game that combines two of the hottest trends in entertainment—super heroes, and Legos. Lego: Marvel Super Heroes for XBOX 360 ($15) features dozens of...
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Editor’s Pick: Maisto Tech Rock Crawler Extreme
The Maisto Tech Rock Crawler Extreme ($70) isn’t your average RC vehicle. With two motors, articulated suspensions and low gearing capabilities, this truck is ready for some rugged off-road action!...
View ArticleThis Kid Has the Ultimate Star Wars-Themed Bedroom!
The Force is strong with this kid’s room. Check out Ethan’s Star Wars-themed crib!
View ArticleDIY Valentine’s Day Cards
Everyone loves a thoughtful homemade gift. This Valentine’s Day, give your loved one a DIY card made straight from the heart.
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Hop to It! Simple DIY Easter Treats
Make Easter egg-stra special with these fun (and sweet) crafts that are simple enough for kids to help make. Stuff them in baskets or serve after Easter dinner—they’re tasty enough to tempt everyone at...
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Best New Baby Gear to Treat Your Favorite Tot
Need a treat for a friend’s little one (or your own)? We’ve got the best baby gift ideas for that bundle of joy. Lamaze Clip & Go Flip Flap Dragon $12.99, Amazon.com Secure this interactive toy...
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Listen Up! 4 Podcasts for Family Fun
Download these family-friendly podcasts to your phone, then play them through your car speakers to make time on the road pass in a flash (or use your home stereo speakers for a screen-free evening)....
View ArticleGeek Speak: Mind Your E-Manners
Put your best (digital) foot forward with these guidelines from lifestyle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann, author of the manners handbook Let Crazy Be Crazy. Using a core foundation of respect,...
View ArticleEgg-stravagant Designs: 10 Trending DIY Easter Egg Ideas
Dissolvable dye tablet kits? No, thanks. Try something new with these trending Easter egg ideas that are fun and easy for the whole family. Plus, our decorating DIYs offer plenty of no-dye options to...
View ArticleCelebrate Earth Day with These Adorable Seed Bombs
Grab the kids and get to crafting! These DIY seed bombs made from upcycled scrap paper are a beautiful way to love the earth.
View ArticleFamily Fun: 5 Wild Adventures in National Parks
Whether you choose to travel by train, boat or ancient Hawaiian surfboard, these five national parks are sure to become family favorites. Watch these wild outdoor adventures and prepare to create...
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Battling Bullying: How 5 Kids Are Standing Up for Themselves and Their...
Bullying among kids and teens is a problem throughout the nation. Learn how five brave kids are standing up to bullies by promoting kindness and acceptance in their schools and communities. Don’t...
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