Take a Hike – Family-Friendly Walking Tips
A lot of emphasis is being placed on family fitness these days, and getting together for a walk or hike is a popular way to get everybody out and moving. Get on board with your family! Here are some tips… Continue reading
Importance of Family Time on Kids Mental Health and Adjustment to Life
The goal of every parent is to raise a happy and well-adjusted child. There are thousands of books which provide information and advice on raising children successfully. Experts in their respective fields strive to give parents the most up to date information whether it is about health, nutrition, child development, education, or parenting. However, one simple truth is often overlooked: Children from birth to adulthood need time and attention from their parents. Sometimes parents become so anxious to raise a “successful” child that they overlook the importance of spending time interacting personally with their child or children. This does not mean rushing from school to extracurricular activity to supervising homework. Interactive time is that spent with both child and parent fully engaged in an activity together. The importance of this time is multifold:
Old-Fashioned Holiday Crafts
Many people believe the holidays have become too commercial. They don’t like the glitz and electronics that have overtaken the holidays; they may even dream of old-fashioned celebrations. While you can’t change everything about the holiday season, you can make these old-fashioned holiday crafts to bring back some of the feel of yesteryear.
Old books, television shows and movies present a romanticized idea of winter time celebrations. Families may not have had the money for elaborate gift giving, but there was a sense of peace and love which isn’t always felt in families today. How do you recreate that impression for your own home?
Outdoor Winter Activities for the Whole Family
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean the outdoor activities have to stop! Help the family stay fit and have fun with winter activities for the whole family this season. Here are some ideas.
Sledding/Coasting/Tubing Whatever you call it, sliding downhill in the snow is fun for all ages. You can use inexpensive plastic snow disks, toboggans, inner tubes, or just plastic bags. You can do this in your own neighborhood, or go to a local park. Make sure you bundle up and dress in layers, and wear heavy boots.
Why Puzzles Are Good for Your Child’s Development
You’ve probably heard that puzzles are good for your child’s mind and cognitive development; in fact, you may have received puzzles as baby shower or new baby gifts. But why are puzzles considered helpful to a child’s mental development? Here are some reasons.
The World Around Them
Psychologists have determined that a child’s brain development is influenced significantly when a child acts on or manipulates the world around him or her. Puzzles provide that key opportunity. Children learn to work directly with their environment and change its shape and appearance when they work with puzzles.
Halloween Fun for Toddlers – How to Keep Things Easy and Safe
Celebrating Halloween with toddlers brings a certain element of innocence to the mix. With a toddler, it may not be possible to go out and party like you normally would, and trick or treating can get tiresome for your toddler very quickly. Safety is always an issue with toddlers as they are very naive and can be scared very easily. Here are some top tips to keep your toddler safe and still enjoy the holiday.
Avoid scary costumes. Children, especially toddlers, are prone to night frights. It is also very difficult, if not impossible, for toddlers to separate reality from the “monsters” that they may see walking around. If you plan to dress up, make sure your child knows that it is you behind the costume and keep the costume simple; for example, go easy on the make-up.
Suggestions for Making Picnics More Fun
Summertime is for picnics in the park or on the beach. The Picnic Time Solano Insulated Cooler Picnic Tote 
Water Sports – A Great Way to Get the Whole Family Active This Summer
As research and experience shows more and more that we need more exercise, emphasis is being placed on incorporating physical activity into our leisure time. Summer is a great time to get your whole family off the couch and into… Continue reading
The Moveable Feast – A Picnic Cookbook for All Seasons
If you are a picnic-loving family and already have your picnic basket ready, The Moveable Feast cookbook gives you great ideas for picnic food for all tastes and ages. We like the fact that the book gives complete menu ideas,… Continue reading
Happy Birthday USA – How to Celebrate Independence Day
There are all kinds of ways to celebrate Independence Day. You can go the traditional route and have a picnic or cookout, or you can get creative by singing songs, putting on historical plays, or making your own decorations. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Independence Day, here are some ideas including:
Fun Activities
BBQ Recepies
Craft Ideas
