Well, it looks like my time here has come to an end. I hope that the tips I’ve shared over the last little while have already come in handy and that some will come in handy in the future. Summer is a great time for families to come together and fun…and there’s no need for stress. If you find yourself getting frazzled by the extra challenges summer can bring, remember a few things: * Keep Things Simple. Whether you’re planning a party, getting ready for a vacation or preparing a meal, give yourself a break and make sure you get to relax too. * Bust the “I’m Bored’s”. Remember, your kids probably need a little structure in the summer and if all else fails, let them take their chances by pulling something from the … [Read more...]

Even though we helped cure the “I’m Bored’s” a few posts ago, a parent can use all the help they can get, right? If you’re kids are into crafting, here are a few fun crafts you might want to try. * Seashell crafts: With a bit of glue, some shells and maybe some googly eyes, kids can create seashell characters and scenes. * Tie-dyed t-shirts: Always a great make-em-outside type of craft. Get some plain white t-shirts, elastic bands and hot water dye…and you’re good to go. * Make a Kite: All you need is some old newspapers, sticks, masking tape and string to make a homemade kite. Children can paint the newspaper to customize their kite. * Homemade Sidewalk Chalk: Who knew you could make your own chalk? All you need … [Read more...]

If your kids are like mine, they’re always trying to come up with ideas for earning extra money. They’ve got that entrepreneurial spirit and I try to do what I can to foster that. The experiences they get and the lessons they learn now will serve them well into the future. If your kids have a desire to set up shop this summer, here are a few things they can do: * Drink or Snack Stand: It’s an old classic and probably the simplest idea for young children. Unfortunately, roadside lemonade sales aren’t quite what they used to be, but it’s a great experience for young ones. * Garage or Yard Sale: It’s a great way for kids to clear their rooms of clutter and make some money. You can help children price their items, make … [Read more...]

Packing all the kids and the family dog into the car can be an incredibly fun, but terribly crowding experience. But there are a few tips and tricks you can use to keep more of the fun in your family bonding time. #1 – Plan Together While the final decisions are Mom and Dad’s, it can be fun for the children to plot out your trip on a map. They can also research the places you’re doing to stay, eat and visit. Holding a road trip planning meeting is a great bonding experience, helps the kids feel involved and helps them understand what goes into planning a trip. # 2 - Get Your Vehicle Ready Make sure you get your vehicle maintenance done and your car is inspected for safety. Ensure your washer fluid is topped up (to get … [Read more...]