Websites for Some Free Learning Fun

With so many kids out of school due to the coronavirus, parents are scrambling to figure out how to keep them busy and learning. Some schools are holding e-learning days and I'm sure many teachers have sent home plenty of assignments and activities. And there are many learning websites out there to explore - many of them are even offering free access at this time.

I don't have any kids at home anymore, but I am seriously tempted to check some of these out myself. I always loved school.

I just downloaded this image from facebook with a list of 10 Free Learning Websites for Kids, so I thought I'd start with looking these up and linking to all of them here while I'm at it - it's easier to click than have to type the url in, right? Enjoy!

1. Switch Zoo Animal Games - all about animals, of course
2. Fun Brain - games for some math and reading practice
3. Nat Geo for Kids - geography (and animals)
4. PBS Kids - games and videos with your favorite characters (parents can sign up for daily activities and tips for keeping kids playing and learning at home)
5. Into the Book - games to practice reading strategies
6. Star Fall - language arts and mathematics
7. Seussville - all things Dr. Seuss
8. Storyline Online - some of your favorite stories read by celebrities
9. ABCya! - fun games that also practice math and reading skills
10. Highlights Kids - reading, games, and science experiments

Where will your kids start first?

Inexpensive Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy

If you've got kids, you know that they always want to have something to do or you're going to hear a chorus of "I'm bored!" multiple times a day. And, if you're like me, you don't want to have to be going and doing and spending lots of money just to keep the kids entertained - though I may be more likely to do that with the grandkids than I ever was with my own kids. It's still a good idea to have some ideas for keeping kids entertained without spending a lot of money.

Here are a few of those ideas:

• Coloring Books - One form of entertainment that has proven its worth for decades is the ageless coloring book. Thick coloring books can fill an afternoon with fun. The best part is that they can be purchased from almost anywhere-- from the local dollar store (my favorite!) to online coloring book publishers. There's always something for every interest. From princess pages to barnyard animals, there is sure to be something that every kid can enjoy, no matter their age or interests.
    
• Scavenger Hunt - If parents have a little more time to be involved with setting up something fun to do, they can try their hands at a scavenger hunt. This activity is entirely free! There are a couple of ways that parents can set up a scavenger hunt. One way is to hide items around the house or outside, make a list, and have the children look for them. Another, less energy-intense way, is to make a list (or find one online) of items that can be easily found outside. This way, no set up is required!
    
• Card Games - A deck of cards is extremely cheap and dozens of games can be played with one! So long as your children are old enough to understand rules, a deck of cards can fill an afternoon with fun. Try teaching little kids games like War or Go Fish. Older kids can have fun with Poker or Hearts.

These are just a few examples of games that parents can use to entertain their children for up to hours at a time. Try your hand at one of these activities the next time your children complain of boredom!

And, if these don't work, chores are always an option. You'll either get some work done around the house, or your kids will suddenly find something to do all on their own.

An Alternative to Public Education

Teachers, principals, administrators, and parents everywhere know all too well that the United States' public education system has seriously declined over the past few decades. Despite the fact that the United States is home to the world's greatest economy, so many of its public schools are terrible.
It seems that less and less federal and state money is earmarked for education. School budgets are whittled down to the bare minimum making it harder and harder to maintain high standards, and the students pay the price.

Parents of students across all 50 states have enrolled their kids in Montessori schools more and more frequently over the years. But what is a Montessori school? What benefits do these alternative forms of education offer?

Montessori Schools Can Help Children Socialize

Traditional public schools in the United States - and across the globe, for that matter - have largely segregated students based on ages. Kids in any given grade are rarely one year older or younger than one another. As such, children only learn to communicate with their same-aged peers - not much of a growth opportunity there.

Montessori schools pack up to 30 students in one classroom; here's the catch - they're largely different ages. Such an environment can really help children of all ages mature more quickly and boost their communication skills.

These Systems Help Raise Free Thinkers

Unlike regular schools, Montessori programs encourage kids to think on their own - humming to the tune of everybody else's songs isn't necessarily a good thing. While this might not prepare students for close-knit traditional workplaces, Montessori graduates have been shown to be more entrepreneurial than their counterparts.

Students Are Happier

Far too many students aren't excited to go to school in today's world. However, the same can't be said about Montessori programs. Kids are allowed to be more free, independent, and do their own things.

With more than 2,000 of these schools spread across the United States, a quick search on your phone for "a Montessori preschool near me" should find one in your area.

Preparing for the Unexpected

No, this post is not about preparing for Hurrican Florence, though that would be pretty timely, wouldn't it? However, I've only been through one hurricane (sort of) when Nate came in while we were in Florida last fall. He mostly missed us, but we did get quite a bit of wind and rain, and those waves were the biggest I've ever seen in the Gulf.  But, I digress...

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It would be an understatement to say that life is full of surprises. This is especially true if you are a parent. Whether there are one or more children in the house, life always seems to be interesting, to say the least. Those kids certainly know how to keep us on our toes.

No, we can't predict the future, but there are a few things we can do to be prepared when the unexpected occurs.

Reading Material - No matter the age, parents are often chauffering children to various events for school and other extracurricular activities. Consider placing some special books in your vehicle that your children like to read or do not see very often. Although children may not appreciate a commute, they may like reading a book while on the go where they can learn about dinosaurs, big game skirted trolling lures, or other information that they find interesting. For younger children, be sure to include picture books on topics that they like, such as animals, colors or people.

Snacks and Drinks - Children always seem to be hungry, and this seems especially true right after a meal. It's certainly true for my grandson Jason. How does he go from being 'so full' at dinner to being 'hungry' 5 minutes later? Regardless of whether the inquiries for a snack are genuine or not, it's a good idea for parents to have a few snacks readily available. Some prepackaged snacks are perfect for the ride home after a practice for band or a sport. Premade snacks are wonderful when at home and children need something immediately. When it comes to drinks, encourage your children to drink plenty of water. Juices and other bottled beverages can be fine, but be aware of the sugar content.

Although life is always surprising, a little preparation can help you be ready for whatever comes your way. Snacks and drinks can be ready for growing children. Commutes and other travels can be improved when a book is in the vehicle. The end result is that parents, family members, and friends are ready for the unexpected.

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-- so I just read through this post, which was written for me; I just did some editing. Sometimes the sentences are just so awkward... Honestly, there is some good information here, but the basic premise is just wrong. Yes, we should be prepared, but, these things are not unexpected. Of course, kids are going to get bored in the car if they don't have anything to do, and of course, they always want something to eat. The only thing unexpected would be a parent who doesn't know that and has done nothing to be prepared...

Reading with Kids

My friend Ruth posted this updated list of Great Read-Aloud Recommendations for Kids this morning. If you've got kids in your life, be sure to check it out. There are some of my favorite books on the list, though I must admit that I didn't do much reading aloud with my kids after they were old enough to read for themselves. Maybe I'll do more of that with Jason when he's here. This summer we did quite a bit of reading together, where we'd take turns reading a few pages or a chapter in a book. That was quite fun. That boy's reading improved so much in the last few months of first grade!

Also included on Ruth's list are some interesting books I want to check out, and even one that I'm currently listening to - The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts by Richard Peck. Audiobooks are kind of like read-aloud, right? I'd still rather actually read because the words get into my brain better when I actually see them, but I can't do that while I'm walking in the mornings. So I listen to audiobooks. I'm really enjoying this one and starting to think I should get an actual physical copy of the book so Jason and I can read it next summer. Possibly. He'll be 8 which is a little young for the book's target age, but he likes and understands a lot of things that I think he's too young for...

Now the little guy in this video? He isn't quite old enough to understand this book. Yet. But his granny is getting such a kick out of it, I dare you to watch this without laughing!


I predict this is going to be a regular thing with these two, and eventually the little guy will get just as big a kick out of it as his granny does.

The best thing about reading aloud to kids - besides all the great books - is that special time together.

Make Sure Your Family is Ready for Summer

When the summer season starts and the temperatures start to rise, smart parents know that it's important to make sure that their family is ready for anything. From lazy days indoors to Sundays at the beach, the summer season can bring all sorts of excitement (along with cries of, "Mom, I'm bored!"). The question you have to ask yourself is, "Is my  family ready for the summer?"

One of the most important things for any homeowner to do before the summer season begins is to make sure that they have air conditioning. This is especially important if you live in one of the hotter areas of the country where the temperatures get very high and people can get very sick if they are left in the heat for too long. If you don't already have an air conditioner that is working well, you need to find and hire a local professional to get one installed in your home before the summer heat hits. For example, if you need HVAC Gloucester VA, you should call a reputable company like CC Air and Heat. This will ensure that your home stays cool and comfortable throughout the season and your family stays safe from the dangers of excessive heat.


Another important thing is to make sure that any pools in your area are completely secured and that your children are taught about water safety. If your children will be spending any time at the beach, at a pool, on a river, or at any other place where they could fall into the water, they should have swimming lessons as well as wear a life jacket. If you have a pool in your backyard, it's essential that it is fenced in and only accessible by a locked gate that is too tall for small children to open and enter. Drowning is a leading cause of death for small children in many places so don't let it happen to you.

Finally, make sure that your summer is fun. Let your kids relax, don't over schedule them, and spend quality time with them this summer.

Get the Most Out of Summer with the Kids

Summer can be a wonderful and enjoyable time with the kids, but there are times the summer heat can drain all the energy and fun out of your summer. Fortunately, there are several ways you can keep your cool all summer long whether you’re at home, outside, or on a fun-filled outing.

Cooling Off the Indoors

A little prep work inside your home will help you remain comfortable during the summer. Install insulated window treatments to block the hot rays of the sun, and remember to keep the drapes pulled on sunny days. Switch out bedding for 100% cotton sheets and lightweight blankets and quilts. Make sure your air conditioner is functioning properly too. There's nothing so frustrating as turning your AC on that first really hot day of summer only to find out that it does not work. If you are looking for AC replacement Fort Myers has many reputable professionals such as those at Gulf Shore Cooling that can help.

Get the Backyard Ready

Summers spent in the backyard can be fun as long as they are safe. Make sure you have plenty of shade. If your lawn lacks trees, use a table with an umbrella for picnic-style meals. Awnings and canopies are ideal for over sandboxes and other play areas, and water toys such as squirt guns, slip and slides, and children’s pools are great ways to cool off with supervision.

Ideal Day Trips

Summer days can become boring quickly when you are a child full of energy. Day trips are an excellent way to show your children new and fun places while spending time together as a family. Cool off at the local pool or spend an afternoon at the beach. The zoo is a wonderful place to visit, and walking the trails at a nearby park can be educational. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun. Do a quick internet search for free (and cheap) things to do in your area.

By following these tips you can have an enjoyable summer that both you and the kids will remember fondly for years to come. It is possible to have fun and stay cool this summer. A few quick changes inside and out along with some fun-filled day trips will help you make the most of this special time together.

Growing Kids, Shrinking Space

They grow up so fast, don’t they? One minute, they’re a tiny bundle swaddled in your arms, the next they’re looking you dead in the eye. And then they start having kids of their own. The bigger they get, the more things they seem to accumulate, but when you live in a small house or apartment, space for all that stuff is hard to come by. If your children are starting to outgrow your home but you can’t afford to get something bigger, these space-saving tips will come in handy.

Put Sentimentals in Storage

Do you or your children have things around the house that you don't particularly use, but they still have some sort of meaning to you? Sentimental valuables like stuffed animals, baby blankets, bedroom sets, and whatever else you have can be nice to keep, but can you really justify taking up your valuable space with stuff you don't really use anymore? You can place all these things, and other items around the place that you’re not using, into storage. You’ll want to find a facility close to you so you can have access to your things when you want them. So, if you live in Hackettstown you’d search for storage hackettstown nj to find the best service providers near you. Only costing a few bucks per month, a storage unit will clear up some much-needed space for your family.

Sell or Donate the Things You No Longer Use

Kids outgrow clothing, grow tired of toys, and move on to other interests. If things are no longer being worn or used, there is no reason that they should continue to take up room that you need for the things you actually use. Put the sentimental things into storage, but get rid of all the rest. Whether you list things on eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook or donate to your local Goodwill or other second-hand store, you can be happy knowing that someone else can get some use out of the things your family no longer needs.

Buy Dual-Purpose Furniture

When you live in a small space you have to be creative with it. As you’re shopping for furniture, try to find items that can serve more than one purpose to conserve space. For instance, if you needed an additional bedroom, you could invest in a futon couch for the living room so it serves as a social area during the day and a bedroom at night. Other options might include an ottoman that doubles as storage for books, or a trundle bed which has dresser drawers, or an additional bed underneath. We just visited IKEA for the first time since they opened a new one near here, and they have lots of creative options for small spaces.

Invest in Wall Shelves and Units

When it comes to limited floor space the best thing you can do is invest in wall shelves and other wall units. For instance, putting a flat screen television on the wall eliminates the need for a large clunky entertainment center. Wall shelves are great for aesthetics and storage of everything from knick-knacks and home decor to books and toys.

If the size of your home or apartment suddenly stops being enough space for you and your family to live comfortably, these tips can help to free up some room to accommodate everyone. While eventually you may need to upgrade and relocate, for now, you can live comfortably knowing everything has a place. (now if you can just get the kids to put things away when they're done using them...)

The Magic of the Bedtime Story

Many of us have fond memories of childhood and the bedtime stories that often ensued once we were cozily nestled underneath the covers. The magic that happened at bedtime was often our first introduction to literacy, and one of the defining moments that fueled our interest in the world and all the adventures yet to be had.

The Magic of Routine
One of the sweetest and most satisfying aspects of bedtime was knowing that there was always an interesting and exciting story to send us off into sleepy land. Although none of us really wanted to go to bed, we were always excited about the prospect of another bedtime story adventure that would be unveiled if we submitted to the necessity of bedtime. Bedtime was never put on a pedestal, but we knew that bedtime was the only ticket to the coveted bedtime story.

The Adventure
Bedtime stories were always fun because each one had an inherent adventure and dilemma tucked neatly into the story line. Would Jack ever make it back down the beanstalk without being caught? Would Little Red be spared from the Big Bad Wolf? Would Elizabeth ever find those regulation cornhole boards she secretly borrowed from her mom? We were all on the edge of our seats waiting to hear what the outcome would be as each character battled their nemesis for survival or some other hidden or obvious treasure. These stories taught the love of the unexpected and the need to embrace courage and face problems in order to overcome them.

Love from the Storyteller
Although the storyteller was not the obvious heroine or hero of bedtime, they were, in an unspoken way. They were the bearers of the stories. We learned to appreciate them just as much as the adventures they unfolded every night. We knew that it was love that fueled their desires to enrich our lives with the stories and adventures of others, both fiction and nonfiction. We loved them for loving us enough to tell the stories in such provocative and entertaining ways. Often, these people were our very own moms and dads, or grandmas and grandpas, and the love was often twofold because they did so much more for us than tell bedtime stories.

The telling of bedtime stories has been a well-known tradition for many years. Many children have looked forward to the telling of some exciting adventure or dilemma faced by a character in a bedtime story. This ritual has often been the first taste of literacy that a child experiences, and it is often one of the tools to help encourage bravery and problem-solving.

Doodle 4 Google Voting Open

I love this every year. Young people are given a theme - this year it's "what I see for the future" -, and they design a Google doodle. These kids are crazy creative!

Judges have selected State and Territory finalists, and public voting is now open to choose five National Finalists. Check out the gallery of submissions and cast your vote before March 6, 2017 at 5:00 pm EST.  Click on the doodles to learn more about the artists' visions of the future and vote for your favorite.

That is easier said than done. I just looked through all of them, and I'm not sure I can actually pick a favorite. There are lots of good ones. Like I said, these kids are crazy creative!

Be sure to check all the doodles out and let me know which one(s) you like best!

FREE Online Safety Ebook AND a Lorax Giveaway

Just because kids today have never known a world without the Internet doesn't mean they know how to behave online.  Teaching our children to use technology safely and responsibly is so important.  Are your kids ready to go online?  Take the quiz to find out, then watch the videos to start a discussion in your family about real situations that may occur online.


The More You Know Learning Series, in collaboration with NBC News, has launched Growing Up Online, the FREE eBook for parents to keep their kids safe on the Internet!  This free eBook provides easy-to-use information that addresses the growing concern about kids’ online privacy and cyberbullying in a unique and engaging way. Growing Up Online is packed with important tips that every parent should know!  For a start, check out these 6 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe Online. 

Then once you've downloaded the ebook, be sure to enter this giveaway, sponsored by the more you know and Growing Up Online.  The winner will receive a copy of Dr. Seuss’ THE LORAX DVD & Blu-ray Combo Pack.  I haven't seen the movie myself, but I've read the book, and it's pretty good!


To enter:

• Leave a comment telling me how you're teaching your children how to safely surf the internet or share your favorite Comic Book Video from the Blog App.
• For an additional entry, tweet about this giveaway with a link to this post and the hashtag #GrowingUpOnline in your tweet. (Once per day)

 The contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents, and all entries must be received by 11:59am Central Time on September 22, 2013.  Good luck!

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Have Questions About Kids and Cell Phones?

Do you have questions about your phone, smartphone or wireless modem? Would you like to learn more?  If you're like me, your phone has many capabilities you may not even be aware of.   When I don't know how to do something on my phone, I usually hand it to my son or daughter, and they can help me out.  For instance, the other day my Weather Widget disappeared.  Why?  I have no idea, but Cory fixed it for me.

U.S. Cellular offers FREE Device Workshops for those who don't have tech-savvy young people in their lives and for anyone who wants to know more about their phones, learn about the apps that are available, and learn about the ways mobile phones can keep families connected.

For families, U.S. Cellular has recently made this fully customizable Parent-Child Agreement available for free download.  I was pretty excited about that when they posted it on Facebook - even though my kids are all grown up, and it's a bit late for us.  I really wish we'd had something like that when the kids got cell phones.  It focuses on safety and etiquette, and lets families remove, edit, and add their own guidelines.  The point is that it gives parents a starting point for discussing the responsibility that comes with owning a mobile device and makes it easy for families to set the parameters for device usage and safety.  It doesn't have to be all about rules either.  You can include some fun things like making your kids promise to share the YouTube videos they find hilarious or send at least one text a day just to let mom know they love her.  It's all up to you and what works for your family.

To go along with the Parent-Child Agreement, U.S. Cellular has been offering free Device Workshops that focus on helping families make the decision of when to get children their first phone along with ways that mobile phones can help families stay connected.  Families can get tips on setting phone guidelines as well as share suggestions that may help other families.  Of course, if you have some suggestions that worked for your kids and their cell phone usage, or things that you wish you'd thought to require or enforce, please feel free to share here.  My kids may be past this age - though I still tell them not to text and drive - but I'm sure there are other parents who could benefit from your experience.

Check to see if there's an event near you or call your local U.S. Cellular store - 262-641-5000 for the one in Brookfield we've been to a few times.  Remember that all U.S. Cellular Device Workshop are FREE, and you even earn 250 Belief Points just for going, so be sure to sign up to learn more about U.S. Cellular products and services for you and your family.  Even if you can't make it to a Workshop, U.S. Cellular associates are always happy to answer any questions you have any time you walk into the store.

Disclosure: I am being compensated for my participation in the U.S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade as well as receiving a new phone.  My experiences with and opinions of U.S. Cellular are 100% mine.

Smartphone Apps for Families

Besides transferring all your contacts (and figuring out how to block those spam calls), the most important thing when you get a new smartphone is to install all the apps that will make your life easier.  And probably a few games, as well.

Most phones come with some preloaded apps to get you started, and there are many, many more available through Google Play, Amazon, and even your provider.

Because families today are getting busier and busier, many are using smartphones to make their lives easier, more efficient and meaningful. U.S. Cellular offers several apps specifically to help with that and to help people enjoy Better Moments with family.  Two of those are the Family Organizer and U.S. Cellular's new Family Protector.

Family Organizer helps you manage your busy family with a centralized calendar, shopping lists, to do lists and a family journal that everyone can share on the go.  It's like an updated version of the family wall calendar/schedule - only this one goes with everyone in the family everywhere they go.  Which is good, because busy families may not be home enough to actually read that calendar on the wall.

The Family Protector app is one I wish we'd had when my kids were still at home.  Of course, we would have had to have to have smartphones back then, too, but that's beside the point.  This app allows parents to monitor and control usage on their children's cell phones.  You can monitor text messages, photos, and call history as well as restricting apps, blocking websites, and setting time limits and schedules for when your children can talk, text, or browse the internet.  The app will also allow you to monitor your child's location, which could be a matter of life and death should, God forbid, something happen.  It's also a great way of making sure your teenager is where she says she is. (not that mine would ever have told me otherwise.  Uh, yeah)

When Beth would go to visit friends, we always had her call when she got there so we'd know she got there safely - and the caller ID would show whose phone she was calling from so we could see that she was where she said she was.  Then she got a cell phone, and she'd still call to let us know she got there, except that because she was calling from the cell phone, she could have been calling from anywhere.

I'm not necessarily advocating the Family Protector app as a way to spy on your teenagers, but it could work that way, and because it cannot be uninstalled without a password, there would be nothing they could do about it.  I do think it's a good way to protect your children and, yes, teenagers too.  Our kids didn't get cell phones until they were ready to drive, and then I wanted them to have the phones just in case they had car trouble or something else happened when they were out on the road.  It's hard to believe we all used to drive everywhere all the time without those phones!  But, while our kids didn't have phones until they were a bit older, many families are choosing to give their kids phones at earlier ages so that they can always keep in touch and keep up with their busy schedules.

That doesn't always mean the kids are ready for or responsible enough to handle having a cell phone and everything that goes along with it.  I've heard great stories about moms who set all kinds of rules and guidelines for phone use - and those stories circulate widely because the rest of us are so impressed at the way those moms handled the phone situation, and we wonder why we didn't think of that!  Oh, my kids had basic rules like don't text and drive and don't spend all night texting or talking on the phone, but I wasn't very good at checking up on them or really being able to enforce those rules.  I mean, I didn't even think about checking their phones regularly just to see who they were calling, when they were calling, what kind of texts they were sending and receiving, etc.

If only I'd had an app...  Or this customizable Parent-Child Agreement from U.S. Cellular has provided to help parents think about guidelines and phone responsibility.  It has some basic guidelines to get you started, and you can remove, edit or add your own guidelines that work best for you and your child, and that fit within your family.

So, if you've got kids with cell phones, that's great because I know, with the right apps and guidelines, they help families keep in touch and keep organized, but if you're looking for a good way to monitor your kids' phone usage and enforce the cell phone rules you've set, be sure to check out the Family Protector app.  It's free to try for 30 days and then $9.99/month after that for up to 5 devices.

Are there any other apps you've found useful for your family and that you'd recommend to other moms?  Feel free to share them here.  

Disclosure: I am being compensated for my participation in the U.S. Cellular Better Moments Blogger Brigade as well as receiving a new phone.  My experiences with and opinions of U.S. Cellular are 100% mine.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Raising a Healthy Child

The following is a guest post by Adrienne Razon.

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Raising a healthy child can be a challenge, especially with so many temptations around your kids, such as junk food advertising, television and computers, and other factors that lead them to live a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle. The key to steering your kids away from these influences is to build a strong foundation and to lead by example, so they can learn how to distinguish “healthy” from “unhealthy.”

Before pointing out effective methods to raising a healthy child, you need to be aware of what habits need to be avoided.

1. Believing that “fat-free” or “low-fat” products are healthy – People need certain types of fat in their diet, such as those that can be obtained from animal sources, coconut oil, and raw nuts.
2. Using sweets and junk food as a reward for good behavior – This will only encourage kids to think that unhealthy snacks are good for them.
3. Forcing your kid to finish his meal – Kids will naturally stop eating when they’re full. To avoid wasting food, serve small portions.
4. Letting your kids eat refined carbs and drink soda – Pizza, mac and cheese, fries, and burgers should not be a part of your kid’s meal. Soda and fruit juices are not ideal beverages for kids.
5. Not eating a healthy meal yourself – If kids see that you yourself don’t eat any vegetables or other healthy foods, they will automatically follow suit and refuse to eating them.

Now that you have an idea of what you shouldn’t do, it’s time to focus on guidelines that will help you raise a healthy kid. Here are some of them.

Your Own Health Matters

What you eat or do during pregnancy will have a significant effect on your fetus’ growth and development. Maintain your optimal health (and your baby’s) by eating right and exercising regularly.  Consult your doctor on what foods to eat and supplements you can take, as well as what exercises you can do.

Remember that Breastfeeding is Crucial

The more and longer you breastfeed, the more successful your baby’s development will be. Breast milk provides DHA that contributes to your baby’s brain development. At the same time, it can deliver other important nutrients, such as vitamin K.

Take Advantage of the Sunshine

The best source of vitamin D is ample sunshine exposure. Take your child outside for at least 15 minutes a day to optimize his vitamin D levels.

Plan Your Child’s Diet

As much as possible, your child’s diet should be organic. Avoid snacks and beverages loaded with sugar and preservatives. If you train your kids to eat vegetables early, they will find no difficulty in resisting processed and junk foods. It is also ideal to prepare your own food. Let your kids help you. Lead by example.

Encourage Them to Be Active

Encourage your kids to make exercise a part of their daily activities. Prevent them from being sedentary, letting them watch TV or playing computer games for hours.

You don’t need to enroll them in exercise classes. Instead, encourage them to do fun activities,  such as sports, riding bikes, or simply play with them outdoors. The more you do these activities with them, the more your kids will be inspired to stay active. At the same time, doing physical activities together will strengthen your bond as a family.

Stick to a Schedule

Kids can understand time better if you create a schedule for them. Teach them to eat, sleep, and wake up on time. This also gives them a sense of security.

Make Informed Decisions

When it comes to vaccinations or drugs, find out all the details. This will enable you to create informed decisions for your kids.

Use Natural and Organic Products

The immune systems of infants and children are still in the process of developing. Any exposure to chemicals may put them at risk for serious complications in the future. Lessen their exposure by replacing detergents, cleaners, insect repellants, and personal care products to natural and organic varieties.

Take note of these guidelines and you’ll be well on your way to nurturing a healthy child.

About the Author

Adrienne Razon works as a writer at Mercola.com and produces natural health articles. She is currently doing research on important nutrients that children should receive in optimal amounts, such as vitamin K, vitamin D, antioxidants, and probiotics.

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Kids Bowl Free all Summer Long

Now that school is about over for the year, moms everywhere are dreading those two words - "I'm Bored"

Yep, the kids are so excited for summer vacation.  No getting up early.  No classes.  No homework.  Nothing to do.  It's all good for the first day or two, and then boredom sets in.

AMF has the answer!  Kids bowl free all summer long!  That means now through September 3, kids 15 and under can bowl two free games every day.  Free bowling is available 7 days a week until 8pm. All you have to do is visit the AMF Summer Unplugged page, find a participating location, and fill out the simple registration form.  Every week they'll email you vouchers for two free games for each child per day.  Whether you go every day or just a time or two during the summer, it's a great deal and a great way to beat the heat and the boredom.

And if you want to bowl too - because it's more fun that way! - or if your kids are older than 15, AMF has a deal for you too.  For only $29.95 you can purchase a Summer Pass that enables you and up to 3 family members 16 and up to bowl 2 games every day all summer long.

Note: I was planning to post this earlier, as part of a campaign through One2One Network, and I would have been entered to win some kind of prizes for doing it.  But I was thinking I had more time - for some reason the wrong date got stuck in my head, and I just kept putting it off.  So I will not be eligible to win anything, but I still wanted to let you know about this - in case you haven't heard about it on the radio or seen it somewhere else online.  I love free (or very cheap) entertainment!  And I strongly believe in getting out and doing things with the kids as much as possible - enjoy them while they're young and make memories.  Plus, now that smoking is not allowed indoors (at least here in Wisconsin), it's actually possible for families to go bowling together without worrying about all that nasty smoke.  I always thought bowling should be a family activity, but unfortunately the smokers did their best to discourage that!  Not anymore!!

I'm just wishing my kids weren't all grown up and off doing their own things and living their own lives, because I'd love to include bowling in our summer activities.

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Turn Your Child into a Reader

I love reading - as you've probably noticed.  My son Cory loves to read.  My daughter Beth?  She'll read when she absolutely has to - or when she finds something that interests her.  She can do it; she just doesn't love it.

I found this list in a magazine I was going through, and I like to think I did most of these things - so obviously there's no guarantee your child will grow up to be a reader, but following these tips will make it more likely:

Turn Your Child into a Reader: What Parents Can Do

• Be one yourself.  Make sure your child see you read every day
• Read your child stories.  And make reading aloud part of your daily ritual, even after a child can do it on her own.
• Encourage your child to ask questions about the book you're reading, and ask them yourself.  "What do you think will happen now?  Why was the girl so sad?"
• When your child reads to you, be patient, listen attentively and don't correct too often.
• Keep new reading material coming:  Make regular trips to the bookstore or library.  Get you child his own library card or even a magazine subscription.
• Expand your child's vocabulary by explaining new words you come across when you're reading together.
• Encourage fluency by having your child read and reread familiar books.
• Have children practice reading to young siblings or even pets.
• Pick books that are at the right level, because material that's too hard can be discouraging.  Be aware of what your child enjoys.  If she finds she likes an author, help her find more of that author's work.  Encourage her to explore subjects that interest her.
• Make sure there's a comfortable, quiet spot to read.  Put limits on TV watching and computer use.

 
I know Beth loved books and reading when she started school.  We had been reading them since she was a little bitty thing.  I learned that's not always the case when we met her kindergarten teacher before school started, and she said one of the primary goals for the year was to instill a love of books in the students.  It really shocked me that there are kids going to kindergarten who have not been exposed to books at home.  Maybe the parents don't read so they don't think it's important?  That first tip there - Be a reader yourself - is so important.  If your kids don't see you reading, they won't think it's important or that it's an enjoyable activity.  Unfortunately, Jeffrey is not a reader, and Beth likes to use that as an excuse - if Daddy doesn't read, and he's OK, then it must not be that important.  Even if you just sit down and read the kids' books - together, out loud, just for fun - do it!  Read!
 
I don't really remember if I continued reading aloud to my kids after they learned to read on their own, but I think that's a really good idea.  I can remember some of the books we read together that would have been for older kids - Mr. Pudgins and Five Little Peppers and How They Grew to name a couple - so maybe I did. (I'm shocked to see that copies of Mr. Pudgins are selling on Amazon for around $30!  I could sell ours, but we read it so many times!)  The Five Little Peppers books are free for Kindle, so I'm grabbing those!

Once the kids could read on their own, I would have them read to me or ask them questions about the books they were reading.  Lots of times I'd read their books too, especially if they really seemed to enjoy them.  I gave up trying to keep up with Cory when he got out of children's books and into full-length books.  I wish I had time to read all the books he's read!  I especially wanted to read the books Beth was reading, because there weren't many books that grabbed her attention, so I figured they must be really good if she wanted to read them.  I still remember when her 3rd grade class was reading Harry Potter, and she disappeared when we were out roller-blading, because she just had to get back to reading the book!  Believe me - I had to read that book!  I was always trying to find something that would interest her - not an easy thing to do, but those Harry Potter books really got her attention!  She's read all of those.  And practically every book written by James Paterson!  Oh, and The Twilight Saga books, which is the only reason I've read two of them and have another one on my bookshelf to read.

Are your children readers?  Could you or did you use some of these tips?  What books do you remember reading to your kids?  Are there any books I need to get so I can read them to Jason?  (I'm already grabbing free children's books for my Kindle app)  What else do you do to help your children develop a love of books and reading?  Please share!

Give a Kid a Book with the Click of a Mouse

You know how much I love books and reading.  I read books to my kids from the time they were really little, and I didn't buy them toys very often, but I could never say no to a new book.  Unfortunately there are kids in this country who do not have books of their own - which makes me very sad.

This week we can all do something about that, and all it takes is a click or two of your mouse.  For every new fan or follower First Book gets on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr, the people at Random House Children’s Books have generously agreed to donate one brand-new book to an underprivileged kid.   Books will go to thousands of schools and programs serving kids from low-income families across the country.

It couldn't be easier! So, please, check out the First Book blog to give a kid a book with the click of your mouse.

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I Think My Nieces are Fish

I finally got to meet my nieces - 3 precious little girls who live in Oregon.  Why do they have to live so far away?  Anyway, I'd never met them before this week, so I'm enjoying getting to know them.  They are adorable little things - quite amazing who their dad is!  I mean, of course my little brother would have adorable children, of course he would.
 

Yesterday we went to the waterpark so all the kids could play in the water.  Jason loved it, but he was getting cold so we left fairly soon, but those little girls and their parents stayed for hours.  They must be little fish or something.  They were probably all shriveled up and pruny by the time they left that place and needed lots of lotion and argan oil for skin afterwards. But they had a good time, and that's all that counts, right?

I would have stayed longer if Jason hadn't been so cold.  I've always loved spending time in the water, and my kids always did, too.  It really is fun to watch them have such a good time.

Breakfast in Bed?

Did everybody have a nice Mother's Day?  Mine was nice.  We didn't do much - and sometimes that's the nicest of all.  I got a sweet card from my husband, and we'll call my new 'toy' a Mother's Day gift.  Cory stayed on campus for the weekend, so I didn't get to see him, but he did wish me a Happy Mother's Day on facebook, texted me, and called me too - so that was nice.  Beth wished me a Happy Mother's Day on facebook and then came over for a while.  We sat out on the deck and talked for a while - me, Beth, Jeffrey and Tim.  It was nice.

Something I did not get was breakfast in bed.  And that's OK with me.  I was reminded while reading the Sunday comics that breakfast in bed seems to be something husbands and kids like to do for Mother's Day.  Is this really something that moms enjoy, or are they just pretending because the family is trying to do something nice?  Because I just can't see it being all that enjoyable.  First of all - when I wake up, I really need to pee.  I could not make it through breakfast.  Also, I need to wash my face and brush my face before I even feel human.  I would not want to be talking to anyone and trying to eat breakfast. 

Probably I'm just missing the obvious, and all those moms who get breakfast in bed got up while the family was fixing it and used the bathroom, washed faces, brushed teeth, put on cute (and modest) nightgowns, and then crawled back in bed to wait.  But, if that's the case, why not just go eat breakfast in the kitchen and keep the crumbs out of the bed? 

It might even be better to get up and fix breakfast, and avoid this:

Get Kids Active

When we were growing up, we spent a lot of time outside just playing.  (and working)  The point is, we were active.  Oh, I spent a lot of time reading books, but I also got a lot of exercise running around the pasture, playing in the creek, and riding my bike.  With video games, computers, movies, and so many other forms of indoor sedentary entertainment, today's kids don't seem to get as much activity and exercise.  Is it any wonder that childhood obesity is a growing problem?

Activitytree.com is committed to fighting childhood obesity and to promoting kids' active bodies and minds.  It's the largest online parent resource for kid's lessons, classes, and camps.  They make it simple for parents to find activities in their own areas by searching by area code and activity type to get contact information, web site links, interactive maps and activity descriptions for over 18,000 providers. Creating a FREE member profile lets them further narrow their activity search results by age of participant, gender, day and time of activity. Members can also sign-up for select classes with the easy, secure Click & Pay, organize and share calendars with myActivityTree, get directions to activities, join carpooling, and receive local Deals by email.

Parents can also join the Get Kids Active! Facebook Campaign for activity ideas and help in getting their kids active through social networking.  It's not as easy as just saying, "Go play outside!" but having all these resources will certainly help in finding some fun activities for the kids.

Right now ActivityTree.com is is making kids activities and camps more affordable by offering “Get Kids Active!” Scholarships. There are two ways to enter:

1. ActivityTree.com Kids Scholarships Page
2. ActivityTree Facebook Page via the Scholarships tab