There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a dog! When our kids have had a bad day—or when I have, for that matter—hugging our dog and receiving love back can be just the thing needed to turn the day around. Dogs have a calming effect, despite how hyper they may be as a puppy. When our kids are scared or nervous about something, they think about our family dog and it helps them to calm
Baby’s first year is an exciting time, filled with memories you’ll want to cherish for a lifetime. In response to this, the market overflows with baby albums, many containing space to record weight, height, and other important information, such as first word, favorite toy, and so on. Commercial baby albums have serious limitations. For one thing, their question and answer format feels more like you’re filling out forms than documenting baby’s first year. Commercial
Independence Day is one of the most exciting days of the summer for children, with parades, marching bands, family BBQs, and, of course, firework displays. Use these four 4th of July crafts for kids to channel some of the excitement they feel when America’s birthday rolls around. Popsicle Stick Flags 4th of July crafts should be patriotic, and what’s more patriotic than Old Glory? Have your kids create their own flags with this simple
It’s important for kids to know even small acts can make a difference. Volunteering teaches this lesson and builds caring and empathy in children from an early age. Even toddlers are capable of learning about compassion and community responsibility through volunteering. Finding the Age Appropriate Volunteering Activities Choosing the right volunteer opportunities for kids helps keep them invested in charitable activities. Start by calling your local volunteer center. Describe your own interests and your
Summer is coming, and with it the demands for ice cream—from children and adults alike. Very little tastes better than some creamy vanilla ice cream on a hot day. We’d like to share a recipe we found that explains how to make homemade ice cream in small amounts within a few minutes. It also doubles as a neat (and tasty!) science experiment. How to Make Homemade Ice Cream You’ll need: 1½ cups half-and-half cream
Few bonds are as strong as the love a child shares with a well-trained dog. A family dog can be a child’s friend, confidante, comforter, and protector. Both sides of the relationship love playing, and outdoor games for kids and dogs can give pet and child alike the fun and activity they crave. Safety First Before we discuss games for kids and pets, it’s important to consider safety. Family dogs must be well-trained to
A generation ago, kids spent most of their time playing outdoors. In today’s world, children spend much more time indoors, and it’s having a negative effect on their health and development. Part of the problem is the allure of television and computer games, but technology alone isn’t to blame. Today’s busy schedules also take their toll: both kids and adults tend to have their time heavily scheduled—after a week of school, piano lessons, karate
The health benefits of coloring books are well-documented, and it’s not uncommon for therapists to prescribe coloring books for adults to patients as calming and relaxation therapy. Coloring is especially helpful for patients suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and stress-related conditions; the act of coloring helps people focus on an enjoyable, positive activity, providing relief from worrying or upsetting intrusive thoughts. The focus on coloring books for adults is a reminder of the positive effect
Baptism and Christening are important events, representing a child’s first interaction with church and faith. True, the baby won’t remember the event, but it’s a deeply moving milestone for new parents and the congregation at large. Personalized baptism gifts reflect both the solemnity and joy of the occasion, and can become much-loved keepsakes. We’ve assembled a list of five personalized baptism gifts parents and children will adore. Personalized Jewelry Silver jewelry is often
Finding Father’s Day gifts for grandpa can be tricky. Most Father’s Day gifts are designed with dads, not grandfathers, in mind. We’ve got a few ideas that will bring a smile to papa’s face—and maybe a happy tear to his eye. Fingerprint Keychains The most treasured Father’s Day gifts for grandpa are homemade crafts. These little keychains will remind Gramps of the grandkids every time he reaches for his keys. You’ll need: A
