You may think the greatest piece of equipment in your kitchen is your knife, or your stove, or your panini press. But in the dog days of summer, it’s hard to beat the freezer. • You can puree just about anything you can think of, pour it into a frozen-pop mold, and within a few [...]

If you revel in being a scout leader on craft day, this post isn’t for you. If you find joy in helping Vacation Bible Schoolers turn crepe paper and rocks into Father’s Day presents, click away now. If your house is known by the neighborhood kids as the place to go when they have the [...]

Make a Rainbow of Science in Your Home and Escape the Heat
The hot weather is here to stay for a few days. You’ve been to the pool everyday for a month. Now what are you going to do with the kids? With a little science and color knowledge, you can create rainbows inside.
Sharpie Pen Science
Pull [...]

The kids and I recently made sidewalk chalk.
I know. Such ambition chalks shocks even me.
You see, I hate crafts. Always have. And despite my best efforts to be THAT mom, I always will.
I grew up with a domestic goddess mother so renowned that she opened the most acclaimed English tea rooms and gift shops in [...]

Bubbles and summer go hand in hand. On a warm summer evening, my daughters and I love to head outside for bubble play. Bubbles are good, clean fun but do you know the science behind the bubble?
The lifespan of an average bubble is mere seconds, but there is a way to extend the life of [...]

This is the perfect green activity for a rainy day. Here’s what you do.
1. Get out your recycling. Even better, save really good materials for a few weeks – egg cartons, cardboard boxes, strawberry containers, plastic lids are good.
2. Cut out words from the magazines, advertisements, or newspapers in [...]

Get your kids reading this summer! As a teacher, mom, and book nerd, I’m always reading something – for me or for someone slightly younger. Click here for my recommendations by age and topic.
My favorite “get your child to read trick” is (drum roll please . . . ) let them read in [...]

We’ve all been there. Making our children sit down to WRITE seems like punishment for them and for us. Us, when they throw a fit, cry, or refuse to do it . . . sound familiar?
How about these real life writing experiences . . .

LISTS – make a grocery list of your [...]

Last year my daughter came home from school and told me one of her friends “locked her out” or wouldn’t let her play. It happened the next day and the next. I asked, “Do you really think she’s a good friend?”
“Yes,” she insisted.
Suddenly, my whole life flashed before me. How many times [...]

Take a pretend trip around your house. Find a suitcase your child can pack with all the very important essentials of travel — favorite toys, books, and valuables – obviously, no clothes required. Mom and dad can do that.
Use chairs to make your car since your child has just learned to drive.
Don’t forget to [...]