Twenty minutes a day.
It’s the standard homework assignment.  With good reason — practice makes “better.”
Only, it’s not a happy time at my house.
My daughter (A.) has not inherited my passion for books. Since I began reading, I have read for fun, pleasure, escape, and learning.  A. not so much.
And, the irritating thing is that [...]

Children differ.  Does your child . . .
love animals?
like to work with others?
like to set goals?
enjoy singing?
do mental math easily?
like word games?
love maps?
excel in sports?
Everyone is smart. In some way. The examples you just read show the different ways in which children are gifted, or in other words, smart.
Parents, you know your kids are [...]

Don’t you want to tell your kids to just “go outside and play, already?” Do you hear, “But, there’s nothing to do”? Well, how about some Frisbee fun then!
Getting active with kids is all about the fun. First, show your child how to turn the Frisbee into the body, and pitch it [...]

Sort, count, add and compare . . . with food! Okay, m&m’s aren’t very healthy – think of the motivation to snack and count at the same time. Or you could try these activities with Chex Mix, jelly beans, Fruit Loops, or trail mix. (Am I on a food kick or what?)
Grab your [...]

Choose a “weather window” in your house. Label it to remind yourself and your kids. Maybe somewhere near your eating area.
Post a large thermometer outside. Put up a windsock.
Observe. Is it sunny, cloudy, partly cloudy, rainy, or snowy? (Parents, you can talk about what happens to your kids when the barometer changes. [...]

If your kids are learning to add, about money, or to be an entrepreneur, suggest a penny store. Save your pennies, and get ready for big fun.
Supplies:

Sticky notes for prices
Pencil or pen
Table or bench for the “store”
Cash register (if you have one)
Items to sell — see below
Pennies ( – nickels and dimes for older [...]

Summer seems to be flying by. Swimming, playing, traveling is winding down. I don’t know about you but I’m hearing a lot of, “I don’t know what to do!”
As if.
It makes me crazy. But, no more. I’m prepared, and now, so are you. I’ve made a little “What to [...]

Writers need to write. Artists need to create. Musicians need to play. Create a wonderful writing “center” or “nook” for your young writer(s) to write. All you need are space and materials. Try to let your child’s inner writer emerge. Don’t comment too much or expect perfection. [...]

It’s late. You’re so tired you could sleep on the floor through an earthquake outside in a rainstorm. Or that might just be me. Then your child says, “Tell me a story.” And you can’t think of a single idea other than sleeping . . . soon.
Here’s all you need to [...]

Trail mix (often called Gorp) is one of my favorite snacks! It’s so filling, especially with almonds or cashews. You can make this snack as an activity with your kids, and even help your kids write up the directions.
Go to the bulk aisle in the grocery store and select your ingredients . . [...]