Parenting Report

Water balloons are a lot of fun for kids of all ages. There are so many different ways you can have organized games so all the kids can get in on the water fun and cool off. Here are some games that the kids can get in on without worrying about an out of control balloon pelting fiasco ending in time outs and tears! Read more

Keeping up with the house while you're pregnant only gets harder the further along you get. The closer you are to delivery time, the less energy you'll have. Like most mom's to be, you'll be wanting to nest and make everything as spotless as possible for your new baby's arrival including setting up toys and jumpers the baby won't even be ready for months after he/she's born. What's a mom to do with so much to get done but can't even see her toes?! Read more

When you work full-time (or even part-time), it can be very difficult to incorporate activities that are both fun and educational into your main job—parenting. Sure, you might do a puzzle together while the pasta boils, or doodle together while you’re waiting on the phone with customer service, but planning really creative adventures can sometimes fall by the wayside.

Enter Fun with Mommy & Me. OK, I will be the first to admit that the title is a turnoff. Even though Mommy & Me is a nationally recognized program, this activity book is also great for dads—so fathers of the world, don’t write this one off! Though published eight years ago, this book is choc full of simple but creative, fun and educational activities for busy parents and their kids. I stumbled on it at the library and had to get a copy; there are many used, super cheap ones available. Read more

Now that summer’s in full-swing, we’ve had a chance to enjoy swimming, summer reading programs at the library, camping and a number of other summer activities. (And if you haven’t yet, you can find lots of free things to do here.) You may have even done some indoor crafts already, which is a great way to pass the super hot days.

But did you ever think about expanding your creations to the outdoors? There are plenty of mediums and ideas outside, and getting your kids to look at twigs, grass and rocks in a whole new, artistic way is sure to get their creative juices flowing—as well as to stop the “I’m bored!” refrain! Here are some great outdoor crafts to do with your kids this summer (or even by yourself, if you like): Read more

As a kid, I know I was both a bully, as well as a victim of bullying, at different parts of my life. I’m not proud of the stupid things I said to a girl in middle school who certainly didn’t deserve my teasing, and I certainly don’t recall memories of being teased about everything from my height, weight, brain, place of living, family income and clothing during various parts of my childhood fondly, either.

And I’m not alone. About a third, or 5.7 million, of the kids in America are either bullies or victims of bullying. These kids often suffer from low self-esteem and become anxious and insecure. Being bullied further harms their development of key social skills and causes endless suffering, sometimes to the point where kids will even lie to get out of school. Read more

World's Youngest Smoker?Motley Crue joked about kids smoking in the boys room, but I think they were referring to teenagers. In China, one parent (who is in need of a serious ass-whupping if you ask me) has taught his two-year-old to smoke.

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 A case involving Safford Middle School in Arizona, taken by the courts for review in January of this year has been settled. Today the Supreme Court, in an 8-1 vote, ruled that an investigation performed by the Safford Middle School based on nearly no evidence, resulting in a strip-search of a 13 year-old, 8th grade honor roll student, violated the Fourth Amendment ban on “unreasonable searches and seizures.” A federal appeals court also found the search “traumatizing” and illegal. Read more

If you are running out of summer activities to do already—or if you just want something fun to do inside today while it’s so hot outside—creating a secret handshake with your child is a great activity. Not only is it fun and silly, it’s also a great bonding moment between the two of you—not just when you create the handshake but also every time you use it afterwards. Imagine seeing little Jimmy off to college and using your secret handshake before he drives away into the sunset!

Creating a secret handshake is really simple, and you can do whatever you want; just be creative. Here are some tips and ideas if you are stumped (or haven’t had any caffeine yet today): Read more

Cell phones are all the rage with kids of every age now. But does that mean that all kids should have them? What about kids under the age of 13? Where do you cross the line? With different free online communication alternatives parents should consider their options before making the decision of taking on another cell phone plan, bill and the risk of not being able to properly monitor the communications taking place. Read more

Life changes that all kids end up having to deal with normally lead to some behavior issues. Some parents have it worse than others and there are those that just do not know what to do. Currently working on the last summer before the starting school transition happens for the very first time, my normally well behaved 5 year old has needed some attitude adjustment to snap her back into shape. Read more