Art supplies are wonderful and versatile. What other items offer fun play, creative expression, and learning all in one…for very inexpensive prices?

With art supplies children have the world at their fingertips. There is so much that can be done, be made, be transformed…but with toxic ingredients like lead showing up in kids’ products you want to be sure that the creative supplies are not only fun but safe for the little ones.

Stubby Pencil Studio offers the biggest selection around that I have found, of eco-friendly, non-toxic art supplies and old fashioned games and toys.

Perfect items to stuff in Easter baskets. I have a crafty family. All of us are DIY handmade type people, so craft supplies are always on hand; however because we are so crafty we tend to go through them pretty fast. Or they mysteriously disappear.

That is either thanks to my budding magician toddler whose disappearing sippy cup act beats anything Copperfield could offer, or it could be the invisible troll that also loves socks, not sure.

Anyway, we always need new crayons, paints and sketchbooks that rapidly get filled with wonderful ideas and beautiful works of art. (continue reading…)

ⓒ iStockPhoto - Knape

Terra Wellington has written a great guide for any mom (or dad) interested in going green. From energy savings to green vacations you’ll get information, tips and ideas to help green your family in this detailed and well written green family guide, The Mom’s Guide to Growing Your Family Green: Saving the Earth Begins at Home.

Wellington doesn’t preach, instead she offers useful advice, green ideas, helpful tips and much needed information that will break through all the confusion and greenwashing going on today. She even includes handy little icons that let you know how beneficial the green aspect is and how much it is going to cost. Icons include those for health benefits, time savings, money savings, free stuff, and expenses that range from under $50 to over $1,000. (continue reading…)

ⓒ iStockPhoto - sbossert

It’s no secret that Hanukkah’s irresistible draw of presents makes it a child’s favorite holiday.  However, sometimes, the real significance of Hanukkah gets lost especially when kids become preoccupied with gift expectations.   Here are some simple suggestions that can help your family develop a new and more meaningful approach to the holiday of Hanukkah.

Music

Break away from the monotonous Dreidel song.  Here are some funky, playful, CD’s with a touch of the traditional.  (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - Catherine Yeulet

Approximately half of the pre-school children do not have breakfast with their parents on most mornings. Parents set the food on the table in a hurry to finish off the household chores in busy morning time. Dozens of scientific studies have demonstrated an impressive list of benefits associated with eating together as a family.

The nutritional benefits alone are dramatic. Each meal at home is healthier than a meal on go. The meals on go also lessen the enjoyment and fun time that kids can actually spend with their parents. As kids eat more at home with parents, they naturally begin to eat whole food grains, dairy products, fruits and vegetables than their peers do. They are more likely to achieve the nutritional benefits derived from the food. They eat less deep fried foods and drink fewer sugared and carbonated drinks. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - kate_sept2004

Choosing a child care center is a very important decision, and your decision as a parent will influence your child’s comfort with and response to the new settings. While selecting one for my baby, I looked at lists of qualities and requirements for a good child care place after visiting many of the child care centers over a month’s time. I was not in a rush. The final one was visited at least a 5 times before I left my child there for the first time. After all, it is for my beloved son! And now I feel so satisfied and happy that he loves to go there and enjoys his time with the caregiver and other kid. The caregiver, Ms. Nancy, is a very good and loving lady. That day I was getting late for a meeting and in rush I just forgot to pack his lunchbox. And when I rushed into the door of the center I realized my mistake. By that Ms Nancy came over to greet my son Naunidh. She noticed my harried look and questioned what the matter was. I said sheepishly, “I forgot Naunidh’s lunch at home.”

Ms Nancy assured me that she would take care of this. She said that she would arrange for some fresh fruits, peanut butter, whole grain toast, strawberry yogurt (he loves it!), crackers and milk of course.

I was so relaxed. I consider child care centers as a family support system, which proved so true this very morning.

Thus, it is very important to find a quality child care for your child. I remember that the people at the center where my son goes now were very polite and easy going. I asked them many questions and they answered all of them. They even allowed me to observe them in action, which made me believe that it can be good place for my kid. (continue reading…)