The third in our series of science experiments. These are a great way to explore the world around you - and for some schools an experiment for the science fair is mandatory. At a loss for ideas? Here's another one to test. We often refer to orange juice, lemon juice, or tomato products as ‘acidic’ but do you (or your child) really know what that means? If there are acidic items in our kitchen what do we call those items that are NOT acidic? The acidity of a liquid is measured on a ... Continue Reading
Kitchen Science: Testing the pH of an Unknown Solution

Teach the acidity of a solution by using red cabbage!
Losing Baby Weight the Healthy and Safe Way

Respect your body, your health, and your baby’s health while losing the pregnancy weight.
The joy of your life has been born. Now, in between sleepless nights and restless days, you’re plotting how you can shed some of the weight gained during your pregnancy. While it might be tempting to create a diet and exercise plan to lose weight quickly, you must remember to respect your body, your health, and your baby’s health with intelligent diet and exercise choices. Your Diet Many new mothers actually gain weight following childbirth. This is completely normal. A new mother who is ... Continue Reading
Teach Kids the Art of Giving

Help your kids see that the holidays are more about giving than getting this year.
Wants and wish lists can often overtake the true meaning of the holidays - giving back. While adults may realize it’s better to give than to receive, teaching kids this mantra can be tricky. The best way to impart this wisdom on your children is to show them, not tell them. Here’s a few ideas on how you can do just that this December: Gifted. With all the consumerism and festive frenzy, it’s easy for kids’ toy chests to overflow after all the presents are opened. This year, before ... Continue Reading
5 Easy Home Improvement Projects to do With Your Kids

Five ways to spend time with your kids – and get some home improvement projects out of the way too!
If you are like most parents, you are a very busy person. Taking the kids to school, cooking dinner, doing household chores - your schedule is jam-packed with important activities that have to get done. With everything going on, it can be nearly impossible to find the time to do a little bit of home maintenance. But what if you could include the kids in the projects? It would be a great way to spend time with them AND tackle some items around the house. The five home improvement projects ... Continue Reading
How Far Can Books Go? #100millionbooks

Encourage teachers and programs in your community to register with First Book.
Access to quality books and educational materials can make the critical difference in helping children succeed – in school and in life. In middle class and affluent communities, children have ready access to books – through books at home, in their schools, and in places throughout their community. By alarming comparison, in some of the lowest income neighborhoods in the country, there is only 1 book for every 300 children! This disparity puts millions of children from low-income ... Continue Reading
Teens and Smartphones: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Most teens own a smartphone – but is that good or bad? Find out the pros and cons of smartphone usage.
Teenagers and smartphones are an unstoppable force. In 2011, 36 percent of US teens had a smartphone. One year later that number had skyrocketed to 58 percent—a solid majority of the total youth market. It would be hard to find a single high school in North America where the hallways aren't crowded with teenagers texting and chatting away. Is all that time spent texting, listening to music, playing games, and fiddling with apps really good for kids? Some of the answers may surprise you. The ... Continue Reading
Fall Refresh: “Spring” Cleaning for Autumn

Spring into fall with a little bit of cleaning and organizing before the holiday rush hits.
Back to school schedules and activities are finally in sync and your family has a well-oiled routine. With the warm temperatures giving way to cool, crisp days and winter on the horizon, it’s time to do a little fall cleaning. We all find time for spring cleaning, but in the hustle and bustle for fall we don’t always check autumn cleaning off of our to-do list. This is a perfect opportunity to get the kids involved to teach them the importance of a clean sweep while editing their closets and ... Continue Reading
Baby Monitoring Peace of Mind #motorolababymonitors

Learn more about the line of Motorola Baby Monitors – both audio and video.
When my children were younger I was always concerned about their safety. Whether it was gates on the stairs or locks on all the cabinets - babyproofing was a big focus of mine. I also liked to keep an eye on them when they napped. Thank goodness for baby monitors! Whether it was an audio one on my hip while I did dishes or other chores, or a video monitor at my desk so I could look for restless signs of waking, I always seemed to have a monitor around. Motorola is known for their innovative ... Continue Reading
Dealing With Back-To-School Stress

Some tips for organizing, preparing, and easing back into back-to-school.
During the summer months, we tend to slip away from our routine and let things be a little more casual. The kids are out of school so there’s no need for structure around that rigid schedule and there’s no homework to look over. The freedom feels great but then, like most good things, it comes to a sudden end. Getting back to school and back into the swing of things can be tricky and stressful - but here are some tips for making it a smoother transition. Organize and Be ... Continue Reading
Science Experiment: The Not-So-Magical Floating Paperclip

Show your child the strength of water molecules by floating a paperclip on it.
School is finally starting, but that doesn't mean the wonder of summer has to end. Science experiments are a great way to explore the world around you - and for some schools an experiment for the science fair is mandatory. At a loss for ideas? We're starting a new series of science experiments for you. The Not-So-Magical Floating Paperclip Have you ever gone for a walk with your child and stopped to visit a pond along the way? Often times, you'll see small bugs skimming the surface of the ... Continue Reading