I realized that I have planned 27 birthday parties for my three kids thus far. It’s not professional event planning status, but it’s getting close especially if you add in more two hundred more children’s parties we’ve attended. That sounds like madness but it’s just seven parties a year times ten years times three kids. Hence, I am sharing my Top 10 Best Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas.
Category: Parenting
My blog covers education and children’s books. When I cover parenting issues, it usually contains book recommendations. Parenting topics include academic subjects, summer learning, bullying, special needs, fitness and more.
Duct Tape Crafts for Kids: Bags, Purses & Swords
I would never have guessed that duct tape, foil and paper could keep a group of kids busy and quiet for hours. What was amazing was that the group had great diversity of age (from 6 years old through 15 years old) and was comprised of boys and girls. It’s true that the Duck brand duct tape has great patterns and colors which makes it very fun. I don’t even mind the weapons they constructed even though that led to hand-to-hand combat; the duct tape weapons are not very sturdy so no one gets hurt. What are your kids making with duct tape? Please share!
10 Things Autistic Children Wish You Knew
I found this great summary by Autumn Rain Creations who summarized the 10 things by Ellen Notbohm called Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew and I just shortened it. But do go to her blog if you want more details. Or check out the book at the library.
Best Middle Grade Books from My 5th Grade Daughter
I am thrilled that she is loving to read and now that she is cranking through book series, I am noticing a pattern: she loves fast paced, fantasy adventure books, particularly those in which the main characters possess special powers. I asked her for her Top 5 Series recommendations and all fit the bill except for The Mysterious Benedict Society. These series also have unisex appeal as I have noticed that she is lending out her books to both male and female classmates. Finally, these books are appropriate for a wider audience beyond 5th grade, I’d say the range is grades 3rd through 8th.
Head Lice Remedies
Thank you to Capability:Mom for sending me this video from The Wall Street Journal on Remedies for Getting Rid of Head Lice. I have my own take on lice after two stints and I have posted on it here.
How To: Pay for College from Dr. Michele Borba
Dr. Michele Borba reached out to me and offered to be a guest author on How Families are Paying for College and gave some excellent advice on paying for college. One savings plan that she did not mention that I do for my kids is the 529B savings plan which allows the money that you save to grow in a tax advantaged way.
9 Things You Shouldn’t Say to Your Child
I found this great article on CNN.com and I’m afraid that while I don’t say all of these 9 things, the two I do say (#1 and #8), I say frequently. So, as penance, I am posting on this to remind myself to stop it! If you need to know the rationale of why these 9 Things are no-nos, the full article is here and there is extensive explanation for each one. Actually, I say #9 too. I am such a bad parent!