How to we, as parents, teach our kids the importance of having fun while playing sports versus winning when it’s more fun to win?
Best Baby Shower Gift Ideas
I am partial to coordinating a group present and buying one big ticket item for expectant parents. It’s not easy to pull off but I remember how daunting and expensive it was to get ready for a new baby. This is not to say that I am not buying cute outfits with matching socks and hats — this is my only chance to buy those these days and it’s so much fun to pick it out! But if I think back on what I really needed; items that are impactful, special, unusual, and thoughtful, this would be my secret fantasy list of what I would want.
How about you? What gifts do you particularly treasure?
Earthquake Science for Kids
I grew up in Southern California and experienced many a earthquake including the Northridge earthquake which was memorable. Though many in many area felt the recent East Coast earthquake, it went unnoticed at my house. I think it was because we were all in the basement so we did not feel our house move at all. Still, this is a teachable moment for any child who might have anxiety or curiosity about earthquakes between this one and the huge one in Japan. I found these links from a variety of articles and hope you find them useful!
Math Apps Kids Love
All in all, this math game is fun for kids and for $.99, it’s well worth the money. To examine the game or purchase it at iTunes, just click on top small icon.
Family Reunion Vacations: North Captiva Island, Florida
Near Fort Myers and yet so far away is North Captiva Island, a barrier reef island that is only accessible by ferry. You might have heard of Captiva but this is a different place altogether. North Captiva doesn’t allow cars so it’s just golf carts, bikes, boats and walking for transportation on the island. And did I mention that it’s also a bird sanctuary? Be prepared to see an abundance of wild creatures from egrets to dolphins to manatees.
Happy Roald Dahl Day from My Daughter’s 3rd Grade Class
My middle daughter who is now 9-years-old is Roald Dahl’s biggest fan and it turns out her classmates love him too. They weren’t able to do a class celebration (his birthday does not time well) but these are the books that they would recommend to celebrate!
Predicting 2011 Caldecott and Newbery Winners
I think Fuse #8 Productions is one of the best children’s lit blogs around. Her predictions for Caldecott and Newbery Winners is usually dead on and I use her list to buy Christmas and birthday books for my kids because the timing of the actual awards comes in early January which is not perfect timing for the holiday season gift buying. Last year based on her list, I bought my oldest a stack from her list.