The holiday season is filled with cherished traditions, quality time with the family, and, most of all, expectations.  Kids, especially, often have lofty ideas about the gifts they want (or "deserve") to receive.  And for far too many parents, the weeks of stress and preparation – not to mention the money spent – go unrewarded when children tear through the gifts like tornados.  In the blink of an eye, the presents are all unwrapped, and parents are left with feeling unfulfilled and underappreciated.  So how do we break this cycle of yearly disappointment?  How do we show our children how [...]

Turkey Glove Puppets This is a great idea that will not only keep the kids occupied while they make their puppets. But when they are finished, they’ll have built-in entertainment ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need: Inexpensive cotton gloves Craft Feathers Craft Felt (red and orange) Scissors First of all, don’t spend a lot of money on gloves. You can probably find some at Walmart or Target for just a few bucks. And if you can’t locate any craft feathers, that’s okay. Just use the felt and cut some out instead. The steps are simple for this. Simply lay [...]

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday full of love and family. But with a house to clean, a meal to cook, and a long to-do list, it can also be a stressful day. Keeping the kids occupied and happy is crucial to your success. Check out these great suggestions to help them (and you) have a great Thanksgiving. Let Them Help With Cooking This is a no-brainer. You have work to do preparing for the meal and house guests. And the best way to keep an eye on your kids while you work is if they’re in the kitchen with you. [...]

Coming up with fun ideas for Autumn birthdays can be tough. After all, it’s hard to compete with the non-stop fun of summer and the building excitement that grows as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas. But there are some great ways to celebrate.  Check out these four party ideas for your child’s fall birthday. Apple Orchard Apples are a staple of the fall harvest season. And with so many different recipes based on the delicious fruit, it’s no wonder people get excited this time of year. With that in mind, why not throw a caramel apple party. Similar to an [...]

Walking door-to-door collecting candy from neighbors has been a favorite kid activity for generations. In today’s world, however, it’s not always an option for some families. And this often creates to need for parents to start their own traditions to keep the kids entertained, safe, and happy on Halloween. If this sounds like your family, here are four fun trick-or-treating alternatives to help show your kids a scary good time this Halloween. Plan a Scary Movie Marathon Transform your living room into a spooky dungeon with black lights and spider webs.  This will get everyone in the Halloween spirit and ready to [...]