1. Parenting & Family

Fun Outdoor Party Games for Kids

outdoor party games

Springtime means longer days and warmer weather, and for kids, that means more outdoor fun. Check out this list of fun outdoor party games to make your next celebration a blast for the children. Photo: iStockphoto

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School-Age Children Spotlight10

Got 10 Minutes? You Can Spend It Toning Your Arms!

Saturday May 19, 2012
10 minute arm exercises

Let's face it: As busy parents, it can be tough to find 10 minutes for a shower much less time for a long workout. But here's what I've learned from some great trainers I've met like John McGuire from PrimalNY.com: You can get in shape by sneaking in short bursts of exercise throughout the day.

Here's a video for some 10-minute arm exercises that'll help you get rid of arm flab (and we can all use that!! Well, I can, anyway...). I've been doing it, and it really has been making a difference. If you try it, please let me know what you think!

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Great Ideas for Teacher Gifts

Saturday May 19, 2012
teacher_and_students

As we near the end of the school year (already!), many parents are struggling to come up with ideas for great teacher gifts.

If you have had as great a year as we have (a big "thank you" to all our teachers this year--you know who you are!), you'll want to show your appreciation with a token of your gratitude. Some great ideas for teacher gifts include gift cards, photo books, and healthy treats.

What ideas do you have? How will you show your appreciation?

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Preventing Dog Bites

Saturday May 19, 2012
dog_and_boy

Did you know that more than 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year, and more than half of those injuries happen to kids under the age of 14? Moreover, dog bite injuries to children tend to be severe.

Dogs are often our best friend, but it's important to teach kids safety tips around dogs--both ones they know and ones they don't. In an effort to raise awareness about how to prevent dog bites, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Veterinary Medical Association and the US Postal Service are working together again this year and promoting National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which kicks off tomorrow.

To keep kids safe, experts recommend teaching kids to never bother a dog while it's eating, sleeping or caring for its puppies; training dogs to feel at ease in different situations; and never leaving a baby or small child alone with a dog. For more tips, read "Preventing Dog Bite Injuries in Kids".

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Sleepaway Camp: Is Your Child Ready?

Monday May 14, 2012
summer_camp

Have you already chosen a sleepaway summer camp? Is your child ready for the independence and self-reliance that being at an overnight camp requires? Here are some tips on how to prepare your child for sleepaway camp, and how to handle homesickness.

Some of the best tips for summer camp success have to do with giving things time to develop and allowing your child to work through his feelings of missing the familiar comforts of home. Most children experience intense separation anxiety, and it's something parents can discuss with them before they leave. For more tips, read "Is Your Child Ready for Sleepaway Camp?"

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