Pottery Barn Kids
I can't afford most of the things at Pottery Barn Kids, but it's a great place to dream and get ideas. This is the cutest furniture and the storage systems are amazing. The children's play tables are my very favorites because of the style and solid wood crafting. But, don't stop at Pottery Barn Kids. You will also love PBTeen. These teen bedroom sets are entirely appropriate for kids too.
NYU Child Study Center
At the About Our Kids web site from the NYU Child Study Center, parents will find authoritative information on children's emotional and behavioral disorders, along with excellent advice on parenting and children's educational issues. Click the AOK Library tab and Articles to find an enormous resource of helpful information. Also, check out the book recommendations for more in-depth reading on your parenting issue.
Headbone Zone
Headbone Zone was one of the first kids' gaming sites; and now, a new generation of kids can enjoy its quirky, but educational, games. One of the most popular games at Headbone is 'Rags to Riches' in which your child has a rock 'n roll band that he has to manage to stardom. In the Education section of the site, kids play Derbies that require them to do research on the Internet to win. A great example is 'Escape to Freedom' where kids play a game that teaches about the Underground Railroad. Headbone is still one of the best kids' gaming sites in its graphic appeal, kid cool, and fun approach to education on the Internet.
PBS Parents' Guide to Birthday Parties
When birthday party time rolls around, each year of childhood is different. I usually begin planning a couple of months in advance, thinking about my child's interests and what type of party will be best this year. Many parties are centered around a character, and the PBS characters are always favorites. On the PBS site, you will find all the ideas and printables you need for character-centered parties for your very young child. But, they have many useful ideas for older children's birthday parties too, including the great ZoomKids games and activities.
Free Spirit Publishing
I've used Free Spirit's books in my counseling and education practice for many years. Founder, Judy Galbraith literally 'wrote the book' for gifted kids and kids with learning differences. Free Spirit has grown tremendously since those now classic books were published; and the company continues to publish outstanding self-help books for kids and parents. Now with everything from Algebra Survival Guide to Dude, That's Rude!, Free Spirit's books will help your child's social, emotional, and academic development and are great additions to your home or school libraries.
Wayfaring
My new obsession with Web 2.0 sites for families has kept me on the computer into the wee hours. So bleary-eyed, I share with you my current favorite, Wayfaring. You can think of lots of uses for Wayfaring; so check it out, but plan on being up late tonight.
Mathsphere
One of the best things about new math teaching strategies are the games you can make and play at home. Make-at-Home Math Games are great for helping children learn math concepts while having fun, and for home, that's perfect.
Google Earth
If you haven't found your house on Google Earth, you've missed an experience that your kids will love. Using Google Earth requires a free download of a broadband viewer. From there, you can fly all around the world.
American Girl - Fun for Girls
The American Girls web site is one of our favorite destinations to shop for dolls, clothes, books, and girl stuff. But, the American Girls - Fun for Girls section is a great destination in itself for online games and interaction, and for ideas for creative parties, snacks, games, crafts, and room decorating ideas.
Adobe Digital Kids Club
The Adobe Digital Kids Club is full of tutorials and tips for digital photography and digital video for teachers, kids, and parents. It's especially good at guiding your child through the steps of video production so that he or she can shoot and edit a really nice video. What a great skill in today's world!
American Bar Association - Kinship Care Legal Research Center
Grandparents and other relatives who take on the responsibility for raising children are often caught in an emotional and legal tangle. Support for kinship caregivers is spotty, but this resource from the American Bar Association is a great starting point for untangling legal issues to help caregivers get the things the child needs while in their care.
Lelli Kelly Shoes
One of our local stores started carrying this shoe brand, and I think they are the cutest shoes I've ever seen for girls. They are just over the top in colors and flowers and sequins and cuteness. They claim to prevent heating and sweating with a special latex foam and holes on the sides of the soles.
