For Families Eyes Only

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The farmers market in your community is a really awesome tool for teaching family values. And not just for the kids, either… the entire family will benefit.

Farmers Market Buyers

Have everyone assume the role of buyer, age permitting. Endless possibilities here…

• Do a quick inventory at home
• Make a list of what is needed
• Go to the farmers market and look for items on the list
• Visit with the vendors. Ask them about their products…
  • Did they personally make or grow it, or do they know who did
  • Where is their studio or farm
  • Their suggestions for how to best use their product
• Talk price – a certain back and forth, or haggling, is expected and is part of the atmosphere, and can be a fun math tool for kids.

Farmers Market Sellers

Another interesting possibility is to take on the role of seller, or vendor. This will take some planning, but can Read the rest of this entry »

Not just any old walk. The sun is shining and hopefully we’ve seen the last of winter. Now’s the perfect time to plan some fun family time activities. Here’s one…

Go on a nature walk.

 This is especially appealing to younger kids, so you can get away with simply walking around your neighborhood, or the community park. Carry a pad and pencil, bring some water, and some snacks. Ask your kids to name animals and birds as they see or hear them. Write them down (and which child found them), then have everyone describe what they see… the colors, shape, and type of creature. Do the same thing with insects, and trees, and flowers.

Trust me, you will be absolutely amazed at what your children will see and hear, what will catch their attention. Read the rest of this entry »

Even toddlers can figure out photography

Think about it… what hobby can involve every family member, regardless of age (almost) or ability?

Even little kids are natural photographers

The first one that pops into my mind is photography. Anyone can participate, from toddlers on up. Believe it or not, some of the best images are shot by the first timer. Their instinct is to photo what catches their eye… they react instantly instead of planning for it.

And, it very nearly doesn’t matter what kind of camera, either… as these images clearly show. Read the rest of this entry »

 Are your favorite family vacation spots becoming too crowded, or too expensive? Check out these ideas… they just may become your family’s new favorite resort vacation spot!

Educational Ideas For Family Summer Vacations

by Evvie Meier

With summer quickly approaching, many sun-starved travelers are enthusiastically planning their favorite beach vacations. For travelers who crave the white sand and ocean breezes but dread the crowds and hassle of popular beaches, skip the busy beach areas and head to a quieter beach without the crowds.

Old Stand-By: Myrtle Beach, S.C.; New Destination: Topsail Beach

East coasters looking for some peaceful fun in the sun can trade-in the chaotic Myrtle Beach for the laid back Topsail Beach. Read the rest of this entry »

Family board games

 
What kind of a game room does your family want? Don’t be afraid to dream big, my friends… you may be surprised at just how do-able it may be! Check it out…

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Creating the Ultimate Home Game Room

By: Joe SchmiederCreating the “Ultimate Home Game Room” isn’t as hard as you may think. “Ultimate” doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive game room either. It just means it’s ultimate for you, your family and your friends.

The basics for every game room include “games & signs”. That’s all it takes to create your game room. Of course some organization is also needed, you don’t want a mess of posters, pub signs and neon signs taking up your walls.

Creating Your “Ultimate Home Game Room” Read the rest of this entry »