For Families Eyes Only

Today's guest article offers 11 really practical tips for turning gardening activities into family time! Who knows... we adults may learn to have as much fun in the garden as the kids ...

Make Gardening a Family Event

Author: Organic Gardener Show them how much you enjoy gardening. Spend time in your garden. It is especially easy to stimulate a child's interests when they see you having fun. Make gardening easy. Don't expect a perfect garden. Allow your family to work at their own pace and within their attention spans and age range, especially children.

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Today's guest article offers some tips for planning kids parties that are not only fun for the kids, but make the whole event enjoyable for the party planner as well. Lots of good info, folks...

Classic Kids Party Ideas

Author: Diane Wilson Being prepared for any kids party will always bring some degree of control to the chaos that is usually children's parties. The thought of a room full of hyperactive children is often enough to put any parent off holding a children's party however with a bit of practical advice and a few classic kids party ideas we're here to help.

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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.

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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 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 »

What Are Your Favorite Family Hobbies?

Think about it... which hobby can involve every family member, regardless of age (almost) or ability? The first family hobbies favorite 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 photograph 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.

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