Stay-at-Home Parents Blog

Dr. Seuss isn't just for beginning readers. Oh, the Place You'll Go remains a top seller for graduation gifts, be it for middle school stepping up ceremonies, high school graduations, or college commencements. Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2^nd is the traditional kick-off for Read Across America. Since 1997, schools and libraries across the nation have adopted this celebration to spur children young and old to pick up a book and read, read, read.

Whether you're reading aloud to your tots, following along as they sound out the tongue-twisting rhymes, or settling them in bed with a book before lights out, Dr. Seuss is a classic pick. Elizabeth Kennedy, Guide to Children's Books, has written a great article on Dr. Seuss picture books, beginning readers, and all-around fan favorites.

If you're looking for something a bit more...celebratory, the Guide to Entertaining Donna Pilato offers a whimsical Dr. Seuss-themed party. Your kids can also play Seuss-inspired games on Seussville.com, says the Guide to Family Internet. And for tasty fun in the kitchen, check out this review of the Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook.

You don't need chocolates to make Valentine's Day sweet for your child. No matter their age, kids love learning more about their family history, whether it's by listening to stories Grandma tells about her childhood or tracking your tree back hundreds of years.

Along with exchanging cards and munching on candies, introduce a new tradition to your child this February, the most popular pastime in the United States: genealogy. There's no better way to spark a love for history or strengthen relationships with relatives than to explore a more personal past. Give Child Parenting's Family Love History Project a whirl. To get the conversation started, the Guide to Genealogy also offers an all-inclusive list of 50 questions for family interviews.

Who knows, maybe you'll learn a thing or two, too!

Did you wake up to a winter wonderland? Don't keep the kids inside for too long! They'll be itching to explore a world transformed by snow and ice. Before you pack them into snowsuits and boots, though, read up on how to improve your kids' snow play this year.

Aspiring architects and superb Lincoln Log and Lego builders will adore crafting a snow house or igloo. What's more fun than a fully customizable Eskimo playhouse?

When it's time to bring the kids inside, the Guide to Coffee and Tea offers a host of top hot chocolate recipes, including the one used at the White House.

And if you're looking for something to serve alongside some post-play hot cocoa, try whipping up a batch of fresh, clean snow ice cream alongside About.com's Guide to Family Crafts, Sherri

One last quick tip, you say? Family Fitness offers a list of snow play equipment essentials.

Too often it seems that the week between Christmas and New Year's is a wasted one for school-age kids. They sleep late, nibble on the leftover cookies and candies from Christmas morning, and consider opening their school books, only to shove them aside until the last day of winter break. To liven up your kids' winter break, mix crafts with cleaning to show them that fun and responsibility can go hand in hand.

Make a DIY Snow Globe with the Guide to Gifted Children, Carol Bainbridge, or let them play independently with homemade coffee can stilts from the Frugal Living Guide, Erin Huffstetler. Remember, you shouldn't be the only one cleaning up after your guests go home. The Guide to Child Parenting discusses age-appropriate chores for kids. While you're at it, begin thinking about how to dispose of your tree with "6 Ways to Recycle Your Christmas Tree" from About.com's Guide to Trees and Shrubs.

Shopping with the most patient of children can quickly spiral into a nightmare. Whether you're shepherding shoppers-in-training or dragging squalling protesters through the mall, getting in and out as quickly as possibly can save you cranky mood on the drive home and preserve a pleasant shopping experience. With the chaos of Christmas shopping that begins on Black Friday, this is especially true during the holiday season. Learn how to survive shopping with young kids with the Guide to Kid's Fashion, Michelle Kouzmine.

To keep holiday shopping fun and fancy free, check out these great resources:

• From Special Children, Before You Go to the Mall with Your Child
• From Family Internet, 7 Tips for Holiday Shopping Online
• From Frugal Living, Make the Most of After-Christmas Sales

What do you look forward to the most when Thanksgiving rolls around? The parades? The football? The food? What about the family?

Thanksgiving offers the perfect setting and days of free time to nurture your child's relationship with her family members and her community. As the holidays draw near, take heed of this list of 10 ideas for outings with grandchildren and pass it on to your parents and in-laws. Allowing children to bond one-on-one with their grandparents is essential to forming close familial relationships that they'll treasure later in life. If your parents are traveling, Nancy Parode, Senior Travel Guide, has some holiday travel tips that are great no matter the season.

Keeping your child involved and engaged in the world around her is just as important. Jennifer Wolf, Guide to Single Parents, offers a few suggestions on ways to volunteer with kids that are perfect for this time of year. Not quite what you're looking for? The Guide to Kids' Clubs, Heidi Coghlan, has several more ideas for you to consider, like pampering pets at a local shelter, sponsoring a family in need, and decorating your town for the season...with permission, of course!

As the weather turns colder, it's time to turn up the heat in the kitchen. Why not bring the kids with you?

Baking with children, whether they're barely old enough to stir cookie dough or busy making cupcakes with only your supervision, is a surefire way to get them involved with family traditions. As you mix, measure, and stir, you can share memories of your own childhood and build treasure troves of good times for your kids to store away themselves.

The kitchen is also a natural learning environment. Not only will you be teaching your kids a valuable skill, but you can also transform basic baking actions, like recipe reading, into educational activities. Cooking is a life skill they'll need in the future; starting early will make them safe and comfortable in the kitchen as they grow older and begin to take care of themselves. As Beverly Hernandez, About.com's Guide to Homeschooling, tells us, you can also use baking to teach kids mathematics principles. When you need to select a certain sized dish for baking a cake, teach your children about diameter and circumference. If you're packing up treats for a holiday delivering, let them figure out how big the container needs to be. As you go through the baking process, you can also teach your kids about the science of baking. Let About.com's Guide to Busy Cooks help you along with the hows and whys of baking.

Plus: Read the Top 10 Reasons to Get Kids Cooking from Stephanie Gallagher, Guide to Cooking for Kids.

It's time to get on the shorts and sandals, pack the bathing suits and put on the sunscreen! Summer vacation is here and there is no better way to spend it than with the family.

-Going away on vacation or on a long weekend trip? Here's a link to several family road trip tips including good books, games, and backseat activities for the children.
-Whether it's bug bites, the beach or pool, or being safe during a thunderstorm, summer vacation means dozens of health and safety issues for your children. This list of three dozen summer safety and health tips should have you covered in nearly every situation.
-Want to go anywhere during the months of July or August? Check this comprehensive list of the best vacation destinations around the world during the summer months.
-Nothing beats going outside and having a great summer barbeque outside with family and friends, but how do you keep your children occupied while you're entertaining and worrying about the burgers and hot dogs? Here's a great list of the top 10 kids outdoor toys so they're having a good time outside while you are.

The kids are done with school for the summer and stay-at-home parents are looking for things they can do, as the days get longer and the weather gets warmer.

If you plan on keeping the children at home, here is a list of some things to do during the summer months:

-There are lots of activities you could do with your kids during the summer including in the backyard, on the beach or in the house with arts and crafts. Here's a link for a large array of activities.
-Too hot outside to do any outdoor activities? Check out 10 summer reading lists so your child keep cool and occupied inside.-Mowing lawns, babysitting, walking dogs and operating a lemonade stand are just a few of the ways your child can earn money through a summer job. 

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and we all know what that means: picnics, parades, and movie openings! As the blockbuster summer movies enter a theater near you, make sure you don’t let yourself and your child get drawn into the hype. Children, be they young or old, can easily be frightened, disturbed, or upset by things they see on the big screen, so take care to evaluate each movie choice carefully and thoroughly before snapping up tickets and popcorn. Ask yourself a question: Is this movie kid worthy? To prepare for the movie-going season, be sure to stay tuned to About.com’s Guide to Kids’ TV and Movies, Carey Bryson. There you’ll find reviews of the hottest movies that kids may or may not want to see this summer.

Plus:

From Child Care: What to Do When Your Child’s Friends Can See Something that Your Child Can’t

Also From Child Care: Ask Yourself ‘Is This Movie Kid Worthy?’

From Homeschooling: Free (or Cheap) Summer Movies for Kids