What makes your Dad special?  We asked and your kids told us! With Father’s Day fast approaching, we thought it was a great time to brag about Dad. Capri.     Age: 3 “Because he plays with me, and he always loves me, and I love him so much!” Everett      Age: 4 “Daddy is so cute.” Jewel    Age: 6 “My Daddy is in heaven where he can always watch over me and keep me safe.” Everleigh    Age: 4 “Daddy makes me laugh and he is my best friend” Adalyn    Age: 4 “He gives me hugs, and gives me his love. He takes ..read more

Amanda and Beau Smith with Odysee of the Mind founder, Dr. Sam Micklus When we’re younger, we’re often required to complete community service hours to graduate from high school. It’s an obligation, a box we tick off our graduation checklist. It’s a part of the process here in Northeast Florida and it was for me in Maryland many years ago. I got my service hours during sleepovers at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore. My role was to shuffle kids this way and that and coach them through projects. I was relieved when my service hours were completed, and I went on my way. Until I had my ..read more

Dad is an original. So why does he always get the same old gifts for Father’s Day? Maybe it’s time to think outside the gift box and come up with some original Father’s Day gifts. This list of gift suggestions is organized by Dad types because, after all, most dads have specific passions and attitudes that make them who they are. Shoppers, whether little or big, with this list in hand, can use dad’s enthusiasms to help select the perfect Father’s Day gift or gifts while enjoying an exercise in thoughtfulness. After all, doesn’t Dad deserve a gift as original as the old man himself? Athl ..read more

It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was. – Anne Sexton   Fathers play a significant role in their kids’ lives. They’re essential role models, influence children’s self-esteem and school performance and make great coaches and fun-loving playmates. Once kids have grown and aged, fathers make great friends and confidants and are there to lend a hand. Father’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t be caught scrambling for the perfect way to show you care. Try some of these ideas to show your dad just how important he is to you. Video Surprise – Mak ..read more

Every parent wants their child’s birthday to be special, but the cost of throwing a party can really add up, especially if you have multiple children. Is it really possible to cut party costs without losing the fun and excitement that parents and kids alike have come to love? One way to cut down on costs is by purchasing birthday supplies that can be reused or repurposed year after year. The easiest way to start saving on party decor is to stock up on items when they are on sale or clearance. Choose items that are not theme specific and select a variety of colors that are gender-neutral. Ba ..read more

Teaching kids the value and rewards of hard work and earning their own money is an integral part of helping kids develop into responsible adults. Through this, they gain self-esteem, learn the real value of a dollar and develop better saving and spending habits. So share the list of jobs below with your pre-teens or teens for a variety of ways they can cash in this summer. The grass is always greener – What better way to soak up the sun, get fit and make spare cash than mowing lawns? Create some fliers, and be sure to mention you live in the neighborhood. Include your fees based on yard siz ..read more

Creating a family book club is a wonderful way to encourage young readers, middle readers and teens to read more, share their thoughts and ideas and bond with their families. A book club can help foster a love of reading and inspire a lifelong habit of learning. Here are some tips for starting a family book club for readers of all ages. 1. Choose the right books Choosing the right books is essential for a successful family book club. You want books that are appropriate for your readers’ age and reading level but also engaging and thought-provoking. For young readers, picture books, early ch ..read more

Among the roles you take on as a spouse, partner or girlfriend, such as co-breadwinner and household CEO, guess what? You’re the health gatekeeper too. You’re the one who oversees your guy’s health choices and decisions. Science bears this out. A recent University of Chicago study, for example, found that older married men were 20% more likely to get a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer in the past five years compared to men who were single. The percentage went up to 40% if men were happily married and their wives had high levels of education. The researchers concluded that wo ..read more

Elena Rides by Juana Medina (Author) Juana Medina (Illustrator) Reading Level: K − 1st Grade Beginning readers–and beginning riders–will be drawn to this bright, buoyant story of a determined elephant and her loyal sidekick, from the award-winning creator of Juana & Lucas. Elena wants to ride her bike. She steadies, she readies. She wobbles, she bobbles . . . KA-BANG! Learning to ride a bike is hard. But Elena can do it. She just has to try, try again. With this reassuring story of childlike persistence, Juana Medina, creator of the acclaimed Juana & Lucas ..read more

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to shower some love on the moms in your life, whether it’s the mom of your children, your mom or someone special whom you want to recognize. While every gift is special, you can use this as an opportunity to think about specific ways to make Mom feel seen and appreciated. Start Here Think about her. Truly. There are endless gift ideas out there, and that can feel overwhelming. Often, we end up buying something because it seems like what everyone is telling us to do (or it was easy!) Before you make a purchase, spend a little time thinking about whom you are ..read more