Free Father's Day Gifts, Cheap/Free Activities to Do With Dad

Looking for low-cost Father's Day gifts? (Hint--it's the third Sunday in June, don't forget!) Why not do something with dad instead of buy him something? Here are 26 free Father's Day activities from A-Z. Don't limit it to just dad. Remember all special men this holiday--brothers, uncles, grandfathers, step-fathers, Godfathers, priests, rabbis, ministers, scout leaders, teachers, friends.  Free Father's Day Gifts, Do-With-Dad Activities from A-Z

Free Printable Cinco de Mayo Coloring Pages and Crafts

Like so many borrowed U.S.  holidays, Cinco de Mayo is pretty schmaltzy.  But that shouldn't stop us celebrating Mexican history and culture. Making traditional crafts, singing songs, eating foods, brings multiculturalism to the classroom. And that's all good. Here are printable Cinco de Mayo coloring pages, Mexican arts and crafts and Spanish-themed activities for kids. Latino and non-Latino will enjoy a fiesta of fun! I've tried to keep the kitsch to a minimum.  Free Printable Cinco de Mayo Coloring Pages and Crafts

Super Bowl 2013 Half-time Recipes in Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco Ravens Colors

Super Bowl 2013 party hosts, got vegetarian or dieting guest coming? You don't have to serve carnivorous treats only. Nowhere in the Super Bowl Sunday code does it say 'thou shalt have cold cuts and wings." Here's how to organize Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers themed recipes for dieting and vegetarian fans. Can't make it to New Orleans' Mercedes-Benz Superdome for Super Bowl XLVII? Here's a half-time buffet everyone will love. Super Bowl 2013 Vegetarian, Diet-Friendly Recipes

Keep Preschool, Toddler Children Busy With Free Activities

 As a 10-year homeschooling mom of four, I know about multitasking with kids. The hardest age of child to keep productively occupied is toddler. Maybe I should rephrase "productive" to "occupied in parent-approved ways." Our kids were always productively employed, at least in their minds. From a parent's view it looked like mess-making. And during the holidays it only gets worse. More work, antsy kids, abnormal schedules, added events make it more challenging to keep a toddler in check. Here are parent-friendly, child-minder holiday activities. For free printables to occupy kids, click the "printables" keyword on this blog or check out my link blogs. You'll find enough printable games, crafts, cut and paste toys and educational activities to keep an army of kids busy! Toddler Child-minder Activities for Busy Parents

Free Printable Advent Countdown to Christmas Activities

Advent begins on Sunday late in November or early in December. For the next 25 days we will prepare our hearts for the coming (Advent) of Jesus. Here are free printable Advent coloring, puzzles, crafts, calendars, wreaths and activities to celebrate the season. These activities will help kids anxious kids occupied (so mom and can work) till Christmas. I have been exploring and testing links for free printable Advent activities to keep children busy productive and happy as they prepare for Christmas.  read more

Recycled Halloween, Fall Crafts for Preschoolers

With older kids going back to school, little ones get bored. And bored preschoolers means parents must entertain or face consequences. Here are fall and Halloween-themed preschool crafts to occupy preschool children. These are great for a Halloween party, too. Easy, inexpensive crafts using recycled materials. Eco-Friendly Recycled Halloween and Autumn Harvest Craft Ideas 

Best Free Online Spelling, Vocabulary Games for Busy Moms

Need to keep an energetic kid busy while you work? Maybe you need some rainy day fun activities? Here's an idea--educational video games. I have a confession to make--I love online word games. For all the articles I write warning parents and kids about the dangers of obsessive game playing, I admit that there are advantages. Playing word games helps boost my visual tracking, perceptual acuity and typing skills (or so I tell myself). Mostly, I use them as a brain break from writing and research.  Best Free Online Spelling, Vocabulary Games to Boost Reading Skills 

Cheap Kids Party Organizer

Cheap Kids Party Organizer Need ideas for holiday activities for children? Here is the definitive guide! Compiled by a 25-year veteran teacher, it's loaded with timesavers, money shortcuts and energy saving ideas, you can host a party that everyone, even parents, will enjoy. Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday parties. View more »

How to Organize a Party

How to Organize a Holiday Party for Kids of Any Age! Need ideas for holiday activities for children? Here is the definitive guide! Compiled by a 22 year veteran teacher,and loaded with time, money and energy saving ideas, you can host a party that every one will enjoy (even you!) View more »