You guys, summer is really, finally here in our house--today was their first day out of school! I always look forward to this 10-week stretch of spending more time with my boys...until about three days into summer when said boys are fighting, the house is a mess, it's a gazillion degrees on the sticky streets of Brooklyn, and neither kid will fall asleep before 10:00 PM because it's so light
screen time
5 Fresh Strategies for Screen-Free Play
Kid-friendly activities are a big topic for my husband and me because we’re lucky enough to have four young grandsons who are a regular part of our lives. We’re always looking for ways to engage them, and often this means luring them away from the glow of screens! This is particularly true as the weather turns cooler and the days get shorter. I know that many of you face the same struggle, so I
5 Tips for Screen-Free Winter Play
As a parent, grandmother and educator, I have spent a lot of time around young children. I have observed that they are blessed with active imaginations. Active, creative play helps children learn about the world. We can support creative play by offering children toys and materials from nature and by making opportunities for them to spend time in nature—yes, even in the wintertime! We tend to
Kids and Nature: Free Good Stuff!
By Suzanne ("Nana") When I spend time with my grandsons, Felix and Theo, I see the world anew through their eyes. The boys delight in watching a bunny crossing the front lawn, or a pesky squirrel scurrying up a tree. They love to stop and pick up a speckled rock or observe a tiny mushroom; they are attracted to the bright colors of flowers; tiny insects crawling across the kitchen floor