Too much parenting advice undermining your PC (parent/child) confidence? They’re KIDS – funny, sweet, confused and confusing! Karen’s perspective (parenting author & educator at FamilyTimeInc.com) will help you regain your optimism and your playfulness while still being the kind of grown-up your child needs

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Christmas activities for playgroups and playdates

Thanksgiving message for parents

The Gratitude Campaign: saying thank you to the military

Holiday toys that celebrate your child's individuality

Thanksgiving conversation topics for kids

Playgroups and playdates

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Kids, dirt and unstructured play

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August 21, 8:49 PM

by Karen Deerwester, Parenting Examiner

Do kids need more time in nature? Do kids need more time to play, unplugged and undirected? Do kids need more time to be kids? Yes! Yes! And yes! Check out this video called "dirt is good" - it really says it all...

Thank you to Anne Keisman from the National Wildlife Federation who sent me the links to three websites that encourage time in nature and unstructured play for children: FreeRangeKids.com; Playborhood.com; and Childrenandnature.org. I first saw the Persil video at Childrenandnature.org and I hope lots more people will get to see this.

BRAVO PERSIL!

For more info: For more on the value of play, see American Academy of Pediatric "The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development..." and "The Joys of Doing Nothing" on Scholastic.com

Topics: parenting , family , children

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Christmas activities for playgroups and playdates

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December 1, 6:33 AM

This article kicks off a new Examiner Series on Playgroups and Playdates. You'll find great suggestions for music, crafts and games for at-home playdates or for center-based groups (as in Mommy and Me, Daddy and Me, Grandparent and Me, and... Read More
Topics: family , children , preschool , Playgroups and playdates

Thanksgiving message for parents

3 comments

November 26, 1:46 PM

Dear Moms and Dads,Parenting can be pure joy - laughter and sweetness. It's also messy - dirt and poop and buggy body parts. Sometimes, parenting is frightening - middle of the night fevers and daytime dangers. On this Thanksgiving Day, I... Read More
Topics: parenting

The Gratitude Campaign: saying thank you to the military

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November 24, 6:42 AM

Parents have the power to create a culture of respect and gratitude for their children that extends beyond immediate friends and family. Let's give thanks this year, not just for toys and turkey. Let's teach children how to acknowledge the... Read More
Topics: family

Holiday toys that celebrate your child's individuality

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November 19, 6:51 AM

Toys harness the essence of every age and stage of childhood. Toddlers need to move. Preschoolers discover limitless imagination. School-age children understand the nuances of playing-by-the-rules and the intracacies of design. The... Read More
Topics: children

Thanksgiving conversation topics for kids

5 comments

November 18, 3:05 PM

You can avoid Thanksgiving dinner boredom (misbehavior too) by planning dinner conversations that engage your child's curiosity. Take some time before Thanksgiving dinner to discuss what your child wants to know about others at the dinner... Read More
Topics: family

Thanksgiving recipes to cook with kids

2 comments

November 12, 6:42 AM

Yes, kitchen is still the hearth of a home and food is the symbol of celebration (and yes, love). Your children want your time and attention so include them in the planning and preparation of Thanksgiving dinner, instead of cooking alone. ... Read More
Topics: family , children

Turkey handprint: Thanksgiving crafts for kids

2 comments

November 11, 1:50 PM

Need a hostess gift or table decorations for Thanksgiving dinner? Nothing beats those infamous "turkey handprints". Doesn't matter if your child made one last year - her hand is bigger and his favorite colors have changed. ... Read More
Topics: family , children

Global Wonders DVD's: gift idea for preschoolers

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November 3, 4:44 PM

Global Wonders is a new video series created to expand children's cultural awareness of people and places around the world. According to GlobalWonders.com:Global Wonders inspires children to discover, share and compare everyday customs, music,... Read More
Topics: family , children

Lessons on voting for raising responsible kids

1 comment

October 30, 4:04 PM

What does democracy feel like? Millions of American voters may be feeling either exhilaration or despair next Tuesday depending on the outcome of the election. Voting is a responsibility that carries very definite consequences. Next... Read More
Topics: family , children , Election 2008