In the February issue, Dr. Marianne Neifert discusses "The Use and Misuse of Rewards" (pp. 38-39). Here are a few products you might consider as you think about behavior and how you will use rewards.
Make behavior modification fun with The Ticket Store Game®. Available in both online and board game versions, the game lets parents assign tasks to children. Children who respond favorably earn tickets that accumulate and may be exchanged for tangible rewards “bought” online or home-based rewards generated by parents. Visit www.ticketstoregame.com for online pricing plans or to order the board game for $24.95.
Here’s an app version of the tried-and-true reward system used by parents and teachers for years: drop a marble into the jar each time a child demonstrates appropriate or requested behavior. When the jar is full, the child receives a predetermined reward. The Marble Jar app is appropropriate for kids ages 2-12 and is available for download to iPhone or iPad for $2.99. Try it to motivate your child to brush her teeth, get dressed, finish her dinner, or any other task that usually involves constant reminders.
Help your child make good choices and build good habits with the Portable Parenting App. Program up to four children and receive daily, weekly, and monthly reports on behavior. The app includes features for monitoring time out, providing “star stash” rewards, and a separate feature for keeping track of a child’s money. Available for iPhone and iPad, and coming soon for Android.
Every month we have a long list of products we want to share with you, but only a few can fit in the printed magazine. That's why it's so great we have this online space! Here are a few things we couldn't squeeze into the magazine this month.
Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker: Action is the name of the game when cousins Patrick and Beth meet real Vikings from the year 1000. The Imagination Station series highlights Christian values in a series of eight books for children ages 7 and up. Retails for $4.99.
Exact Change, by Continuum Games: Begin to teach children ages 6 and up the value of a dollar with the Exact Change game. Learn how the game is played at www.continuumgames.com. Retails for $9.99.
Today I Ate a Rainbow!: This kit contains a chart, book, colorful magnets, and other goodies that can help kids want to eat a rainbow of healthy food every day. Check it out at todayiatearainbow.com. Retails for $25.
Do you have any favorite products you love to share with others? Right now my little ones are loving the VTech Sit to Stand Alphabet Train!
Every month we have a long list of products we want to share with you, but only a few can fit in the printed magazine. That's why it's so great we have this online space! Here are a few things we couldn't squeeze into the magazine this month.
Guavamitts (guavakids) These baby mittens have two types of closures for a perfect fit that grows with your baby. They are stylish and functional, engaging baby's senses with high-contrast graphics. To boot, they are made of a planet-friendly bamboo/organic cotton blend. Find them for $12.00 a pair at www.guavakids.com.
The BabbaBurpie (BabbaCo®)
Optimize space in the diaper bag with the BabbaBurpie. If this oversized terry cloth burp cloth gets soiled, just flip it inside out for a fresh, clean surface! Check it out at www.babbaco.com. Stylish designs retail for $22.50 each.
Contigo® Kids Trekker Cup with AUTOSEAL® Technology
Kids who have outgrown sippy cups are ready for this spill-proof mug. Push the button to release the seal, and let go to close. Holds up to 14 fluid ounces. $5.99. Visit www.gocontigo.com. {You can see a more detailed review at the wonderful site I Can Teach My Child.}
I think those mittens would make an awesome baby shower gift! And I've been wanting a Contigo cup for my daughter for awhile, too. Any products out there you love and want to share with us?
I realize that perhaps saying "Christian Christmas" is an oxymoron, but in our society ... it's sort of necessary. My aunt has often said that there is "snowman and shopping" Christmas and "Jesus Christmas."
I enjoy finding Christmas albums, then, that truly do focus me on the Christ of Christmas.
One that was released this year is Christmas by Jadon Lavik. I've enjoyed Lavik's hymn arrangements in the past, and his youthful voice brings light to classics like "Silent Night" and beauty to the original "Hallelujah the Lord Has Come." The album is very mellow and would make excellent background music for opening gifts Sunday morning.
My personal favorite Christmas album is Nativity Story: Sacred Songs. While I don't hold any special affinity for the movie, these songs are truly inspired. "The Virgin's Lullaby," featuring Todd Smith from Selah, Point of Grace, Natalie Grant, and other Christian artists, so gloriously reflects the story of Jesus' birth from the viewpoints of the major players. "Labor of Love" by Andrew Peterson affects me like no other Christmas song, as a mother. These songs speak truth and the album is filled with beauty.
And honestly, I just don't think Amy Grant's Home for Christmas can be beaten. Grant's Christmas albums are classic for a reason. "The Night Before Christmas" definitely ranks in my top 3 favorite Christmas songs ever. And who can forget "Breath of Heaven" and "Grown-Up Christmas List"?
What's your favorite Christ-centered Christmas album?
Paper dolls of yesteryear get a modern boost with fashionplaytes.com. The Web site is free for girls of all ages to design and accessorize clothing. With parental approval, any design can be ordered and mailed to your home within three weeks. You will need a gift certificate of at least $25 to cover the cost of a T-shirt and shipping; prices increase according to the number of additional graphics, appliques, ribbons, and rhinestones your young designer chooses. A jacket or other outwear will require a minimum $50 gift certificate.
Spy Net: Secret Mission Video Watch — Beware! If you buy this toy, you may become a victim of your child’s stealth. The watch holds up to 20 minutes of secretly-recorded video, 4 hours of audio, or up to 2000 pictures. Runs on a rechargeable USB battery. Download missions online for added fun. Retails for $49.99. Check it out at www.jakkspacific.com.
The movie Snowmen was judged by the International Dove Foundation as family-approved. Snowmen is a humorous and heartfelt coming-of-age story about three unlikely heroes and the winter that changed their lives forever. After a surprising discovery in the snow catapults three small-town boys into the spotlight, the best friends hatch a plan to be remembered forever by setting a Guinness World Records® title. Along the way, the trio battles schoolyard bullies, unites their community and discovers that - while fame may be fleeting - true friendship lasts forever.
Come on in! Playmobil®’s Large Grand Mansion has two staircases, shutters that open and close, and a doorbell that rings. The realistic details and functioning doorbell are every child's dream. Set comes with two figures. For ages 4 and up; $139.99. Accessories for specific rooms sold separately. Buy at Toys 'R' Us (currently on sale for $111.99) or from the Playmobil site.
Several online companies now offer attractive wall art. Wallables goes a step beyond, creating art that is actually designed for play. Children may take it down, play awhile, and put it back on the wall. Made of lightweight foam, each piece attaches to the wall with a Velcro patch. Go to wallables.com to see a Disney line, Winnie the Pooh, Toy Story, alphabet letters, and many more! Prices start at $7.99.
6 to 8 Years
Hexbug Nano is a tiny robotic insect that behaves like a real bug. They are available in several colors; some even glow in the dark. The Nano Spiral Starter set lets kids built a two-level habitat for their little mechanical bugs to explore. Retails for $24.99. Hexbugs and their cool accessories are sold in the toy aisle of stores everywhere. Visit www.hexbug.com.
Your child can store his allowance with style with this Steven Joseph Gecko Wallet. It closes with Velcro and features a zipper coin holder, bill pocket, and two card slots. Not into lizards? Visit www.stephenjosephgifts.com to view other styles. Retails for $8.99.
We are always overwhelmed with products we want to share in our December Gift Guide, but they just cannot all fit in the magazine. The next few days, we'll be showing you some of those products that we love but couldn't squeeze in. Today we have items for babies through 2-year-olds.
Have a bit of fun with a future-inspiring gift for the youngest member of the family. Baby Potential offers T-shirts and onesies emblazoned with a patch to indicate a possible future career path. Choose from artist, teacher, rocket scientist, and other jobs that can set your child on a path to changing the world. Prices start at $15.00.
Kids Preferred Pooh Hanging Chimes: Pooh and his friends are made to hang from your baby’s stroller or crib. When baby pushes or pulls on them, she’ll hear a pleasant tune. Each set measures 5.5 inches and retails for $11.95. Purchase them on Amazon.com.
Need a few books to read as you curl by the fire this late fall and winter? (We don't have a fireplace, but we do have a radiator. Does that count?) Here are a few to peruse on cold nights.
Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know was just released in its second edition. The cohesive volume gives parents all the information and strategies they need to meet the dietary needs of children from birth through adolescence, as well as the facts about standards of weight and height. It allso addresses eating disorders and special dietary needs; alternative diets and supplements; allergies; and concerns over food safety.
If you can find a copy of this charming book in the next week or two, it's a great cuddle-up-and-learn read for your preschooler. Off to Plymouth Rock by Dandi Daley Mackall has engaging illustrations, fun rhymes, and is perfect for explaining to your young children about the first Thanksgiving.
If you are a historical fiction lover, Mine is the Night will make you swoon. it's a retelling of the biblical Book of Ruth, told by the exquisite Liz Curtis Higgs through the lens of 18th century Scotland. The Kerr women, tossed from a place of privilege and both their husbands gone, must readjust to life as commoners in the Naomi-figure's hometown. Intriguing, utterly delightful, and romantic. Just like Ruth!
If you were inspired by the movie Courageous, you might enjoy - and be moved by - The Resolution for Men. It's a challenge to step up as the leader of your household, marriage, and children.
What's on your bookshelf this fall and winter? Don't forget to enter our November Giveaway for a chance at adding Candace Cameron Bure's book, Reshaping It All, to your shelves!
Elmo? Really? Well, if you toddler is anything like mine, he or she probably LOVES Elmo. (Libbie is growing out of it a little bit at just 3, but a year ago I think Elmo could have convinced her of anything.)
Tomorrow, November 4th, is Sesame Street's official "Put Down the Pacifier Day." On their Web site, there is a plethora of tips and videos from Elmo. You may not be ready to force your child to quit the paci cold turkey tomorrow, but Elmo's ideas and tricks might help the process along.
In conjunction with the celebration, they've also released Bye-Bye, Pacifier: Big Kid Stories with Elmo on DVD. The DVD includes three short stories about growing-up topics: giving up the pacifier, riding a tricycle, and getting a haircut. Elmo deemphasizes fear and helps kids realize that being a big kid is not so bad. I especially liked the song about how Elmo gave up the paci so people could understand his words!
So, what do you think? Could Elmo help get that paci out of your little one's mouth?
Are you like me: totally scatterbrained and forever forgetting what you were going to do? Do you make lists and lose them? Or maybe you have a college kid or have gone back to school and would really like to hear those lectures one more time while studying for exams.
Enter Mikey. Mikey is a recording device that connects directly to your iPhone or iPod. With seven positions and a large turning range, you can record up to 50 feet away.
I can think of a ton of uses for a product like this! I could record my lists while driving or right before bed, when I have all the good ideas. You could record piano music to practice for your church choir solo. And of course, recording lectures is always excellent in case you need to refer back to them.
Mikey's suggested retail price is $79, but right this second it's only $39 over at Amazon. A steal, and it would make a great Christmas gift for your college student or frazzled friend!
We received a MIkey to review. All opinions are our own and no other compensation was received.
Every month we have a long list of products we want to share with you, but only a few can fit in the printed magazine. That's why it's so great we have this online space! Here are a few things we couldn't squeeze into the November 2011 issue. Keep Me Comfy Neckrest
Take this Cheeky Charlie neckrest along with you when you travel for the holidays. The little giraffe is adorable and makes for comfy naps in the carseat! $13 from Aurora Gifts.
Peaceable Kingdom Cooperative Games
These games focus on team effort rather than winning and losing. Each game may be played in 10-20 minutes. Hoot Hoot Owl is Family Fun's Toy of the Year for 2011! These games teach cooperation, social skills, and taking turns. Games retail for $14.99 each.
Sprout Change from the Willow Store
Chili pepper. StringBean. BlueBerry, Coconut. Lemon Ice. No, no, don’t start salivating! This intriguing list describes color schemes for the Sprout Change line of reusable diaper shells and organic inserts. Hidden adjustments make them fit 4 to 40 pounds. Find them at www.theWillowStore.com. $16.95 for shells, diaper inserts $6.95 each.
Do you have products you recommend to everyone you know?
Have you ever tried to entertain a toddler in a doctor's office waiting room while juggling a diaper bag, purse, baby, and toys? It's nearly impossible. Not to mention, many toddler toys are insanely loud, drawing rude stares from all around.
My daughter (3 this week) adores playing on her Nana's iPad. There is something about the touchscreen that is so much easier for her than learning to use a mouse. She rarely gets computer time outside of Nana visits, which makes it all that more special.
Luckily enough, my mom (aka Nana) was here last week when Griffin Technology e-mailed us about their new Crayola Paint and Create App for the iPad. They sent me a free download so we could test it out.
With more than 40 activities, Libbie could color with a vast array of virtual crayons, paintbrushes, markers, and colored pencils. This is no five-color-choice computer program; there were more shades of green than I had seen since my days in front of the 64-crayon box. Your finger mimics an actual coloring stroke and the program lets you pick the thickness of the stroke as well as a color-fill option.
For older kids, there are also dot-to-dots, mazes, puzzles, and color-by-numbers. All coloring "pages" can be saved, e-mailed, or posted onto Facebook.
Do you remember The Magic School Bus? Miss Frizzle, the wild elementary-school teacher, took her class on countless field trips: to the moon, inside a flower, anywhere her students could even imagine! Since the television show premiered in 1994, it's never been off the air. The books have been around even longer, celebrating 25 years of field trips this year.
To bring in the anniversary with style, Miss Frizzle is currently touring New York City: she went to ComicCon, is visiting the Scholastic bookstore, and even closed the day by ringing the NASDAQ bell.
A new video game featuring the Magic School Bus releases next week as well: Magic School Bus Oceans is $19.99 and available for the Nintendo DS.
Scholastic sent me a couple DVDs of Magic School Bus episodes, and I was instantly transported back to my childhood. Who didn't love exploring space with Miss Frizzle and her class? [The Pluto references are slightly dated now, sadly!] My sister, an elementary-school teacher, says her third-grade class LOVED watching these videos and that the science information really does sink in when delivered by Miss Frizzle.
Do you remember The Magic School Bus? What was your favorite field trip they took?
It came to our attention recently that our "submit your funnies" link had not been working for awhile. With all of the changes on LifeWay.com, there are a lot of dead links floating around, and we certainly apologize for that.
The link is now working, so we'd love to hear your funny stories for potential publication in ParentLife magazine!
And as always, we love to get your Fun Friday Photos by e-mail so we can publish them here each Friday.
Parenting is a stirring journey. From the moment your child takes his first breath, your heart alternates between states of great unrest, slight movement, and fully ablaze. Children change and families change, but one truth as a parent remains a constant: You will be stirred. That is a promise.
Whether your child stirs you to joy or frustration, or maybe even fear, the truth that God has specifically called you to be the parent of your son or daughter should dwell in your heart and comfort you throughout your parenting journey. Still, there are times when being a parent feels more like being in a vacuum than being in a community. It can be a lonely, draining experience as you try to navigate the phases your child goes through and understand the differences between raising boys and raising girls.
But the truth that we were never meant to live life alone extends directly into parenting, and a new resource releasing this month underscores that. Raising Boys and Girls: The Art of Understanding Their Differences, a book and DVD resource written by counselors Melissa Trevathan, Sissy Goff, and David Thomas, provides a six-week group journey through parenting, walking parents through every stage of child development.
By focusing on the differences in boys and girls and how they mature at different paces, Raising Boys and Girls offers a comprehensive look at parenting, whether you’re shuttling to and from a preschool or a high school. And though the content is divided among four different age groups, the book offers several universal takeaways, regardless of the stage of parenting you’re in.
1. God chose you as a parent. Parenting out of fear is common. There is so much to know and do, and your children are constantly changing as the world around them expands.
But parenting should come with a sense of hope: God has specifically called you to be the parent of your child. What matters most, in the midst of all the things your kids need and experience and mess up and explore is not that you cross the items off a list, but that you offer a quality relationship to your son or daughter.
2. Parenting stirs us to love. Parenting recalls every emotion and fear that is a part of you. But being afraid of who you’re not as a parent can often prevent you from being who you can be as a parent. As God has demonstrated His love for us, so too should that love stir us to love as well—especially in our children.
3. Boys and girls grow differently as they grow older. Girls and boys are different. As they each mature from the “explorer” and “discovery” years (ages birth-5), into the “adventurous” and “lover” years (ages 5-10) and into the “narcissistic” and “individual” years (ages 9-14), their differences become accelerated.
While boys seek to understand themselves and engage in the world around them, they want and trust you to help guide them in the process. Girls take this adventurousness and run with it—often, it feels like, running as far away as possible from you and from who they were just a few short years ago.
They learn differently, they relate differently, and they develop differently. But it’s all part of God’s design and His plan to make your son or daughter into who He has uniquely called them to be.
4. God redeems. You’re not going to get it right all the time. You will fail.
But we serve a God who redeems. He redeems every failure you’ve had or will have as a parent. His love takes the place of fear, and that is enough to hang your hope on. You can raise your boys and girls out of love, not fear, through and because of Jesus.
For information on ordering Raising Boys and Girls, visit LifeWay.com.
Scott Latta is a writer and editor living in Nashville, Tennessee, and the production editor of Living with Teenagers magazine.
Theo has finally released! This video-based curriculum is meant to teach children the basics of theology through fun-loving animated characters. Separate DVDs are also available at Christian bookstores everywhere.
“Theo the Theologian loves God, and he loves children (of all ages), of all nations and ethnicities,” creator Mike Joens said. “He teaches the fundamentals of Christianity in a way that is both entertaining and biblically sound to kids from two to 92 who love cartoons and have an appetite for God's Word.”
Every person who buys a “Theo” DVD has an opportunity to participate in the “Buy One – Give One” campaign. Whitestone Media, which produced the cartoon, and CEF will match the purchase by sending a child in need a free “Theo” DVD, once the buyer designates the region of the world where it should be sent.
The LifeWay DVD sets each have five episodes of Theo, with teaching plans and parent information on CD-ROM.
The release of the DVD Sept. 13 represented the culmination of a dream that began 33 years ago for Joens, when he started working in the animation industry for studios such as Hanna Barbera, Filmation, Warner Brothers and Marvel Productions.
He now has his own company, Whitestone Media, a Christ-centered animation studio dedicated to sharing the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Every month we have a long list of products we want to share with you, but only a few can fit in the printed magazine. That's why it's so great we have this online space! Here are a few things we couldn't squeeze into the October 2011 issue.
Manner Mats®
Each pad of Manner Mats includes 38 tear-off placemats full of games, puzzles, and conversation starters sure to turn mealtime into a lesson in social skills. For ages 6 and up; $9.95. Visit www.blundersmania.com.
This child's bracelet from A Gracious Plenty would make a beautiful gift for a little girl's birthday or baptism. It can be personalized with a monogram, date, or short inscription. $46
Are there any products you love and share with everyone you know? (Remember, commenting on any entry in September enters you to win the Jeremy Camp book I Still Believe!)
I love editing Bible Teaching for Kids: Special Buddies because I believe that every child is able to make the decision to become a Christian. Children with special needs cannot take this life-changing step unless the Bible is presented to them in a manner that supports their individual learning styles and specific developmental abilities. Special Buddies provides the framework to help churches make the adaptations necessary to allow all children to participate and grow spiritually at a pace that is comfortable for them.
Quick Facts about Special Buddies:
A new Bible story is presented every two weeks, to allow time for extended activities or repetition of meaningful activities and concepts. Very little reading and writing is required.
More than 20 activities are outlined in each leader guide session, from which leaders may pick and choose in order to meet individual needs of children.
Learner guide pages offer visual and experiential support of biblical concepts and include parent tips to assist families in reinforcing spiritual foundations at home.
Special Buddies works well …
in self-contained classrooms for children in grades 1 through 6 who have special needs.
with an individual child who receives one-on-one care at church while parents attend Bible study.
for a child with special needs who attends a typical Sunday School setting but responds well to modified lessons and individualized attention.
New Downloadable Format Need just one Bible story lesson plan to use as supplemental material with any curriculum? Want find out what Special Buddies is all about? A new undated single session format is now available for online purchase and download. For $4.95 per session, you get six pages of leader guide session plans as well as four or more learner guide pages in full color.
Ten Special Buddies sessions are available now, with more to come in future months: Jesus Read the Scroll (Free Sample) God Created the World David and Goliath God Protected Daniel from the Lions Jesus Is Born The Model Prayer The Good Samaritan Parable of the Lost Son Jesus Healed a Man Born Blind Jesus Walked on Water Paul and Silas in Prison
Ordering Information Ready to learn more? Follow these links for ordering information on the lifeway.com site and a free sample session download on the Ning site:
Joy Fisher has been a ParentLife contributor since before her children were born; her oldest is inching ever closer to his 13th birthday. She edits Special Buddies, LifeWay’s Bible study curriculum for children with intellectual and developmental special needs.
Every month we have a long list of products we want to share with you, but only a few can fit in the printed magazine. That's why it's so great we have this online space! Here are a few things we couldn't squeeze into the July and August issues.
I Wish Daddy Was Here by Katherine DeMille was created from military wife Kat's desire to let her daughter know it's OK to be sad about missing a loved one. Highly praised as a great book for kids of deployed parents.
MilitaryHandbag.com will turn your old fatigues into a custom handbag or blanket. What a sweet way to show your devotion to the USA and remember a loved one who is deployed!
On the Danger Rangers Web site, kids can play games and watch videos pertaining to safety. The site also includes parent and educator guides as well as activities and coloring sheets that go along with the episodes.
Does your child have a broken arm or leg for the summer? Bummer. She can at least look cool with a removable, washable fabric cast cover. Check out the styles at www.castcoverz.com. Prices for arm covers (Armz!) start at $16.99 and leg covers (Legz!) start at $21.99.Tap and Teach: The Story of Noah's Ark : This educational game for Nintendo DS is an interactive retelling of the story of Noah’s Ark. The tap and teach format boosts the reading skills of children ages 3 to 6 as they imagine what it might have been like for Noah to build the ark and find the animals who floated safely on the water with him.
Back in January, we gave you a sneak peek at Theo, a video-based curriculum for kids that our editorial project leader, William Summey, is heading up. Theo the Animated Theologian dissects simple principles of faith for kids to grasp.
We thought you'd enjoy this interview with Theo's creator, Mike Joens.
The Theo package you can purchase includes five 10-minute videos on DVD, as well as having a DVD-ROM component with leading information, teaching plans, and parent information. Theo makes teaching salvation concepts easy and fun!
Theo released June 1, 2011, and LifeWay will release additional Theo packages in September and December.
In our June issue, we mentioned the Puddle Jumper Life Jacket in conjunction with our article "Safe Swimming: Water Safety Basics" (p. 42).
Unfortunately, we included an incorrect image along with the description.
The Puddle Jumper outfits little ones with confidence in the water with the only life jacket of its kind approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Stearns® Puddle Jumper™ Life Jacket features a non-inflatable, all-foam design for superior stability and is made with soft fabric to ensure exceptional comfort and less chaffing. The Puddle Jumper Life Jacket features an adjustable rear strap to give children full range of motion, for maximum freedom and self-confidence in the water. This is a Type V life jacket with Type III performance and is designed for children between 30 and 50 pounds.
We apologize for our error and hope you will check out the Stearns Puddle Jumper Life Jacket for your summer water fun!
Every month we have a long list of products we want to share with you, but only a few can fit in the printed magazine. That's why it's so great we have this online space! Here are a few things we couldn't squeeze into the May 2011 issue.
SafetyTat temporary tattoos are now available with two-dimensional QR barcodes that can be read by smart phones. Programmed with special needs, allergy, or parental contact information, these tats can bring a lost child back to you quickly.The MeMoves DVD program utilizes soothing music and repetitive movements to calm children with special needs. Find out more at www.thinkingmoves.com.
Are there products you think should be featured in ParentLife? Leave us a comment about them and we'll check them out!
We were so thrilled to find out that our May issue sold out - before May 1st! I guess a lot of churches were eager to get that issue into the hands of parents at their church for Mother's Day. We're expecting much of the same for the month of June ... for Father's Day.
So if you're dawdling on making your order for the June issue of ParentLife ... don't! Because you sure don't want to end up ParentLife-less!
You can make your bulk order here at LifeWay.com or order individual issues by clicking here.
Nature Rocks is a national initiative created by REI, The Nature Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife Service, American Heart Association, Children & Nature Network, and ecoAmerica, to inspire and empower parents to get their kids and families out into nature, as spending time in nature can help make you happier, healthier, and smarter.
They've just come out with their Spring Activity Guide [PDF], full of 30-minute and 1-hour activities to do outdoors with your kids, as well as helpful tips and tools.
Here's a sample activity from the guide:
Frisbee Frenzy Stay active while you’re waiting for your picnic dinner to come off the grill. Grab 2 paper plates from the table and make your own Frisbee! In addition to the plates, you will need crayons/markers, staples, and scissors. Poke a hole in the center of 2 paper plates so you can cut out the middles of the plates. Line up the plates (eating side to eating side) and staple sides together. Decorate your Frisbee and you are ready to go out and play!
Tips
If you have a larger group playing where attention can wander, ask everyone to call out the name of the person they are throwing to so the recipient is ready to catch it!
Once familiar with throwing the Frisbee, add challenge by throwing it longer, shorter, or to the sides for people to run and catch.
The guide will help you plan fun outside, whether it be a 1/2 hour, an hour, or a whole day! There are even tips for a kid-friendly backpacking trip.
Do you try to get out more during the Fall and Spring seasons? Where do you go?
Every month we have a long list of products we want to share with you, but only a few can fit in the printed magazine. That's why it's so great we have this online space! Here are a few things we couldn't squeeze into the March 2011 issue.
Kids will love to be outdoors with this full-view periscope. They can hide behind trees or rocks to spy on siblings or even plunge the scope underwater for up to 16 inches to observe creatures of the not-so-deep. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Here is a game you play not with your kids, but for them. It is actually a tool to help adults consider “that’ll-never-happen-to-me” scenarios and make plans for what they would do if a natural, financial, or criminal disaster strikes. The game includes a 16-page booklet of practical information to help your family be prepared for most anything.
Kids love to learn about the human brain; this collection of 14 songs is guaranteed to help them use their noodles. Perfect for ages 5 to 11 and their parents. Favorite track? Gotta be “Sara Bellum, the Brainy Girl.” This CD makes a great end-of-the-year gift for school teachers too.
Don’t let the long title fool you — these silicone sleeves are simple to use to make homemade pushup pops out of fresh ingredients from your own kitchen. They are BPA-free, as well as dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe.
In our March 2011 Growth Spurts section for "On the Way," you might have read about Healthy Baby Bags. These cheery green bags can be distributed to new parents at the hospital and help encourage successful breastfeeding.
The bags include nursing pads, milk storage bags, and information about the benefits of breastfeeding.
If you'd like to send your hospital a letter and further information about the Healthy Baby Bags, you can visit this blog post at By Moms for Moms, the Lansinoh blog.
Would you have liked to receive one of these bags upon leaving the hospital with your newborn?
The March 2011 issue of ParentLife is starting to make its way into the churches this month and the ParentLife team couldn't be more excited about the new design! Today, we are thrilled for our marketing strategist, Courtney Baker, to give you a behind the scenes look into the ad campaign promoting our new design. It's a lot of fun seeing our marketing team in action! Hope you enjoy!
Hi! I’m so excited to let you in on all that went into creating the new ParentLife campaign. Here’s a behind the scenes view from our creative team.
ParentLife is an excellent magazine and resource for parents. In an effort to lift up the new design and features, we created a marketing campaign centered around parenting tips. You know, things like “To find the veggies, check under the mashed potatoes.”
One thing all parents can relate to is drive time. You’ve got to get Susie to soccer practice, Sam to karate, and get everyone home in time for a hot meal. OK, sometimes mealtime is in the car too. This reality inspired our ad featuring “Parenting Tip #25: Sometimes the easiest way to clean up the car is to play ‘count the french fries.’ And count on ParentLife magazine for practical parenting advice from a biblical worldview.”
This is the finished ad.
To create this scene, we needed a few real cute kids, a real-life mom, a real parents’ van, and real yummy day-old french fries. I had to pick up several orders of fries the night before the shoot because we were starting super early in the morning. (Yes, my car smelled for days. Only for you, Pam Goodwin!)
Check out these scenes from our photo shoot.
Can you tell who is taking a photo? That’s me in blue, holding a reflector. The other people helping are parents, siblings, and friends of the real cute kids who volunteered for the shoot.
Note: No Mini-Van was harmed in the production of this ad.
Our talented photographer looking for just the right angle.
Our real cute kids being — well . . . cute! Yes, we did resort to bribing them with day-old french fries before the shoot was finished.
Our talented designer/art director, Pam, reviews the shots as they are taken.
We hope you will pick up a copy of the new ParentLife and let us know how you like it. If your church doesn’t order ParentLife, ask your church administrator to consider providing it as an outreach tool.
I confess, we stole this post (with Courtney's permission) from the Kids Ministry 101 blog! Stop by there and leave a comment on the post and you just might win your own subscription for a year! And ... if you want to help us spread the word about the new design, click here to see how you can help!
Each month ParentLife pulls together a one-page document for preschool and children's leaders and teachers that highlights articles that might help families they work with. But this also is a great tool for parents!
A Joyful Attitude: Equip parents in your church to teach their children not just respectful obedience but joyful obedience with three practical steps (pp. 14-15).
Kids with Connections: Encourage families to build healthy, positive relationships within their families, church, and community (pp. 22-23).
A Hope and a Future: Walk alongside families who have children with autism or other special needs. Remind them of the hope God promises (pp. 28-31).
Have a Church Preschool? Pass ParentLife along to parents on the lookout for a great preschool! And help make your preschool attractive to parents who are searching (pp. 12-13).
Growing Godly Girls: Give both moms and dads this section of articles focused on daughters this month in ParentLife (pp. 34-36).
A Great Christian Camp Experience: Learn more about CentriKid camps and why this summer experience could revitalize your children's ministry (pp. 16-17).
100% - The number of kids in your home and church who will learn about love from their parents and adult leaders. Show them God's love this Valentine's Day!
For a downloadable PDF of this content, click on the link below:
Having taught their seven sons and one daughter from home for the last 15 years, Guy and Angie Penrod are homeschool pros. Their family is featured in the February 2011 issue of ParentLife on pages 18-21. To help other parent teachers, Angie compiled a list of her cream of the crop homeschool curricula, sorted by subject.
Today we wanted to give you a sneak peek into a new LifeWay product, our first video-based curriculum for kids, releasing in June 2011 — Theo. (ParentLife Connection: ParentLife's very own Editorial Project Leader, William Summey, is also heading up the Theo project!)
Is your church or children's ministry looking for a small group curriculum to go deeper with your kids? Theo the Animated Theologian offers a rare combination — packaging rich theological content with high entertainment value. Making the biblical content come alive through fun, age-appropriate Bible curriculum that revolves around the Bible stories imbedded in each episode of Theo.
The first volume, focusing on foundations of faith, releases June 1, 2011, and offers four sessions on the topics of faith, obedience, forgiveness, and the armor of God. It also features a bonus session "Good News!" that is evangelistic. Succeeding volumes of Theo will follow in the fall and winter of 2011. Help your kids grow in grace with Theo! Check out this preview video of Theo's "Good News!"
The ParentLife team is so excited! We sent our March 2011 issue ... the first issue of our brand-new design ... to the printer today!! We've worked long and hard to bring you the new improved look and feel. We hope you love it as much as we do!
If you are a blogger, we would love your help to spread the word about the new design. Our marketing department has created this awesome badge that you can add to your blog.
If you're interested, just grab the code under the badge!
E-mail a link to parentlife@lifeway.com or leave us a comment below with the link if you put this up on your blog or Web site! We'd love to see it!!
A new year is a great time to renew your commitment to spending daily time with God. The ParentLife team wants to help you grow in your walk with the Lord with our January giveaway. We have 10 devotional books to give away!!
But wait ... it gets better!! We're also giving away a copy of More, Adventure, or Bible Express, amazing devotional resources for kids, along with each devotional book.
Entering to win is simple. Simply leave us a comment on this post. Let us know which devotional book would be your first choice. (Keep in mind, we might not be able to send you your first choice, but we'll do the best we can.) Also tell us how many kids you have and their ages (that way we will know which devotional magazines to send you)!
Spread the word! Winners will be randomly selected on February 1st.
USA only. LifeWay Employees are not eligible to win.
After a season filled with record-setting cell phone and gaming gifts to preteens, iShine is announcing the release of the Family Media Diet Calculator. The calculator is a new tool providing customized awareness to families in regards to how much time they spend connected to media in comparison to the amount of hours they spend plugged in with real life interaction and content consumption.
By visiting http://www.familymediadiet.com, parents nationwide will be able to plug in amounts of time their families spend texting, browsing online, consuming television, and more. They will then be able to print a free custom analysis of where their families are spending their time in comparison to their involvement in recreational and faith-based activities along with family time and reading. The campaign is not an anti-technology movement. It is about use awareness and being intentional about the content.
“We as parents must be deliberate of what media our kids consume, understanding that it is forming the way our kids look at everything – self image, friends, parents, leaders, themselves,” remarks iShine founder and Chief Creative Officer Robert Beeson. “If we as parents aren’t actively forming the person our kid’s are becoming – make no mistake – someone else is.”
iShine, known for bringing family-friendly media options through tours, music, television and radio mediums, is sponsoring the free Media Diet Calculator.
Still looking for a few last-minute gifts to put under the tree Friday night? Here are a few products that we couldn't squeeze into our December gift guide but that we recommend!
Time’s Up Time Out Bear (www.geniusbabies.com, $25) How long until I eat? When do I have to stop playing? When does Mommy come home? This unique teddy with a mechanical timer in his tummy will help preschoolers develop time sense. He is also handy as a TV or video game time monitor. (Kids can play until he dings.)
Marshmallow Blower (www.growingtreetoys.com, $8) This gadget is good for soft, safe, and somewhat rambunctious play. Mom or Dad supplies the mini marshmallows which load into the barrel with a turn handle; kids supply the lung power to poof them toward parental-approved targets.
Traverse® 20th Anniversary Edition (www.educationalinsights.com, $25) A chess-meets-checkers hybrid, Traverse requires players to move their geometric pieces from one side of the gameboard to the other. Easy, right? Not when each shape is limited in its direction or means of movement, and not when opponents use the same strategies to block moves.
What's the most innovative gift you're giving this year?
More than ever, parents are faced with a dilemma when purchasing toys for their children: Should they buy what their children really long for? Or should they buy a good, educational toy they choose on their child’s behalf?
In our society, children are constantly bombarded with advertisements promoting toys often designed to break within a few months, or be replaced by their own “newer” versions. The toys your children want are not necessarily the ones that are of great quality or of any value for that matter, but they are the ones advertised constantly, and the ones all their friends own at school: the “cool” toys.
Often, however, when children get these toys, they fail to play with them. The problem is that, if you observe closely, there is not much that they can do with the toy. It does not inspire the child’s imagination, or any other skills for that matter.
Look at what you are going to buy and, before you decide, ask yourself: How can my child play with this toy? What does it do? What skills does it promote? If you have good answers for those questions, chances are you are in the right path.
Here are a few factors to consider before approaching the check out counter this holiday season:
A child’s brain is most influential before the age of six. Babies are developing their sense of sound, sight, and touch, and familiarizing themselves with the world that surrounds them. Toys that assist in hand-eye coordination, visual skills, or any of their senses are a good choice. Look for toys with bright, attractive colors or patterns, mirrored or reflective surfaces, varied textures, and safe to mouth (meaning easy to wash!). Toys they can pull, chew, discover, hear, grab, and get a sound out of are some good choices. Lamaze has some good choices for young babies, but there are many exciting choices in the market. I also recommend soft blocks and cars, rattles, and washable books.
Toddlers are in a stage of exploration and are finding their independence. They are developing their motor skills and using their imagination. Ride-ons or anything that can be pushed or pulled are great choices. Even better if they have elements of everyday life that they can use to pretend-play, such as lawnmowers, grocery carts or dolls and strollers. These toys are also great for early walkers. Toys they can use in the sand or water are not only great but also necessary for their development. Non-toxic finger paint and shape sorters or puzzles are also perfect for their budding imaginations. You will find, however, that some of their favorite things to play with will be right in your kitchen!
Preschoolers are jumping, running, and interested in so many things! Good toys will challenge them and engage their imagination and reasoning skills. Vehicles and bikes are great for gross motor skills, while puzzles, building toys such as Lego®, Brio trains and tracks, and art supplies develop their fine motor skills (and their imagination and reasoning skills). Realistic dolls and house furniture and accessories of any size are great for role-playing and imagination as well. Science kits are amazing for this age group, and books and toys that help them learn to read.
Young children have well-established social skills and love to play in groups even more than they did before. Board games and group games are a great choice for this age group, as are art supplies and crafts projects, as well as more complex building sets and science kits. Books they can read on their own are a wonderful gift, and magic kits or circus-type toys promote better motor skills. I love to encourage outdoor toys for this age group as well, such as skates, basketball, jump-ropes and Chinese elastics, ping-pong, badminton, or anything that will promote healthy outdoor play and invite new friendships. Tweens and Teens are the age group that people struggle the most with. I have one at home and, personally, I find this age group fascinating! As veteran toy consumers, they are hard to impress. Often, the only toys they gravitate towards are video games. However, this is the perfect age to introduce them to some of the things you still like to play with as an adult! Our son loves to make animation movies. He inherited one of our cameras, and we bought him a computer and some plasticine. He also invites his friends over and together, they make movies which they later can post on YouTube. Choose things that will give your child a great sense of accomplishment, and engage them to the fullest. Other choices can be a real instrument and some lessons or a painting kit. Knitting or sewing projects (even a simple sewing machine), woodworking, clay, an easel, a pet they always wanted — the possibilities are endless. Look for toys that show you trust them and believe in them, and you can affect them for life!
While anticipation of a gleeful smile and wish fulfilled should, of course, play into your purchasing decisions, what you put under the tree can have a lasting impression on your child. A little research combined with a lot of love will ensure your child has an extraordinary Christmas with benefits that last far beyond the holiday season.
Natacha V. Beim is a renowned writer, speaker, educational leader, and founder and CEO of Core Education & Fine Arts. Born in Uruguay and raised in Montréal, Canada, she has traveled extensively and studied educational systems around the world. As a pioneer in the field of modern education, Beim continually pursues studies in the field developmental psychology focusing on the early years. Visit www.cefa.ca for more information.
What's your favorite toy to buy as a gift? I love to buy play food for my daughter's friends — either Melissa and Doug sets or some fun felt food from Etsy! - Jessie, Resident ParentLife Blogger
Ever wonder how to get ParentLife at your church? Each issue of ParentLife is great to share with other parents in your church or to use with outreach to let your community know that you care about them!
First, take your copy of ParentLife to your pastor or appropriate minister (prechool, children, family, or education minister).
Second, tell them they can order ParentLife at a great reduced rate ($1.55 an issue) by placing a standing bulk order in one of the following ways:
1. Use their LifeWay quarterly literature order form. 2. Go online to www.lifeway.com/parentlife. 3. Call Customer Service toll free at 1 (800) 458-2772.
I bought a new book for my preteen today. The only thing is ... it's so good i am going to read it first!
I attended the book signing and reading of The Charlatan's Boy by ParentLife writer, Jonathan Rogers. Jonathan not only signed books but also read the first chapter for the crowd at the new CS Lewis Library at St. Paul Christian Academy and answered a few questions about the book.
In the November 2010 issue of ParentLife, Kelli Regan wrote about how to create an online photo book. Here are her extended reviews of specific photo sites.
Shutterfly Shutterfly is the top-rated online photo processing site with consumers and reviewers. Besides photo books, they offer a full line of photographic products like prints, Christmas cards, and gift items like coffee mugs, T-shirts, and more.
Why I Like It:
Web site is intuitive and remarkably easy to use
Hundreds of themed templates and backgrounds
“Simple Paths” feature allows you to create a photo book in minutes
High-quality output with satisfaction guaranteed
Plentiful tutorials and online help
Excellent choice for beginner and advanced users
Mixbook Launched in 2006, Mixbook is a relative newcomer but has quickly become a top-rated site. Mixbook offers only photo books, so you’ll have to go elsewhere for prints and other photo services.
Why I Like It:
Easy-to-navigate Web site
Highly customizable layouts
Strong online community
Allows friends to add their own photos and pages to your book.
“AutoMix” feature builds a complete photo book in minutes
Excellent choice for experienced users who want lots of customizable options. (These choices, however, may overwhelm novice photo-book creators.)
Snapfish Owned by Hewlett-Packard, Snapfish is one of the most popular photo processing Web sites. In recent years they’ve added sizing and binding options and additional customization features to their photo books.
Why I Like It:
“Express Photo Book” feature auto-fills photos into a complete layout in minutes
Plentiful theme and embellishment options
More sizing and cover design options than most other publishers
Offers a complete line of photo products including personalized board books that feature your little ones
Good choice for beginners and experienced users. (Advanced users and professionals may want a higher-end provider.)
You may have read about the national movement Make a Difference Day in last Sunday's USA Weekend. Last year, more than 3 million people joined in community service projects around the nation to celebrate the holiday!
This year's Make a Difference Day is this Saturday, October 23. USA Weekend has a whole database of local projects to search (for instance, here are the listings for Tennessee). Or connect with your church or another organization you know is making a difference in your community!
Doing service together is a great way to show your kids what is really important and to model Christian life for them.
In concordance with Make a Difference Day, Blue Marlin Publications is releasing The Good Fun! Book, a handbook of 12 "service parties" that kids can organize and participate in.
"Whether it's a party to help animals or to collect sports equipment for needy kids, the 12 party plans in this book help elementary school children make a real difference in their neighborhoods – and the world – all year long. Filled with fun ideas that encourage participation and problem-solving, The Good Fun! Book includes themed party ideas, invitation suggestions, craft details, recipes, and even charity profiles."
Are you showing your children how to make a difference? Consider how you could be doing more--and get out and do SOMETHING this weekend!
I have had the privilege of working on ParentLife for seven years (I can hardly believe it ... time flies)! Over those seven years, I've been a part of several redesigns of the magazine. It's always a lot of work, but it's always very exciting and well worth the effort!
In the past few months, our team has been working hard behind the scenes on a new design for ParentLife that will be launching in March 2011. And I must say ... it is by far my favorite design so far! I can't wait to get it into your hands and see what you think! We hope you will find it to be beautiful, refreshing, and open with the same great content you've come to expect!
Today, we're giving you a tiny sneak peek ... the cover! We want the first cover of the new design to be the best cover yet, but we need your help.
Below are five of our favorite cover choices. Let us know which cover is your favorite by leaving a comment!
Cover 1 (below)
Leave a comment and let us know which one is your favorite and any comments you would like to share. We will use your feedback to help us decide on the March 2011 cover. We're moving fast on this, so be sure and comment today!
Did you know that September is the seventh annual National Preparedness Month? Since 2003, the Department of Homeland Security has urged families to get their acts together when it comes to having plans in case of an emergency.
The Center for Disease Control Web site offers some wonderful advice on what emergency preparedness truly means. They outline how each family can make an emergency kit, create an emergency plan, be informed about emergencies, and get involved in educating their community.
We were recently able to review the American Red Cross Blackout Buddy, a fantastic tool to have in your home in case of a common problem: a power outage. (If your kids are very scared of the dark, this can qualify as a national emergency!)
According to the ever-knowledgeable Wikipedia, the official flower of Grandparents’ Day is the forget-me-not.
I think that’s sweet, don’t you? While we’re all busy, it’s important to keep contact with your kids’ grandparents. Technology makes it easier than ever, even if you live far away. Here are some other ideas for good grandparent bonding, in honor of Grandparents’ Day (it was September 12).
Grandparent Camp — Ask if they have any interest in doing a grandparent camp. Suggest a week when school is out and possible activities your kids might enjoy. Camp can be at your house or at the grandparent’s house. Ideally, try to use the time for you to get away to revitalize your parenting skills or your marriage.
Funding for Church Camps and Mission Trips – If grandparents ask for gift suggestions, suggest something that invests in your child’s spiritual growth. Set up a mission trip/church camp fund for each child and give the grandparents the opportunity to help. Ask the kids to always send a note from camp to thank the grandparents.
A little over 22 months ago, I birthed my first child into the world.
She took her sweet old time as my husband and mother waited and the dog watched me, confused, while I didn’t sleep for two nights straight.
Her little life has changed me just as much and more than I expected. My greatest panic as we came home from the hospital in October 2008 was that I had no family in Nashville, where we lived. No one to call for help. I begged my mom to stay forever, to move to Nashville without my dad, anything to save me from having to raise a baby without her guidance. Wisely, she declined.
Just a few days into Libbie’s tiny life, the preschool minister from our church came to visit. She brought three things: the rose that had symbolized Libbie’s birth on the church altar; a Christian parenting book; and a copy of BabyLife.
I will confess to barely touching the book; life was too overwhelming already with a newborn wreaking havoc in our house. But I read BabyLife from cover to cover, multiple times. And discovered its bearer, our dear preschool director, lived very close to our house and would fill in as “Mom” when needed. Her guidance and friendship saved me several times.
Titus 2:3-5 encourages older women to mentor younger women “to be sensible.” I can think of many times when I needed some sense stuffed into my head. I am forever grateful to the women in my life — older, not too much older, even younger — who have taken the time to talk me down from a cliff. Every new mom needs guidance at one time or another, whether she wants to admit it or not!
Now, as baby #2 is gestating and December seems to be getting closer and closer, I hope to find another wonderful mentor in our new city. Because life with two seems pretty scary to me, but I know a lot of women have been there. ____ The ParentLife staff is starting work on the newest edition of BabyLife , which will be released in June 2011. The magazine is full of advice for parenting children during their first two years of life. What would you like to see featured in the magazine? What articles would catch your attention?
Jessie, the new “ParentLife Blog Guru,” is a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer and editor in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has blogged for over four years at Vanderbilt Wife.
Despite the research of pediatricians that supports the benefits of breastfeeding for at least one year, new moms across the nation are given diaper bags full of formula samples and tools for bottle-feeding as they exit the hospital. (Or, in some cases, at the obstetrician’s office as soon as they come in pregnant!)
Cottonwood Kids has developed a breastfeeding support bag for hospitals to distribute called the Healthy Baby Bounty Bag. The bags include samples, coupons, and information that promote a healthy breastfeeding relationship. These bags have been in existence for one year and are currently being distributed at 200+ hospitals in the United States.
The founders have realized, however, that Healthy Baby Bounty Bags is quite the mouthful. Via the Lansinoh By Moms for Moms blog, the company is searching for a new name for the bags. Submissions will be accepted through tomorrow, September 10th, on this blog post. Then the names will be voted on.
The person who comes up with the new name will win a $100 gift card.
We’d love to see one of our own creative readers come up with the new name! Good luck!
If you have a preteen, you don't want to miss this month's issue of the devotional magazine Bible Express. September is the first issue of the new flipbook design. It's like getting two magazines in one — one side is specifically for boys and the other side is specifically for girls. Cover, articles, and devotions will be gender specific and relevant for today's preteens!
Have you forgotten about our August giveaway? It is one you don't want to miss!
During the month of August we are giving away 5 copies of singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson's new number-one album Counting Stars. Check the album out on Centricity Music's Web site. I have the album and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites!
We are also giving away 5 copies of Andrew Peterson's great juvenile fiction novel North! Or Be Eaten— the 2010 Christy Award winner for Young Adult Fiction.
Everyone* who posts on our blog during August will be entered. So let us hear from you!
*LifeWay employees are not eligible for this giveaway. Multiple comments do not increase chances of winning. Winners will be announced on September 1, 2010.
In our August 2010 "Today's Life" article (p. 48), Joy Fisher highlighted a cool product called Tegu Blocks. These blocks are designed to make play a simultaneous learning experience. Tegu block sets include shapes such as cubes, long planks, short planks, and jumbo planks, which all connect by a magnetic force.
After our August issue went to the printer, we discovered that by purchasing Tegu Blocks, you have the opportunity to send a child in Honduras to school. So far, over 900 school days have been granted for children who otherwise would not be able to attend school. What a great way to help make learning fun for your child and to help a great cause at the same time!
And just this week, Tegu announced the launch of Tegu Tints.
Tegu Tints adds an extra layer of excitement to Tegu’s traditional block shapes, livening the signature cubes and planks in five different translucent colors: green, orange, turquoise, pink, and yellow. Tegu's proprietary tinting process, which applies specially formulated water-based lacquers to beautiful hardwoods, has been carefully engineered to highlight the natural beauty of the wood while respecting the environment. All Tegu blocks incorporate responsibly sourced hardwoods and exceed all safety requirements mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.
Tegu Tints will be available for purchase at www.tegu.com this September. Visit www.tegu.com for more information!
In the August 2010 issue of ParentLife, Kelli Regan helped you navigate the 7 Cs of digital photography. And with the kids headed back to school, you may have some great first-day-of-school photos you are ready to print. At-home, in-store, and online options for printing photos and creating projects abound. With so many choices, which is best? Let's consider the pros and cons.
Print at Home
With the cost of photo printers falling, do-it-yourself photo printing seems like a good idea. But is it?
Pros:
Instant gratification
Convenience
Good choice for a few pictures
Creative control
Cons:
Cost. Ink and photo paper are expensive. The average print-at-home 4x6 photo costs upwards of 28 cents.
Upfront cost of purchasing photo printer, ink, and photo paper
Added technical involvement
Retail Store Self-Service.
Just about every drugstore, warehouse, and mass merchandiser (such as CVS, Rite Aid, Sam’s Club, Costco, Target, and Walmart) offer a photo kiosk. To use one, just bring your camera’s media card or a photo CD and get started.
Pros:
Consistently high-quality prints
Prints are usually less than 19 cents each
Often ready in an hour
On-site editing
Variety of print and gift options available
Most offer online sites to upload and pre-order pictures
Cons:
Hassle factor of going to the store, waiting in line, and standing there to edit/upload/order
Once out of your camera, the tiny media card is easy to lose. Guard it carefully!
Online Photo Finishers
Online photo sites are sprouting up every day, but the three most popular are Shutterfly, Snapfish, and Kodak Gallery. Each offers similar services, products, and pricing.
Pros:
Cost: Prints can be as low as 9 cents each.
Done in the comfort of your own home
Consistently high-quality prints
Online editing and special effects
Photos remain on the site for future use
Pick up prints at local retailers.
Extensive variety of photo products including photo books, posters, cards, notepads, puzzles, calendars, mugs, and more
Cons:
Wait time of two to five days
Cost of shipping
What is your favorite way to print your digital photos? Do you have tips for readers who are just getting started in digital photography? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment!
Bible Express is a devotional magazine for preteens! In the September issue, Bible Express is featuring two bands from iShine Live tour — The Rubyz and Mission Six. If your preteen is a fan of these bands, you definitely won't want to miss it!
Also coming in September ... Bible Express is becoming two magazines in one. Each issue will be a flipbook design where one side is specifically for boys and the other side is specifically for girls. Cover, articles, and devotions will be gender specific and relevant for today's preteens! It will be awesome!
Does your church recieve Bible Express? Does your preteen use it? Tell us what you love about it ... and your thoughts on the new format!
Looking for a fun dessert to go with your Chili Dawgs ("Taste of Life" recipe, p. 46 of June 2010 ParentLife)? Try this Bat 'N' Ball Banana Split! With the banana as a bat and a scoop of vanilla ice cream as the ball, you’ve got a banana split for baseball fans. Heating the banana briefly and then drizzling it with caramel sauce gives it a little something extra, but if you prefer, you can serve the banana plain. Just don’t forget the red licorice stitching or the chocolate chip autograph. (Makes 4 servings.)
Ingredients:
8 thin red peelable licorice strands (sometimes called “whips,” not the thicker licorice twists)
½ cup mini semisweet or milk chocolate chips, or to taste
4 peeled bananas
Caramel sauce, for drizzling
1 large scoop vanilla ice cream per person
Directions: Place the licorice strands on a small serving plate and pour some chocolate chips into a small serving bowl. Set aside.
Place the bananas into 4 shallow microwavable soup bowls. Drizzle each with a little caramel sauce and, working with one at a time, microwave on high power for 30 to 45 seconds, or until the bananas are just softened.
When the bananas come out of the microwave, scoop a generous ball-shaped serving of ice cream into each bowl, centered on the banana. Work quickly so that the warm bananas do not melt the ice cream too much.
Bring the bowls to the table immediately and have each person decorate the ice cream: Bend the licorice strands to form “U” shapes and place two each onto the ice cream ball, facing in opposite directions, where the stitches would go. Spell out your name or your favorite player’s name with chocolate chips — or just spell out the initials. Serve.
You may have noticed that Steven Curtis Chapman is on the June 2010 cover of ParentLife along with his daughters Shaohannah and Stevey Joy. We are so honored that Steven's family took the time to talk with us about their journey of finding beauty in pain.
Many people became familiar with Steven Curtis Chapman when the family appeared on Good Morning America and Larry King Live after the tragedy of losing their 5-year-old daughter, Maria Sue. But Christian music fans have been well aware of Steven for more than 20 years. The Kentucky native is the most awarded artist in contemporary Christian music with more than 50 Dove Awards to his credit. He is responsible for such memorable songs as “I Will Be Here,” “The Great Adventure,” “For the Sake of the Call,” “Heaven in the Real World,” “Dive,” and “Live Out Loud.”
His current album, Beauty Will Rise, was released November 3, 2009. The 12-song collection chronicles his family’s journey in the wake of losing Maria Sue. “[The title track 'Beauty Will Rise'] expresses the hope we have that has allowed me to share this music and this whole recording with people,” Steven says. “Part of the process of doing this is to see God bring beauty out of the ashes and begin to see the comfort in other people that can come from this.”
Maybe you have lost a child or a loved one or know someone who has. If so, the Chapman's had several books they say helped them through the grieving process (and the ParentLife team added a few possibilities as well).
Have you ever lost someone you loved? What books/resources did you find helpful? What were the most helpful ways people offered you comfort and support?
Don't forget about our May giveaway. BornFree has generously provided ParentLife with one Smart Start Gift Set to giveaway this month. The gift set is packed with BPA-free products including one sterilizer, three 5-ounce bottles, one 9-ounce bottle, one twin pack level 2 nipples, one day and night silicone pacifier, and one twister brush set!
Everyone* who posts a comment on our blog during the month of May will automatically be entered to win this starter kit. A winner will be drawn randomly on June 1, 2010. So let us hear from you!
*LifeWay employees are not eligible for this giveaway. Multiple comments do not increase chances of winning.
What products did you find most helpful as the parent of a newborn? Any recommendations for our expectant parent readers or parents of newborns?
Mother's Day is right around the corner. If you are a mom, maybe your family needs some Mother's Day gift hints! Or maybe you are a dad trying to figure out something new and creative this year for your wife!
Maybe you will be inspired by the following ideas!
A trip to a Bed and Breakfast. Every mom needs some time to relax and rejuvenate, and a great way to do that is to visit a bed and breakfast. Visit BnBFinder.com, to find a bed and breakfast package that is just right for Mom.
Meals for Moms. In honor of your mom (or your wife) do something kind for a homebound senior mom. The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) has just launched a new campaign called Meals for Moms to raise awareness of all the homebound senior moms facing the threat of hunger this Mother’s Day. You can send a free virtual bouquet of flowers to anyone (including a homebound senior mom) by visiting www.mealsformoms.org. If someone selects that their bouquet go to a Meals On Wheels client, those e-cards will be printed out and distributed by Meals On Wheels programs, along with any special messages written by the card creators.
A World Vision Gift. When it comes to Mom's priorities, children's needs come first. What better way to honor Mom than by helping disadvantaged mothers provide for their children? World Vision Gift Catalog offers a variety of opportunities to assist mothers and their families in Haiti and around the world, by purchasing essential life-sustaining items. The World Vision Gift Catalog, located at www.worldvisiongifts.org, offers more than 100 poverty-fighting gifts ranging in price from $16 to $39,000 that can be purchased in the name of a mother, child, friend, or loved one.
Make It and Take It.Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores will host a free Make It-Take It event in every store across the country on Saturday, May 8th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to make two projects – a “hand” made flower bouquet and a fingerprint card. While the kids are crafting their masterpieces for mom, dads can stroll the store to find many great gifts — sewing machines, scrapbooking albums, picture frames, yarn, and gift cards to name a few ideas. To find the location nearest you, log onto Joann.com.
If you are a mom, what have some of your favorite Mother's Day gifts been? If you are not a mom, what are some creative ways you have honored your mother on Mother's Day? Share your ideas with us!
Are you planning a party using Abbey Land's awesome party-plannying tips In the March 2010 issue of ParentLife? Building excitiement and anticipation for your guests starts with the invitation. There are so many fun, easy resources online to help you personalize and create your own party invitations. Check out just a few of these options:
Tiny Prints — This company guarantees 100% satisfaction with their photo cards, birth announcements, and party invitations.
InvitationBox.com — Find adorable themes, cuts, characters, and colors — from wild and festive to sweet and silly.
Shutterfly — Shutterfly allows you to upload your own photos and use them for photo books, photo cards and stationary, and much more. You can have your purchase mailed to you or you can choose to pick your order up at your local Target.
Disney's Family Fun Printables — By clicking on "Printables" and and then "Cards and Invites," you will discover a variety of do-it-yourself invitation options.
Vistaprint — Vistaprint delivers high-quality printed products (including inviations) in low volume for a great price.
NickJr.com — Print invitations featuring your child's favorite Nick Jr. characters or create your very own printable invitation from scratch! Click on "Games & Activities" and "Preschool Printables" or "Custom Nick Jr. Printables."
Evite.com — Thinking of going paperless? Check out Evite.com for free, fun electronic invitations.
Do you know of any other great invitation options? Share your ideas by leaving a comment or e-mailing us at parentlife@lifeway.com.
Every month in our "Today's Life" department, Joy Fisher does her best to bring you some of the best, practical, fun product ideas for children and parents.
One of the product ideas in the February 2010 issue of ParentLife is Mag-Tagz™, a line of magnetic necklaces! After the February issue went to the printer, we discovered that Mag-Tagz were not an age-appropriate choice for the children of our audience.
The following disclaimer can be found on the Mag-Tagz™ Web site:
Warning: Mag-tagz Magnetic Beads are not a toy and not intended for children under the age of 13. This jewelry product contains magnets or magnetic components. Magnets sticking together or becoming attached to a metallic object inside the human body can cause serious or fatal injury. Seek immediate medical help if magnets are swallowed or inhaled. Do not use as a nose ring as this would increase the chances of accidental inhalation.
The ParentLife staff apologizes for not catching this sooner!
This month we are giving away two different books!
In honor of Valentine's Day, we are giving away five copies of Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together by Jim & Cathy Burns (Bethany House, 2009). This is a collection of 52 devotions to help couples draw closer through faith conversations. Each reading includes inviting discussion questions and practical action steps to provide a focused time to learn and talk about what is important in life. And ... it's designed for today's busy schedules, requiring only 30 minutes a week.
Everyone* who posts a comment on our blog during the month of February will be entered to win one of these books. We have five of each book to give away ... 10 winners total!
*LifeWay employees are not eligible for this giveaway. Multiple comments do not increase chances of winning.
We see a lot of products for possible review in ParentLife. Rarely do we see a note so personal and heartfelt directed toward our readers. We wanted to share this note with you from Max Lucado about his new book, The Tallest of Smalls.
Parents today need all the help they can get. Ponder these statistics for just a moment.
There are 8,769 hours in a year and within those thousands of hours, children spend 29% of them sleeping, only 1% of them attending church, 16% of them at school, and the majority of their time, with an overwhelming majority of 54%, at home.
Parents are the number one influence on their children’s lives, but with strong outside forces and conflicting messages infiltrating the home, the best teachers in a child’s life are facing tremendous challenges. I have made it my mission not only to inspire and encourage adults, but also to give children and their parents the opportunity to learn together about God’s tremendous love for them through something so simple as a children’s picture book.
In The Tallest of Smalls, I wanted to convey a precious message to children about how divinely special and unique they are. It takes a lot of courage, even for us grown-ups, to stand up for what we believe in and to be ourselves in a world that tells us fitting in is the most important. Courage is a learned skill best adopted during childhood. With The Tallest of Smalls, I wanted to give parents a story that helped build their child’s confidence in him or herself through the life-changing love and unconditional acceptance of our Heavenly Father.
In a society obsessed with image and status, we all need a reminder that fame and fortune doesn’t make the person. We all need a reminder that we are always loved and cherished by God. We all need a reminder that what our Heavenly Father thinks of us trumps what the world might say. It is my prayer that within the pages of a simple rhyming children’s book, adults and children alike can be reminded of these profound truths and apply them to their hearts and lives forever.
Blessings,
Max Lucado
Visit LifeWay Christian Stores to purchase The Tallest of Smalls and to view a special video message from Max Lucado.
It's hard to believe that a brand new year is upon us! With a new year often comes new goals! Do you have any New Year's resolutions? I am confident that finance-related goals are at the top of many of your lists.
Bad money management habits are hard to change, so the key is to start teaching your children healthy money management skills early. Our January blog giveaway just might be the service you need to help your child! This month we are giving away one 1-year subscription to ThreeJars.com.
ThreeJars.com is an innovative modern allowance system that lets kids earn, track, and use their own money online. With this online service, you set an allowance limit for your child and decide how his allowance will be divvied-up between Save, Spend, and Share jars. Your child manages his own account, but your approval is required for all financial decisions.
Save — Your child can boost his savings by earning interest from you, encouraging the savings habit.
Spend — He can spend his money by requesting cash or gift cards.
Share — He can share money too, by making donations to charities of your choice on or off the ThreeJars.com site. (Don't forget to teach the importance of tithing using the "Share" jar.)
Stop by ThreeJars.com for more details about how this allowance system works.
Everyone* who posts a comment on our blog during the month of January will be entered to win one 1-year subscription to ThreeJars.com
*LifeWay employees are not eligible for this giveaway. Multiple comments do not increase chances of winning.
Does your child get an allowance? How are you teaching your child about money management?
In the December 09 issue of ParentLife, Christi McGuire provided some childproofing tips for Christmas. But there is even more you might not have thought of. Consider the following tips.
Poisonous Holiday Plants Especially during this holiday season, keep the following list of plants out of reach of your baby.
Poinsettias — Poinsettias cause little reacion in most people; however, ingestion by small children may cause skin or smouth irritation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Holly — Ingesting small amounts can cause mild stomach irritation and drowsiness; ingesting large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and extreme drowsiness.
Mistletoe — Ingesting small amounts may cause mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Ingesting large plants may produce serious poisonings.
Amaryllis— This plant can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Christmas trees (pine, fir, spruce) — Most Christmas trees are not poisonous, but sharp needles can cause skin irritation and bleeding or choking.
Poison Alert: Toothpaste
Look closely at your toothpaste tube and you will see a warning label. Since 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration has required a poison warning label on all fluoride toothpastes, which contain the active ingredient of Sodium Fluoride, a toxic poison. Although only 1 percent of the toothpaste contains this toxic ingredient, you need to call the poison control center if your baby ingests more than the tiny amount needed for brushing teeth. Toothpaste that is pink, sparkly, and tastes like bubble gum may be easily mistaken for candy, posing a poison hazard for your unsuspecting baby.
Socket-Lockits™ Check out this stylish new way to keep your baby safe! Socket-Lockits help reduce electrical and choking hazards in your home. Their unique patent-pending design incorporates:
Self-locking barbs to prevent tiny fingers from pulling covers off
A convenient pressure-button release to make removal easy for adults
A variety of designs printed with non-toxic ink to match any décor
One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is watching Christmas movies. If your family is looking for a new Christmas movie to enjoy together this season, consider checking out The Perfect Gift (Kelly's Filmworks).
A spoiled schoolgirl (Christina Fougnie), her overworked executive mother (Amy Hess) and a disillusioned young minister (Matt Wallace) each receive an uplifting message about friendship, commitment, and the truest meaning of Christmas from a friendly, but mysterious, drifter named Jess.
One of ParentLife's frequent writers — Mark Smeby — not only plays a supporting role in the film, but his song "Emmanuel (You Are With Me)" is also featured in the movie and on the soundtrack.
Mark is offering a free download of his song to ParentLife readers during the month of December. Right-click on the link below to download the mp3 now.
Has your family enjoyed the Thanksgiving books mentioned in the November 2009 issue of ParentLife? If so, we have even more recommendations for you!
Sunday, November 29th marks the official beginning of the Advent season. Celebrating Advent is one great way to prepare your family for the Christmas season. Be sure to check out these books related to Advent.
Lansinoh® is celebrating its 25th anniversary by having a great giveaway — a huge basket of goodies for 25 winners! Each basket includes the entire line of Lansinoh products. For all the details and to enter the contest, visit the ByMomsForMoms™ blog.
In the November issue of ParentLife, Kay Harms helps parents teach their children the art of saying thanks through thank-you notes. Be sure not to miss her practical tips for helping your child exercise gratitude!
For even more help, check out the following resources related to gratefulness and manners.
At 16, Shawn Johnson won gold. Less than a year later, she was crowned a national dance sensation. From the gym to the ballroom, Johnson credits her success to encouragement she received from her parents and mentors. This fall, Johnson is partnering with the Lunch Note Promise Campaign brought to you by the new Lunchables to inspire parents to give kids that same type of support, in big and small ways.
Making the Promise The Lunchables team is asking parents and caregivers nationwide to promise to drop a note of encouragement into their child’s lunch. For every parent that logs onto www.lunchnotepromise.com and makes that promise, the Lunchables team will donate a meal to children and families in need through Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity, which serves an estimated nine million children each year. The goal is to turn 100,000 promises into up to 100,000 meals.
Lunchnotepromise.com also provides free downloadable stationery that includes more than six vibrant, customizable patterns that parents can use to create fun and cheerful notes that will delight their kids.
Wholesome New Lunchables Moms can also feed their kids’ success with a Lunchables Lunch Combination. This fall, the brand rolled out six new varieties that feature enhancements like bread made with whole grain, turkey made with 100 percent turkey breast, spring water, and applesauce.
Lunchables Lunch Combinations are available in the refrigerated section of grocery stores and retail for $3.49. To learn more about the new Lunchables or the Lunchables Lunch Notes Promise Campaign visit www.lunchnotepromise.com.
How do you show your child support and encouragement? Share your fun, creative tips with other ParentLife readers!
When I make lunch for my sons (I did today in fact), I like to include a note in each or their lunchboxes. We have tried buying napkins that you can write on or pre-printed notes that you tear off and place in their lunches. But then I saw this cool lunchbox from Frecklebox.
Not only does it have a cool design with his name on the outside but a chalkboard on the inside lid so that I can write personal messages to him.
Frecklebox has 20 designs of the lunchboxes with the chalkboard inside, so you are guaranteed to find one your child will love!
Frecklebox specializes in personalized gear: folders, books, and now retro lunchboxes. My son now has one of these cool lunchboxes, and we both love it!
Have you found a cool product for your kids to spice up lunchtime at school?
In the almost 15 months that our son, Jack, has been in our lives, we've taken more pictures than we know what to do with. Luckily, my husband has a knack for photography, and so we've gotten some fantastic photos (such as this one from our recent trip to the beach ... I couldn't resist), but there are plenty of not-so-great photos too!
Trying to snap frame-worthy photos of a baby often results in disappointment, frustration, and ultimately a costly trip to the local portrait studio. (Trust me ... we've been there!) That is one of the reasons I was so excited to get my hands on a new how-to DVD called How to Photograph Your Baby.
In this DVD, Nick Kelsh, renowned photographer and author of eight photography books, including the best-selling book How to Photograph Your Baby, introduces easy steps that will have parents creating beautifully composed baby pictures in just a few minutes. The DVD explores common photography mistakes and offers simple, fun, and effective ways to improve results with a few quick tips.
Nick offers three main tips for getting great photos of your baby.
Tip #1: Get Closer to Your Baby Don't be shy when photographing your baby. Get closer and avoid all the background clutter that distracts viewers from the most important element in the photo — your baby. "Parents who take pictures of their babies never see all the background objects that often ruin the picture. All they see is their beautiful child. Don't be afraid to get closer to your baby and try to be as conscious about the things you don't want in the picture as much as what you do want."
Tip #2: Natural Light Is Key Using flash in dark environments or for taking snapshots at parties is fine but turn the flash off when photographing your baby. Instead Kelsh suggests using natural light to create a softer, more attractive photograph. "Move your baby closer to any light source — a sunbeam coming through a window, under a skylight, even peering out an open door," says Kelsh. "You will immediately see a drastic improvement in the quality of light and, if you follow the "get closer' tip, your baby will appreciate you turning the flash off too."
Tip #3: Take Lots of Pictures If you're thinking, you're probably not shooting photos — so just keep your finger on the shutter. One of the great advantages to digital photography is that there is no added cost to taking lots of photos versus just a few. The more photos you snap, the greater the odds for an album filled with priceless images. "Many people don't realize how many thousands of photos professional photographers take just to get the few really good ones we see in Sports Illustrated, Time magazine, and even our favorite daily newspapers," explains Kelsh. "Don't be afraid to keep shooting, because it's your best guarantee for that one perfect picture."
If you've ever been frustrated when trying to get a good picture of your baby, check out this DVD. It also includes tips on capturing your child's personality as well as how to file and display your favorite photos.
Looking for a great goodie bag gift for your child's party? Or a fun activity that also is eco-friendly? Check out the small Calafant kits that let kids build and decorate their own toy — dinosaurs, houses, race cars, steamers, fire trucks, and more. Each toy is easy to build and comes with 6 high-quality markers. It's a wonderful party activity, and children get to play with their very own toy at the party and take it home.
All Calafant toys are made from recycled cardboard, and they are, of course, biodegradable. Parents can choose either just one style depending on the theme of the party (i.e. for a dinosaur party, every child gets a dinosaur) or mix and match nine different styles.
Visit www.creativetoyshop.com/small.html to see these eco-friendly treasures. These sell for $6.99 for one toy or $53 for the party pack including 9 toys. Available at www.creativetoyshop.com and select retailers listed on the Web site. All toys are lead-free, non-toxic and safe for play.
Do you have some great toys that you would recommend? Share with us and other parents by posting!
Do you have a child with ADD or learning disabilities? For encouragement and support, ParentLife recommends you check out ADDitude magazine.
We are thankful for ADDitude contributing to our September 2009 issue with the great article about social skills for children with ADD and how role-play can dramatically impact kids with ADD for the positive.
If you haven't seen our feature article on Mike Berenstain in the September 2009 issue of ParentLife, be sure to check it out! Mike Berenstain is helping carry on the legacy his parents, Stan and Jan Berenstain, started over 40 years ago with the Berenstain Bears® book series. (Did you know that the characters in the books are based on members of the Berenstain family?)
Many of us have fond memories of growing up reading Berenstain books or reading them to our children. And even though Stan died in 2005, today's children can still experience the thrill of reading new Berenstain Bears books. Mike is actually doing most of the writing, while Mike and his mom share the illustrating. These days, the Berenstain Bears books are taking on even more value-based themes in their new series — Living Lights (published by Zonderkidz™). We listed several books in the new series in our September article, but since that time, there are even more great Living Lights books to choose from.
The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors (May 2009)
The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game (May 2009)
The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks (August 2009)
The Berenstain Bears Faithful Friends (August 2009)
The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree (October 2009)
And be on the lookout for even more coming out in February 2010!For more information, visit www.zonderkidz.com.Stop by the official Berenstain Bears Web site too — www.berenstainbears.com.
Have you read any of the new Berenstain Bears Living Lights books? What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions!
Did you know that yesterday (September 13th) was Grandparent's Day? Did you do anything special to celebrate your grandparents and your child's grandparents? Maybe you sent them an e-card or digital pictures over e-mail. Or maybe your parents are some of the millions of Americans over 72 who still do not use e-mail. Since they are not online, these older family members are often left "out of the loop" of normal, everyday family conversation.
Sunnygram is an e-mail service that will help you bring these family members back into the loop. With Sunnygram, you assign an email address to Grandma (such as Grandma@sunnygram.com), and friends and family can easily send messages and digital pictures that are compiled weekly into a bright and cheery newsletter sent through the mail. Check out a sample here: http://www.sunnygram.com/materials.php.
The newsletter is customized to each recipient, and there are special designs for holidays, including Grandparent's Day. Sunnygrams are available in large print (18-pt) at no extra charge (regular print is 14-pt) and are printed using color laser printers for easy readability and crisp pictures.
Subscription to the service is only $9.95 per month (with no other fees). Visit www.sunnygram.com for a free trial!
A Sunnygram subscription might make a great belated Grandparent's Day gift. Or maybe this is just a great reminder to keep in touch with those you love and to show the grandparents in your life some extra love!
If you have been a reader of ParentLife, you know that we are fans of Upward sports. My family knows Upward from experience after my oldest son, Jonathan, played basketball for three years, and I helped coach. If you missed the article we posted on Upward yesterday, be sure to check it out.
I was also interested to hear the announcement that Upward is partnering together with JellyTelly, a new online children's network launched by VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer, offering 24-hour access to high-quality Christian programming to children ages 5-11. In the new partnership, each child who enrolls in Upward receives a special code to unlock a learning video with a sport specific scripture at www.teamupward.com. The videos, which have been created by VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer's JellyFish Labs, are specifically produced for Upward to echo each of these values emphasized by Upward.
"Upward already has a wonderful ministry to a huge audience of kids," says Phil Vischer. "It's a privilege to help them reach a new generation of web-savvy kids in a way that can build their spiritual, moral AND physical health." JellyTelly plans on creating approximately 80 videos over the course of one year as part of this partnership.
"We have been so pleased with the partnership with Phil Vischer and JellyTelly. Through the course of the next twelve months, over half a million children and their parents will be impacted by the clever and humorous approach to teaching sports and reinforcing the messages from Upward coaches," says Caz McCazlin, President of Upward Unlimited. "In this day and age, the ability to consistently impact and influence children where they are is a rare talent. We see the JellyTelly partnership as a way to successfully use the internet to reach these children."
Reading to and with your child prepares him for a lifetime of curiosity and learning. For preschoolers, choose books with bright, colorful illustrations and minimal text. Beginning readers like repetitive language and humorous rhymes. Don’t forget to read to your older child too! Select books on topics of his interest, and use them as a starting place for great conversations. And remember, enjoying books is free when you visit the library!
New Books
Always by Ann Stott: “No matter what you do,” says Mom, “I’ll always love you.” For babies and preschoolers.
I’m Your Bus by Marilyn Singer: Back-to-schoolers will enjoy this rhyming story told from the perspective of a yellow school bus. For ages 4-8.
Oliver’s Game by Matt Tavares: Treat your baseball fan to a story abouthow World War II interrupted one young man’s dream. For ages 6-10.
Oldies But Goodies
The Napping House by Don and Audrey Wood: A snoring granny and a dreaming child share a bed with an assortment of household creatures. For ages birth to 3.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff: Give a mouse a cookie, and a whole adventure unravels and comes full circle again. For ages 4 to 8.
Frog and Toadare Friends by Arnold Lobel: Lessons in friendship abound in the first of a timeless series. For ages 4 to 8.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka: Get the wolf’s side of the story! For ages 4 to 8.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr.: Each page leads to the next with rhythm and cadence kids adore. Illustrated by Eric Carle. For ages 4 to 8.
Sarah, Plain and Tallby Patricia MacLachlan: In 1910, Sarah comes to be a new mother for Anna and Caleb. For ages 9 to 12.
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner: A story from another era describes how four orphans survive on their own. For ages 9 to 12.
Joy Fisher is editor of LifeWay’s Bible Teaching for Kids Special Buddies, a Bible study curriculum for school-age children who have special needs. She is a former editor and frequent contributor to ParentLife.
Do you know all the benefits of reading to your child? Be sure to check out the article "A Head Start" in the August 2009 issue of ParentLife.
This week is a busy week for most families as the kids head back to school. One source of stress for many families is knowing what to pack for lunch! Is it hard for you to find quick, easy, healthy options for your child's lunch?
The Lunchables team hopes to relieve some of this stress by introducing a whole new line of Oscar Mayer Lunchables Lunch Combinations!
Some highlights of the new line include:
The introduction of the first sandwiches in the Lunchables Lunch Combination line
Turkey made with 100% turkey breast
Bread made with whole grain
Spring water as the drink
And, for the first time ever, Lunchables Lunch Combinations will feature applesauce!
While these nutritional advances are great, Lunchables has also extended its new changes from the inside out. The new packaging features a clear, snap-close container with an easy-to-read menu bar and recyclable packaging.
Lunchables Lunch Combinations are available in the refrigerated section of grocery stores and retail for $3.49. To view the complete line of Lunchables Lunch Combinations visit www.lunchables.com.
In the July 2009 issue of ParentLife we recommended kid-friendly travel products to go along with our feature article "On the Road Again: Making Vacations Fun." One of the products mentioned was the Baby Sherpa® Diaper Backpack. This multitasking, four-in-one bag offers maximum efficiency for today's traveling family. Some of its coolest features include the following:
Deep inside compartment with zippered pocket
Soft-sided cooler uniquely integrated into the diaper bag backpack to store bottles, snacks, beverages, medication (holds 6 to 8 canned beverages)
Padded pocket to hold a video camera or breast pump
Secure, interior parent zip pouch for wallet and a key clasp
Waist, sternum strap and ergonomically designed padded shoulder straps which feature a key clip and passy saver
Fits as carry-on luggage for all airlines
In the feature article, we directed readers to the wrong Web site. We apologize for this mistake. To find out more about the Baby Sherpa Diaper Backpack, visit www.babysherpabackpacks.com.
This summer our boys had summer reading to do for school. To help them stay motivated, we enrolled them in the summer reading program at our county library. Christy and I decided it was only fair that we join the adult summer reading program too! And what a great time we have had reading!
Jonathan really enjoyed reading one of my personal childhood favorites The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, one of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series.
We have read a bit of everything under the sun to Christopher but now that the start of kindergarten is only about a month away, our reading will turn to some books to get him ready. I can't wait to hear Christopher's reaction at the end of First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg.
Christy has enjoyed reading Karen Kingsbury's Redemption series.
I finally finished some books that I have had on the shelf a long time, including The Shackand 90 Minutes in Heaven.
What are some of your favorite books that you have read this summer?
Check out this great article and summer fun idea from ParentLife writer and local school counselor, Bill Conger, about musician Roger Day.
Roger Day doesn't have any trouble getting in touch with his inner child. As a children's performer, the former camp counselor travels the nation entertaining preschool- and elementary-age children with silly songs that he created like "It's a No-No to Kiss a Rhino!" and "Mosquito Burrito."
"What I love about doing children's music is that it's all my own stuff," Day said following a July 9th gig at the Brentwood Library near Nashville, Tennessee. "It's my own creativity. It's my own imagination. I'm not doing other people's music. I think that's great for kids to see so that they are encouraged to use their imagination too.”
An entertainer on the college circuit, Day never envisioned making a living in the kid's market. After his wife had the couple's third child, he became a stay-at-home dad while mom returned to her speech therapist job with special needs children. During those three years, he played a few more college dates, but he felt led to transition to children's music full-time in the late 90s. "I told everybody I'm going to do kid's music, and everybody said, 'Greeeeat! Good luck with that' because nobody really had an idea of what you could do with it."
His songs are more than goofy ditties that kids sing. It's also another way of educating them, something he has witnessed personally. "My son, who's 16, mentioned at the end of school that they were studying 'The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner' because in one of my very first songs 'Reach Up' I talk about having no time for albatrosses hanging around us. He said that when he studied 'The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner,' he thought: Albatross! I know what that is! My hope is that kids when they're taking their SAT will say: 'I wonder how many chambers there are in a snake heart? Ah, 3. How do I know that? Oh, that Roger Day song talked about it.' "
To check out more about Roger Day's music and his touring schedule, visit his Web site www.rogerday.com.
What is the best kid music that you secretly like to listen to?
Do you have a child under 2 years old? Or are you expecting a baby in the near future? Be sure to check out BabyLife -- the special edition of ParentLife designed for expectant parents and parents with infants and toddlers. Filled with tons of practical information on what to expect in those first two years.
Here are a just a few of the helpful topics included in BabyLife:
Basic care and developmental information for 5 different stages: On the Way, Birth to 6 Months, 6 to 12 Months, 12 to 18 Months, and 18 to 24 Months
Family outings and travel can be fun and exciting. However, if a child becomes lost, it can quickly turn into a scary experience. According to the Center to Prevent Lost Children, 90 percent of families report losing a child in a public place.
The Spot Me ID child identification products are a real vacation "must have" for parents and children. Spot Me ID gives families the added reassurance that they are only a phone call away should they become separated in a crowded place.
Created by a mom of three after she experienced being separated from her child while on vacation in a crowded place, Spot Me ID includes bracelets, lanyards, and temporary tattoos featuring Spot, the dog, who reminds kids that they can rely on Spot to keep their parent's cell phone number with them at all times.
Each Spot Me ID product is resistant to water, sunscreen, chlorine, perspiration and are reusable. The tattoos are also non-toxic, FDA approved, and water-proof. The products have various themes that reflect outings, such as the beach series, zoo series, everyday, and others.
Spot Me ID products are suitable for children ages 1 to 10. The cartoonish bracelets and lanyards feature an animated dog named Spot, who winks, wags his tail, and waves. The temporary tattoos depict a Spot the dog with an area to write in a cell phone number and parent’s name. They are non-toxic, FDA approved, and will last days even when wet.
Now available in pink and brown simulated leather editions, the popular Illustrated Study Bible for Kids offers a fresh and exciting approach to Bible reading among children. It features the complete text of the popular Holman Christian Standard Bible translation plus dozens of full-color illustrations, maps, and reconstructions. Also included are easy-to-read study helps like The Ten Commandments for Kids, How to Have a Quiet Time, Test Your Bible Knowledge, and a Bible Dictionary for Kids.
ParentLife has two Illustrated Study Bible for Kids (one in pink and one in brown) to give away during the month of June. Everyone* who posts a comment on our blog in June will automatically be entered to win!
*LifeWay employees are not eligible for this giveaway. Multiple comments do not increase chances of winning.
What features do you look for in a Bible for your child? What is most important to you?
This year, families across the country are planning their vacations with a smaller budget in mind. If camping is not your thing, maybe you should consider Smart Destinations' Go Cards and Explorer Passes —a great way to save money without sacrificing family fun.
Smart Destinations is a provider of unlimited admission attraction passes in 15 major North American destinations (San Diego, Boston, Chicago, and Oahu, to name a few). Smart Destinations’ Go Cards and Explorer Passes offer pre-paid access to over 425 museums, attractions, and tours for one low fixed price.
With the Go Card you can buy a pass (for up to 5 days) that gives you freeadmission and no waiting in line to several attractions in your pick city. You can see as many attractions as you want over the duration of days that you have selected.
With the Explorer Card you can pick three top attractions of your choice for a flat rate of $52.00 for adults and $40.00 for children. For example, in Chicago, if you were to visit the Shedd Aquarium ($24 adult), Shoreline Cruises ($24), and the Hancock Observatory ($15 adult), you would save $11 for each adult.
So where will your family go on vacation? To see a list of all 15 destinations, visit www.smartdestinations.com.
Where is your family going on vacation this year? How do you plan to save money on vacation? Share your tips with us and other ParentLife readers.
Memorial Day weekend kicks off the 2009 camping season. It’s time to pack up the gear and head into the great outdoors. With the economic downturn, many parents are forgoing the annual vacation to Hawaii and opting to stay closer to home this year. Now is the best time to consider a state or national park visit. The average stay can be as little as $15 for an overnight campsite.
With a goal to guide families back into state and national parks systems, community parks or just beyond their backdoors, IAGmedia, Inc. delivers “Into the Great Outdoors,” a program to help reconnect kids and families with nature and the environment. Into the Great Outdoors introduces kids to a young squirrel, Chipper, a first-timer going into the park systems to explore nature. Through music, mishap, and humor and a cast of friendly wildlife creatures, Chipper playfully teaches children the importance of respecting the environment. Company founder, Stephanie Rach-Wilson, says it is her upbringing and personal mission to provide parents with a positive reinforcement tool to help eliminate the stress and put back in the fun of exploring the great outdoors with kids. IAGmedia offers online resources, checklists for the entire family, and fun facts for parents to help get ready to go on hiking or camping adventures, such as:
There are 391 national parks in the US.
Yellowstone, in Wyoming, was the first National Park created in 1872.
There are over 3,500 state parks.
In 1864, President Lincoln ceded Yosemite to California and made it a state park. It later became a national park.
Let’s Go Chipper’s™ Into the Great Outdoors products are available online at www.iagmedia.net and national retail and online stores.
Does your family like to camp? Share with us places you like to camp, tips for camping with kids, and favorite camp activities.
One of the best ways to soothe a fussy baby is the technique of swaddling. I discovered very quickly as a new parent, that swaddling is an art form. It is not easy!
The Miracle Blanket®, the leading infant swaddle design, wants to make swaddling easy for parents. And now ... parents who use the Miracle Blanket have an opportunity to win some extra cash (up to $500) through the Crying to Calm Video Contest! Parents are encouraged to pick up their home video cameras to capture the true miracle of the Miracle Blanket showing their baby going from fussy and crying to a peaceful serenity after being swaddled.
“Even though thousands of testimonials out there rave about the effectiveness of the Miracle Blanket when it comes to calming fussy, colicky, or just plain restless babies, we realize some parents still don’t believe it and want to see it for themselves,” says Michael Gatten, creator and founder of Miracle Industries, makers of Miracle Blanket. “And what better way to do that than to have our customers do the demonstrating.”
I can personally testify to the effectiveness of swaddling. I never used the Miracle Blanket in particular with my son, Jack. But we swaddled him and discovered that he started sleeping through the night! So exhausted new parents ... be sure to check it out!
Has swaddling worked for you? Tell us about your experience.
Congratulations to Kris Buckman, Jennifer C., and Rachel -- the winners of our April giveaway!
Each of these readers won a Leader Kit for the new LifeWay parenting resource The Parent Adventure
by Rodney & Selma Wilson. The Leader Kit includes a copy of The Parent Adventure trade book, a member book for the 7-week Bible study based on this resource, and 2 DVDs featuring the authors.
Keep checking our blog for our May giveaway ... coming soon!
Are you looking for faith-based clothes for your baby or toddler?
Check out Faith Baby (www.faithbaby.com). Faith Baby, a Christian children's clothing Web site, promises one-of-a-kind designs to enlighten the heart and celebrate faith. Faith Baby offers high-quality clothes and gifts for babies and toddlers featuring positive messages to rejoice in God's smallest blessings.
The site offers an alternative to the recent trend of "attitude-wear" for babies by featuring positive messages of Christian faith on onesies, tees, pants and accessories with a stylish, modern sensibility.
Ideal for baby showers, birthdays, baby dedications, or simply to celebrate one's joy over the birth of a new baby, Faith Baby products are made of super-soft 100% cotton. Onesies come in a variety of colors in sizes from 3 to 6 months to 12 to 18 months. Toddler t-shirts come in four color options in sizes 2T to 4T. The new "frilly" infant pants are one-size fits most from 6 to 12 months, and will soon be available in new color variations.
For your church, we endorse MinistrySafe as a resource to help churches in the area of Sexual Abuse Awareness. MinistrySafe offers child sexual abuse awareness training, policies and procedures, applications forms, reference check forms, interview forms, and instructional documents for churches.
We also endorse backgroundchecks.com for background screenings. Churches can receive discounts on screenings when they register here.
What are ways that you have taken steps to educate your kids about child abuse? Has your church taken steps to guard against abuse?
If you like ParentLife magazine, you'll love BabyLife -- our special edition of ParentLife designed for expectant parents and parents with infants and toddlers. Filled with tons of practical information on what to expect in those first precious months with baby, BabyLife makes a great supplement to any baby shower or new-parent gift. BabyLife is also great to take along when visiting a new mom in the hospital or new families who visit your church. Check out BabyLife today!
Tell us what issues new parents care about most -- and help shape our next issue of BabyLife!
Don't forget! Anyone who posts a comment on our blog during March is automatically entered to win one free Crosspoint or Centri-Kid camp registration. Click here for all the details.
Do you have an egg hunt as part of your family traditions each spring? Try a new twist on a traditional egg hunt with Techno Source®'s new Hide 'Em & Find 'Em Eggs. Hide the eggs to start the egg hunt fun. The eggs then begin talking ("I'm Hiding!" and "I'm Over Here!"),
laughing, and making noises as you try to find them. Open them up to
see a cute bunny or baby chick say, "You found me!"
The eggs come in six collectable colors: violet, pink, green, yellow, orange, and blue! Each egg is large enough to store candy and the batteries are even included!
Hide 'Em & Find 'Em Eggs will be available in March at Rite Aid, Target, and Wal-Mart as well as other retailers.
As a parent, you have the primary responsibility for the spiritual development of your child. But God wants your child to know and love Him even more than you want it. Pray that the Holy Spirit will work through you as you teach biblical truths in all that you say and do.
The Levels of Biblical Learning is an instrument you can use to reference what children from birth through sixth grade can understand and develop in their spiritual growth. It provides a chart cross-referenced by age groups and spiritual development concepts. There are 10 content areas: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible, Creation, Family, Self, Church, Salvation, and Community and World. The changes in concept areas coincide with changes in a child's level of understanding and vocabulary.
Read the listings in each content area matching the age of your child.
Note the knowledge and skills your child already has firmly in place.
Mark the statements you believe your child is in the process of making his own.
Flag one or two statements in each content area that you feel are important for your child to know.
Determine ways to encourage your child in the areas where you feel he already is making progress and in the areas you flagged as important.
Be on the lookout for a brand new line of resources based on the Levels of Biblical Learning coming out this summer. Puzzles, bookmarks, stickers, craft packs, and more are categorized by each of the Levels of Biblical Learning concept areas.
What are some ways that you are building your child's spiritual foundation?
It's been almost a month since the launch of ParentLife Online and we want to hear from you! Tell us what you think of our blog so far!
What do you like about the blog?
What do you dislike about the blog?
How do you feel about the design of the blog?
What kind of content would you like to see appear on the blog?
Don't forget! Anyone who leaves a comment anywhere on the blog will be eligible for this giveaway! A winner will be drawn randomly on February 28, 2009.
A month later, how are you doing on your new year's goals? If you are like me, I am doing better keeping some resolutions more than others! I made it a goal this year to have a daily quiet time each morning with my oldest son before school. It has been a struggle to find this time in our busy schedule. Although we have not been successful every day, many mornings we are able to read a devotion and pray during breakfast. It has been great time together and with God!
What do we do? Jonathan reads a devotion in Adventure magazine, a devotional for 3rd and 4th graders. I have been trying to stay on a plan to read through the Bible this year. Sometimes we read slilently and other times read aloud part of our devotion. We talk about what it means and then end in prayer. We usually spend about 10 minutes, and it starts our day off right!
What are some of the ways you spend time as a family with God?
Adventure magazine is one of the LifeWay family of devotional magazines. LifeWay also produces More magazine for children in 1st and 2nd grades, Bible Express for preteens, and ec for teens. These devotionals are all designed to help children spend time with God each day. Each magazine also has a lot of fun learning games inside and focuses on practical application of Bible truths.
Tell us what you think of our new ParentLife blog! Everyone* who posts a comment on our blog will automatically be entered to receive an autographed copy of Rebecca Ingram Powell's new book Season of Change: Parenting Your Middle Schooler With Passion and Purpose (Tate Publishing, 2008). A winner will be drawn randomly on February 28, 2009. So let us hear from you!
*LifeWay employees are not eligible for this giveaway. Multiple comments do not increase chances of winning.
ParentLife Online is here! We are excited for the opportunity to communicate with you online. ParentLife Online will be updated daily during the week with commentary from the ParentLife staff, content that goes deeper into topics appearing in our print magazine, product reviews, and helpful links to parenting sites and the latest parenting information.
We also want to hear from you! Respond to our posts, send us ideas for articles, and submit your writing and queries to be considered for ParentLife.
Meet the Editor in Chief
Hi there! I am William Summey, the editor in chief of ParentLife. I have been working on ParentLife for 7 years, initially as editor and now as editor in chief (EIC). As an EIC, I help edit the magazine but function as team leader, helping everyone do their jobs as best they can.
I have been married to my wife, Christy, for 15 years. We have two boys, Jonathan (10) and Christopher (4).
One of my passions is to help encourage parents in their parenting journey. One of the best ways to encourage others is by being open and honest about parenting struggles and challenges. By building community, we are all stronger. I hope that our blog can be a small piece of that community for you!
What are the parenting issues you feel most strongly about? I would love to hear from you!
Make behavior modification fun with The Ticket Store Game®. Available in both online and board game versions, the game lets parents assign tasks to children. Children who respond favorably earn tickets that accumulate and may be exchanged for tangible rewards “bought” online or home-based rewards generated by parents. Visit www.ticketstoregame.com for online pricing plans or to order the board game for $24.95.
Here’s an app version of the tried-and-true reward system used by parents and teachers for years: drop a marble into the jar each time a child demonstrates appropriate or requested behavior. When the jar is full, the child receives a predetermined reward. The Marble Jar app is appropropriate for kids ages 2-12 and is available for download to iPhone or iPad for $2.99. Try it to motivate your child to brush her teeth, get dressed, finish her dinner, or any other task that usually involves constant reminders.
Help your child make good choices and build good habits with the Portable Parenting App. Program up to four children and receive daily, weekly, and monthly reports on behavior. The app includes features for monitoring time out, providing “star stash” rewards, and a separate feature for keeping track of a child’s money. Available for iPhone and iPad, and coming soon for Android.
Guavamitts (guavakids)
The BabbaBurpie (BabbaCo®)
Contigo® Kids Trekker Cup with AUTOSEAL® Technology
Hexbug Nano is a tiny robotic insect that behaves like a real bug. They are available in several colors; some even glow in the dark. The 
Kids Preferred Pooh Hanging Chimes: Pooh and his friends are made to hang from your baby’s stroller or crib. When baby pushes or pulls on them, she’ll hear a pleasant tune. Each set measures 5.5 inches and retails for $11.95. Purchase them on 
If you are a historical fiction lover, 
In conjunction with the celebration, they've also released 
Enter Mikey. Mikey is a recording device that connects directly to your iPhone or iPod. With seven positions and a large turning range, you can record up to 50 feet away.
Peaceable Kingdom Cooperative Games
Sprout Change from the Willow Store
With more than 40 activities, Libbie could color with a vast array of virtual crayons, paintbrushes, markers, and colored pencils. This is no five-color-choice computer program; there were more shades of green than I had seen since my days in front of the 64-crayon box. Your finger mimics an actual coloring stroke and the program lets you pick the thickness of the stroke as well as a color-fill option.
To bring in the anniversary with style, Miss Frizzle is currently touring New York City: she went to ComicCon, is visiting the Scholastic bookstore, and even closed the day by ringing the NASDAQ bell. 
Thanks from the ParentLife team!
But the truth that we were never meant to live life alone extends directly into parenting, and a new resource releasing this month underscores that. 
Manner Mats®
I love editing 
LifeWay Special Needs Ministry
Special Buddies Teachers
Does your child have a broken arm or leg for the summer? Bummer. She can at least look cool with a removable, washable fabric cast cover. Check out the styles at 
The 
The MeMoves DVD program utilizes soothing music and repetitive movements to calm children with special needs. Find out more at 
In concordance with Make a Difference Day, Blue Marlin Publications is releasing 
Recipe and photo excerpted from 
You may have noticed that 
His current album, 
Don't forget about our May giveaway. 
A trip to a Bed and Breakfast. Every mom needs some time to relax and rejuvenate, and a great way to do that is to visit a bed and breakfast. Visit 
Make It and Take It. 
For more great Mother's Day Gift ideas, be sure to check 
Five blog readers/commenters will win the book 
We see a lot of products for possible review in 
Look closely at your toothpaste tube and you will see a warning label. Since 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration has required a poison warning label on all fluoride toothpastes, which contain the active ingredient of Sodium Fluoride, a toxic poison. Although only 1 percent of the toothpaste contains this toxic ingredient, you need to call the poison control center if your baby ingests more than the tiny amount needed for brushing teeth. Toothpaste that is pink, sparkly, and tastes like bubble gum may be easily mistaken for candy, posing a poison hazard for your unsuspecting baby.
Frecklebox has 
Do you have a child with ADD or learning disabilities? For encouragement and support, 
The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors (May 2009)
The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks (August 2009)
The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree (October 2009)
Sunnygram is an e-mail service that will help you bring these family members back into the loop. With Sunnygram, you assign an email address to Grandma (such as Grandma@sunnygram.com), and friends and family can easily send messages and digital pictures that are compiled weekly into a bright and cheery newsletter sent through the mail. Check out a sample here: 
If you have been a reader of 
"Upward already has a wonderful ministry to a huge audience of kids," says Phil Vischer. "It's a privilege to help them reach a new generation of web-savvy kids in a way that can build their spiritual, moral AND physical health." JellyTelly plans on creating approximately 80 videos over the course of one year as part of this partnership. 
I’m Your Bus by Marilyn Singer: Back-to-schoolers will enjoy this rhyming story told from the perspective of a yellow school bus. For ages 4-8.
Oliver’s Game by Matt Tavares: Treat your baseball fan to a story abouthow World War II interrupted one young man’s dream. For ages 6-10.
Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel: Lessons in friendship abound in the first of a timeless series. For ages 4 to 8.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka: Get the wolf’s side of the story! For ages 4 to 8.
Some highlights of the new line include:
Deep inside compartment with zippered pocket
Roger Day doesn't have any trouble getting in touch with his inner child. As a children's performer, the former camp counselor travels the nation entertaining preschool- and elementary-age children with silly songs that he created like "It's a No-No to Kiss a Rhino!" and "Mosquito Burrito."
Do you have a child under 2 years old? Or are you expecting a baby in the near future? Be sure to check out 
Family outings and travel can be fun and exciting. However, if a child becomes lost, it can quickly turn into a scary experience. According to the Center to Prevent Lost Children, 90 percent of families report losing a child in a public place. 
