Parts of the country are covered in snow right now, and parents everywhere are looking for some fun activities for the kids to do on a snow day. Of course, there's sledding and snowman building, but if you're looking for something a little different, I've found several fun things to do in the … [Read more...] about Fun snow activities for kids
Kids
Where older kids ski free
Most ski areas offer free or greatly reduced skiing for youngsters up to age 5 or 6, but only a handful extend free skiing to older offspring. That can make taking your school age kids skiing an expensive endeavor. But worry not, plenty of ski resorts around the country have started offering free or … [Read more...] about Where older kids ski free
No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
If you're in the South where snow is a rarity, or you've been caught unprepared for an early season snow, you may find yourself in a conundrum when the white stuff starts pouring down. Lots of snow, no sled. Maybe you're one of the lucky few with a store-bought sled. You'll be the envy of the … [Read more...] about No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
How to teach your kids about budgets
We’ve all heard the horror stories: young people who graduate from college, move back home with their parents, make very little money and mishandle the cash they do earn. While it’s never too late to teach young people to budget, you also can’t start too early. If you don’t want to be supporting … [Read more...] about How to teach your kids about budgets
Michaels offers weekly crafting event on Sundays for free family fun
Parents know how much kids love being creative and "crafty". They're always excited about a table full of art and craft supplies. And, if your little artists are feeling inspired over the weekend, head to Michaels for a fun afternoon of free family fun on Sundays. Michaels' popular … [Read more...] about Michaels offers weekly crafting event on Sundays for free family fun
Fun things to do with kids on spring break and other school holidays
We all know it's coming, but still it seems as if spring break or another school holiday has arrived and you have no idea how to keep the kids occupied. Here's an assortment of fun activities to get you started. Some are family-based, while others, depending on the age of your kids, can be done with … [Read more...] about Fun things to do with kids on spring break and other school holidays
How to host a kid’s birthday party for less than $100
It seems as if advertisements for kids' parties are everywhere I go — restaurants, gymnastics studios, the YMCA, hair salons, on and on. It only makes sense that all of these places want in on the kid birthday party scam; they know they can make a fortune hosting one. While it might be easier … [Read more...] about How to host a kid’s birthday party for less than $100
Start the new year with a First Day Hike
Many American firsts occurred in Massachusetts: the first Thanksgiving (widely to considered to be in 1621, Plymouth Colony), the first public school (1635, Boston Latin), the first university (1636, Harvard, in Cambridge) and on and on through the centuries. Among the state's the most … [Read more...] about Start the new year with a First Day Hike
Teaching children to cook will save them (and you) money
Finding activities to keep children busy over school holidays can be a challenge. Some kids are happy to spend hours a day in front of a screen, but there's another option that's creative and educational, not to mention fun and, well ... yummy. This is as good a time as any to teach your children … [Read more...] about Teaching children to cook will save them (and you) money
How ‘mean moms’ teach their kids about money
How much do your kids know about money? I don’t mean, how much do they know about how to wheedle a dollar out of your wallet for the vending machine. I mean, how much do they know about how money is earned, saved, invested and spent? Do yourself and your children a favor and teach them about … [Read more...] about How ‘mean moms’ teach their kids about money
Old-school, no-tech gifts for kids
Technology is great, but when it come to younger children, it has not-so-great aspects, including the creation of ecowaste, negative effects on children's attention spans and problems associated with social media use by preteens. And, less importantly but of more immediate significance, the … [Read more...] about Old-school, no-tech gifts for kids
Throw a memorable kids’ birthday party for less
The birthday dilemma: Parents want their children to have great childhood memories – but is it necessary to dish out the big bucks for an expensive kid’s birthday party? The short answer is no. When I did an impromptu poll with my kids, my daughter piped in right away that her … [Read more...] about Throw a memorable kids’ birthday party for less
10 guilt-free ways to stop overspending on your kids and grandkids
Raise your hand if you overspend on your kids for birthdays and holidays because you want them to be happy. Do you spoil your grandkids because you don’t see them often and hope that presents will lead to warm feelings? Do you wish your mom would stop spending money on your kids, or that you could … [Read more...] about 10 guilt-free ways to stop overspending on your kids and grandkids
10+ cool, inexpensive gifts for kids
Retailers want you to believe that the toys under the Christmas tree should be large and expensive. But if you've ever seen a kid more excited about the box a gift came in than the toy itself, you know that sometimes the cheaper, smaller gifts are the favorites. Plus, a few less expensive gifts can … [Read more...] about 10+ cool, inexpensive gifts for kids
Gift ideas for teachers that will earn you an A+
Do you have a child in school? Whether you have a preschooler, elementary school student, middle schooler, or high school student, you likely are thinking about getting end-of-year or Christmas gifts for your child's teachers. But what are the best gift ideas that teachers will love and won't break … [Read more...] about Gift ideas for teachers that will earn you an A+