Homeschooling is the most rapidly growing educational segment in the United States. An estimated 2.5 million students were homeschooled in 2019, the year before the pandemic forced many students to learn from home. A large number of families are choosing the homeschooling option, and online courses, … [Read more...] about Free and low-cost resources for homeschoolers and others
Kids
Sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping
Some states have sales tax holidays every summer to assist families with getting their kids outfitted for school. Some states also have a sales tax holiday that focuses on hurricane preparedness items or energy-saving appliances. If you plan to make one of those purchases, and it’s not an emergency … [Read more...] about Sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping
How to save money on kids’ sports and activities
If you’re a parent, you know just how expensive it can be to raise kids, especially once they reach the "age of activities" – sports, dance, cheer, karate, band. You name the activity, and there’s nothing cheap about it. The key is to pick and choose the ones that offer the right mix of enjoyment … [Read more...] about How to save money on kids’ sports and activities
DIY summer camp for kids
For many, summer camps have become as integral a part of childhood as school. They provide a safe place for the children of working parents, allow kids to explore new activities and retain and continue their learning, and so much more. If you do your homework and start looking early, it is … [Read more...] about DIY summer camp for kids
Clothing the kids without busting your budget
Kids go through clothes like boxes of Cheerios. We say: don’t spend a lot of money on play wear and school clothes. By the time kids wear them or use them once or twice, who can tell if they’re new or used anyway? You can find some kids’ clothes in excellent condition at thrift stores like … [Read more...] about Clothing the kids without busting your budget
7 cheap and simple water toys
If you associate outdoor play with water toys, you may be looking for cheap and simple ways to help your little ones cool off this summer. You don't need to buy that fancy inflatable pool, slip-n-slide or Super Soaker. You can easily transform items you have around the house – or that aren’t … [Read more...] about 7 cheap and simple water toys
Top 10 DIY outdoor toys and summer activities for kids
Here are our best ideas for summer activities for kids that lets them spend summer as it was meant to be enjoyed — playing outside. These DIY activities give your kids the chance to be creative and make their own toys from common household supplies or very modest investment. You don't have to head … [Read more...] about Top 10 DIY outdoor toys and summer activities for kids
How to keep kids busy at home and help them learn
Most parents learn about child development as they go. Moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas try to tailor plans that keep everyone happy — but anyone who has spent more than a few minutes around little ones knows that children's attention spans are short. Sometimes parents (and teachers) can run out of … [Read more...] about How to keep kids busy at home and help them learn
How to save money on a kids’ birthday party at home
You’ve taken the first money-saving step by mustering the courage to host a kids’ birthday party at your home. Now you're wondering, how do I keep this group of kids entertained, make the party memorable and stay within my budget — all at the same time? Below are some cost-saving birthday … [Read more...] about How to save money on a kids’ birthday party at home
Free kids’ summer reading plans for 2022
Some kids don't need any incentive to lose themselves in a book, during the summer or any other time. If your child isn't a natural bookworm, try enticing them with one of these FREE summer 2022 reading programs from public libraries, bookstores and retailers across the country. There's even a … [Read more...] about Free kids’ summer reading plans for 2022
Budget-friendly family summer vacation ideas
With summer comes thoughts of family vacations: theme parks and beach stays and island cruises. For families on a budget, fancy resorts and international travel are likely to be costly to consider. The good news is you don’t have to be rich to enjoy a great family vacation. "A lot of people have … [Read more...] about Budget-friendly family summer vacation ideas
Giant backyard games you can build yourself
Game time is fun, but for bigger fun, you need bigger games. You may have seen those giant outdoor games made from ordinary board games. These are perfect for the kids to play with all summer or for pulling out for a summer party. But buying them can cost hundreds. Fortunately, you can … [Read more...] about Giant backyard games you can build yourself
Military families get free museum admission across U.S.
Taking an entire family to a museum can run into the three figures. But military families can get a big break thanks to Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense. The program offers FREE admission to more … [Read more...] about Military families get free museum admission across U.S.
What you need to do before buying a trampoline
As sure as spring turns into summer, or wish lists for Santa are being made, many parents across the nation will soon give into their children's pleas and buy a backyard trampoline. As you might guess, a trampoline is one item that you don't want to buy second-hand, second-rate or, … [Read more...] about What you need to do before buying a trampoline
Want summer camp deals? Start looking now
Summer camp and cheap rarely appear in the same sentence, especially for working parents who need full-day programs that run throughout the summer. However, if you’re looking for some week-by-week enrichment camps to keep your kids busy, active and socializing with others, with the right … [Read more...] about Want summer camp deals? Start looking now