Most parents do not relish back-to-school clothes shopping. The crowds and the cost create a less-than-enjoyable experience. I can’t fix the crowds, but I can help with the cost.Last year, I outfitted my two kids for the school year for less than $100 each. Considering many items … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save on kids’ back-to-school clothes
Kids
12 great free educational websites
Education doesn't end at the school building's doors. In fact, with the aid of these free websites, students of all ages can get extra practice, learn subjects in different ways and explore their own interests independently. These websites are just a few of the many that help kids (and adults) … [Read more...] about 12 great free educational websites
Easy ways to give back to your kids’ school
As schools try to balance their budgets while keeping up with always-increasing expenses, they are looking more to families and parent-teacher organizations to help with school supplies, field trips and other programs. Doing a little can sometimes go a long way. Below are some funding ideas that you … [Read more...] about Easy ways to give back to your kids’ school
7 ways to cut costs of kids’ activities
This post is by Jennifer Saranow Schultz at Hint Mama.The cost of little kids’ activity classes can quickly add up. Just one semester of music class can run more than $200. Add in swimming, gymnastics, Gymboree, dance, sports and art classes and you could be renting a small … [Read more...] about 7 ways to cut costs of kids’ activities
Free and low-cost resources for homeschoolers and others
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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. In 2021-22, the number was 3.1 million. A large number of families are choosing the … [Read more...] about Free and low-cost resources for homeschoolers and others
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
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
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
Free kids’ summer reading plans for 2023
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 2023 reading programs from public libraries, bookstores and retailers across the country. There's even a … [Read more...] about Free kids’ summer reading plans for 2023
11 best websites for kids’ crafts
When kids get bored, let them use their imaginations with fun craft projects. The internet is full of creative art project ideas that are easy for kids to do and don't involve fancy materials. Here are a few of my favorite kids craft websites that offer FREE instructions for games and crafts, as … [Read more...] about 11 best websites for kids’ crafts
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
Enjoy free admission to hundreds of museums across U.S. Sept. 17
Museums are the perfect destination for a relaxing, fun and informative day with friends and family. It's even better when you don't have to open your wallet — just your mind and curiosity. Whether you're at home or traveling, explore and experience hundreds of museums and cultural … [Read more...] about Enjoy free admission to hundreds of museums across U.S. Sept. 17
7 cheap and simple water toys
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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
