Educational Preschool Gifts that Won't Bankrupt the Budget

Every Christmas, I say to myself, "I'm not going overboard shopping for the kids this year." And each year, I do. But at least, I'm a good bargain-hunter. I may overspend a little but I get lots of bang for my holiday buck! As a teacher and mom, I insist on educational toys and gifts. Here are low-cost, high-learning toys and gifts for preschool-age kids.  Read more

Best Kids' Toys and for 2012 Christmas Presents

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is buying gifts for kids. I love choosing toys, but I'm very picky. I demand that toy gifts I buy have some intrinsic educational value. And there are a lot of junk toys on the market. How do you wade through the chaff to find the best gifts for kids? Here's a guide from a 25-year veteran teacher and 24-year mom of four.  read more

Health Experts Warn Parents to Skip Cellphone Apps, Games for Kids

Popular items for the holiday shopping season are cellphone games and applications for children. Education and health experts say parents should skip all apps. Developmentally, they say, kids need unstructured, creative play, not games like those played on a tiny, digital screen. Here are facts about kids and cellphone apps. read more

Great Books for Homeschooling Families--Cindy Neuschwander "Sir Cumference" Books

Cindy Neuschwander writes math math books for children. With Wayne Geehan illustrating, Neuschwander has given us books about Sir Cumference, Lady Di of Ameter and Radius their son who solve math and geometry puzzles and medieval mysteries. Children learn about geometry, measurement, counting, algebra, formulas and mathematical concepts from the charming tales, told like medieval fairy tales. These books make great gifts for homeschooling families. Read more at read more

Best Books for Infants and Babies

Best Books to Read to Infants and Babies- Great Baby Shower Gits
Read to an infant? Yes, you read that title correctly. Want to raise children to love books? Don't wait. Here is a list of books I highly recommend to read to an infant or baby. Oh and, ahem, these make excellent baby shower gifts, too. Read More