Just when I thought it was safe to turn off our air conditioner, Mother Nature turns up the heat once again. This summer, the temperatures have been so high in our neck of the woods experts have advised remaining indoors in order to avoid potential heat stroke. For parents, the dangerous heat has made playtime a bit more challenging. In our family’s case, it has actually sparked cabin fever—-something we typically deal with in the winter, but certainly not in mid-July. As a result of our forced exile to air conditioned structures, my 7-year-old and I have been getting creative … Continue reading →

Did you get to view the Northern Lights this weekend? Millions of families from coast-to-coast aimed their eyes at the sky to catch sight of the rare and electrifying light display known as the aurora borealis. Thanks to a powerful solar flare, kids and their parents were treated to a night sky painted with streaks of blue, yellow, purple and green. For many moms and dads, Mother Nature gifted them with a chance to teach their kids about science outside the confines of school. The bright dancing lights made for a perfect teachable moment in the great outdoors. It was … Continue reading →

The heat is back. Actually, it never really left. After melting in 100-degree temperatures last week, the first part of this week has been relatively “cool” with the mercury hovering around 90. However, that reprieve is definitely over. Yesterday and today the heat index topped the century mark and forecasters are calling for highs near 100 degrees yet again from now through next Wednesday. Currently, our city has a burn ban and a watering ban in effect. Basically, unless you are going out to sit in a swimming pool, lake or pond, most clans are spending the summer chilling in … Continue reading →

According to a national survey, more than 500 million camping trips are taken during the summer months. That’s breaks down to roughly 15 percent of the U.S. population–or a whole lot of families– looking to spend at least part of their time off from school and work bonding in nature. The Outdoor Foundation survey also revealed that the younger a child is exposed to camping, the more likely he or she will be to embrace the idea of sleeping under the stars in a tent. Nearly half of those polled said they first went camping when they were 7 years … Continue reading →

It’s so hot… my neighbor’s chickens are laying omelets. It’s so hot… squirrels are picking up nuts with potholders. It’s so hot… you can wash and dry your clothes at the same time. It’s so hot… you can catch fried fish in the lake. The last one’s no joke. The heat wave that has blanketed much of the nation, including here in Wisconsin, has caused a rash of deaths among local fish. Thousands of Northern Pike and Perch are dying in area waters because of the recent string of record breaking hot temperatures. DNR officials say the fish can’t survive … Continue reading →

This post does not provide tips on how to protect you and your children from lightning strikes, floods or other physical dangers associated with summer storms. Rather, this blog is designed specifically to help moms and dads preserve their sanity when Mother Nature unleashes torrential downpours that force kids to spend the entire day indoors. Some simple yet entertaining indoor boredom busters include: Sing-Off: Grab some ear plugs for yourself, and then let the kids go wild exercising their vocal cords with their own version of “American Idol,” or “The Voice.” Set-up a karaoke machine and a little stage area … Continue reading →

Summertime and the living is easy. Kind of. Maybe. Sort of. Well, not so much if you have a house full of bored kids. Summer vacation is an exciting time for children. However, once the novelty of being out of school wears off, parents are often left with warring offspring whining that they have nothing better to do than to beat the heck out each other. In order to preserve your sanity this summer, consider the following simple kid-friendly activities aimed at keeping youngsters out of trouble: Fun with Dirt: Take a trip to a local greenhouse and select seeds … Continue reading →

The school year is winding down for millions of students across the country, and while most kids are thrilled to be getting a much needed break from studying, some parents are hoping that summer vacation doesn’t lead to brain drain. Summer learning loss is nothing new; however, it is avoidable. While most parents think summer school is the key to keeping their kids at the head of the class, there are a slew of other activities that can help preserve lessons learned in the course of an academic year. My daughter would rather give up TV and eat nothing but … Continue reading →

Did you see last night’s “supermoon”? My second grader has been counting down the days, nay, minutes until 11:34 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2012, when the moon was positioned a mere 221, 802 miles from the Earth. According to my daughter’s science worksheet, that’s about 15,300 miles closer than average. In other words, last night’s full moon was the biggest and brightest of the year. In other words, my kid stayed up extra late last night. Chock it up to science, and a letter from my child’s teacher encouraging parents to foster the study of astronomy via last night’s … Continue reading →

I am a sucker for alliteration. Can you tell? In a previous post, I lamented the madness that accompanies the merry month of May. From graduations and end of the school year concerts, sports tournaments, plays and awards banquets to Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, it’s enough to challenge even the most seasoned multitasker. It’s one thing to be present at each event, but quite another when you are responsible for bringing a gift, food item or other contribution. Right now, I am taking it one day at a time. This weekend, my goal is to complete my Mother’s Day … Continue reading →