Document family history with a home-made scrapbook.   • collected mementos • paper • writing materials • hole punch • ring binder 1. Invite your child to create a book about his memories. Together, look through photographs and mementos, such as postcards, greeting cards, vacation souvenirs, ticket stubs, and other items that your child connects […]
How to get organized for the busiest season? My friend Ann (a.k.a. FamilyFun magazine editor Ann Hallock) gave me the answer–a customized Holiday Planner, neatly divided by topic, with pockets for stashing various memorabilia. It organizes the entire season into one three-ring binder. It provides a place to write down all your lists in one […]
  •Tell each child, “I love you.” •Communicate love through gentle touch.  •Keep track of your kids; notice when they come and go. •Talk up what your children do that’s right. •Notice small steps toward competency. •Ask your kids their opinion. •Answer their questions patiently and thoroughly. •Expect age-appropriate responsibility. •Provide situations where your […]
Try these crafty ideas for those long holiday vacation days. Holiday vacation is the perfect time to share memories and to start new traditions like creating a year-end scrapbook. Plan some time to clear off the kitchen table, heat up some cocoa, and make something with your child that will capture the spirit of family, […]
Kids love to collect stuff, especially when they’re on vacation. Here are some great ways to organize and display their treasures.  Map It Out  Remember vacation destinations by retracing your steps.   Purchase a laminated map of your travel destination. Draw your route on the map with puff paint. Attach souvenirs. Tape […]
What a nice way to celebrate the holiday season… have your family members and friends add leaves of thankfulness to the tree.   Bare Tree Branch Tacky Glue Yellow, Orange, Red, Green and Brown Construction Paper Scissors Container Clothes Pins Markers  Cut leaves out of construction paper. Have family members write what they […]
 • family photos • postcards, tickets, and greeting cards • 8″ x 10″ piece of cardboard • picture frame for an 8″ x 10″ photo, with mat • crayons • fabric, paper scraps, or other decorative items • child safety scissors • glue Read a book about families, such as The Family Book, by Todd Parr. Talk about your own family. How […]
Children will “branch out†as they explore family members and roles  In Advance: Introduce the topic of extended family by talking about relatives. What does your child do with their relatives? Do you visit relatives? Do you gather for certain holidays/ celebrations?  Make a list of family members on a large chart with […]
