The dog days of summer are coming to an end, and chances are your family vacations, summer camps, and other activities have already winded down. Now comes the end-of-the-summer lull, or as some would call it, the calm before the storm. If you're sitting at home trying to figure out how to keep these last couple of weeks interesting for everyone, here are 21 back-to-school movies we recommend watching together as a family before the school bell rings.
Hurray for your family on a successful season! Summer vacation is just about over, but excitement is still in the air! Unfortunately, so is nervousness, separation anxiety, and tons of questions for your little one who's going off to Kindergarten this fall.
The experts say that one of the most successful ways to approach this big milestone and help ease the first day jitters is to read picture books -- specially ones that tell about all the fun things the BIG FIRST DAY has in store --- meeting new friends and a new teacher, getting acquainted in a new classroom, visiting a lunchroom, and more.
See our list below for some of the best "Getting ready for Kindergarten" and "First Day of School" books on the market!
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, Americans face a lack of social connection that poses a significant risk to individual health and longevity. “Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk for premature death by 26% and 29%, respectively. More broadly, lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,” per the report.
One way to address this epidemic of loneliness is by sharing a meal with friends and family. Learn five of the specific advantages of family meals identified by the Family Meals Movement and take advantage of these benefits during National Family Meals Month this September by sharing one more meal together each week.
Are you too busy or too uninspired to occupy the kids, but you’re tired of seeing them on their electronic devices? I got you! Choose from these activities that your child can do independently this summer.
Delicious! If you’re looking for an easy recipe that doesn’t include eggs, you’re in luck! Shortbread cookies are an easy, not-too-sweet favorite, and you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry. They taste just as good in the summertime as they do during the Christmas season.
Whenever I think of these Scottish cookies, I think of how I used to love the Girl Scout shortbreads! The cookie yielded from this recipe is even better than those. They’re buttery, not too thick, and they are a beautiful blonde color with a hint of brown around the edges, giving them the perfect crisp.
Once the dough is made, you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour so they can hold their shape in the oven, so plan to make these in 2 stages.
Do you have a little one who can't seem to sit still when you're out to eat? If this is the case then you'll, love the "The Manager is Watching" technique. When children are little they seem to enjoy pushing the limits. They quickly understand how far they can go before mommy or daddy will get serious. This is why it's important to already have a discipline plan in place before heading out in public.
My kids rarely say "I'm bored!" anymore, but those times when they're piddling around the house or following me from room to room, seemingly anxious for something stimulating to do, that's when I know it's time to reach into my bag of tricks and help them create some magic. Not that I think there's anything wrong with being bored, because I don't. Boredom is often how the best ideas are born. However, sometimes we all need a little help getting busy and inspired. Here are some boredom buster ideas that are easy to implement:
Milk & honey bath. Ahh, just the sound of the words relieves the seemingly ever-increasing tension in my neck. If you're thinking that you want to have an ultimate spa night, then a milk and honey bath it is, and here's the skinny on exactly how to make this self-indulgent treat with just a few ingredients.
Congrats! You’re expecting! And your friends and family are anxious to shower you with everything you’ll need for your new little bundle of joy. And – to the surprise of absolutely nobody – we’ve found that the MOST effective baby registry is none other than (drum roll please)… AMAZON.
Wait, you didn’t know that Amazon has a Baby Registry?
They do, and it comes with some great benefits.
Ha ha ha! You want me to go where? To do what? At what time of day?
Child, please! Summertime is here, and we're in Texas, after all. I do plan to avoid the outdoors as much as possible during the daytime. You too? If so, you'll enjoy this reminder of some fun activities to do with the family after sunset:
Summer sun means it’s time for warm-weather fun for kids of all ages, and all that activity and playing calls for snacks and hydration to recharge. Whether your children like to play poolside or take a bicycle adventure through the neighborhood, the right nutrient-dense foods can keep the fun going all day long.
