A great resource for Dad's!!!....Because dads dont' always think like moms

http://www.greatdad.com

A great online parenting resource that is focused on dad's point of view. This site offers wonderful information, ideas, resources and dad blogs and forums. Be sure to have dad check it out!

Back to School Bash

Back to School Bash
Wednesday August 31st 5:30pm~7:00pm
Longyear Park, Coleraine

Celebrate back to school with Children First! and Terrence Smith, American Folk Dance Caller and Musician! Terrenace performs an interactive show geared towards children ages PreK-Elementary and their families. Grab an ice cream cone, have your face painted and take a free book to bring home. Most importantly - be ready to dance!! This is a FREE event and open to all families

Bubbles...Bubbles...Bubbles

Pop Goes the BubbleAdd 4 or 5 drops of food coloring to small cups of bubble solution, then blow tinted bubbles onto white paper. Allow them to settle and burst on their own.

Mix Master
It's so easy to make your own bubble juice. Combine 2 tablespoons of regular dish soap, 1 cup of distilled water, and 1 tablespoon of Karo syrup.

Tool Time
Bend chenille stems into fun-shaped loops and attach to a stick to make your own wand. Pour bubble solution into a tray for easy dipping.

In the Groove
On raining days, play indoors with another bubble fave: Let the kids boogie on squares of bubble wrap and play freeze dance. If anyone goes pop, she's out!

Originally published in the July 2011 issue of Parents magazine."

Quote

"“The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.”
~Pablo Casals

Rainy Day Activity Ideas with Kids

Rainy Day Fun with Kids

Summertime is wonderful for doing outdoor activities, but many parents can feel challenged to find ideas to help occupy energized children on a rainy day. Here are ideas that you can on a rainy day:

• Play tapes of music or turn on the radio and dance.
• Make paper airplanes and fly them in different rooms.
• Wear swimsuits and play in the bathtub.
• Have a scavenger hunt to find items of different colors or that start with letter of the alphabet.
• Make a “kitchen” sculpture or collage with dry food, foil, empty food containers, etc.
• Rent a video and make popcorn in the middle of the day.
• Set up a “tent” with a sheet or blanket and pretend to be camping. Watch out for bears!
• Make up your own aerobics class with workout, clothing, music and exercises for adults and kids.
• Take a walk in the rain – barefoot. If it is safe!

Rainy days don't have to ruin fun! The most important thing you can do is to be a participant with your child, rain or shine – not just an observer! Kids love to have your at­tention and it is a great time to create memories that will stay with your child forever."

Build Your Own Sandwiches

After a busy, hot summer day do you ever find yourself too worn out to cook supper? Building your own sandwiches is a great way to take the stress out of dinner making and it brings some fun to the dinner table. Just lay out the bread, lunch meat, cheese, condiments and whatever sliced veggies you have on hand. Kids love preparing their own sandwiches and the clean up is a snap!
What are your families go-to meals when there's no time to cook?

WeatherWise

Summer Learning and Fun!!!
Thursday July 21st
10:00 Grand Rapids Middle School Gym

Join us for a program with WDIO Chief Meteorologist, Justin Liles, as he explores weather related questions such as....Do you wonder where thunder gets its sound?
Want to learn about tornadoes or snow? And much more!!!!!

This program is geared toward children PreK - Middle school and their families.
This is a FREE Children First! event. Please register online at www.getlearning.org or by calling 327-5730

Hope to see you there!!!