Graduations, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Post-Baseball Game get-togethers, these are the events that signify summer. They are also occasions that scream for a BBQ. What a perfect time to do some cooking (out) with the kids! Featuring kid-friendly Fruit Sparkly Coolers, Cheesy Taters, Homemade Ranch Dip, Garlic Bread, a great Soy-Ginger Marinade, and Easy Ice Cream Sandwiches, this article covers all the bases. (One-time rights are available. Article word count is 683, additional sidebar is 135.)
Summer
Summer Snack Attack? Make It Easy, Make It Healthy
Remember summer vacation and the endless trips to the pantry, the frig, the freezer in search of a snack? Kids can drive their parents to distraction trying to keep them fed during that three month hiatus called summertime. And if we’re not careful, our kids can consume 2 tons of Cocoa Covered Sugar Bombs and Cheesy MSG Puffies. The time has come to prepare for the snack attack!
This article presents easy and creative tips for parents to help their children learn good snacking habits. At 800 words, it explores nutrition, healthy pantry options, and implementing regular exercise into the summer schedule.
Bloom Where You're Planted! Make Your New City Feel Like Home
What is a parent to do when faced with the dilemma of relocating to a new city? All of life seems in upheaval, and “home” seems non-existent. At just over 1100 words, this article outlines suggestions for families to settle into a new community and make it more “theirs”. It could easily be localized for your area. Let me know if you are interested in running this piece and/or if you would like me to adapt it for your city.
Summertime….and the Cookin' is Easy
Summer is full of fun — and wild and crazy schedules. We parents are tempted to beat a path to the nearest fast food joint rather than hassle with cooking on hot days. But, there must be a better way.
Take one rotisserie chicken, add a few prepared ingredients, and voilà! a quick and easy dinner for four. At 521 words, this article presents a number of simple, quick, and delicious menu ideas based on prepared ingredients. Each menu’s ingredient list guarantees access to the quick check line. Now we’re cookin’!
Make a Big TO DO Out of Summer! Plan to Have Fun!
Pretty soon parents all over will be making their summer “to do” lists: clean out the garage, repaint the kitchen, have a yard sale. But, really, summertime is made for lying in the hammock more often than mowing the lawn. And an exceptional summer takes a little planning. Otherwise, September will come and you’ll find that you and the kids have spent the last three months in front of the television set (or just worked on that list of chores). Life is so much richer than that! Now is the time to plan to have fun this summer.
At 1176 words, this article suggests creative ways to spend time this summer — fun for the whole family. From homemade water parks to trips to the ballgame, no one will be at a loss for entertainment this season.
The Summer Play Day: It’s Not Just for Toddlers Anymore
Summertime, when children everywhere have free time on their hands, can be a challenge for parents who want to provide fun experiences for their kids, yet know that planning those experiences also involves some work and creativity. A regular summer playday for kids of all ages is the answer! It’s the toddler playgroup all grown up, and it’s easier than you think.
Featuring our family’s very own Camp Wannalaffalotta, this piece offers real life examples for keeping kids entertained and safe during the summer. At 1087 words it gives parents step by step instructions on how to set up the playday as well as fun activities to mix it up with.
Tuning Out: Alternatives to Watching Television
Some families simply can’t live without their daily dose of TV. Or so they think. This article presents family fun activities that don’t include the TV. At about 950 words, it makes the case that a life without TV is certainly worth living – and produces good fruit in family dynamics.