For many families a reunion is a summer tradition. Seeing extended family whom you have not seen in years is both heartwarming and grounding. Children do not always share in our joy at these events. After a few minutes of talking and connecting, kids often become bored, making it difficult for parents to then enjoy themselves. Here are some tips for making your family reunion kid-friendly and ensuring that your children look forward to attending next year’s gathering.

Games

One way to kick off any good party is with games. You might want to go low-key and simply plan on having lawn games, like croquet and badminton. Classic games like a potato sack race, water balloon toss, egg relays, ring toss, and three-legged races are fun competitions for young—as well as young-at-heart—family members. Depending upon the number of children you have attending the reunion, you could also enlist the help of older cousins in running the games. If your tribe enjoys some friendly competition, you could even create a point system with a prize awarded to the winning family member(s) at the end of the games.

Storytime

Prior to the reunion, ask family members to bring their favorite children’s book. Create a storytime area at your reunion where family members can read their chosen children’s story. You may enjoy listening to an older relative reading a book to your children that you remember hearing as a child, or a young child sharing their new accomplishment of learning to read. Sharing a love of stories is a beautiful family tradition.

Family Scavenger Hunt

One way to keep older children occupied and interested is through a Family Scavenger Hunt.

The goal is to find a family member who fits the criteria for a variety of specific traits, such as a person with the middle name Michael, a veteran, the youngest sibling family, the couple who was married on June 22nd, etc. This activity encourages children to engage with members of the family by asking questions and possibly even learning some family history.

Outdoor Movie Night

At the end of a reunion, children are generally tired. By providing an area for them to watch a family-friendly movie, you are giving them a chance to relax. Offering an outdoor viewing, as well as popcorn and snacks, makes this a memorable experience. A movie also allows adults to talk and mill about with family members that they weren’t able to spend much time with during the day.

Summertime is the prime time for family reunions. Warm, sunny weather is the perfect backdrop for picnics, cookouts, games, and fun with family members of all ages. Whether you are expecting a dozen cousins or several hundred relatives, don’t forget to include activities that will keep the young members of your family happy and engaged

It’s that time of year again … School’s out! Are you looking for fun ways of celebrating this milestone with your child? Read on for ideas that will help launch your child into a great summer no matter their age.

Preschool Part of the joy of summer for young children is simply being outside. Celebrate the end of a school year by enjoying time outside, either in your own backyard or at a local park. Setting up a kid-friendly sprinkler, building a fort or fun obstacle course together, or providing a set of water squirters will launch her into outdoor fun that can last all summer long.
	Early Elementary Celebrate how far your child has come by showing her pictures of herself at the start of the school year and now. Work together to make a list of things that she couldn’t do at the start of the year that she can do now. By celebrating your child’s achievements, both large and small, you are showing her that you value the person that she is becoming.
Later Elementary Help your child think of a few accomplishments in the last school year that make him feel proud. Did he learn to play the recorder, make a new best friend, or participate in a new after-school event? Provide your youngster with crafting supplies and help him create an award for this accomplishment. Encourage children to think outside of themselves and create awards for other members in your family (Best Lunch Packer, Queen of Morning Drop Off, Homework Helper, etc.). Celebrating these accomplishments shows your child that growth is measured by more than just the grades on his report card.
	Middle School Create summer t-shirts with your middle schooler. You might choose tie dye, iron-on graphics, fabric markers, or simple paint to help your tween express themselves. This is a great project for just you and your child, or you could add a friend or two. Not only does this project offer an afternoon of DIY fun, your child will have a celebration shirt to wear all summer.
High School Give your high schooler a box of summer fun! Consider including a new swimsuit, flip flops, sunglasses, a gift certificate for a favorite summer place they enjoy (movie theatres, restaurants, and coffee shops are all great ideas), and a few favorite snacks are sure to make your high schooler even more excited for the end of the school year. Don’t forget to include a note to your teen recognizing their hard work and letting them know how proud you are of them.
	Perfect for All Ages (Even Grown-Ups) Remind your child that learning is fun and doesn’t stop when the school year ends by choosing a book, or several, to read over the summer. Check out your public library (many of which have summer reading programs) or a local bookstore to make your selections. Don’t forget to pick up a book or two for yourself. When children see you value reading, they are more likely to read themselves.

Engaging in summer kickoff activities is the perfect way to show your child how proud you are of all that they have accomplished this school year. It also provides a great start to your summer together!

A day at the zoo is the perfect summer activity. Family members of all ages are sure to smile and laugh as they watch the antics of animals of all sizes. A little bit of planning goes a long way to ensure that this day is a fun success. Here are some tips to make this a day trip to remember.

Make a Plan

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums boasts 236 high-quality animal exhibitions in North America. The The AZA website is a great place to start planning your trip. Once you have chosen which zoo you will attend, check out a map. Chances are, even if you plan for a full day at the zoo, you will not have a chance to see everything that the zoo has to offer. Setting priorities for which exhibits are most important is a great way to ensure that everyone in your family is able to see their personal favorites. Don’t forget features such as the petting zoo, play equipment, learning labs, and other fun spots as you plan your time. Consider your child’s stamina and attention span as you create your plan of attack. 

Come Prepared

It is always best to go to the zoo prepared! As you put together a manageable-sized pack for the day (backpacks are great) consider adding: sunscreen, baby wipes (they always come in handy), hand sanitizer, hats, a change of clothes (if you have little ones in tow), and your phone or camera for great photos. Depending upon the ages of your children, you might want to consider bringing along a stroller or wagon. They not only provide a resting place for tired feet, but also a place to store your bag while trekking through the zoo. There are often concessions available throughout the zoo, but packing plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch is a great way of staying on-budget. Who doesn’t enjoy a midday picnic?

Tailor the Experience

Consider your child’s interests and age as you plan for your trip. Children and adults often enjoy participating in zoo scavenger hunts (many zoos have these available at the admissions office or online). Older children may enjoy researching favorite animals prior to your trip and adding to their research throughout the day. You can prepare younger children for your trip by reading books that feature the zoo. A few great options are:

Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathman

If I Ran the Zoo by Dr. Seuss

Put Me In the Zoo  by Robert Lopshire

ZOO-OLOGY by Joelle Jolivet

Neck and Neck by Elise Parsley

ZooZical by Judy Sierra and Marc Brown

Midnight at the Zoo by Faye Hanson 

Know Your Family’s Limits

As a parent, your goal is for everyone to have the energy and patience to talk about their zoo experience on the way home. This means that you might have a plan to stay at the zoo from sun-up until sundown, but shortly after lunch you realize that everyone is fading fast. Let your children’s energy level and behavior guide you. 

The zoo is a terrific educational and fun activity to do with your whole family! These tips can help make your trip to the zoo an experience to remember.

Father’s Day is a chance for families to let the amazing men in our lives know how very loved and appreciated they are. For every kind of dad, there’s a perfect Father’s Day activity to enjoy and remember forever. Take the time to create a special day to celebrate the dads in your life.

Clear the Schedule

This Father’s Day, be intentional as you plan your time together. Choose a day–it doesn’t have to be on Father’s Day–and clear your family’s schedule. Make sure that everyone in your family can be together to make this day special.

What Does Dad Love?

Now that you have a day cleared on your calendar, it’s time to decide how to enjoy it. Ask for input from your family as you think about what Dad loves. Obviously he loves his family, but what else makes his eyes light up? Now think of how your family could spend the day enjoying what he enjoys. Here are a few ideas:

Capture the Memories

Once you have cleared your calendar and chosen an activity to enjoy with Dad, don’t forget to take pictures! Snapping photos throughout the day–both posed and spontaneous–will help the memories that you make live beyond the day. Creating a scrapbook, whether it’s digital or physical, can be a lasting tribute to a beautiful day and an amazing dad.

Showing Dad just how much you care about him is what Father’s Day is all about. The best gifts are the ones that leave him smiling long after the third Sunday in June. Show your dad that you love him by spending real, quality time doing what he loves. The memories will last a lifetime.

Memorial Day can be more than just the traditional kickoff to summer. This national holiday is a perfect time to teach your children the importance of this day, and to show them how to honor our nation’s heroes.

Learn

Check out your local library for children’s books about Memorial Day. Use this holiday as a chance to teach your child about why we celebrate. Your librarian is sure to have recommendations for your child’s age, but a few good options might be:

The Wall by Eve Bunting

Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops  by Jill Biden

What the Baby Saw by Theresa Mamah

Memorial Day by Emma Carlson Berne

Create

Crafts are a perfect way to celebrate this holiday. It can be amazing what children can do with a little bit of red, white, and blue paper and paint. Creating American flags, pinwheels, wreaths, and stars will also serve as decorations for your celebrations. Don’t limit yourself to paper crafts. Creating patriotic-themed desserts and snacks can serve as a creative family-activity time for you and your child, while also offering a sweet treat as a reward for your hard work.

Honor and Respect

In talking about the meaning of Memorial Day, it is important to teach about honoring and respecting those who gave their lives in service of our country. Visiting a local war memorial or a veterans’ cemetery can be a time for your family to honor and respect our country’s heroes. If there is not a veterans’ cemetery near you, try walking through a local cemetery. Most veterans’ military service is noted on their gravestones.

Pause

In 2000, after learning that most children did not associate Memorial Day with memorializing fallen soldiers, Congress enacted The National Moment of Remembrance. In signing this act, President Clinton asked Americans, wherever they were at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute. This moment of silence is often accompanied by the playing of “Taps.”  Teach your child about the Moment of Remembrance, then set an alarm on your phone or watch for 3 p.m.. Take this minute to pause and remember the men and women who have lost their lives in service to our country.

Celebrate

Many communities organize parades as a way to celebrate the start of summer and to memorialize our nation’s heroes. Check your local news to see what is available in your area. Another option is to watch our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, The National Memorial Day Parade is held at 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Memorial Day. The parade salutes all who have served and sacrificed in service for our country. You can also view a livestream of the parade by searching “The National Memorial Day Parade” on YouTube.

However you choose to celebrate Memorial Day with your family, remember to take the time to teach the next generation about the history of this national holiday and enjoy the kickoff to a great summer!

The loss of baby teeth is a momentous occasion for parents and children alike. Yet, often that wiggly tooth falls out and there is no plan for what happens next. To avoid the last minute scramble here are some steps to help your family prepare for this milestone.  

Things to Do With Your Child

Talk with your child about being healthy. The tooth fairy is a great opportunity to talk about healthy habits. What are the teeth brushing and flossing expectations at your home? If sugary foods can lead to tooth decay, what should be the focus of your family’s diet? If the tooth fairy only visits when children are sleeping, what nighttime routines should be in place to help your child fall asleep and stay asleep?  

Check with your local library for books about the tooth fairy. Some great options might be:

Pete the Cat and the Lost Tooth by James Dean

What Does the Tooth Fairy Do With Our Teeth? by Denise Barry

The Night Before the Tooth Fairy by Natasha Wing

The Berenstain Bears and the Tooth Fairy by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Have your child draw or color a picture of the tooth fairy. As your child draws, take a minute to talk to them about when their baby teeth first emerged. Show them baby pictures and remind them of all of the ways they have grown since their baby teeth first started showing up in pictures.  

What Should the Tooth Fairy Bring?

The tooth fairy looks and does different things at different houses. To ensure that you’re prepared, take a few minutes to ask yourself a few questions and make a plan for what is best for your family. If you want the tooth fairy to leave a present, consider a tooth fairy coupon for a special treat, or a small toy (dolls or action figures are common), or even dental care kits. If you prefer to leave money but  wonder how much money to leave, you might want to check out Visa’s free app, which allows you to receive an average payment for kids in your area. If you are leaving paper dollars, some families choose to add a little bit of glitter to make the money extra special.  

Unforeseen Circumstances

Sometimes a tooth may fall out but cannot be found. If this happens, you and your child can write a short note to the tooth fairy explaining the situation and perhaps suggesting a location to search for it (school, playground, backyard, etc.). On extremely busy nights, you may not have cash or a present on hand for the tooth fairy to leave, especially when the tooth loss occurs right before bedtime. A simple explanation to your child of just how busy the tooth fairy can be, with the promise of a visit the next night, is sure to cause a toothless grin.