Be the good (summer of service ideas)

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin.While summer break is a great time for children to be explorers, play, and develop themselves creatively, it is also a good opportunity to be the good. Equate having extended free time with being of service to others or the environment by offering children activities that give back. Gabrielle Blair, mom and blogger of Design Mom, gives parents ideas on how to encourage volunteerism to kids during the summer months such as: helping a family in their neighborhood move, cleaning up a local park, gathering school supplies for an inner city church in another state, and collecting art supplies for a humanitarian trip to Mexico. For more of this post, please visit here.

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Summer Fun: join the Kids Art Exchange

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin. Looking for something creative and fun to do with your child this summer? Mom-blogger, Jamie from Hands On As We Grow, has a brilliant idea she is sharing with her readers and all parents. Similar to the old school chain letter model, the Kids Art Exchange gives children an opportunity to be creatives while connecting with other kids across the globe. Instead of letters, a unique work of art is sent with directions on how to pass along the activity. In the end, each child should receive 36 artsy pieces with potentials for blooming friendships as well. We connected with Jamie and asked a few questions about this great idea. ·        What is your...

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Summer craft center

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin.Summer break is the perfect time for children to unleash their creative sides. Having a space that inspires crafting via art materials, writing, computers is a great way to encourage your child to use their imagination and skills. You can designate a whole room for this or simply clear a table with several containers for resources. This wall panel is great for tacking up different containers for craft items. Add a desk or table below it and there is a crafty corner for your little one. If you do not want to spend too much money on new organizational items, simple plastic drawers at a container store are great. Include a cork board for a...

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