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...

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin. I've been blessed with a great father-daughter relationship. All the heartfelt cards, obscure T-shirts, and gift certificates to Barnes & Noble cannot express how I feel about my dad. Maybe this can. For the years of double shifts to pay for our education...te amo. For the endless support and affection you bring to our family...te amo. For your large sense of humor and even larger sense of responsibility...te amo.  What are some things you love about the dad(s) in your life? Sharing is encouraged.

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin. Remember being a kids and anticipating summer break? Playing ball until evening, swimming for hours, riding bikes. The time outdoors seemed limitless. Today's kids often have to have outdoor fun planned due commitments like summer school or distractions like TV and video games.In the spirit of the best of summer vacation, Children Inspire Design offers the Explorer Journal to combine enjoyment and education during the school break.What can kids use this journal for?1. Go on a bug hunt; list all the bugs you find.2. Be a scientist; investigate your yard with a magnifying glass. Draw what is interesting.3. Go for a hike and tally nature like trees, how many birds you see, etc.4. Lay...

Recently a friend’s kids donated extra soccer balls for refugee children, a service provided by Darfur United. The act was an opportunity for learning about the reality of children in other parts of the world and for experiencing the value in giving. All parents want their children to grow up as compassionate contributors to community, global need, planet Earth. There are plenty of ways to foster this quality as kids develop into young adults. One of the most relevant ways for children to learn about service is when it is connected to other children. What better way to continue your child’s learning through summer break than to take some time to help others. Below are some ways kids can help...

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin. There is something about kids that makes you want to snap a picture of them. Their candor and innocence and in-the-momentness may be something we miss from a time ago when we experienced "it" more frequently. Whether we're talking about your own or those you see when you travel somewhere new, the magic of children is obvious. And, we'd like to have a bit of it.Shelby Brakken is a gorgeous photographer. Recently, she shared captured moments of her own kids on her blog. Mesmerized by their composition and content, I feel they are so worth sharing. Can you feel the hint of imagination in them? Can you sense the raw truth? Stunning.