• Last updated 3/28/13 by Surabhi15

Yesterday, it was Holi here in India. Holi is a festival of colors and is celebrated with great pomp and show in Northern India. Since childhood I am a fan of Holi because of the vibrancy it creates and the colors it spreads.    Post my marriage with an Indian government officer, I moved to a remote island in southern India, where Holi is one of the least celebrated festivals. To add to that, my dear husband is so against the very concept of 'celebrating' festivals.    Around 15 years ago, when my husband was about 10 years old, he lost his dad. Then, 4 years... read more

• Last updated 3/25/13 by Melanie Mayo

  While I sat in my comfy chair writing last week’s post as my little boy slept and my older son was trying to fall asleep, Everest stumbled out of bed to tell me he felt scared. This was hardly a new communication; he’s felt scared more nights than I can count since he turned five (he’s now eight). But because I happened to be writing about teaching your kids how to respond to fear, I decided to apply the lesson in the moment: “Everest, do you remember how we’ve been talking to Asher about his Monkey Brain and how he can boss it back? Well, let’s see if you... read more

• Last updated 3/21/13 by Marcy Axness

Yes, I spanked my son. It was almost twenty years ago but I still remember it vividly. Ian was six or seven and was stubbornly, defiantly ignoring me right to my face. (About what? Now that I cannot recall!) Something primitive inside me uncoiled and I was suddenly spanking him. I regretted it immediately and ever since -- not just for the obvious reason of having been violent with him, but also for the sliver of his respect I lost in that moment.   We lose the admiration of our children when we “lose it.” It’s a mammalian thing: all animal behaviorists know... read more

• Last updated 3/18/13 by Sarah Clark

      Do you ever have moments that you just know will be funny in another 10 years?  I do.   Except I didn't really think it was funny the other day. That is because it happened to me. (I hope that that YOU will find some amusement in this.)   I was in the bathroom today. I don't want to get into details but I think I have food poisoning so I took longer than usual. I know- BAD MOM! Going potty all by herself.   The kids had just gotten out of the shower and I was DUMB enough to send the baby on out (15 months old) without her diaper on.   Did... read more

• Last updated 3/17/13 by SavvyHomeschool

By Savvy Homeschool Moms             In this episode the moms announce the Pandia Press Giveaway winner, chat about The Amazing Race, and incorporating art into homeschooling.                         Some links in this episode: Passport Templates for the Amazing Race Meal Planning Boot Camp Art Influences Learning       To see the full show notes, including a LOT MORE links to all the resources mentioned, please visit our website: The Savvy Homeschool Moms, episode 28. To subscribe to or download... read more

• Last updated 3/14/13 by Melanie Mayo

Math may be one of the more challenging subjects to teach and learn, but it doesn't have to be a bore! There are lots of great ways to expand your child's math skills in a way that will have them begging for more.    Check out our top five favorite ad free sites:   Count On: This site offers a wide range of math focused games that are unique and fun to play. We especially love their codebreaker and math mysteries sections--perfect for kids who love a challenge.    Figure This: Offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this website offers... read more

• Last updated 3/14/13 by Laura Grace Weldon

By Laura Grace Weldon     Parenting would be easier if my children cared about the same things I happen to love.   Long ago I had the naive assumption that they would naturally develop my passion for environmentalism, muckraking journalism, anthropology, applied ethics, messy art, alternative medicine, and satire.  I knew these passions weren't genetic, my parents were into playing bridge and visiting historical sites.  But I figured my children would absorb my fascination by osmosis.  Nope. More like reverse osmosis. They seem to feel that just... read more

• Last updated 3/12/13 by Melanie Mayo

By Megan Leary     For 16 months I worked full time  in my home office for two different employers.  The position would have normally been an in-office job but because of my inability to pump milk for the babe I was able to negotiate my situation. Working at home had its challenges.  I have several musings on that topic that are working their way to my fingertips to type out but for now here are some tips I would impart on other mamas considering a working from home set up.     Get up and get dressed. Set your alarm, take a shower, and get ready... read more

• Last updated 3/8/13 by Melanie Mayo

As more and more parents, educators and politicians recognize the importance of strong science and engineering education for our youth, increased opportunities are appearing for kids at school and in the community. A growing focus on these subjects in some schools and after school programs like STEM offer young children an educational boost: preparing them for future learning.    But what about teaching science at home? According to many parents, one of the hardest subjects to tackle themselves is science--especially once you start moving past the life... read more

• Last updated 3/12/13 by Melanie Mayo

This article is part of our guide to Teaching Science at Home.   Most parents have never heard of Arduino, but is an absolutely excellent option to bring science concepts into your home in a way that will captivate the whole family.   If your child is fascinated by robots, computers and how things work, Arduino is a brilliant way to feed their curiosity. And don't think they have to be high schoolers to take part--the kits we looked at are suitable for kids (and adults) of all ages. What is Arduino? Massimo Banzi, co-founder of Arduino, was kind... read more