An Unboring Book For Older Kids

Introducing “The Essential Field Guide To Serious Fun”

We’re not sure how to precisely describe Unbored: The Essential Field Guide To Serious Fun, but we sure think it would be great gift to a teen or tween. A grab bag of fun, learning, and hands-on projects and activities, the book takes a highly quirky approach toward promoting self-esteem (“What’s Right About Being Wrong”) and even civic-mindedness (“Fool Your Friends Into Saving The Planet.”) Bonus:… [more]

February 14, 2013

Shop Patriotic This President’s Day!

By Chrissy Makris

Tap into your patriotic side with these President’s Day-inspired goodies.

President's Day probably isn't as exciting as, say, Christmas or Halloween, but it is an important historical day that should be regarded as more than just a day off from school or work. President's Day is intended to honor and celebrate all American chief executives with extra significance on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While this holiday isn't traditionally about gifts,… [more]

December 9, 2012

2012 Toy Guide: Picks For All Ages

By Mia Weber

With the chill in the air comes an ineffable sense of magic and anticipation. Is it the spirit of the season, or all these great new toys to delight little ones?

FOR NEWBORNS Perfect for strollers, cribs, and generally looking hip for the holidays, YarningMade’s Helvetica “Hi” Baby Blanket is a snuggly mix of highbrow humor and cute coziness. Plus, the acrylic and wool throw is hand-knit and big enough to please older kids as well! $65, etsy.com/shop/yarningmade These days, there seems to be no shortage of quirky travel companions, and Miyim… [more]

September 5, 2012

How To Lighten Your Child’s Homework Load

By Megan J. Doughty

Two Brooklyn Author-Moms’ Tips For Managing Overload

Brooklyn moms Sara Bennett and Nancy Kalish argue that there is such a thing as too much homework in the book The Case Against Homework: How Homework Is Hurting Our Children and What We Can Do About It. Here, they share some preliminary steps—some more extreme than others—that could help your family find a solution to homework overload. • Make sure that homework… [more]

September 5, 2012

Is Homework Getting Out Of Hand?

By Megan J. Doughty

Two Brooklyn Moms Make The Case That There Is Such A Thing As Too Much Homework

You remember kindergarten: the finger painting, the alphabet songs, the awkward challenge of being expected to get along with the largest group of kids you had ever been in the same room with before. You sang, you danced, you watched the kid next to you shove glue sticks in his ear. And when the school day was over—atnoonsharp—your teacher would… [more]

September 5, 2012

5 Quirky, Awesome Pets For City Kids That Are Neither Cats Nor Dogs

By Allison Wimer

Though These Pet Alternatives May Not Be The Best Friends Your Kids Originally Had In Mind, They’re Compact And Might Even Learn To Play Catch With The Best Of Them

“Can I have a pet?” For most parents, that’s a dreaded and often inevitable plea. But you don’t have to say “no” just because the frequently requested cats and dogs require lots of attention and physical space. Though the below pet alternatives may not be the best friends your kids originally had in mind, they’re compact, can teach children the… [more]