Books to Help You Plan Your Close-to-Home Holiday
By Metro Parent Staff
When it comes to planning one of these “tourist in your own town” trips, The Great American Staycation: How to Make a Vacation at Home Fun for the Whole Family by Matt Wixon (Adams Media, 2009) is a logical standout. This book has a ton of creative ideas for things to do on your staycation as well as wisdom on what your mindset should be as you plan your “vacation at home” (e.g. “Rule # 1: A Staycation Muse Be Treated as a Real Vacation”). But, if you’re only going to buy one or two books to guide you in your staycation/daycation planning and implementation, you should probably consider the following:
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By Emily Moser, Oregon Partnership
The New Year is a time to clean the slate and maybe make a resolution or two. Strengthening – and maintaining – connections with our children is one of the most effective ways we as parents can nurture their healthy development, and in the process reduce the risk that they’ll get involved in harmful behavior such as experimenting with alcohol and other drugs.
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By Anne Laufe
Do you want to ensure that your children are nature lovers? From taking a walk around the block to enrolling kids in classes and summer camps, there are unlimited ways for parents to raise kids who care about the planet, by incorporating environmental education into their children’s lives.
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From “Crassmess” to Christmas
Four Steps to a More Meaningful, Less Commercialized Holiday
By Marie Sherlock, Metro Parent Editor and author of Living Simply with Children (Three Rivers Press, 2003)
December – the “holiday” month – is a great paradox for most Americans. It’s a time of excess – think food, drink, gifts, activities – but it’s also a time of scarcity. For many Americans, we are never more saturated and less satisfied, more full yet more empty, than during December when our society stages its ultimate display of materialism. And primarily to observe the simple birth of a child in an animal’s manger…
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By David Streight, executive director of the Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education
What do we know about the importance of good role models?
Lots.
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2008-09 Performing Arts Preview
By Michelle Blair
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” -Pablo Picasso
If Picasso lived in Portland, he’d know exactly how to solve his problem: rediscover the artist you were as a child by engaging your own kids in the vibrant arts community that flourishes in the Portland area.
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Tips for Surviving Tough Economic Times
By Vanessa Anthony
As we all hold our breath for what the stock and housing markets will do next, the price of nearly everything continues to rise, and it’s becoming harder and harder for the average family to make ends meet. That’s why we’ve come up with some money saving tips to keep your family flourishing during these tough economic times. And it turns out that doing what’s good for your bottom line can be great for the environment and your family too!
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Nobody wants to say the “R” word – but whether or not we’re technically experiencing a recession, families in the area are feeling the pinch.
Fortunately, many Portland area museums and attractions are giving families a break – a chance to receive free (or nearly free) admission. Here are some of the bargain museum rates around the area:
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Giving Your Kids What They Really Want for the Holiday
By Heidi Smith Luedtke
In the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, it’s easy to feel pressured by your kids’ latest material wants. Store displays and commercials have even the youngest kids clambering for bright and shiny new toys. If your child’s wish list adds up to more than you can afford and you’re tempted to spend money you don’t have, give yourself a time out.
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How to Have the Best School Year Ever
Seven Steps to Academic Success
By Emily Puro
The beginning of a new school year brings excitement, anticipation and high hopes. How can we keep the momentum going as the year progresses? We asked a few local experts – educators and parents alike – what parents can do to make the most of this school year and every school year to follow. Here are seven simple steps they recommend:
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