Are you a girl who reads? If not, you should become one because readers make you pretty great catches. And if you have daughters, you might want to mentor them in the reading department, not just because others will want to date them, but because they will be really great, well-round women. That’s what the [...]

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My kid left home. Well, just for a few days, in order to pursue an overnight camp adventure with all the other fifth-graders in his school. Two nights and three days, he’ll be gone, and it’s proving to be quite a profound experience for us at home. For one, it’s lonely — we really miss [...]

We’ve cycled through all types of computer interest here at our house — we’ve gone from none to some to completely over-the-top, and while my kids mostly like their iPod Touch and DSi contraptions at the moment, they do veer into the office for some computer time now and then, and I’ve got to tell [...]

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy    

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Like every year, the summer that seemed so long and daunting at the beginning of the season is coming to a quick close, which means it’s time to get those ducks in a row for another academic year. I think we’re pretty ready here in our household. We’ve purchased our dress code polo shirts and [...]

Image: zaui, Flickr The Fourth of July is about fireworks, food, and fun — but there’s a whole lotta history behind this day, and I’m wondering if you can spit out some facts as you whip up that potato salad for the family festivities? If not, you can grab some over at USA.gov. From the [...]

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My second-grader came out of school one day and announced that the cafeteria chocolate milk has waaaay more sugar grams than white milk. He’s right, and while it might seem no biggie to serve up the sweeter stuff if it means your little ones are downing the calcium-rich liquid, it might be a problem down [...]