PlanetKid » Education

A Girl Who Reads

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:10 +0000

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 this article says, anyway, and I think I agree. You? (And note: boys should read, too.)

School Lunch Before 10 a.m.

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:16 +0000

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Overnight Camping Kid

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:59 +0000

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 our big kid — and, two, it’s really fun for the little kid, who is loving all the solo parent love and attention. Three, I’ve realized I depend on the 10-year-old as a back-up alarm (he hops right up in the morning, dresses, reads, and I know that if I oversleep, he’ll come get me), and right now, I have no safety net. Four, we are absolutely thrilled that our oldest child has the chance to be totally independent and on his own. And finally, we hope he and his little bro both want to do a summer sleep-away camp, because they’ve both been resistant to participate in summers past, and maybe this intro to camp will be the push they need. It’s just been, overall, a great awakening for all of us. How about you? Have your kids ever left home?

Computer Kids

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:03 +0000

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 you, we don’t let them tunnel too deep into the Internet. They get free reign at places like Disney.com and Lego.com, and they have access to some educational sites, too, but that’s about it. Just seems safest this way. How do you handle computer time?

Teen Talk Topic — Weight

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:12 +0000

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Science Projects for Kids

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:55 +0000

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Back-to-School Basics

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:55 +0000

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 cargo shorts, way-too-expensive athletic shoes, loads of school supplies, backpacks (we’re recycling this year, because I just can’t stomach buying another pair of packs), and new lunch boxes are in route to our front door! We’ll score some fresh haircuts just before the first day of the 3rd and 5th grades, and we’re planning a backyard boy bash for the last Friday before the big day. I think we’re set. How about you?

Fourth of July Facts and Fun

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 04:00:03 +0000

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 Declaration of Independence to the flag to patriotic songs, it’s a one-stop shop!

Autism Goes Mainstream

Jacki Donaldson — Wed, 18 May 2011 04:00:51 +0000

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Chocolate Milk Means More Sugar, Calories

Jacki Donaldson — Mon, 16 May 2011 04:00:04 +0000

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 the line, says Joy Bauer, nutrition and health expert for TODAY. She says: “Added sugar from chocolate milk may not seem like a big issue, but over time the extra calories and sugar add up, especially if kids are drinking it at school every day and having a sweet treat with their lunch.” She makes a good point, don’t you think?