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 [...]

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

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 [...]

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

The Morning Mile is the kind of event that gives you goosebumps, said my friend and fitness maven Fitz Koehler today at a Hidden Oak Elementary School post-run press conference, where she addressed parents, school officials, and partner executives from AvMed, all of whom were gathered to marvel at the success of this school exercise program. [...]

I asked my Facebook friends the other day to recommend some tried-and-true good books for second and fourth-graders, and I got such a great response, I just can’t keep this good news to myself. Here, a list of chapter books your young ones might want to try. Search them at your local library, and see [...]

Photo: D Sharon Pruitt, Flickr Chances are, your kids are out of school for the summer, and it’s that time — once again! — to keep them busy. And while playtime is certainly lots of fun, it’s nice to keep those young minds engaged, too, isn’t it? That’s why, in our house, we’re instituting a [...]

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy