My house is stocked with cars and trucks, monsters and dragons, Stars Wars action figures and Lego in all shapes, sizes and colors. There’s not a pink anything in sight — no sparkly crowns, magic wands or frilly dresses in all of our 2,000 square feet of living space. I have two nieces, though, and they have a crazy love for all things princess. If your little ones are like my favorite girls, then you’ll love this Wondertime magazine feature devoted to the princess-obsessed. There’s matching outfits for girls and their dolls, backpacks, books, tiaras and more. Shop on over, and take your girly girls along for the ride.

Photo: mthomps00, Flickr

Shoe tying is an important rite of passage for kids, but the practice is losing steam, thanks to Velcro. Yes, it’s easier, and if your kid is under the age of 5, then go ahead and Velcro your little heart out. But if your youngsters are between 5 and 7 — this is when dexterity is ripe — then you really need to teach tying.

“Wondertime” magazine offers five easy steps for teaching your child to tie shoes, complete with a story about a bunny and its cute little ears. It doesn’t get much easier than this. Or does it?

Tell us in comments about your tried-and-true methods for tackling tying.

Photo by: geishaboy500 on flickr