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Light Their Way
For little ones who struggle with a fear of the dark, nightlights are a must. But what about that long walk from lighted bedroom to lighted bathroom…down the pitch-black hallway just crawling with monsters? A great idea from the innovative, collaborative development site, Quirky.com, is the kid-size Glow’n Go portable nightlight. With a built-in handle, alarm clock and light timer, this easy-to-carry light illuminates their way. The large handy buttons and compact design make it kid-friendly and mom and dad will like the rechargeable battery. $29.99 at www.quirky.com.
Wild Times
Teen jobs, like all jobs, are scarce these days, but you still want your child to have experiences that will help them expand and mature as they become young adults. Maybe they just need to go wild – as a Minnesota Zoo volunteer, that is. Currently there are openings for youth, ages 13-18, and adults. In addition to your workplace being a lush tropical rainforest, perks include making new friends, learning about the
animals and reaching out to visitors. Information and training sessions begin in March and space is limited. Teens can apply online at www.mnzoo.org and click on “Volunteers.” For questions, call the Minnesota Zoo’s volunteer office at 952-431-9588.
More Benefits of Camp
A study, published in the March issue of Pediatrics, found that children, ages 7-17, with celiac disease who attend-ed a gluten-free camp demonstrated improvement in well-being, emotional outlook, and self-perception. While all of the children enjoyed the camp, those still learning to adapt to a life with a GFD benefited the most by no longer feeling embarrassed or singled out by a restricted diet and were, in addition, able to learn new coping mechanisms.
Babes in the Woods
Hiking, Camping & Boating with Babies and Young Children
By Jennifer Aist
Modern, active parents don’t let much slow them down, but tackling wilderness adventures with a baby may be where the line gets drawn. Outdoorswoman and family education professional Jennifer Aist begs to differ. Her well-organized chapters get you on the road with functional solutions for appropriate gear, clothing, and food, nature games to play, and tips on potty breaks and sleeping outdoors. Whether planning a short day hike, a car camping trip, a base camp adventure or a backpacking outing, Aist’s useful tips cover every season and climate, making the excursions not only doable, but fun and reinforce the importance of introducing even the youngest of children to the great outdoors.176 pages, $16.95, Mountaineer Books.
In the Kitchen
By Dona Schwartz
If you’re looking for a blender, head for the kitchen. Captured in a pictorial record, Minnesota photographer Dona Schwartz has done just that, only the blending taking place is that of her family of three tweens/teens and her partner Ken’s three teens (plus assorted pets) as they start their lives together as one family. Schwartz, a visual communications professor at the University of Minnesota, keyed on the kitchen, a place of sustenance, congregation and activity, as the hub of their new blended family. Her unposed photos illuminate their kitchen routines with a familiarity and simplicity that paints a real portrait of a family becoming one. A fascinating introduction on families and photographs by Alison Nordström, curator of photographs a George Eastman House, lovely poems by Marion Wink and an expository essay by Schwartz fill out the corners of this kitchen convergence. 176 pages, $45, Keher Verlag Publishers.
www.kidskonnect.com
425 pages and growing! From grammar to games, this portal site, created by an elementary school teacher, offers kids a rich supply of fun facts and interesting tidbits plus links to hundreds of educational, interesting and safe sites for student work and research.
www.clickforcommunity.com
This shopping portal started by two Minnesota moms allows you to give back locally just by shopping online! Over 500 top-name national and local retailers participating in the ClickForCommunity Rewards™ Program donate 100% of the rebate listed on their website to the charity selected by each shopper prior to their purchase. No fees, no registration, no hassle.
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