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LIFE with Mother
By the Editors of LIFE Books

Being a parent is an amazing and fulfilling job, but some days it just isn’t. Whether you are basking in a it’s-all-going-my-way moment or struggling with the stress and worry that comes with the job, this book is a lovely touchstone back to the primitive connection between mother and child. The poignant, slice of life photos that were a hallmark of Life magazine grace the pages along with quotes that illuminate the simple yet profound role of being a mother, eliciting both a tender tear and a knowing smile.  There is a LIFE with Father published as well. Hardcover, LIFE Books, 96 pages, $17.95.

I Love You 65 Bulldozers
By Avril Beckford MD
Illustrations by Christopher Armour

In the busy world that most families inhabit, play – the simple act of connecting with your kids in their world – frequently gets bumped to the end of the to-do list. Yet we all know that children do, indeed, grow up fast. In this charming book, pediatrician Avril Beckwith, along with her son and other youth who have faced personal challenges, reminds us to indulge and savor those otherwise fleeting moments. While written for children, parents would do well to heed the message of this sweet story. Softcover, 36 pages, $9.60 at www.authorhouse.com.

Super Granny
Great Stuff to Do with Your Grandkids
By Sally Wendkos Olds

Grandparenting seems to come naturally to some. The grandkids show up and they are all cued up with projects, outings and meaningful moments. If you are not one of those grandparents, you may appreciate the many, many creative ideas to expand and enhance your relationship with grandkids that this book offers. From simple craft suggestions to more elaborate endeavors, such as publishing a family cookbook, Olds offers specific how-to advice and ideas from real-life grandmas. Handy icons designate activities by cost, energy level, creativity and child’s age (baby through teen) and it includes a list of useful web sites. P.S. – it works for Super Grandads too! Hardcover, Sterling Publishing, 220 pages, $14.95

A United Front
Warm, cooperative co-parenting between mothers and fathers may help protect children who are at risk for some types of behavior problems, a new study suggests. Researchers found that supportive co-parenting helped children who have difficulty regulating their behavior and attention levels – what researchers call effortful control.

The study, appearing in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, looked at changes in children’s level of aggressive behavior and other forms of “acting out” as they went from 4 years old to 5 years old. Results showed that children who had low levels of effortful control generally showed increases in these negative behaviors over the course of the year – unless their parents had a supportive co-parenting relationship. “It’s a positive message for parents,” said Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan, lead author of the study and assistant professor of human development and family science at Ohio State University. “If you support your spouse in front of your child, show that you are a united front, it can help prevent some behavior problems in children who may be at risk.”

Keep Them Reading
Studies show if kids read four or more books over the summer break, they can avoid the educational achievement losses that would otherwise occur. But for many kids, reading just isn’t their first choice.  Scholastic increases the odds with their Scholastic Summer Challenge at www.scholastic.com/summer. Beginning April 30, kids can log their minutes spent reading, earn points for their team, play games, and read for a cause through Save the Children. Kids ages 7 and younger earn seeds for their virtual garden for every book read. As their garden grows, so will their reading skills! Parents can also access Summer Challenge book lists for every age.

Spring Into Summer
What is it about spring and early summer that just begs for little girls in sprightly frocks? Find a delightfully refreshing collection of unique dresses made for babies and little girls at www.shabbyapple.com. Made of comfortable, washable fabrics, the dresses are designed with little ones in mind and the price is right, with none of the Shabby Baby styles over $40. Plus the owners donate a percentage of their profits to Unitus, an organization working to bring life changing micro-loans to the working poor in developing countries. Family Times readers can take 15% off by entering the coupon code: ShabbyApple15off at checkout. The coupon may be used once per customer and expires 6/30/2009.

            Of course your sweet pea is going to need some shoes with that new dress. The super cute new spring styles from Pediped not only look darling, but are designed to support your child’s growing foot naturally. Girl’s and boy’s styles run $32-$49 and are available online at  www.pediped.com or at a variety of local retail stores (check online store locator for a list).

Deal of the Day
Nothing beats going to the  movies, but with ticket prices through the roof, the wallet takes a serious hit for a family film outing. Check out Free Family Flicks at MOA. The entire family can enjoy select movies for FREE every Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Mall of America Theatre. Admission is first-come, first-served with seating limited to theatre capacity. Coming in May:

May 2 - An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong

May 9 - Open Season

May 16 - Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

May 23 - Monster House

More info at: www.theatresmoa.com.

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www.daughters.com
Ask any parent, daughters can be tough. This interactive website from New Moon Girl Media can help, with answers to all manner of questions about raising girls 8-15. It includes a searchable collection of more than 250 expert articles and interactive community features “Ask the Expert” and “Parent to Parent.”

www.handmedowns.com
This new classified site for moms gives you the opportunity to buy, sell, give away or donate new and gently used baby and kid’s gear, toys, clothes and more in your area. Check out their special charity auctions of baby gear from celebrities such as Nicole Ritchie and Angelina Jolie.

www.familyfun.com
Find loads of ideas and inspiration with printable arts and craft activities, party ideas, recipes, games and entertainment for almost every occasion – at no cost!  Plus find step-by-step video instruction for a variety of craft projects and recipes, family friendly travel destinations and quick dinner ideas to boot.

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