Technology

Don't Let Gaming Keep the Kids Inside All Summer

Posted by John Biggs
on Jul 19, 2011 at 5:04 PM

video game imageSummer days are driftin' away. Things have changed since I was a kid. I remember waking up at age 13 -- usually around noon -- and padding over in my pajamas to the Nintendo, where I spent the next six hours (until The Brady Bunch came on) playing video games. No one batted an eye as I whiled my youth away jumping on turtles and shooting bad guys.

These days, parents are different. We're expected to find enriching experiences for our young ones, and gaming is so engrossing that you could spend 40 hours on a game and still come away unsatisfied. So I talked with Gadget Mom at Gadget Dad HQ and asked her what our little ones have been playing most and how she's been doling out the game time.

She was happy to share her insight ...

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Big Kid

10 Childhood Joys, Rediscovered

Posted by Jill Smokler
on Jul 4, 2011 at 9:40 AM

child enjoying summer

One of the best things about having kids is re-living all the good stuff from your own childhood. The stuff you had to give up because you grew up, but really, you weren't ready to. The stuff that you enjoy even more the second time around. Stuff like this:

1. Trampolines. Not only are they actually really fun, but they are quite a workout, too. A word to the wise: Use the bathroom first. Our bladders are not what they used to be.

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Food & Party

5 Best Family Dinners During a Summer Heat Wave

Posted by Kim Conte
on Jun 24, 2011 at 3:41 PM

gazpachoYou know those sweltering summer days when it's way too hot to slave over the stove? Well, that shouldn't mean you can't still make something delicious, healthy, and substantial for your family. Meals like salads, sandwiches, and cold soups are ideal when the temperature starts to climb. We've got five fabulous no-cook dinner ideas to get you through the summer months. Check 'em out:

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Big Kid

10 Musts for Pulling Off the Perfect Pool Party

Posted by Sasha Brown-Worsham
on Jun 22, 2011 at 10:06 AM

There's probably not much that is more fun than a summer pool party. Dogs on the grill, kids in the pool, and people drinking daiquiris and margaritas usually make it about the best way possible to have a summer blast. Bonus points if it's so hot, the pool is actually used.

But throwing a pool party is no small thing. There are fun and decorations to consider, but there is also safety to consider. If children are coming, it's a must that they be supervised by sober, responsible adults, whether they can swim or not. Not to be a total downer, but children drown every year, and it would make your pool party a lot less fun to have to rush a child (or an adult) to the hospital.

If you're planning a pool party, then most likely, you already have a pool. If you don't, then wherever you're headed probably has its own set of rules for the party, but at home, you're on your own. So here is a list of 10 Musts for Pulling Off the Perfect Pool Party:

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Baby

5 Summer-Friendly Baby Carriers That Aren't Too Sweaty

Posted by April Peveteaux
on Jun 21, 2011 at 3:50 PM

baby carriers for summerIt's getting hot out there y'all. The first day of summer is not kidding, and for those of us who carry babies around, we need to keep ourselves and our tiny ones cool as well. But let's face it, sometimes baby wearing can be sweaty business, so it's time to look at some alternatives when you don't want to walk around with a soaking wet baby ruining the front of your blouse. 

Never fear! We've ferreted out the coolest in baby carriers that will take you to the park, to the pool, and to many a backyard BBQ. So strap 'em in!

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Home & Garden

Your Essential Checklist for a Perfectly Packed Beach Bag

Posted by Amy Keyishian
on Jun 20, 2011 at 4:30 PM

beach, totesA well-packed beach bag might not seem like a heroic item -- until you ask yourself who’s going to lug that bloated tote across the burning sand and then run back to the car nine times to retrieve forgotten items. Not to mention the terrible humiliation when the mom on the blanket next to you hands your weeping child a frozen juice-box and you look like the bad mother of the year.

Never fear. I’m here to salvage your summer with a checklist for the ultimate unfussy, unheavy beach bag. Adjust it for your family’s needs (I assume you know better than I if you’ll be needing waterproof diapers, ferinstance).

Here’s the only stuff you need:

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Food & Party

15 Ways to Make a Summertime Sundae

Posted by Kim Conte
on Jun 17, 2011 at 12:37 PM

sundaeObviously, ice cream sundaes are an irresistible treat any time of the year. But they're particularly delectable during the summer months because you can take advantage of all the fresh, seasonal ingredients available. Plus, ice cream just tastes better when it's hot and sticky outside -- wouldn't you agree? 

Here are 15 of our favorite ways to make a summertime sundae. What are you waiting for? Grab a spoon and dig in!

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Entertainment

5 Family Movies That Remind You of Summer

Posted by Nicole Fabian-Weber
on Jun 15, 2011 at 10:30 AM

the great outdoorsAhh, summer. A time to cook out, hit the beach, and stay inside and watch movies because it's so dang hot out!

Sure, there's always a slew of great blockbusters in the theaters each summer, but why not save the trip (and the cash) with these five great family summer movies? BYOP(opcorn). Or ice pops. Hey, it's your house!

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Big Kid

4 Old-School Swimming Pool Games Get a Modern Twist

Posted by Jeanne Sager
on Jun 13, 2011 at 1:15 PM

pool partyuThe mercury is rising, and the pool is open. So who's placing bets on how long it takes for the kids to start in on the mantra of summer? Five days before the first "I'm bored"? Maybe we'll make it a whole week?

It seems even fresh pool water could use a pick-me-up after a few days. How about a modern twist on some classic pool games to drive the cranky out of the kids and help you retain your summer sanity?

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Food & Party

10 Healthy Snacks to Cool You Down This Summer

Posted by Kim Conte
on Jun 10, 2011 at 11:01 AM

fruit slushie

High temperatures in the summer months often cause us to reach for cold foods -- anything else just doesn't sound appetizing. But a few too many ice cream cones and fast food smoothies will eventually do a number on the waistline (which is particularly frustrating given that it's also swimsuit season). If you find yourself craving something chilled this summer, there are tons of fun and healthy ideas -- especially now that so much fresh fruit is in season -- that taste just as delicious.

Here are 10 healthy snacks to cool you down.

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