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Recycle for Rainforests
With the opening of the new Faces of the African Forest exhibit, the Minnesota Zoo has initiated a cell phone recycling program called “Recycle for Rainforests.” Guests are encouraged to bring old cell phones to the Zoo to help protect the environment, threatened rainforests, and the animals that live there. The collection bins are easily identifiable and are located at each Zoo entrance. Families can also learn more about the program and/or print out a pre-paid mailing label that will allow them to mail their phone directly to the recycler for free by visiting mnzoo.org/cell.
But They Don’t Listen!!
Oh, but they do. A new study has found that children whose parents set consistent rules about television use were less likely to exceed recommended screen time limits. The study, published in the July issue of Pediatrics, also found that children who were more physically active – both on organized sports teams and in free-time activities – were less likely to exceed the recommended screen-time limits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children older than 2 should watch no more than 1 to 2 hours of quality entertainment media per day. Setting and enforcing screen time rules, while promoting activity may just help make that a reality.
Outdoor Adventures
Being outdoors and exploring nature is fun for all ages, but sometimes you need a little jumpstart to get it to happen. The REI Family Adventure program is a fun, interactive way to encourage a child’s interest in the natural world and propel families outside. Kids start by picking up (or downloading) their Adventure Journal, then families can plan their outings with detailed descriptions of family-friendly area hikes and bike rides. Find journals and outing ideas at REI stores or at www.REI.com/family-adventure. Kids will have fun recording their outdoor excursions, plus find pages of nature-themed games, scavenger hunts and more.
Indoor Adventures
Mix things up on hot summer days with affordable indoor fun that gets kids moving. Kidsbowlfree.com and participating bowling centers have teamed up to provide kids with 2 FREE games of bowling every day all summer (shoe rental rates apply) as a way to give back to their local community for all of their support throughout the school year and winter months. Families can register online for their local center at www.kidsbowlfree.com. If your local center isn’t listed – give them a call. Many offer low or no-cost bowling for kids independent of the Kids Bowl Free program.
Summer To-Dos
When summer plans start to wane and the "I’m Bored!"s begin to set
in, turn to some of these creative books for hands-on fun for all ages.
The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science
50 Experiments for Daring Young Scientists
By Sean Connolly
Don’t let the nerve-wracking title fool you, this book offers great hands-on projects illuminating scientific principles far better than most textbooks or lectures. Following a timeline through major discoveries, your child not only gets a bit of a history lesson, but the thrill of trying out corresponding experiments that are just “dangerous” enough to make it a blast for kids (pun intended). 305 pages from Workman Publishing.
Print & Stamp Lab
52 Ideas for Handmade, Upcycled Print Tools
By Traci Bunkers
Whether your child is a born artist or is just likes to play with paint, this book offers marvelous ideas for creating unique prints from everyday objects. The process, which is heavy on experimentation and playfulness, is designed to awaken the creativity in any child (or adult!), regardless of artistic skill level. And the fully illustrated results are delightful, with many potential applications. A perfect way to introduce your child to a fearless and fun approach to art. 144 pages from Quarry Books.
Come On Dad!
75 Things for Fathers and Sons to Do Together
By Ed Avis
Admit it, sometimes you just run out of ideas. This little book (and the companion Come on Mom!, for mothers and daughters by Cynthia MacGregor) is loaded with fun things for you and your child to do together that are designed with creativity, age-appropriate challenge and bonding in mind. Make a homemade board game, create a secret code, set up the ultimate water fight and 72 other ideas that require few supplies or pre-planning, but offer lots of opportunities for good times and memory making. 135 pages from Lobster Press.
www.wecanparenttogether.org
When parents, whether married, living together, dating, divorced, or just disagreeing, are consistent and support each other in the task of parenting, children benefit. This website, developed by local parenting organizations and the U of M, offers parents tips on how to come together for the benefit of their children, as well as links to classes, support groups and other helpful resources.
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