Parenting

"The Week Junior" kicks off its first-ever Summer of Reading challenge — a six-week program helping kids ages 8-14 fall in love with reading, develop critical thinking skills and make connections that matter. The challenge encourages kids to read three books over the summer and includes a list of recommended books to get them started. ...

Warm weather means we can now socially distance in the safety of our own yards. This goes for babies, too — whom we can provide a little fresh air and sunshine. If you’re a new parent and experiencing your first summer with your baby, here are some ways to gear-up and safely celebrate the season.  ...

There’s a good chance that both you and your family are eager to get out and do things, especially now that things are open again. But a lot has changed, so Northeast Ohio Parent blogger Jason Lea provides a roundup of how some of your family’s favorite zoos, museums, amusement parks and more are handling reopening. ...

Join the staff of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and get up close with koalas, one of the many marsupials found in Australia. ...

It’s summer — that time of year when home sandboxes are opened and sand castles begin springing up on beaches. Beyond the pure fun of playing in the sand, did you realize that something as simple as grains of sand could ignite STEAM curiosity in your little scientist? Check out these fun activities you and your child can do with sand. ...

In honor of Father's Day, we revisit this popular episode of aParently Speaking, in which host Miriam Conner talks with three local dads who share some of the challenges and lessons they have learned along the way. They also discuss what they love most about parenthood and the one thing they want to make sure their kids always know no matter what. ...

While plenty of Zoom calls and e-learning obligations come with a family’s school-aged children these days, working parents with kids younger than kindergarten face unique challenges. Their infants, toddlers and preschoolers require full-time care and attention. Learn what some local parents are doing to cope. ...

The summer slide — when kids lose knowledge during summer break — is a perennial concern for parents and teachers. This year, with 55 million children in the U.S. out of school since March, the academic slowdown related to the COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges. Learn tips and resources to foster your child’s learning throughout the summer in a low-stress way. ...

Now that school is over — and despite the recent reopening of businesses in the state — typical summer hotspots will be limited. Parents need to help their tweens and teens transition into this new summer break routine — one that doesn’t include self-isolating in their room. ...

While backyard games were once a summer mainstay for neighborhood kids and their families, cell phones, smart devices and hectic schedules provide some stiff competition for attention these days. Whether it’s a casual game of tag or something more strategic or team-oriented, look no further than the backyard for opportunities to get active, bond with your children and create lifelong memories. ...