<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US">

<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" />
  <title>Parenting Blogs, Advice for Moms & Dads - FamilyEducation</title>
  <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/swfobject/2.2/swfobject.js"></script>
<link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="" href="/blog/%5Bblogger-type%5D/feed/allison-mcdonald/feed" />
<link rel="shortcut icon" href="/sites/familyeducation.com/files/familyeducation_blogs_favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon" />
<script type='text/javascript' src='//s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#async=1'></script>
<link rel="canonical" href="http://blogs.familyeducation.com/parenting/%5Bblogger-type%5D/allison-mcdonald/feed" />
<meta name="revisit-after" content="1 day" />
<link  rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/css/fe-base-drupal.css" />
  <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/familyeducation.com/files/css/css_7f5f50baea176d9d96f82d03e37fd477.css" />
  <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/all/themes/contrib/fusion/fusion_core/css/grid16-960.css?Z"/>
  <!--[if IE 8]>
  <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/all/themes/contrib/fusion/fusion_core/css/ie8-fixes.css?Z" />
  <![endif]-->
  <!--[if IE 7]>
  <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/all/themes/contrib/fusion/fusion_core/css/ie7-fixes.css?Z" />
  <![endif]-->
  <!--[if lte IE 6]>
  <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/all/themes/contrib/fusion/fusion_core/css/ie6-fixes.css?Z"/>
<link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/all/themes/custom/redesign_base/css/ie6-fixes.css?Z"/>
  <![endif]-->
    <script type="text/javascript" src="/sites/familyeducation.com/files/js/js_68d0db2681448c80145dc13f2e8a243c.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript">
<!--//--><![CDATA[//><!--
jQuery.extend(Drupal.settings, { "basePath": "/", "googleanalytics": { "trackOutbound": 1, "trackMailto": 1, "trackDownload": 1, "trackDownloadExtensions": "7z|aac|arc|arj|asf|asx|avi|bin|csv|doc|exe|flv|gif|gz|gzip|hqx|jar|jpe?g|js|mp(2|3|4|e?g)|mov(ie)?|msi|msp|pdf|phps|png|ppt|qtm?|ra(m|r)?|sea|sit|tar|tgz|torrent|txt|wav|wma|wmv|wpd|xls|xml|z|zip", "trackDomainMode": "1", "trackUrlFragments": 1 }, "addthis": { "config_default": { "ui_use_css": true, "data_use_cookies": true, "pubid": "xa-4e2cfd1147868c4e", "ui_language": "en-US", "data_use_flash": true }, "share_default": { "templates": { "twitter": "" } } } });
//--><!]]>
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
<!--//--><![CDATA[//><!--
window.google_analytics_domain_name = ".familyeducation.com";window.google_analytics_uacct = "UA-350786-5";
//--><!]]>
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
<!--//--><![CDATA[//><!--
(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"]=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,"script","//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js","ga");ga("create", "UA-350786-5", { "cookieDomain": ".familyeducation.com" });ga("require", "linkid", "linkid.js");ga("set", "page", location.pathname + location.search + location.hash);ga("send", "pageview");
//--><!]]>
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
<!--//--><![CDATA[//><!--
addthis_config = Drupal.settings.addthis.config_default; addthis_share = Drupal.settings.addthis.share_default;
//--><!]]>
</script>
</head>

<body id="pid-parenting--blogger-type-allison-mcdonald-feed" class="not-front not-logged-in page-parenting no-sidebars layout-main-last sidebars-split font-size-12 grid-type-960 grid-width-16 parenting parenting">
  <div id="page" class="page">
    <div id="page-inner" class="page-inner">
      <div id="skip">
        <a href="#main-content-area">Skip to Main Content Area</a>
      </div>

      <!-- header-top row: width = grid_width -->
      
      <!-- header-group row: width = grid_width -->
      <div id="header-group-wrapper" class="header-group-wrapper full-width">
        <div id="header-group" class="header-group row grid16-16">
          <div id="header-group-inner" class="header-group-inner inner clearfix">
                        
                        <div id="header-site-info" class="header-site-info block">
              <div id="header-site-info-inner" class="header-site-info-inner inner">
                                                <div id="site-name-wrapper" class="clearfix">
                                    <span id="site-name"><a href="http://familyeducation.com" title="Home"><span class="green">family</span><span class="magenta">education</span><sup class="magenta">&reg;</sup></a></span>
                                                    </div><!-- /site-name-wrapper -->
                              </div><!-- /header-site-info-inner -->
            </div><!-- /header-site-info -->
            
              
<div id="block-fen-fen-header" class="block block-fen odd first grid16-8">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <div class="content clearfix">
      <div id="nav">
<ul class="nav">
    <li class="home"><a href="http://www.familyeducation.com">Home</a>  <span class="separator">|</span></li>
    <li class="preg"><a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/">Pregnancy</a>
        <div class="dropdown">
            <ul class="dropdown-menu nav-links" role="menu">
            <li class="mobile-only"><a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com">Pregnancy Home</a></li>
			<li><a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/trying-to-conceive/54172.html/">Trying to Conceive</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://baby-names.familyeducation.com/">Baby Names</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/pregnant-life/66342.html">Pregnant Life</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/prenatal-health-and-nutrition/57619.html">Health &amp; Nutrition</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/concerns-and-complications/66343.html">Concerns &amp; Complications</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/labor-and-delivery/57652.html">Labor &amp; Delivery</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/postpartum/35831.html">Postpartum</a></li>
            </ul>
        </div>  <span class="separator">|</span>
    </li>
    <li class="babies"><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting-toddlers-babies/early-learning/42858.html">Babies &amp; Toddlers</a>
        <div class="dropdown">
            <ul class="dropdown-menu" role="menu">
            <li class="mobile-only"><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting-toddlers-babies/early-learning/42858.html">Babies &amp; Toddlers Home</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/baby/toddler/34411.html">Babies</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/toddler/growth-and-development/62269.html">Toddlers</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/family-time/35814.html">Health &amp; Safety</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/child-care/working-parents/34405.html">Childcare</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/toddler/preschool/53195.html">Preschool</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/adoption/parenting/34398.html">Adoption</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://baby-names.familyeducation.com/">Baby Names</a></li>
            </ul>
        </div>  <span class="separator">|</span>

    </li>
    <li class="kids"><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting-preteens-children/elementary-school/42867.html">Kids</a>
        <div class="dropdown">
            <ul class="dropdown-menu" role="menu">
            <li class="mobile-only"><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting-preteens-children/elementary-school/42867.html">Kids Home</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/health-and-safety/35819.html">Fitness & Nutrition</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/health/illness/34431.html">Health</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/behavior/34393.html">Behavior &amp; Discipline</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/elementary-school/34356.html">Development</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/educational-issues/parents-and-school/34360.html">School &amp; Learning</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/safety/34470.html">Safety</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/manners-and-values/34453.html">Values &amp; Responsibilities</a></li>
            </ul>
        </div>  <span class="separator">|</span>
    </li>
    <li class="teens"><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting-advice/teenagers/43735.html">Teens</a>
        <div class="dropdown">
            <ul class="dropdown-menu" role="menu">
            <li class="mobile-only"><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting-advice/teenagers/43735.html">Teens Home</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/teen/health/34518.html">Health &amp; Safety</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/teen/parenting/45814.html">Behavior &amp; Discipline</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/teen/34473.html">Puberty &amp; Sex</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/educational-issues/parents-and-school/34360.html">School</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/teen/34357.html">Values &amp; Responsibilities</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/teen/parenting/34524.html">Social &amp; Emotional Issues</a></li>
            </ul>
        </div>  <span class="separator">|</span>
    </li>
    <li class="school"><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/educational-issues/parents-and-school/34360.html">School &amp; Learning</a>
        <div class="dropdown">
            <ul class="dropdown-menu" role="menu">
            <li class="mobile-only"><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/educational-issues/parents-and-school/34360.html">School Home</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/elementary-school/high-school/57914.html">By Grade</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/school/study-skills/36074.html">By Subject</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/learning-disabilities/add-and-adhd/34388.html">Learning Differences</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/home-schooling/educational-issues/34389.html">Homeschooling</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/parents-and-teacher/school-fundraising/34542.html">Parental Involvement</a></li>
			<li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/study-skills/educational-issues/34584.html">Study Skills</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/homework/parenting/36101.html">Your Child's School</a></li>
			<li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/back-to-school/school/34528.html">Back to School</a></li>
            </ul>
        </div>  <span class="separator">|</span>
    </li>
    <li class="entertain"><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/entertainment/33551.html">Entertainment &amp; Activities</a>
        <div class="dropdown">
            <ul class="dropdown-menu" role="menu">
            <li class="mobile-only"><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/entertainment/33551.html">Entertainment Home</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://printables.familyeducation.com">Printables</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/family-time/entertainment/34243.html">Activities &amp; Crafts</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/crafts/parenting/33369.html">Toys, Games, &amp; Books</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/holidays/holidays-and-seasonal-events/33403.html">Holidays</a></li>
			<!--<li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/holidays/christmas/33097.html">Christmas</a></li>-->
			<li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/parties/entertainment/39547.html">Parties &amp; Gifts</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/family-travel/vacations/34420.html">Travel &amp; Vacations</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/values/36106.html">Movies, TV, Internet</a></li>
            </ul>
        </div>  <span class="separator">|</span>
    </li>
    <li class="moms"><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/parenting-problem-solving/39553.html">Mom's Life</a>
        <div class="dropdown">
             <ul class="dropdown-menu momsnav" role="menu">
            <li class="mobile-only"><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/parenting-problem-solving/39553.html">Mom's Life</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/mothers/parenting/38889.html">Mom's Corner</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/marriage/marriage-counseling/44524.html">Marriage &amp; Divorce</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/moms-life/family-relationships/71615.html">Family Relationships</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/mothers/health/38857.html">Health &amp; Fitness</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/working-parents/organization/34506.html">Managing Your Home</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/personal-finance/money-management/34486.html">Family Finances</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/mothers/working-parents/34415.html">Work</a></li>
			<!--<li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/recreation/games/33564.html">Games for Mom</a></li>-->
            </ul>
        </div>  <span class="separator">|</span>
    </li>
    <li class="food"><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/recipes/foods/49109.html">Food</a>
        <div class="dropdown right">
            <ul class="dropdown-menu" role="menu">
            <li class="mobile-only"><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/recipes/foods/49109.html">Food</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/recipes/cooking/34419.html">Recipes</a></li>
            <li class="mobile-hide"><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/video/cooking/59055.html">Cooking Videos</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/nutrition-and-diet/healthy-lifestyle/34432.html">Planning Meals</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/school/lunch/ideas/64163.html">School Lunches</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/family-time/nutrition-and-diet/47512.html">Family Meal Tips</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/nutrition/healthy-lifestyle/33598.html">General Nutrition</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/cooking/home-management/39544.html">Cooking Tips</a></li>
            </ul>
        </div>  <span class="separator">|</span>
    </li>
    <li class="community active"><a href="http://blogs.familyeducation.com/">Community</a>
        <div class="dropdown right">
            <ul class="dropdown-menu" role="menu">
            <li><a href="http://forums.familyeducation.com/">Message Boards</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://blogs.familyeducation.com/">Blogs</a></li>
            </ul>
        </div>
     </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div id="subnav"><ul class="dropdown-menu" role="menu">
            <li><a href="http://forums.familyeducation.com/">Message Boards</a></li>
            <li><a href="http://blogs.familyeducation.com/">Blogs</a></li>
            </ul></div>    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
  
<div id="block-doubleclick-4c8a4e0ed7cfa" class="block block-doubleclick even  last grid16-8">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <div class="content clearfix">
      <script language="JavaScript" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/general.familyeducation/top;ord=7958;sz=728x90;" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/general.familyeducation/top;ord=7958;sz=728x90;" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/general.familyeducation/top;ord=7958;sz=728x90;" width="728" height="90" border="0" alt="" /></a></noscript>    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
                      </div><!-- /header-group-inner -->
        </div><!-- /header-group -->
      </div><!-- /header-group-wrapper -->

      <!-- preface-top row: width = grid_width -->
      
      <!-- main row: width = grid_width -->
      <div id="main-wrapper" class="main-wrapper full-width">
        <div id="main" class="main row grid16-16">
          <div id="main-inner" class="main-inner inner clearfix">
            
            <!-- main group: width = grid_width - sidebar_first_width -->
            <div id="main-group" class="main-group row nested grid16-16">
              <div id="main-group-inner" class="main-group-inner inner">
                
                <div id="main-content" class="main-content row nested">
                  <div id="main-content-inner" class="main-content-inner inner">
                    <!-- content group: width = grid_width - (sidebar_first_width + sidebar_last_width) -->
                    <div id="content-group" class="content-group row nested grid16-10">
                      <div id="content-group-inner" class="content-group-inner inner">
                                                
                                                <div id="content-top" class="content-top row nested">
                          <div id="content-top-inner" class="content-top-inner inner">
                                                                                      
<div id="block-fenblogs-blogs-header" class="block block-fenblogs odd first grid16-3">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <div class="content clearfix">
      <h1><a href="/parenting">blogs</a></h1>    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
  
<div id="block-search-0" class="block block-search even  grid16-3">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <div class="content clearfix">
      <form action="/parenting/%5Bblogger-type%5D/allison-mcdonald/feed"  accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post" id="search-block-form">
<div><div class="container-inline">
  <div class="form-item" id="edit-search-block-form-1-wrapper">
 <label for="edit-search-block-form-1">Search the blogs: </label>
 <input type="text" maxlength="128" name="search_block_form" id="edit-search-block-form-1" size="15" value="" title="Enter the terms you wish to search for." class="form-text" />
</div>
<input type="submit" name="op" id="edit-submit-1" value="Search"  class="form-submit" />
<input type="hidden" name="form_build_id" id="form-WCEU8Ai32Fn7xFoWL1v4V3ab6GCycnFL9e9U7CpkpPU" value="form-WCEU8Ai32Fn7xFoWL1v4V3ab6GCycnFL9e9U7CpkpPU"  />
<input type="hidden" name="form_id" id="edit-search-block-form" value="search_block_form"  />
</div>

</div></form>
    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
  
<div id="block-views-blog_masthead-block_1" class="block block-views odd  last grid16-4">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <div class="content clearfix">
      <div id="blog-masthead-block-wrapper">
	<div class="view view-blog-masthead view-id-blog_masthead view-display-id-block_1 view-dom-id-4">
		<div class="view-content">
			<div
				class="views-row views-row-1 views-row-odd views-row-first views-row-last">
				<div class="views-field-picture">
					<div class="field-content"><a href="/parenting/14452"><img src="http://blogs.familyeducation.com/sites/familyeducation.com/files/imagecache/masthead/pictures/picture-14452.jpg" alt="" title=""  class="imagecache imagecache-masthead" width="95" height="115" /></a></div>
				</div>
				<div id="blog-masthead-block-content-wrapper">
					<h2 class="blog-name"><a href="/parenting/14452">Craftivity Corner</a></h2>
					<div class="bio"><a href="/parenting/14452">Allison McDonald</a></div>
					<div id="blog-mission">Creative crafts, book suggestions, and tips to make time for learning in your busy day.</div>
									</div>
			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="clearfix"></div>
	</div>
</div>    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->

                          </div><!-- /content-top-inner -->
                        </div><!-- /content-top -->
                        
                            
                                                        <div id="content-top-right" class="content-top-right row nested">
                              <div id="content-top-right-inner" class="content-top-right-inner inner">
                                  
<div id="block-addthis-0" class="block block-addthis odd first grid16-0">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <h2 class="title block-title">AddThis</h2>
        <div class="content clearfix">
      <a href="/" class="addthis_button"></a>    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
                              </div>
                            </div>
                            
                        
                        <div id="content-region" class="content-region row nested">
                          <div id="content-region-inner" class="content-region-inner inner">
                            <a name="main-content-area" id="main-content-area"></a>
                                                        <div id="content-inner" class="content-inner block">
                              <div id="content-inner-inner" class="content-inner-inner inner">
                                                                                                <div id="content-content" class="content-content">
                                  <div class="view view-author-blog view-id-author_blog view-display-id-page_1 view-dom-id-1">
    
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
</div>                                  <a href="/blog/%5Bblogger-type%5D/feed/allison-mcdonald/feed" class="feed-icon"><img src="/misc/feed.png" alt="Syndicate content" title="" width="16" height="16" /></a>                                </div><!-- /content-content -->
                                                              </div><!-- /content-inner-inner -->
                            </div><!-- /content-inner -->
                          </div><!-- /content-region-inner -->
                        </div><!-- /content-region -->

                                              </div><!-- /content-group-inner -->
                    </div><!-- /content-group -->

                    <div id="sidebar-last" class="sidebar-last row nested grid16-6">
<div id="sidebar-last-inner" class="sidebar-last-inner inner clearfix">
  <div class="block block-user" id="block-user-0">
  <div class="content"><form action="/parenting/%5Bblogger-type%5D/allison-mcdonald/feed?destination=parenting%2F%5Bblogger-type%5D%2Fallison-mcdonald%2Ffeed"  accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post" id="user-login-form">
<div><div class="form-item" id="edit-name-wrapper">
 <label for="edit-name">Username or e-mail: <span class="form-required" title="This field is required.">*</span></label>
 <input type="text" maxlength="60" name="name" id="edit-name" size="15" value="" class="form-text required" />
</div>
<div class="form-item" id="edit-pass-wrapper">
 <label for="edit-pass">Password: <span class="form-required" title="This field is required.">*</span></label>
 <input type="password" name="pass" id="edit-pass"  maxlength="60"  size="15"  class="form-text required" />
</div>
<input type="submit" name="op" id="edit-submit" value="Log in"  class="form-submit" />
<div class="item-list"><ul><li class="odd"><a href="/user/password" title="Forgot password? via e-mail.">Forgot password?</a></li></ul></div><input type="hidden" name="form_build_id" id="form-xTMSfxlGSKXBDMssfS_eHRKH_0-E7EjZXN23p8T5hhA" value="form-xTMSfxlGSKXBDMssfS_eHRKH_0-E7EjZXN23p8T5hhA"  />
<input type="hidden" name="form_id" id="edit-user-login-block" value="user_login_block"  />

</div></form>
</div>
</div>
  
<div id="block-fen-fen-toyfinder-widget" class="block block-fen even  grid16-6">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <div class="content clearfix">
      <!-- WidN: toy_finder_sponsor NOT FOUND,  -->    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
  
<div id="block-doubleclick-4c87840d47aae" class="block block-doubleclick odd  grid16-6">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <div class="content clearfix">
      <script language="JavaScript" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/general.familyeducation/primary;ord=2957;sz=300x250;" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/general.familyeducation/primary;ord=2957;sz=300x250;" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/general.familyeducation/primary;ord=2957;sz=300x250;" width="300" height="250" border="0" alt="" /></a></noscript>    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
  
<div id="block-fenblogs-recent-comments" class="block block-fenblogs even  grid16-6">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <h2 class="title block-title">recent comments</h2>
        <div class="content clearfix">
      <div class="item-list"><ul><li class="odd"><a href="/blogs/lindsay/6-silly-april-fools-day-pranks-play-your-kids#comment-27051">6 Silly April Fools&#039; Day Pranks to Play on Your Kids</a> <span class="blog-name">The Chatterbox</span></li><li class="even"><a href="/blogs/erin-d/autism-awareness-month-activities-all-ages#comment-27049">Autism Awareness Month Activities for All Ages</a> <span class="blog-name">The Chatterbox</span></li><li class="odd"><a href="/blogs/lindsay/5-tips-towards-self-sufficient-kids#comment-27046">5 Tips Towards Self-Sufficient Kids</a> <span class="blog-name">The Chatterbox</span></li><li class="even"><a href="/blogs/lindsay/5-tips-raise-self-sufficient-kids#comment-27044">5 Tips to Raise Self-Sufficient Kids</a> <span class="blog-name">The Chatterbox</span></li><li class="odd"><a href="/blogs/lindsay/kid-made-masterpieces-how-decorate-your-child-s-artwork#comment-27043">Kid-Made Masterpieces: How to Decorate with Your Child’s Artwork</a> <span class="blog-name">The Chatterbox</span></li></ul></div>    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
  
<div id="block-tagadelic-2" class="block block-tagadelic odd  grid16-6">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <h2 class="title block-title">popular tags</h2>
        <div class="content clearfix">
      <a href="/blog-topics/arts-and-crafts" class="tagadelic level1" rel="tag" title="">Arts and Crafts</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/children" class="tagadelic level6" rel="tag" title="">Children</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/early-learning" class="tagadelic level1" rel="tag" title="">Early Learning</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/family" class="tagadelic level2" rel="tag" title="">Family</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/food-thought" class="tagadelic level1" rel="tag" title="">Food for Thought</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/healthy-eating" class="tagadelic level2" rel="tag" title="">Healthy Eating</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/holidays" class="tagadelic level2" rel="tag" title="">Holidays</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/moms" class="tagadelic level2" rel="tag" title="">Moms</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/parenting" class="tagadelic level6" rel="tag" title="">Parenting</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/recipes" class="tagadelic level4" rel="tag" title="">Recipes</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/school-daze" class="tagadelic level1" rel="tag" title="">School Daze</a> 
<a href="/blog-topics/social-emotional-issues" class="tagadelic level1" rel="tag" title="">Social &amp; Emotional Issues</a> 
<div class='more-link'><a href="/tagadelic/chunk/2">more tags</a></div>    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
  
<div id="block-fen-fen-connected" class="block block-fen even  grid16-6">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <h2 class="title block-title">stay connected</h2>
        <div class="content clearfix">
      <div class="connected">
	<h3></h3>
	<p>
	  Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and
	  information on all things parenting.
    </p>
    <p>
      Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.
    </p>
	<form action="http://newsletters.familyeducation.com/" method="post" name="form1">
		<input class="box" type="text" value="" name="email">
		<input class="submit" type="submit" name="GO" value="Sign-Up">
	</form>
	<div class="soc-btns">
							</div>
</div>
    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
  
<div id="block-fen-fen-editors-picks" class="block block-fen odd  grid16-6">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <h2 class="title block-title">editor's picks</h2>
        <div class="content clearfix">
      <!-- widN:editors_pick Widget START --><div class="widgets editors_pick"><ul>
<li>
<a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/slideshow/back-to-school/52281.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'editors_pick');"><img src="http://i.infopls.com/images/Skip_Hop_Zoo_panda_backpack.jpg" width="112" height="75" alt="editor&apos;s pick thumb"></a><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/slideshow/back-to-school/52281.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'editors_pick');"><h4>10 Best Backpacks for Kids</h4></a>
<p>Find cute and sturdy school bags!</p>
<p class="more"><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/slideshow/back-to-school/52281.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'editors_pick');">More</a></p>
</li>

<li>
<a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/slideshow/activities/65770.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'editors_pick');"><img src="http://i.infopls.com/images/seashell_windchime_1651044_H.jpg" width="112" height="75" alt="editor&apos;s pick thumb"></a><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/slideshow/activities/65770.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'editors_pick');"><h4>Best Beach-Themed Crafts and Activities</h4></a>
<p>Have fun with shells and sand!</p>
<p class="more"><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/slideshow/activities/65770.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'editors_pick');">More</a></p>
</li>

<li class="last-child">
<a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/activities/family-time/64041.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'editors_pick');"><img src="http://i.infopls.com/images/PlannerHeader.jpg" width="112" height="75" alt="editor&apos;s pick thumb"></a><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/activities/family-time/64041.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'editors_pick');"><h4>Weekend Planner</h4></a>
<p>Need ideas for what to do this weekend? We have it covered.</p>
<p class="more"><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/activities/family-time/64041.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'editors_pick');">More</a> </p> 
</li>
</ul> </div><!-- /close editors_pick Widget END -->    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
  
<div id="block-fen-fen-highlights" class="block block-fen even  grid16-6">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <h2 class="title block-title">highlights</h2>
        <div class="content clearfix">
      <!-- widN:fe_highlight_box Widget START --><div class="widgets fe_highlight_box">
<div class="contextual">


<p><img src="http://i.infopls.com/images/new1.gif" width="32" height="17" border="0" alt="" /> &#32;<b>Hottest Back-to-School Fashion Trends of 2016</b><br>
Want to send your kids to school looking smart? Check out these current <a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/slideshow/back-to-school-clothes/51254.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'fe_highlight_box');">school fashion trends for girls and boys</a> of all ages!</p>



<p><b>Find Today's Newest & Best Children's Books</b><br>
Looking for newly released books for your child? Try our <a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/book-finder/" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'fe_highlight_box');">Book Finder tool</a> to search for new books by age, type, and theme!</p>

<p><b>10 Free Summer Learning Worksheets</b><br>
Print these <a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/preparing-for-preschool/kindergarten-readiness/75005.html" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'fe_highlight_box');">free printables for preschoolers and kindergarteners</a> to help your child's mind stay sharp until September!</p>



<p><b>Ready for Kindergarten?</b><br>
Try our award-winning Kindergarten Readiness app! This easy-to-use checklist comes with games and activities to help your child build essential skills for kindergarten. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kindergarten-readiness/id814550329?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" onClick="GATrackEvent('_trackEvent', 'Widgets', 'Clicks', 'KRapp');">Download the Kindergarten Readiness app today</a>!</p> 



</div>
</div><!-- /close fe_highlight_box Widget END -->    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
  
<div id="block-views-more_blogs-block_1" class="block block-views odd  last grid16-6">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <h2 class="title block-title">more blogs</h2>
        <div class="content clearfix">
      <div class="view view-more-blogs view-id-more_blogs view-display-id-block_1 view-dom-id-1">
    
  
  
      <div class="view-content">
      <div id="block-views-more-blogs-block_1" class="item-list">
  <ul>
        <li class="even">
      <div class="blog-image"><a href="/parenting/5807"><img src="http://blogs.familyeducation.com/sites/familyeducation.com/files/imagecache/rsidebar/pictures/picture-5807.jpg" alt="" title=""  class="imagecache imagecache-rsidebar" width="80" height="70" /></a></div>
      <div class="bloginfo">
        <div><a href="/parenting/5807">Professor Mom</a></div>
        <div>Aliki</div>
      </div>
    </li>
        <li class="odd">
      <div class="blog-image"><a href="/parenting/8943"><img src="http://blogs.familyeducation.com/sites/familyeducation.com/files/imagecache/rsidebar/pictures/picture-8943.jpg" alt="" title=""  class="imagecache imagecache-rsidebar" width="80" height="70" /></a></div>
      <div class="bloginfo">
        <div><a href="/parenting/8943">Sweet Pea Chef</a></div>
        <div>Jessica Efird</div>
      </div>
    </li>
      </ul>
</div>    </div>
  
  
  
  
  
  
</div>     </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
</div><!-- /sidebar-last-inner -->
</div><!-- /sidebar-last -->
                  </div><!-- /main-content-inner -->
                </div><!-- /main-content -->

                              </div><!-- /main-group-inner -->
            </div><!-- /main-group -->
          </div><!-- /main-inner -->
        </div><!-- /main -->
      </div><!-- /main-wrapper -->

      <!-- postscript-bottom row: width = grid_width -->
      
      <!-- footer row: width = grid_width -->
      <div id="footer-wrapper" class="footer-wrapper full-width">
<div id="footer" class="footer row grid16-16">
<div id="footer-inner" class="footer-inner inner clearfix">
  
<div id="block-fen-fen-fat-footer" class="block block-fen odd first last grid16-16">
  <div class="inner clearfix">
            <div class="content clearfix">
      <!-- Springboard --><div id="ingageunit"></div><!-- /Springboard -->
<div id="main-footer" class="mobile-hide">
<div id="footer-line"></div>
    <div id="popular">
    <h4>Popular Areas</h4>
    <ul>
        <li><a href="http://printables.familyeducation.com/">Family Printables Center</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/activities-center/toddlers-preschoolers-K12children.html">Activities Center</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://quizzes.familyeducation.com/">Fun Quizzes, Tests, and Trivia</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://baby-names.familyeducation.com/">NameLab: Family and Baby Name Search</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/">Food and Recipe Search</a></li>
        <!--<li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/famed/coffeebreak/index.html">Games</a></li>-->
        <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/gallery/49031.html">Slideshows and Galleries</a></li>
    </ul>
    </div><!-- en #popular -->

    <div id="resources">
    <h4>Parenting Resources</h4>
    <ul>
        <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/parenting-problem-solving/39558.html">Expert Advice for Parents</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/educational-issues/parents-and-school/34360.html?detoured=1">School Resources for Parents</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/">Pregnancy Day by Day Calendar</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/general-care-and-hygiene/feeding-your-baby/72977.html">How-to Videos and Product Reviews</a></li>
    </ul>
    </div><!-- en #resources -->

    <div id="tools">
    <h4>Interactive Tools</h4>
    <ul>
        <li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/book-finder">Book Finder</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://school.familyeducation.com/multiple-intelligences/learning-styles/childs-special-gifts/66373.html?detoured=1">
        Multiple Intelligences: Learning Style Tool</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/healthy-snack-finder.html">Healthy Snack Finder</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://recipes.familyeducation.com/lunch/nutrition/63897.html">Healthy Lunch Box Builder</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/toy-finder-gift-guide/index.html">Toy Finder: Best Toys and Gifts for Kids</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/family/home-management/57343.html">More Tools</a></li>
    </ul>
    </div><!-- en #tools -->

    <div id="connected">
    <h4>Stay Connected</h4>
    <ul>
        <li><a href="http://blogs.familyeducation.com/">Blogs</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://forums.familyeducation.com/">Message Boards</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/rss-feeds/parenting/46470.html">RSS Feeds</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://fen.com/resources/privacyStatement.html">Privacy Statement</a></li>
        <li><a href="http://newsletters.familyeducation.com?imode=0:1783">Newsletters</a></li>
    </ul>
    </div><!-- en #connected -->
</div><!-- en #main-footer -->

<div id="subfooter" class="col-md-12">

<ul class="footer-links">
    <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/about-family-education.html">About Family Education</a>, <a href="http://fen.com/"><span style="font-size:9px;">part of FEN Learning</span></a></li>
    <li class="mobile-only">·</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.familyeducation.com/sitemap.html">Site Map</a></li>
    <li class="mobile-only">·</li>
    <li><a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/educational-issues/47513.html">Press Releases</a></li>
    <li class="mobile-only">·</li>
    <li><a href="http://sandboxnetworks.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/p/13" onClick="openWindow('http://sandboxnetworks.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/p/13','RightNowHelp','1','0','0','0','0','0','1','0','660','481','600','481','660','481','600','481','25','25'); return false">Help</a></li>
    <li class="mobile-only">·</li>
    <!--<a href="http://www.fen.com/resources/omk/parents.html">-->
    <li><a href="mailto:advertise@fen.com?subject=Advertise Inquiry%20-%20FamilyEducation.com">Advertise</a></li>
    <li class="mobile-only">·</li>
    <li><a href="http://fun.familyeducation.com/page/46470.html">RSS</a></li>
    <li class="mobile-only">·</li>
    <li><span class="mobile-hide"><br></span><a href="http://www.fen.com/privacyStatement.html">Privacy</a> <span style="font-size:9px;">*Updated 10/15</span></li>
    <li class="mobile-only">·</li>
    <li class="end"><a href="http://www.fen.com/agreeDisclaim.html">Terms of Use</a> <span style="font-size:9px;">*Updated 10/15</span> </li>
</ul>

<ul class="mobile-hide">
    <li><a href="http://www.familyeducation.com/">FamilyEducation</a></li>
    <li><a href="http://www.teachervision.com/">TeacherVision</a></li>
    <li><a href="http://www.infoplease.com/">InfoPlease</a></li>
    <li><a href="http://www.factmonster.com/">FactMonster</a></li>
    <li><a href="http://www.funbrain.com/">Funbrain</a></li>
    <li class="end"><a href="http://www.poptropica.com/">Poptropica</a></li>
</ul>
<p>&copy; 2000-2016&nbsp; Sandbox Networks, Inc. All Rights Reserved.</p></div> <!-- en #subfooter -->    </div>
  </div><!-- /block-inner -->
</div><!-- /block -->
</div><!-- /footer-inner -->
</div><!-- /footer -->
</div><!-- /footer-wrapper -->

      <!-- footer-message row: width = grid_width -->
      <div id="footer-message-wrapper" class="footer-message-wrapper full-width">
        <div id="footer-message" class="footer-message row grid16-16">
          <div id="footer-message-inner" class="footer-message-inner inner clearfix">
                      </div><!-- /footer-message-inner -->
        </div><!-- /footer-message -->
      </div><!-- /footer-message-wrapper -->

    </div><!-- /page-inner -->
  </div><!-- /page -->
  <!-- Begin comScore Tag -->
<script type="text/javascript" src='http://b.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js'></script>
<script>
  try {
    COMSCORE.beacon({
      c1:2,
      c2:6035556,
      c3:"",
      c4:"",
      c5:"",
      c6:"",
      c15:""
    });
  }
  catch(exception) {}
</script>
<noscript>
  <img src="http://b.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=6035556&c3=&c4=&c5=&c6=&c15=&cj=1" />
</noscript>
<!-- End comScore Tag --><script type="text/javascript" src="/sites/familyeducation.com/files/js/js_edb9082f7fbbfad5b359a4e3931fdc46.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript">
<!--//--><![CDATA[//><!--
if (typeof addthis != "undefined") {addthis.init();}
//--><!]]>
</script>
</body>
</html>
