Getting Organized

• Ten Tricks to Smoother Mornings
• The ABC's of Back to School for Parents
• Back to School Countdown: What to Do When
• How to Win the War on Clutter

Read more: Organizing Your Work

Transitions & Separation Anxiety

• How to Handle Separation Anxiety
• 10 Things That Make Kids Anxious About School
• Preschool Readiness
• Going to College
• Preparing Your Child For Elementary School

Read more: Separation Anxieties

The New Teacher

• Parents as Partners: Easy Ways to Connect in the Classroom
• What Will the Teacher Expect of Your Child?
• First Impressions: Do They Really Matter?
• Reinforcing Classroom Expectations at Home

Read more: The New Teacher

Homework Help

• Study Skills 101: A Back to School Refresher Course
• 8 Strategies that Spell Homework Success
• Back to School Homework: Getting Kids into the Swing of Studying
• Does Your Child Rush Through Assignments? Here's Help!
• The Homework Debate

Read more: Homework Help

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

• Think Outside the Lunchbox! 3 Kid-Friendly School Snacks
• Six Ways to Pack a Greener Lunchbox
• 3 Lunchbox Basics Kids Can Bake Themselves
• 15 Great Snack Ideas for Back to School
• Healthy School Lunches: Sneaky Items That Seem Sinful
• Health Up Their Lunchbox!

Read more: Healthy Lunch Box Ideas

Hot Topic: Your Special Needs Child

The First Day of School

• Fearless Friend Making: Tips to Help Your Child
• Six Secrets for Back-to-School Success
• 10 Ways to Get Ready for a New School
• Childhood Immunizations & Vaccinations
• First Day of School Traditions: 5 Ways to Celebrate the New School Year
• Send Kids Back to School Safely

Read more: The First Day of School

Adventure Action Games

What is JumpStart World?

JumpStart World is the leader in adventure action games based on virtual and interactive 3D worlds. JumpStart World turns learning into an adventure for your 3 to 10 year old child.

Build Confidence
JumpStart World incorporates academic fundamentals into a vibrant world where kids can control their learning environment.

Reward Achievements
These adventure action games are tailored to your child’s personal skill level and learning style. Your child’s preferences and abilities customize the 3D challenge-based games, allowing your child to both succeed and learn new skill

Stimulate Creativity
JumpStart World is the perfect way to allow your child to immerse themselves in a highly creative and fun learning environment.

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Build Animal Piggy Banks!

Learn about coins and their value by making an animal piggy bank. Here's how to make a lion, pig, or sheep bank - or you can use your imagination to create others.

Second Grade | Math | Arts and Crafts

Pumpkin Math: Learn Shapes While Carving

This fall, boost your child's math skills with the time-old tradition of pumpkin carving! Here's an activity that has your child improve her shape recognition by identifying, drawing, and carving geometric shapes out of a Jack-O-Lantern face.

Preschool | Math

Make a School Notes Clip Magnet

Get into the back-to-school spirit with this clip magnet that'll make sure your child never loses his important school papers again!

First Grade | Arts and Crafts

Create a Kids' Cooking Apron!

Does your child show signs of being the next great chef? Here's an activity to encourage her culinary interest and skills: make a colorful cooking apron!

Make Your Own Rubber Stamp Flashcards

Here's an activity to inspire your child to learn to recognize numbers and count than by using fun and funky rubber stamps to make her own flashcards!

Play Ice Cream Addition!

Looking for another way to get your child practicing his basic addition facts? Play Ice Cream Addition! Here's a math game to keep you and your child school cool during this hot summer. Roll dice, add up the terms, and color in all the pieces of your ice cream cone to win.

Underwater I Spy Alphabet Bottle

This alphabet bottle is fun to make and a great activity to keep your child busy, while helping her recognize letters in a creative way.

Roll-Up Bubble Wrap Candles

Make an occasion more special by using your own homemade candles! In this activity, your child will melt down wax to create her own set of uniquely textured candles that'll be sure to brighten up any room.

If you're looking for a funky, personalized gift for a loved one, look no further! With this Shrinky Dink inspired project, you can make jewelry and accessories using your very own photos. It's fun, creative, and you'll end up with some pretty cool pieces of flair!

Make a Magnetic Spice Tin Pencil Holder

Here's an activity that lets your teen transform beautifully decorated spice tins into funky fridge ornaments and durable magnet pencil holders to keep pens and pencils right where she needs them.

The 2009 A+ Awards

We’ve put hundreds of toys, books, and games through their paces to find out which are the most educational, safe, and fun. Browse our list of 53 award winners to see who made the grade.

Popular Parenting & Education Topics

Preparing Your Child for Back to School Preschool Activities Promoting Good Character in Your Child Nurturing a Growing Reader Inspiring Your Child's Love of Science Helping Your Child with Bullying Family Ideas and Inspiration Reading Activities and Games Math Activities and Games 2nd Grade Activities 3rd Grade Activities Back to School Writing Activities and Games Learning and Your Child's Brain Kindergarten Activities Science Activities and Games Parenting Arts and Crafts Activities 1st Grade Activities Fostering High Self-Esteem in Children

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Vaccine Concerns

Parents are regularly exposed to information in the media regarding the negative effects of vaccines. Drs. Paul A. Offit and Louis M. Bell weigh in on the controversy.

After the Shots

Your child may need extra love and care after getting vaccinated. Some vaccinations that protect children from serious diseases also can cause some discomfort.

Vaccines Aren't Just for Children

Parents may think that vaccines or shots are just for infants and children, but illnesses have no age limits and adults also need protection.

Childhood Vaccinations and Immunizations

Childhood immunization has significantly reduced the number of children affected by devastating diseases. Learn more about the role of vaccines in your child's life.

August: Childhood Vaccinations

With the start of the new school year looming ahead, many parents are considering immunization requirements for school entrance. Parents of younger children consistently ask questions about vaccine schedules and safety. Credible information on the topic can be found right here, in one place.