The cold chill of winter may have you feeling trapped indoors with nothing to do and nowhere to go, but fun activities fit for the whole family can add excitement and chase away those wintertime blues. Paired with an appetizing snack, at-home crafting provides a relaxing way to keep your mind and body moving. Warming up with family-friendly activities starts …

As families across the country get ready for back-to-school season, many are also preparing to return to in-person work, which means finding the right program to support their children’s ongoing learning and development. According to “The Current State of Scientific Knowledge on Pre-Kindergarten Effects” report, choosing a quality preschool helps children start elementary school prepared for success. Knowing what to …

After a bumpy 2020-2021 school year, many families are looking for a fresh start this school year. Whether Frederick County students are remote, hybrid or fully back in classrooms, new laptop technologies can help them learn with greater flexibility and power. As you begin to shop for a computer, start with an always connected personal computer (ACPC) — a new …

A budget is one of the most important financial tools in your arsenal, but budgeting isn’t one size fits all. To be successful, your budget should reflect not only your income and spending, but also your desires and need to live a balanced life. Learn to build a realistic budget with the following tips. Know your numbers Start by gathering …

Each school day calls for a multitude of meals and snacks to make sure little learners are energized for time spent in the classroom, playing with friends and completing their homework. From breakfast to dinner and sweet rewards after a long day of educational activities, it’s important to keep the family on schedule with favorite recipes. These options for a …

While adults may joke about needing to relearn how to be around others in a post-pandemic world, children can also benefit from a refresh of certain soft skills, especially young children who may not remember pre-pandemic life. Building on these skills can also help children prepare for a successful return to school. In fact, data from Mintel shows parents’ top …

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, finding safe ways to celebrate special events like birthdays can provide a boost for mental health. Whether you’re celebrating a kid or a kid at heart, planning a socially distant birthday party is a way to enjoy some camaraderie and honor the most important milestones in our lives. For Kids Younger partygoers may be …

As green as four-leaf clovers, these mint-chocolate chip cookies are the perfect dessert for St. Patrick’s Day. With so much mixing and scooping to be done, kids can help make the cookies, too. One of the best parts of the recipe is creating the eye-catching color. Watch children’s smiling little faces as the batter turns from light brown to dark …

Daily food choices can have a profound impact on overall health and well-being. Not only do healthy dietary patterns help maintain good health, they also reduce the risk of chronic diseases throughout all stages of life. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 and nutrition experts agree it is vital to establish healthy eating habits early …

Parents know there is a small window of time to make a meaningful, positive impact on children and shape who they may become as adults. A large portion of that influence comes at home, but it often also involves school, friends and extracurricular activities, many of which can help families make the most out of childhood experiences. In fact, an …