Last summer, our Savvy team made a list of 50 things we wanted to do with our kids during our precious days of summer vacation. This year, I thought I would update you on what our family did and didn't manage to do last summer. Go to the beach (X)Have a backyard campout .... read more
Children come into the world with a fresh perspective and a keen eye for injustice. They are quick to point out when something’s “not fair” and often wonder out loud about issues that adults are quick to gloss over. Kids also give adults a reason to look at the world .... read more
For those of us with children in school, summer means a big change in routine. I heard a mother whose kids have already returned home from college for the summer comment: “They take up so much more room than they used to!” Those of us whose children still go to p.... read more
We spend so much time taking care of our kids that we sometimes forget what capacity children have for taking care of others. Kids are deeply invested in their local parks, schools, and neighborhoods, so it only makes sense that they would want to do their part to strengthen t.... read more
Hopefully by now the general outline of your summer has become clear. You know whether you’ll be going away or staying home, and when. You’ve signed the kids up for camps and classes, and checked into the schedule at your local pool. Or perhaps you’ve simply l.... read more
Many kids get hooked on Greek mythology from an early age, but what about the myths and legends of other cultures? Although not as familiar to many of us, Indian and Chinese folklore (among others) are full of equally thrilling stories. It's just a matter of finding the rig.... read more
Despite their reputation for being self-centered creatures, young children are actually quite capable of showing compassion to those who are needy and vulnerable. Isn't it the very young, after all, who cheer the loudest when their heroes inevitably triumph over evil? And isn'.... read more
If your children are in second grade or older, you have surely heard of Percy Jackson by now. He's a worthy successor to Harry Potter (although, honestly, no one will ever take the place of Harry in our hearts): a child who discovers around his eleventh birthday that he is h.... read more
My daughters took me to a protest last year. A local group was holding a rally to oppose a city plan to build a huge garbage facility less than a mile from their school, and right next to an athletic field and popular playground. There are several other schools nearby, as well.... read more
In search of a few new books for your mythology-loving kids? These are some tried-and-true favorites from our own bookshelves:D'Aulaire's Book of Greek MythsThis book has been around since we were children, and it's still a charmer. If your child wants to read the whole story .... read more