Letter from the Editor
Start Planning Now for a Great Summer
By Gretchen Cook
For kids, summer activities abound. But some of the best opportunities may be limited to those who sign up first. It’s time to start figuring out how your family’s summer will work out, while you still have the most options. (more)


Dear Teacher
Honor Roll Aspirations and a "Mean" Teacher
By Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts
Q: Our 10 year old is a real go-getter who truly wants to do well in school. One of his goals is to make the honor roll every grading period; however, he does struggle at times to make it. How can we help him meet this goal? (more)


Family Matters
The Dark Side of Motherhood
By Denise Pamudji
A few months ago my daughter, Sofia, had a bout of salmonellosis. While dealing with it, something I’d noticed but never really thought about began to hit home. (more)


It Figures
Tuition Woes
By Cynthia Washam
Find out some interesting facts and figures about college costs, savings, allowance, etc. (more)


Parent Points
Mississippi Children's Educational Fair, "Green Hour", alternative Easter sweets, purple and blue nutrition, and working to meet those fitness goals. (more)


What's Cooking
We All Scream for Ice Cream
By Julie Paul
Cooking together boosts closeness, self-confidence, and creativity, so any time spent in the kitchen is well worth the effort. Creating desserts with your kids is a sneaky, yet effective, way to pique their interest. The results are often immediate and always delicious. So, take the plunge, turn off the television, and confiscate the video games. Hostility will soon turn to gratitude after the first slurp of milkshake or spoonful of sundae. (more)


Take Your Kids to Camp--Locally!
Fun and Cheap Ideas for Summer Family Fun
By Katie Shelt
Summertime doesn't have to be a time of excruciating boredom and too much TV. For those who want to make the most of Mississippi’s hot summer, there are dozens of opportunities for learning, fun, and personal growth. With a little time effort, and a little gas money, you can travel beyond your ordinary circles of activity and explore our capital city and beyond. (more)


Camp Guide 2008
A list of the best Mississippi summer camps
Don't wait until it's too late to plan your child's summer activities.  Find out about the best summer camps in Mississippi. (more)


Handing Down Your Environmental Values
By Alene Archer
Our children help us see things as we once did when we were young. Their innate curiosity, enthusiasm and sense of wonder about the world around them take us back to the days when we were children and life was simple. (more)


Go Exploring in Your Own Back Yard
By Ashleigh Poff and Gretchen Cook
Finding free outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family isn’t as hard as it sounds. Here are easy some ideas to help you enjoy the great outdoors on a shoestring budget. (more)


Our Readers Write
Bianca Bradley's Trip to Mobile, AL
Madison Mom Bianca Bradley reports via email on her family’s recent expedition to Mobile (AL) Bay where they visited the U.S.S. Alabama battleship and the Submarine U.S.S. Drum. (more)


Parents & Kids Magazine Calendar
March 2008
Find out about events, exhibits, and ongoing activities near you. (more)