Letter from the Editor
Outdoors: Easy and for the most part, free
By Gretchen Cook
The economic news is daunting. Even if you are not in financial straits, the national mood is grim. Everyone is rethinking spending and cutting back where possible. This is where this issue can come in really handy. In our annual Summer Fun Guide we once again provide a list of things you can do with your family that are fun, wholesome and in many cases free or nearly free. (more)


Family Matters
The Great Outdoors?
By Carrie Bevell Partridge
It’s true--I’m not the outdoorsy type; I much prefer the comforts and conveniences found within the walls of my home. Particularly during the summertime, I blame mosquitoes (to which I have horrible reactions) for my being a recluse from nature. Other reasons include the fact that I simply didn’t grow up doing things like camping, fishing, and hiking, so I didn’t develop a love for it. (more)


Parent Points
Mississippi resident earns her ears, celebrate national recess week, a parent's guide to kids & safe texting, and more. (more)


What's Cooking
By Julie Paul
"Aluminum foil," said my husband. "Aluminum foil?" I asked. "That’s your secret for campfire cooking?" "Well, if you want to get technical about it, you don’t cook over a campfire. You cook in the coals of a campfire or over a charcoal grill and avoid the flames," he explained. (more)


Pick A Place
Clinton Community Nature Center
By Jennifer Wigginton
My family has discovered a hidden jewel in Clinton, and if you haven’t been, you’re really missing out! It’s the Clinton Community Nature Center, a non-profit “labor of love” dedicated to offering you and your family 33 acres of pure nature to explore! (more)


The Book Shelf
By M. Scott Anderson
Brief reviews of Wintergirls, Speak, All Things Red, and Pop Bottle Science. (more)


Getting Into The Great Outdoors
A Beginners' Guide To Camping
By Matt Swing
Remember the days when kids got outside and enjoyed the fresh air? Back before video games, Facebook and MySpace had kids glued to a screen. A great way to spend some quality time together and get them away from the flashing lights of their X-box is a nice weekend camping trip. (more)


Putting A Stop To Childhood Obesity
Advice for Parents
By Tony Sparber
What would you say is the top health concern for American kids in 2009? Drug abuse? Internet safety? Child abuse? Smoking? Bullying? Autism? These issues certainly concern all parents. But according to a National Poll on Children’s Health conducted by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, parents said it is childhood obesity that tops the list. (more)


Share, But Don't Scare
Talking to your kids during tough financial times
By Sara Dimerman
While most parents feel satisfied by providing their children with life’s necessities, many parents may feel guilty when they can’t give their children what the neighbors’ kids have. During these difficult economic times, many parents are re-evaluating their spending habits and trying to please their children with what they do have. For many children, distinguishing between a want and a need is tricky. (more)


Summer Fun Guide
Fun things to do with your family
By Matt Swing
Here are some fun, family-oriented activities in the Jackson Metro area. (more)


Parents & Kids Magazine Calendar
March 2009
Upcoming family-oriented events and activities in the Jackson Metro area, March 2009. (more)


Camp Guide 2009
A list of the best Mississippi summer camps--March 2009 Update
Don't wait until it's too late to plan your child's summer activities.  Find out about the best summer camps in Mississippi, updated March 2009. (more)