Letter from the Editor
Whole Wheat Bread and Summer Sweat
By Gretchen Cook
A group of moms were talking about trying to get their kids to eat better, and one put in plainly: “I’d like to get my kids to eat whole wheat bread, but I hate eating it myself.” (more)


Dear Teacher
Exciting Math exercises to help with retention
By Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts
Parents: When your children return to school in the fall, their teachers will spend several weeks helping them get back the skills that they lost over the summer. The worst losses occur in the retention of math facts and spelling words. This does not happen to all children, and it need not happen to your children if you are willing to provide some structured learning time during the summer. (more)


Family Matters
To Everything, There is a Season
By Carrie Bevell Partridge
As I'm writing this, my children have only been on summer vacation for a week. We've only been to the YMCA pool once; only used the new goggles once; only made homemade ice cream, well, twice . . . There's still plenty of summer to be had! (more)


Living Greenly
6 Ways to Live Greenly and $ave BIG!
By Martha Miller
Learn how to save the environment, and your money, with these earth friendly tips. (more)


Parent Points
Find out tips on swim safety for toddlers, reducing the risk of SIDS, Back to School & Back to Bed Pajama Party, and more. (more)


Pick a Place
Chautauqua Park
By Jennifer Wigginton
For a fun, free family excursion, head to Chautauqua Park in Crystal Springs, MS. (more)


Scott's Toy Box
By M. Scott Anderson
Fisher Price TurboFill Blasters, ItzaBitza, and Ghostbusters video game for Wii. (more)


What's Cooking
Fool Your Tikes With These Frozen Treats--Fresh Fruit Popsicles That Taste Good And Are Good For You
By Rachel Kabukala
As a Mississippi transplant that hails from the frigid climate of Northern Minnesota, I am constantly looking for fun ways to weather our warm Southern summers. I’m also always on the lookout for healthy snacks that please the palate. (more)


Parents & Kids 2009 Family Favorites
Find out which local businesses are favorites of our readers according to the 2009 Parents & Kids Family Favorites survey. (more)


My deal with God: (Or, how not to lose your kid at the beach)
By Julie A. Chaffins
Beach safety tips to learn and review, before heading off to the beach. (more)


Kids Safety
Here are some Summer Safety Tips to keep your children safe from some common summer risks. (more)


Last Splash Summer Fun
Things to do in Mississippi before Summer's over
By Jerusha Bosarge
We’ve rounded up info on all sorts of inexpensive fun for the whole family (more)


Navigating Middle School
Helping your child transition smoothly
By Katie Shelt
Tips on how to help your child make a successful transition to middle school. (more)


Back to School & Back to Bed Pajama Party
Kids! You’re Invited to the “Back to School & Back to Bed Pajama Party” with special guest from PBS’ KIDS® Between the Lions, Kayree the Cajun Hound Dog. (more)


Sun Safety
Would you give a cigarette to your child?
By Helene Hadden, M.D., Ph.D. and Jacqueline Sasaki, M.D.
Expert advice on how your kids can safely enjoy the summer sun. (more)


Nintendo's Wii as Therapy?
One Occupational Therapist sees what the fuss is all about!
By Britt Collins M.S. OTR/L
Most of us have heard of this new innovative game from Nintendo called the Wii. This motion censored game allows players to virtually ski down mountains, box in a ring, drive on a race track, amongst many other exciting things. Some of you may have read about how physical therapists are using the Wii for therapeutic activities during their rehabilitation with adults and other occupational therapist are using the Wii during therapy for patients with Parkinson’s to work on their balance and coordination skills. (more)


Parents & Kids Magazine Calendar
July 2009
Family events and activities in the Jackson Metro area for July 2009. (more)