In July, most families are out and about enjoying the beautiful summer weather. Pool time, bike riding, beach trips, sprinklers, and water balloons are the gifts of summer, right? But every so often we get rained in and find ourselves stuck inside until the skies clear. Rather than flipping on the TV or computer screen […]
The TODAY Show: Rainy Day Activities for Summer Days Indoors Read More »
Today’s the day! The unofficial start of the summer season. And it looks like there’s going to be some nice weather across our fair country, so let’s get outside and PLAY!
TODAY Show: Memorial Day Fun Read More »
We are just days away from Easter Sunday, and while we all enjoy a few sweet treats in our baskets, making sugar the star of the holiday can backfire . . . big time. That’s why Meredith Sinclair, contributor to TTPM, has wrangled up a few ideas to help make your Easter celebration more playful
Today Show: Playful Family Fun for Easter Read More »
This week I’m in NYC attending Toy Fair, the country’s biggest toy and game showcase for media and toy industry types.
The Up and Coming Toys of Toy Fair 2014 Read More »
The 2014 Winter Olympic Games are upon us! Athletes from all across the globe have arrived in Sochi to compete in the most thrilling sporting events ever performed on ice and snow. While it’s always fun to gather ‘round the TV and watch with your family, this year why not get everyone a little more
TODAY Show: Olympic Fun for the Whole Family Read More »
We are in the final weeks of the holiday gift buying season and I have had so many people email, text, Facebook message, and down right stop me on the street to ask me what toys and games I think they should buy the kids this Christmas. As a toy and game “TV segment girl”,
TODAY Show: Playthings That Entertain and Educate Read More »
With busy school days comes what is for most parents their least favorite activity to do with their kids—homework.
If you loved Meredith’s ideas for Thanksgiving fun, here are some free printables from her segment on the Today Show!
Meredith Sinclair on The Today Show: Thanksgiving Family Games Read More »
For years my husband has raced home from work early on Halloween night so that he, our two boys, and I could walk the tree-lined streets of our neighborhood trick-or-treating together. Over the last 15 Halloweens with kids, we’ve hauled costumed infants in baby carriers strapped to our bodies, pulled toddler tricksters in wagons in case they got tired, and watched our boys race from house to house as fast as their little legs could carry them. We never took these trick-or-treating marathons for granted, knowing that one day they’d be too old for it all and our candy-collecting chaperone duty would be over.
Three Halloween Activities for Teens Read More »
As parents, we spend much of our time entertaining other people. Usually ones much younger and smaller than ourselves. We also “get” that making sure the small people we’re raising know how to entertain, motivate, and creatively challenge themselves once in awhile. We work hard to provide our kids a lovely cocktail of adult-led, peer-led,
Make Time for Yourself to Play Read More »
Summertime is synonymous with big ole family soirees. A season when close friends and relatives travel near and far in honor of beach vacations, campgrounds, backyard barbecues, and family reunions. And with an array of generations trying to connect with one another in a short amount of time, it seems only natural to tap into
Make Family Reunions Fun for Everyone Through Play Read More »
Nothing screams SUMMER quite like a slick plastic water slide in the backyard on a hot and steamy day. And while the store-bought Slip ‘n Slides are great fun, this year my boys and I decided to take just a little extra time, hit the hardware store for some simple supplies, and create a much
How to Make a Simple Homemade Slip ‘n Slide Read More »
May has always been one of my favorite months of the year. I live in Chicago, the home of the long, cold winter. May means a lot to us all. We’re told not to plant flowers until this month, not to even think of putting away winter coats until this month, and to hold tight
Spending Summer Break at Home Read More »
Modern families are busier than ever. With hard-working parents, kids in multiple after-school activities (many folks still aren’t listening to the advice from experts to lighten their loads), higher academic standards and rigor, and the bustling business of simple day-to-day life, family units are often exhausted and grumpy trying to do it all. And in
Time to Play: Purposeful is the New Random Read More »
I am now the mom of a full-fledged teenage boy. Maxwell is my first born of two dudes and has always had a very playful spirit. He’s got a little brother, and having him around has meant that Max has been able to continue to play with certain games and toys that would otherwise have
Time to Play: With Your Teen Read More »
I met my husband when I was 15 years old. We dated for nearly five years before we wed, which was immediately after I graduated from college, and have now been married almost 22 years. We’ve truly grown up together. We knew each other as goofy teenagers, dazed and confused twenty-somethings, deep-in-the-trenches-with-little-kids thirty-somethings, and on to
Time to Play: With the One You Love Read More »
January in Chicago is typically a bit challenging to say the least. It’s not so much the mountains of snow that cause our severe cabin fever, although we definitely get our fair share. No, it’s more the long stretch of Midwestern bitter cold and blustery air that makes a mom want to remain in bed under a heap of blankets or snuggle up by a fire for days on end.
Time to Play: When It’s Too COLD Outside Read More »
When my boys were little, I had one on one time with them all day long. I chose to be a “stay at home” mom and our days were packed with play and parks, and classes, and snacks and naps and more play. It was non-stop crazy and super tiring, but the best of days
Tis the season for big ol’ family gatherings. From Thanksgiving through New Years Day many of our houses will be brimming with relatives ages 8 to 80. And if you happen to be hosting any of these events, then it’s your job to make sure everyone has a grand old time and that all of
Time to Play With the Relatives! Read More »
I have always… always loved this crisp Autumnal time of year. I grew up in Western PA, where this season meant a Jackson Pollock splattering of trees covering our rolling hills, Friday night football games (yep, I was that cheerleader), playing tag through the cornfields behind my friend’s house, ginormous heaps of foliage, and of course all things Halloween.
Time to Play: Be a Little Mooch this Month Read More »
Six years ago my husband and I moved into what we are pretty sure will be the house our kids will spend the rest of their growing up years. It’s on a quiet kid-friendly street, and has plenty of space for dude-induced shenanigans including a boy proof basement and an attic space I designed specifically to be their “playroom”.
Time to Play: Everything Old is New Again Read More »
