Five ways to inspire kids to read

By Paula Sirois, www.Deals.com

Beside the proud and vocal parent who shares how great of a reader her child is (so much so that she can barely keep up with the insatiable demand for books, books, books) is the regular mom who cringes as she considers how her kid not only doesn’t read but hates reading and even struggles with it.

If that’s your kid, here are a few ideas that may help stimulate some interest and a little reading this summer:

1. One word at a time: “Make a summer word wall,” suggests Dr. Jane Bailey, dean of the School of Education for Post University in Waterbury, Conn. Put the word wall up “in your child’s room or the kitchen or wherever it will be regularly seen. Each evening, have your child write three or four...

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Tips for helping your child walk home from school

By Priscilla J. Dunstan, McClatchy-Tribune

Consider the way your child relates to the world when planning his walk to and from school.

Pick a route that is easy for your child to remember even if it may take a little longer. Turning one corner is easier for your child to remember than having to turn five. Find a neighbor child to walk with your child — they still get independence but there is safety in numbers. Walk the path home with them physically a number of times, and a few times walking behind without them knowing.

When you walk the route with your child, focus on the things your child will notice.

Tactile children will notice the feel of the pavement, the number of people walking by and the park where they play soccer. Use these factors...

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Kids make up less of America’s population than ever before

By HOPE YEN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Children now make up less of America’s population than ever before, even with a boost from immigrant families.

And when this generation grows up, it will become a shrinking work force that will have to support the nation’s expanding elderly population — even as the government strains to cut spending for health care, pensions and much else.

The latest 2010 census data show that children of immigrants make up one in four people under 18, and are now the fastest-growing segment of the nation’s youth, an indication that both legal and illegal immigrants as well as minority births are lifting the nation’s population.

Currently, the share of children in the U.S. is 24 percent, falling...

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Kids can pull off a good kooky clothing combo

By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL, AP Fashion Writer

NEW YORK — Some kids might look like they are getting dressed in the dark: crazy pattern combinations, clashing colors, and mismatched socks and shoes.

Perhaps, though, they are making enlightened fashion choices — choices that represent their personalities and budding senses of style, and encourage fun and even a wink to convention.

Eventually, children will start to notice trends, rules and peer pressure, but until then, experts say, let them wear their plaid on plaid, shocking pink with neon orange, and argyle with polka-dots. And different colored socks, of course.

They’ll look great doing it, if you don’t hold them back or challenge their confidence. (This is not giving license to...

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‘The Talk II’ you need to have with your kids

By LEANNE ITALIE, Associated Press

NEW YORK — When kids are old enough to understand, parents have The Talk, about birds and bees and how — poof — babies are born when two people love each other.

When it’s time for kids to head off to college, The Talk II may go something like this: DON’T HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX!

Untethering your teens for college often includes rapid-fire declarations on birth control, drug use, date rape and binge drinking. Squeezed out of the conversation may be equally important topics that don’t bubble to the surface until after the start of freshman year.

That could mean, for kids who have turned 18, an explanation of waivers they must sign ahead of time if they want to grant parents a say in their...

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If you’re a crafter, you should think about copywriting your creations

By AMY LORENTZEN, For The Associated Press

As a crafter, you put time, talent and care into each creation. Experts say you should also spend a few moments making sure you’re not violating any copyrights and protecting your own original work.

“We all love to create, but very few us know what the rules are,” says Tammy Browning-Smith, an Amherst, Ohio-based attorney who concentrates on intellectual property law in creative industries, including arts and crafts.

She says crafters’ most common mistake when it comes to copyrights is assuming they can use another person’s work, whether it’s photocopying a pattern or making a replica of an item seen online. Her recommendation: Always check the designer’s, manufacturer’s or...

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Nia Vardalos on her adoption journey

By Jenny Schafer, Celebritybabyscoop.com

Actress Nia Vardalos stole our hearts in the sleeper hit “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” The Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and her good friend Tom Hanks co-wrote “Larry Crowne” which is in theaters this weekend.

Nia opens up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about her adoption journey while shattering myths about the American foster care system. The proud mom-of-one, who has been married to “Cougar Town” star Ian Gomez for 18 years, also talks about their daughter, mommy guilt, and the unexpected success of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding:” ‘’It was like skiing down a mountain without poles.”

CelebrityBabyScoop.com: Congratulations on the premiere of “Larry Crowne!” How fabulous to work with Tom...

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Tips for making a trip to the beach enjoyable for your child

By Priscilla J. Dunstan, McClatchy-Tribune

Summer is often associated with going to the beach, and having fun with your children in the sun, surf and sand.

Understanding your child’s sensory needs will make the experience even more enjoyable.

The tactile child will take great delight in playing in the openness of the beach. As soon as their feet are on the sand they will had grab a shovel and start digging to create holes and tunnels and castles. It can be hard to get the sunscreen on them, so having sun-protective shirts, shorts and large hats is important. Try to apply sunscreen before heading to the beach as once they are there, it will be difficult for them to stand still. Buckets, spades, beach balls and boogie boards are all things tactile...

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Retailers to bring fresh produce to 1,500 places

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Michelle Obama’s campaign against childhood obesity moved a step forward Wednesday with the announcement that Wal-Mart and other retailers plan to open or expand 1,500 stores in areas without broad access to fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthy foods over the next few years.

Company executives were joining the first lady at the White House for a formal announcement.

Mrs. Obama is leading a nationwide effort to lower childhood obesity rates, including by making fresh and healthier foods more widely available. She has urged grocers to expand into so-called “food deserts,” which are rural or poor areas without many grocery stores.

The White House says nearly 24 million people,...

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Do the Duckle for a chance to win a dance scholarship

A media company and a dance apparel company are pairing to promote a new dance to promote kids’ heath.

Wisharoopark.com and Capezio dance apparel are promoting the “Duckle Dance,” which they describe as “a little bit of ballet, a little bit of tap and a whole lot of fun.”

They are encouraging families with kids ages 3 to 6 to watch video of the dance at www.wisharoopark.com, then submit a video of themselves doing the dance. Five winners will receive a $500 dance scholarship. Second place is a prize pack.

Besides the health benefits of dancing, “Research shows that children who have exposure to the arts as part of their curriculum outperform their counterparts on an academic level by 18 to...

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