Reprints by Month
Notes:
In an effort to make it easy for you to locate appropriate articles for each month of the year, I have organized my available reprints by month. While many are seasonally appropriate, others will work year round, and their place on this page is purely random. To see a list of articles by topic, go here.
Articles marked with ** are from my self-syndicated Fast Fun Column. These columns run around 250-500 words. Discount available on purchases of four or more articles, paid on acceptance.
January
Panty Hose Prints (originally appeared in FamilyFun magazine)**
Detectives, Spies & Sleuths - As an aged Nancy Drew wanna-be, I understood all too well my son’s sudden interest in finding a mystery to solve. Projects for exploring forensic science (2,000 words ~ or 1,200 words) Originally published in Home Education Magazine
The Intercontinental Tooth Fairy – Frustrated with some of the overzealous tooth fairies who leave large amounts of cash, I discovered an alternative for my family. (975 word essay) Originally published in FamilyFun
Six Creativity Busters (And How To Avoid Them) - 450-word tip sheet
February
Faux Fish For Fun (originally appeared in FamilyFun magazine)**
Dinner Prep and Play (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)** Photo available
Terrific Techniques - Looks at age appropriate art projects and encouraging creativity in children. Several experts in the field are quoted and projects are included. (1,600 words)
Sunday Night Council (Counsel?) – A humorous look at sibling rivalry and the process of coming up with a workable solution. Part family meeting, part judicial system, our weekly Sunday Night Council has reduced bickering and encouraged communication between family members. (1,200 word essay)
March
Sunflower Shoe Cleaner (originally appeared in FamilyFun magazine)**
The Joy of Mud - Looks at the benefits of allowing our children to freely explore the properties of sand and mud. Encouraging messy play is sometimes a difficult step for parents; helping them to understand the validity of such projects may make them more willing to sacrifice their laundry. (875 words)
Floral Foam Prints (originally appeared in FamilyFun)**
Sunday Paper Capers - Extra! Extra! Newspaper fun (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)** March is Newspapers in Education month
April
The Great Soda Bottle Safari – Boldly striped zebras, long-necked giraffes and thundering elephants, crafted from recycled plastic bottles. (1,000 words) Originally appeared in FamilyFun magazine. Images available
The Problem with Praise - The casual use of praise in our culture has the potential to create a nation of praise junkies. A look at why praise isn’t the best answer. (1,000 word essay) Originally published in Brain, Child
Picnic Play – With warm weather around the corner, outdoor performances and festivals in the park will be bringing families to the picnic blanket. Keep the kids from getting antsy while they wait for the main attraction with some games on the green.
May
Easy Riders - Are we there yet? (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)**
A Fabulous Flower Party – Not your garden-variety birthday party, this celebration is a bloomin’ good time. (2,200 words with all activities) Originally appeared in FamilyFun magazine; images available
June
Digital Camera Fun – The ease of digital cameras and the option to delete unwanted shots make them a great source of traveling fun. Whether yours is adults only or an inexpensive kiddie camera, these tips are great for involving the entire family in snapping good vacation photos.
Blowing Bubbles - Make the most of your Suds: Take summertime soap bubble to new heights with instructions for a drive-through bubble, a giant bubble and a bubble rope. (350 words) Originally appeared in Parenting magazine**
The Queen of Screams – One brave mom – me – takes her fears for a ride. A humorous look at facing frightful roller coasters. (900 word essay) Originally published in Nick Jr. Family Magazine
Goodbye Games – end of party activities (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)**
Road Trip! – If your vacation starts with hours of car travel, ditch the hurry up and get there attitude and make getting there half the fun. (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)**
Theme Park Smarts – While amusement parks get a thumbs up from families as a summer destination, the lines can be—well—less than amusing. Entertain the kids with some pre-ride activities while they wait for the official fun to begin. (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)**
July
Keep your Cool - Summertime beat the heat (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)**
Summer in Sonoma County – Wineries and pricey spas make northern California’s Sonoma County famous for grown-up indulgences. But on a recent road trip, my family discovered that there’s much more to the area than wining and dining. (1,300 words) Originally published in FamilyFun magazine
End of Day Play – summer evening fun (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)**
Kids on Deck – Adult-swim time at the local pool leaves kids counting the minutes until they can make a splash. Don’t be left high and dry—try these ideas for poolside play. (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)**
August
Squish! Squash! Squirt! – Babies and toddlers are famous for making messes: squishing food between their fingers, stomping in puddles, and smearing art supplies in places they were never meant to go. Rather than cramp that tactile, anything goes style, take advantages of your little one’s natural impulses, and feed her innate curiosity by introducing her to some deliberately messy fun. (2,000 words) Originally appeared in FamilyFun magazine
Blowing Bubbles - Making The Most Of Your Suds (originally appeared in Parenting magazine, August, 2004)**
Scrub-a-Dub Tub - Whether your child squabbles over bath time or dives right in, these activities make for some good, clean fun. (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)**
September
Play on the way - Waiting for the school bus (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)**
Loving and Learning - The Homeschool Alternative: Statistics show that parents are increasingly choosing alternatives to traditional schooling. Homeschooling – legal in all 50 states – is just one option. (1,200 words)
Chow Chow Days - A nostalgic look at my family’s tradition of turning green tomatoes into a spicy relish with the funny name, Chow Chow.
- Sidebar available: – Chow Chow recipe
Raking it in – Crisp autumn weather brings falling leaves and a last ditch opportunity to spend some time out of doors. Invite the junior members of your family to join you for some fun as you tackle some fall chores. (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine)**
October
Soap Bubble Prints (originally appeared in FamilyFun magazine) **
Costume Capers - With a fully stocked costume box, I thought Halloween would be a snap. Until my boys insisted on some unusual costumes. (850 words)
November
Saying Thanks (originally appeared in Parenting, Dec – Jan, 2005)**
Good Time Gatherings- Thanksgiving activities (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine **
Order Up! - Restaurant meals may give you a break from the kitchen, but not from hungry bellies. Keep famished kids occupied with these fun activities while you wait. (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine **
December
Baking Buddies - Holiday baking fun (originally appeared in Nick Jr Family Magazine) **
