A domesticated rat can make a perfect pet.  They have been given many bad raps but in actuality they are very affectionate, clean and intelligent.  Rats love to be cuddled and held and can even be trained to come on command.  They are also very easy to care for.  I’m serious about this so read on to see some suggestions if your child is asking for a pet.

Summer vacation is half over and the natives might be getting a little restless. I was shocked to see Back to School items in the stores already and the latest Lands End catalog is showing new packs, book bags and cool weather outfits for kids.

Here’s a couple ideas if your child is complaining of boredom:

At Fun Brain Kid Center you child will find all sorts of activities and games that target science, music, geography, art and technology. The games in each category are ranked by age appropriatness.

Gamequaruim offers dozens of free online videos. There is everything from Berenstain Bears and Curious George to videos on the presidents and black history. You can learn sign language or take a tour of the human body.

If the computer isn’t an option your child can read, read, read! It doesn’t matter what they read really-the sports page, nonfiction on butterflies, a cookbook or a challenging novel. The American Library Assoication has a list of suggested titles for 8-11 year olds and a list for 12-14 year olds. Reading fills your brain with facts and expands your vocabulary AND there are so many good books!

Mosquitos are an unpleasant nuisance and can ruin an enjoyable summer evening but they also carry West Nile which could be deadly especially to am infant. An ounce of prevention is much better than a infant howling with itchy red welts. Understanding what attracts mosquitoes is as important as understanding what repels them. Mosquitos like humidity such as perspiration and moist plants, dark clothing, carbon dioxide, floral scents, still air, early mornings or evenings and lactic acid which is released after exercising or eating salty or high-potassium foods. People who eat garlic are often not bothered by insects as much. Avoid taking your infant out at night and dump all old standing water such as rain barrels and items that have accumulated water.

You might want to try several of the suggestions below.

Every year during the last couple weeks of school, my students would finally tire of each other and become bored with the playground and probably me.  That’s when I’d drag out the oldies but goodies of MY childhood and teach them hopscotch, marbles, jacks and silly jump rope rhymes.  There was something for everybody to get us smoothly to the last day of school. 

If you school aged child is spending way too much time at the computer or in front of T.V. or becoming bored with you, drag out these fun “ancient” childhood games.

Hopscotch-this game REALLY is ancient!   It was played by ancient Romans.  All you need is a stick of chalk and a rock.  Simply draw a grid on the sidewalk, toss your rock and hop.  It’s easy to find the rules and even watch a video demonstration.

Jacks-little metal objects and a small rubber ball and you’ve got yourself a game of jacksthat takes a little skill and practice.  Kids can play alone or with friends.  Play onesies, twosies or eggs in a basket.  And practice makes perfect. 

Marbles-this game really appeals to boys for some reason but my best player was a girl!  Her dad had taught her and she was queen of the marble ring.  There are various games of marbles but they are all fun for everyone.

Jump Rope-good exercise and a couple fun new (old) silly rhymes maake this a great activity for the shake of a big tree.

Have your kids give these a try but don’t forget drinking lots of water, the sunscreen and a big dose of fun!