family

Indoor Activities for a Cold Day - Red Apple Reading

Indoor Activities for a Cold Day!

With the recent “Polar Vortex” that has hit our country, many of us have taken to staying indoors. Perhaps you and your little ones have been stuck inside for an extended period and are beginning to experience a little “cabin fever”. What is a parent to do with small children who have pent up energy and started chanting that all too dreaded mantra – “I’m bored!”? Don’t despair mom and dad! Red Apple Reading has compiled a list of 10 fun indoor activities fit for a frigid day.

By Jennifer Campbell, ago
Resolve-to-Read-in-2014 Red Apple Reading

Resolve to Read More in 2014!

How do you and your family commemorate the beginning of a new year? Many of us find that January is a good time to change certain behaviors that have, well, gotten a little out of hand…. One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to lose unwanted weight and/or eat a healthier diet. While we certainly hope that you are doing all you can to be healthy physically, we also would like to encourage you to be intellectually healthy! One way to ensure you and your kiddos are getting the intellectual stimulation you need is by resolving to read more. Red Apple Reading offers five suggestions to help you and your loved ones become a stronger reading family in 2014.

By Jennifer Campbell, ago

7 Ways to Help Children Express Gratitude

With Thanksgiving in just a few days, many of us find ourselves reflecting on our blessings. Whether big or small, all of us have reasons for which to be thankful. However, often we stop short and only feel grateful instead of actively expressing our gratitude. How can you help your family show their thankfulness during the holiday season? Red Apple Reading has some fun ideas on how you and your loved ones can convey gratitude to one another and to your community!

By Jennifer Campbell, ago

Don’t Rush the Holidays – Enjoy Fall While You Can!

It’s that time of year again – the leaves are turning and beginning to float to the ground, the weather is getting chillier, and the holiday season is just around the corner. Fall is fully here! Instead of jumping straight into holiday mode, why not enjoy the season and wait until December to panic? Red Apple Reading has some fun fall activity recommendations that will help you relax with your family and enjoy the season while you still can. Make this fall season the best you and your family has ever experienced!

By Jennifer Campbell, ago
10-fun-educational-toys-RAR

10 Fun Educational Toys

One of the things I appreciate about summer break is that it gives my children some extra unstructured time during the day. Don’t misunderstand me, I am a huge fan of structure and schedules; in fact, my kids’ summer vacation is probably a bit more structured than most. However, included in our schedule is free play. This can look just about anyway the kids want it to – providing it doesn’t involve electronics. There is something wonderful about being able to play and use one’s imagination in anyway one chooses. Of course, this doesn’t mean that parents can’t have options available for their child to choose from. Which brings us to the topic of today’s post: Fun Educational Toys! There are literally thousands of great learning toys available to purchase and enjoy. Today we will look at 10.

By Jennifer Campbell, ago
Four Fun Father's Day Gifts - Red Apple Reading Express

Four Fun Father’s Day Gifts

With Father’s Day right around the corner, you are probably already considering what to get the men in your life on this special day. If you are like me, you find that special man in your life (father or husband) a little hard to buy for. It can be tricky to find just the right gift to give on Father’s Day, but let’s not give up too quickly and buy the first pair of socks or tie we see! Hopefully, this list of four fun gifts for Dad will give you some inspiration as you and your family prepare for Father’s Day!

By Jennifer Campbell, ago
is-your-smartphone-taking-over-your-family

Are SmartPhones Taking Over Your Family?

My husband and I used to make fun of the couples in restaurants who stared longingly at their phones rather than each other. Over plates of over-priced food, they gazed at their screens while never making eye contact with one another. We vowed never to be that couple. Then, we each got a Smartphone…on the same day. Looking back, that may have been one of the most transformative days of our marriage.

By Melissa Maypole, ago