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# Our Children Magazine

National PTA's Unique Voice for Parents

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## Posts

- [5 Tips to Keep Your Kid Reading Over the Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-tips-to-keep-your-kid-reading-over-the-summer/) - The last day of school is always full of excitement and anticipation as kids of all ages look forward to starting their long summer vacations. While parents also look forward to a summer full of family fun, many are concerned about the dreaded summer slide which refers to learning loss that happens over summer vacation.
- [Simple Ways Dads Can Play a Bigger Role in Their Child’s Education](https://ptaourchildren.org/simple-ways-dads-can-play-a-bigger-role-in-their-childs-education/) - A father’s involvement can make a meaningful difference in a child’s educational journey. Research consistently shows that when dads and other positive father figures take an active interest in learning, children are more likely to have better attendance, perform well academically and enjoy school overall. The good news is that being involved doesn’t require unlimited
- [Protect Kids’ Hearing During The Summer Season of Noise](https://ptaourchildren.org/protect-kids-hearing-during-the-summer-season-of-noise/) - Summer is in full swing—and while this is a season for maximum fun, it also happens to be a season of maximum noise. Summer hearing hazards that can result in hearing loss include attending loud seasonal events such as fireworks, festivals, concerts and sporting events, as well as unsafe listening (listening for too long and
- [Make Pool Safety a Priority This Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/make-pool-safety-a-priority-this-summer/) - Millions of us celebrate (and try to escape) the warm summer weather by taking a dip in a swimming pool. It’s such an iconic family activity, but tragically, drowning is the number one accidental killer of children between one and four years old. Between 2019 and 2021, roughly 75 percent of the total fatal drowning
- [Keep the Book Faucet Flowing This Summer: How Families Can Prevent Summer Slide](https://ptaourchildren.org/keep-the-book-faucet-flowing-this-summer-how-families-can-prevent-summer-slide/) - When you hear summer break, you may think of campfires, swimming and games of capture the flag. However, amidst all of the fun, there is real risk of children falling behind academically. What is the Summer Slide? The term “summer slide” refers to the learning loss that happens during the summer. It is a phenomenon
- [Prepare Smart, Go Far: Getting Your Family Ready for Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/prepare-smart-go-far-getting-your-family-ready-for-summer/) - The last day of school has a way of sneaking up on parents fast. One minute you're packing backpacks and checking homework folders, and the next you're loading up the car for the first big summer adventure. Before the season gets into full swing, it's worth taking a few minutes to think through what your
- [The Summer Safety Check You Might Have Missed](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-summer-safety-check-you-might-have-missed/) - Summer is family time. Road trips. Hotel stays. Backyard cookouts. Late-night movie marathons at home. And while it’s the season of sun and fun, there’s a potential hidden danger that many families don’t think about: carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the “silent killer” because you can’t see, smell or taste it. Yet
- [10 Summer Learning Activities for Kids ](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-summer-learning-activities-for-kids/) - Summer break is a time for kids to relax, explore and make memories—but it’s also important to keep their minds active so they don’t lose momentum before the new school year begins. The good news? Learning doesn’t have to look like worksheets or homework to be effective. From backyard science experiments to scavenger hunts, cooking
- [13 Children’s Books About Mental Health](https://ptaourchildren.org/13-childrens-books-about-mental-health/) - As Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us, supporting children’s emotional well-being starts with open conversations, empathy and the right tools. Books can play a powerful role in helping kids understand their feelings, build resilience and feel less alone in their experiences. The Child Mind Institute asked their clinicians to read and identify books for kids
- [12 Flowers That Make a Perfect Mother’s Day Gift](https://ptaourchildren.org/12-flowers-that-make-a-perfect-mothers-day-gift/) - Flowers are one of the most popular Mother's Day gifts. It’s easy to pick up a bouquet from the store or send a bouquet from a delivery service, but you might not give much thought to the symbolism of the blooms you select. Here’s the meaning behind twelve of the most popular Mother’s Day flowers.
- [Teacher Appreciation: Supporting your Child’s Teacher](https://ptaourchildren.org/teacher-appreciation-supporting-your-childs-teacher/) - Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8, but supporting your child's teacher doesn't have to end there. As the school year winds down, teachers are managing end-of-year testing, field trips, classroom transitions and the everyday challenge of keeping energy high when everyone's ready for summer vacation. Here are practical ways parents can support teachers in the
- [Teacher Spotlight: An Interview With Jere Chang](https://ptaourchildren.org/teacher-spotlight-an-interview-with-jere-chang/) - Jere Chang has spent over 20 years as a classroom teacher in the Atlanta area, bringing passion, curiosity, and heart to her work every day. Beyond the classroom, she’s built a vibrant online community of 3.5 million followers, where “Ms. Chang” shares moments of humor, radical kindness, and real-world inspiration across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and
- [Kid-Approved Game Night Snacks](https://ptaourchildren.org/kid-approved-game-night-snacks/) - Family game night is one of those simple traditions that often turns into the highlight of the week. With all of today’s digital distractions, game nights are a great way to spend time together. There’s a cognitive upside too. Many games sharpen memory, problem-solving, strategy, and quick thinking. Even simple games can reinforce math, language,
- [Earth Day and Beyond: Teaching Kids About Climate](https://ptaourchildren.org/earth-day-and-beyond-teaching-kids-about-climate/) - Earth Day isn’t just a celebration—it’s a chance to help kids better understand the world around them. Climate conversations are getting louder and more complex, and kids often hear bits and pieces without having the tools to make sense of it. Building climate literacy early doesn’t mean overwhelming children with scary predictions. It means helping
- [Spring Allergens: Tips to Avoid Allergies](https://ptaourchildren.org/spring-allergens-tips-to-avoid-allergies/) - Itchy eyes? Runny nose? Constant sneezing or coughing? It could be allergies. Spring is here, and with it comes pollen, blooming trees, and the sniffles that follow. While you can't control what's outside, you can control what happens inside your home, and that makes a real difference for kids dealing with allergies — because the
- [How Your Teen's Voice Can Shape Tech for Good](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-your-teens-voice-can-shape-tech-for-good/) - Applications for Discord's Teen Council are open now through May 15, 2026. 👉 Apply here: discord.com/safety-parents#join-Discord-teen-council When tools dedicated to tracking screen time were first introduced, the response was enthusiastic. Parents, lawmakers, and researchers all leaned in. The thinking made sense: if people could see how much time they were spending on their phones, they might
- [Earth Day Craft: DIY "Tiny Earth" Seed Balls](https://ptaourchildren.org/earth-day-craft-diy-tiny-earth-seed-balls/) - Looking for a simple, meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day? Turn old homework into something that gives back to the planet—adorable seed balls that look like tiny Earths and bloom into beautiful flowers. This eco-friendly craft is perfect for classrooms, families, or anyone who wants to reuse materials and plant a little joy. ✂️ What
- [From Real Life to Real Lessons: The Story Behind TJ’s Lessons](https://ptaourchildren.org/from-real-life-to-real-lessons-the-story-behind-tjs-lessons/) - Inspired by personal experience and a deep commitment to helping children build confidence and character, L.C. Rogers, the creator of TJ’s Lessons turned everyday childhood moments into powerful teaching tools. Drawing from her own journey through school and parenting, she developed a storytelling approach that meets children where they are—using relatable, real-life situations to spark
- [How to Help Your Teen Prepare for the SAT Reading Section ](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-help-your-teen-prepare-for-the-sat-reading-section/) - If you’ve got a teen gearing up for college, chances are you’ve gone down the rabbit hole of admissions tests—what they mean, whether they matter and how to help your child prepare. The good news? Depending on where your student is applying, tests like the SAT or ACT might not even be required. In fact,
- [Injury Prevention In Youth Sports](https://ptaourchildren.org/injury-prevention-in-youth-sports/) - If your child plays sports, you already know how exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—it can be. With so many kids participating year-round, staying on top of safety is more important than ever. In fact, in 2023 alone, 27.3 million children and teens were involved in sports or athletic activities. And according to the National Safety Council, 1.1
- [How To Support Your Kids Through Friendship Breakup](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-support-your-kids-through-friendship-breakup/) - Think about the first time you experienced a romantic breakup: Maybe it was as a teen after your first kiss, or when you broke up with your high school sweetheart before college. Then, think of the circles of friends you’ve been in over the years, and all of the emotions involved as social groups shifted.
- [Spring Break Ready: Protecting Your Family While Traveling](https://ptaourchildren.org/spring-break-ready-protecting-your-family-while-traveling/) - Spring break is finally here. It's time to pack the bags, hit the road and make memories—but a little planning keeps the fun from getting sidelined by germs. We've got the travel essentials you need to keep the whole family germ-free, so your break stays exactly what you want it to be: uninterrupted family time.
- [4 Benefits of Swapping Screen Time for Reading Time](https://ptaourchildren.org/4-benefits-of-swapping-screen-time-for-reading-time/) - National Day of Reading – February 27 – is the perfect excuse to hit pause on screens and open a book instead. During the school year, kids spend plenty of time on computers for learning and homework. While technology plays an important role, too much screen time can leave kids feeling wired, distracted and glued
- [5 Winter Crafts for Snow Days ](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-winter-crafts-for-snow-days/) - For kids, snow days are one of the best things about winter. But they can be hard for parents - what can you do with a kid full of energy? When school’s out because of snow, here are five winter crafts that will keep things fun. If you don’t have the exact materials, no need
- [Getting Cut From A Sports Team: How To Comfort Your Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/getting-cut-from-a-sports-team-how-to-comfort-your-child/) - Few things tug at a parent’s heart more than watching your child work hard - and still not make the team. Whether it’s soccer, lacrosse, basketball, or volleyball, being cut can feel like a huge blow to a young athlete. And honestly? It can sting for parents too. You’ve watched them practice, hustle and show
- [9 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Literacy](https://ptaourchildren.org/9-ways-to-improve-your-childs-literacy/) - Literacy is the foundation for success in every subject, shaping how children think, communicate and understand the world around them. Helping your child improve their literacy doesn’t require a teaching degree - just consistency, creativity and a little intention! Small, everyday habits can make a powerful difference. From playing rhyming games to building a reading
- [Six Movies to Watch During Black History Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-movies-to-watch-during-black-history-month/) - Black cinema is enjoying a renaissance, marked by the surge in films highlighting diverse stories that are experiencing both critical acclaim and commercial success. Films like Black Panther, Get Out, and Moonlight have won academy awards, and Sinners has been nominated for a record-breaking 16 Oscars this year. Here are six of our favorite movies
- [Create With Kindness Program Builds Kinder Digital Communities](https://ptaourchildren.org/create-with-kindness-program-builds-kinder-digital-communities/) - With students spending a lot of time online, conversations about digital responsibility, online safety and kindness are critical. But having those conversations with teens and knowing what to say can be challenging for many parents, especially those who aren't digitally savvy. Thanks to grants from National PTA and TikTok, 100 PTAs across the country hosted
- [Tips for Teaching Your Kids How to Use AI](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-for-teaching-your-kids-how-to-use-ai/) - Artificial Intelligence (AI) has snuck into our kids’ lives. From homework help to “for you” recommendations to chatbots, kids and teens are encountering – and interacting – with AI. While many parents may fear the new technology and are concerned it will have a negative impact on their child, it can be an incredible learning
- [Got Winter? Fun Videos to Teach Your Kids About Winter](https://ptaourchildren.org/got-winter-fun-videos-to-teach-your-kids-about-winter/) - Whether you are snowed in at home or taking a tropical vacation to escape the snow in ice, keep your kids learning with these short videos from Bayer’s Making Science Make Sense Library that describe some of winter’s most common occurrences in a kid-friendly way. Watch and learn some fun facts about winter! Why No
- [New Year Game Plan: Stay Healthy Together](https://ptaourchildren.org/new-year-game-plan-stay-healthy-together/) - January is a reset with fresh starts, new goals and unfortunately, peak cold and flu season. With Flu A making its rounds through schools nationwide, many classrooms are running through supplies faster than expected. Here's how families can work together to keep everyone healthy and learning. Check In With Your Child’s Teacher By January, essential
- [2025 National Teacher of the Year: Ashlie Crosson’s Invigorating Road Trip](https://ptaourchildren.org/2025-national-teacher-of-the-year-ashlie-crossons-invigorating-road-trip/) - When Ashlie Crosson first entered the classroom as an educator 15 years ago, little did she know that she would later have the opportunity and honor of a lifetime: to crisscross the country as an ambassador for the teaching profession and advocate for students. “When you put educators, families, communities and stakeholders in a room
- [5 Tips for Hiring a Babysitter for the First Time](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-tips-for-hiring-a-babysitter-for-the-first-time/) - Whether you have work obligations or need a date night, there will come a time when you need a babysitter. If you don’t have family close or your family can’t fill your babysitting needs, you will have to start your search for a sitter, which can be overwhelming. How do you hire someone you can
- [8 Hanukkah Crafts for Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/eight-hanukkah-crafts-for-kids/) - Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights each December. Meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, the holiday commemorates a group of Jewish fighters liberating a temple in Jerusalem in the second century. A menorah is lit for eight nights, the amount of time their tiny amount of oil lasted during that
- [5 Simple Christmas Crafts For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-simple-christmas-crafts-for-kids/) - Christmas is almost here, which means the kids will be home for break soon, giving you the perfect opportunity to get crafty with your kids. Instead of baking cookies, here are five simple crafts to trim your tree and adorn your hearth. 1. Reindeer Gift Bags An easy way to save on Christmas gift wrap
- [10 Holiday Gifts for Teachers (For $20 Or Less)](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-holiday-gifts-for-teachers-for-20-or-less/) - It’s always a nice idea to thank your child’s teacher with a gift—after all, they are an important part of their life on a day-to-day basis. But many parents struggle with how much to spend, especially during the holiday season where budgets are tighter than usual. The great news is that from an etiquette perspective,
- [8 Ways To Keep Your Kids Entertained During Holiday Break](https://ptaourchildren.org/8-ways-to-keep-your-kids-entertained-during-holiday-break/) - As soon as the calendar flips to December, kids begin to eagerly anticipate holiday break. But when the bell rings on the last day of school, reality sets in for parents—how are you going to keep your kids engaged in learning and entertained while they are off of school? Keeping little minds and bodies active
- [Start the New Year Strong: Tips to Help Kids Avoid SOMO (Sick of Missing Out)](https://ptaourchildren.org/start-the-new-year-strong-tips-to-help-kids-avoid-somo-sick-of-missing-out/) - As families wrap up the holiday season and prepare for a fresh start in the new year, students look forward to reuniting with classmates, new classroom projects and making memories they’ll carry all year long. But nothing dampens this excitement like having to miss out because of an unexpected illness—all too common during cold and
- [5 Ways To Teach Your Kids About Kindness](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-ways-to-teach-your-kids-kindness/) - During the holiday season, it’s easy to confuse kindness with gift-giving. But while the gesture of giving a present is a nice way of teaching your kids to think of others, being kind actually means recognizing when friends or family members need support … and doing something that helps them through words and actions. This
- [Screen Smart Success: When Parents and Teens Talk Tech Together, Good Things Happen](https://ptaourchildren.org/screen-smart-success-when-parents-and-teens-talk-tech-together-amazing-things-happen/) - Picture this: 230 teens, parents and caregivers packed into an auditorium in Rochester, Mich., not for a school play or basketball game, but for an honest conversation about digital life. This scene was repeated in communities from Michigan to Florida to Texas throughout 2025, as across the nation families discovered something powerful—when we tackle digital
- [Fun Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/fun-thanksgiving-crafts-for-kids/) - As soon as the clock strikes midnight on Halloween, we look ahead to the holidays. But while the stores may be stocked with Christmas decorations in early November, this month is all about preparing for Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get creative with your kids. Here are five fun Thanksgiving crafts ideas that
- [6 Tips for Buying Toys that are Safe This Holiday Season ](https://ptaourchildren.org/6-tips-for-buying-toys-that-are-safe-this-holiday-season/) - As a parent, seeing the joy on your child’s face when they open presents is part of what makes the holidays so special. While you always want to get them the toys they want, you also want to make sure those toys are safe. No parent wants to visit urgent care over the holidays! Fortunately,
- [Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes Your Family Will Love](https://ptaourchildren.org/gluten-free-thanksgiving-recipes-your-family-will-love/) - Hosting (and cooking) Thanksgiving dinner brings joy to some home cooks and dread to others. The nostalgia factor of serving dishes your family loves is a fun way to honor holiday traditions while being grateful for the ability to come together for a delicious feast. But depending on the dietary needs of your family and
- [4 Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-gluten-free-thanksgiving-recipes/) - Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Made with quick-cooking oats, almond milk and coconut oil (and ready in just 30 minutes!), this comforting casserole would also be great at Christmas alongside a holiday ham. Perfect for gluten free diets and for guests hoping to reduce their gluten intake. Ingredients: 3-4 large sweet potatoes ½ cup coconut
- [5 Thanksgiving Craft Ideas For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-thanksgiving-craft-ideas-for-kids/) - As soon as the clock strikes midnight on Halloween, we look ahead to the holidays. But while the stores may be stocked with Christmas decorations in early November, November is all about preparing for Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get creative with your kids. Here are five fun Thanksgiving crafts ideas that will
- [Art in Action: Spotlight on the 2024 Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grantees ](https://ptaourchildren.org/art-in-action-spotlight-on-the-2024-mary-lou-anderson-reflections-arts-enhancement-grantees/) - For over 50 years, the National PTA Reflections arts program has advanced the vision of founder Mary Lou Anderson, who believed deeply in the power of creativity. Her legacy continues each year through the Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant, which awards funding to two local PTAs to expand access to high-quality arts education and
- [Five Actionable Ways to Support Your Child’s Mental Health](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-actionable-ways-to-support-your-childs-mental-health/) - It is natural to worry about your child’s wellbeing. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, approximately 1 in 5 adolescents (aged 12 and 17) had a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition in 2023. A Pew Research Center survey from the same year showed that mental health sits atop the list of parental
- [Fill Their Cups—and Yours Too](https://ptaourchildren.org/fill-their-cups-and-yours-too/) - How small moments of self-care can make a big difference for teachers and parents. Teachers and parents have something big in common: they give their all every single day. Whether it’s comforting a student, helping with a late-night project or remembering a hundred tiny details no one else sees—you're the heartbeat of our schools and communities. It’s meaningful work, but it’s also a lot to carry. Caring for the Caregivers
- [Ways to Give Back on Family Volunteer Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/ways-to-give-back-on-family-volunteer-day/) - If you’re looking for a family bonding activity that’s more than gathering around the table for your Thanksgiving meal, volunteering could be the perfect way to give back. Observed annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Family Volunteer Day celebrates the impact families make when they come together in support of a shared cause. Volunteering can give
- [Tips for Talking to Your Child’s Teacher](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-childs-teacher/) - Outside of parent-teacher conferences and back-to-school nights, there may not be many opportunities to talk to your child’s teacher. But building and maintaining open lines of communication with your child’s teacher is one of the most important ways to support their academic and emotional growth. When parents and teachers stay connected, small concerns can be
- [Supporting Your Teen Online: Discord's Updated Family Center](https://ptaourchildren.org/supporting-your-teen-online-discords-updated-family-center/) - When I was a teen, my mom would ask how my day went, what I was learning, what my friends and I were up to. Depending on the day, I’d give her a full enthusiastic report—or I’d offer the classic monosyllabic trilogy: “Fine.” “Stuff.” And when pressed for more details? “Stuff.” Not much for my mom to go on.
- [From Trick-or-Treating to Tissue Season: 5 Ways to Help Reduce the Spread of Germs This Fall](https://ptaourchildren.org/from-trick-or-treating-to-tissue-season-5-ways-to-help-reduce-the-spread-of-germs-this-fall/) - From Halloween costumes to candy trades and cooler weather, fall brings a sense of excitement. However, it also increases exposure to viruses and germs that can spread rapidly through busy households. Whether your family is gearing up for trick-or-treating or preparing for holiday routines, now is a great time to take simple, everyday steps to help reduce germs without disrupting the fun. Here are
- [10 Halloween Crafts for a Spook-tacular Holiday](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-halloween-crafts-for-a-spook-taculular-holiday/) - Decorating pumpkins, picking apples, dressing up and eating candy—lots and lots of candy— are all things kids love about October. To make this season even more magical, here are 10 kid-friendly fall craft ideas your kids will love. 1. Spiderweb Suncatchers Made from black construction paper and colorful tissue paper, these spiderwebs can be hung
- [5 Easy DIY Halloween Costume Ideas For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-easy-diy-halloween-costume-ideas-for-kids/) - Halloween is a favorite time of year for kids, but for parents, it can be expensive. A National Retail Federation survey found that consumers could spend a record $13.1 billion this year on the holiday—and $4.3 billion on costumes alone. But dressing up for the holiday doesn’t have to break the bank. Parents can easily
- [5 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Confidence At School](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-ways-to-boost-your-childs-confidence-at-school/) - School can be both exciting and overwhelming for children—filled with challenges, new social situations, and opportunities to learn. Kids who feel intimidated by all of that activity can sometimes shut—they don’t participate in class or spend time by themselves on the playground. As parents and caregivers, helping kids build confidence in this environment is one
- [10 Fun Halloween Crafts for Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-fun-halloween-crafts-for-kids/) - Decorating pumpkins, picking apples, dressing up for Halloween and eating candy are all things kids love about October. To make this fall holiday even more magical, here are 10 fall craft ideas your kids will love. Spiderweb Suncatchers Made from black construction paper and colorful tissue paper, these spiderwebs can be hung in your kitchen
- [The Top 5 Trending Back-to-School Fits](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-top-5-trending-back-to-school-fits/) - So long summer, school is back! But before the first bell rings, there’s one assignment for you, Mom. Back-to-school shopping. Feeling overwhelmed? Same. But take a deep breath! The Children’s Place has all the school looks for you and your littles to obsess over. From uniform essentials to the season’s latest must-haves, shop everything they
- [5 Ways Schools Can Partner With Families to Help Kids With Math](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-ways-schools-can-partner-with-families-to-help-kids-with-math/) - With job opportunities expected to grow in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields, many parents want their kids to excel in math. A 2023 Global Strategy Group survey for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found that 93% of parents (and 94% of teachers) agreed that kids that do well in math often grow A strong math foundation can help kids build thriving careers. Here are five ways educators and parents can team up to make numbers less scary.
- [5 Tips to Find Back-to-School Clothes For Less](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-tips-to-find-back-to-school-clothes-for-less/) - Going back-to-school shopping is an annual ritual for most families. This year, 67% of families started back-to-school shopping as early as July, according to the National Retail Federation, and plan to spend about $860 on necessary supplies, including clothes. But 47% are waiting to shop so they can find the best deals – those new clothes can get expensive
- [How to Keep Kids Excited and Engaged as They Return to School](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-keep-kids-excited-and-engaged-as-they-return-to-school/) - Once the excitement of the first school week fades, the reality of early mornings, homework and packed schedules can hit hard. Here are a few tips to help your child look forward to school long after the new notebooks lose their shine.
- [4 Tips to Prepare Your Kids for a New School](https://ptaourchildren.org/4-tips-to-prepare-your-kids-for-a-new-school/) - Back to school season can cause anxiety in kids for many reasons: New teachers, friends and a change in routine can all be stressful. Add moving to a new school—due to a grade change or new neighborhood—and the transition becomes especially tough. While you can’t eliminate your child’s back to school fears, managing your own
- [7 Essential Money Lessons Every Child Should Learn](https://ptaourchildren.org/7-essential-money-lessons-every-child-should-learn/) - Teaching kids about money doesn't have to wait until they get their first job. Mountain America Credit Union believes the earlier you start, the stronger the foundation will be when your children are managing their own finances. Think of financial education as a long-term investment—each lesson builds on the last, giving your children time to practice and Teaching kids about money doesn't have to wait until they get their first job. Here are seven money lessons that can giver you kids confidence and knowledge to make smart money decisions.
- [Explore the 2025-2026 PTA Reflections Theme: “I Belong”](https://ptaourchildren.org/explore-the-2025-2026-pta-reflections-theme-i-belong/) - Each year, the PTA Reflections program offers students a platform to express their unique perspectives and interpretation of a student-created theme. For the 2025-2026 school year, the theme is “I Belong!” This concept was created by Ben Morgan from Boise, Idaho as part of the 2023 Reflections Theme Search Contest. At the time of submission, Ben Morgan was
- [Summer Stride: Five Ways to Help Your Child Move Forward](https://ptaourchildren.org/summer-stride-five-ways-help-child-move-forward/) - Every year during summer break, too many children lose more than baby teeth, frisbees and beach toys. They lose two to three months of progress in reading and math skills. This is what is known as the “summer slide.” And these losses add up. By fifth grade, summer learning loss can leave many students two-and-a-half to
- [On the Go This Summer? How to Leave the Germs Behind](https://ptaourchildren.org/leave-germs-behind-this-summer/) - School is almost out, and kids are getting excited about their vacation plans. Whether your family is headed out of town or just around the corner this summer, chances are your routine will look a little different for the next few months. Between road trips, public outings and beach days, kids are bound to come
- [Free Resources to Support Your Teen’s Career and Education Exploration](https://ptaourchildren.org/free-resources-to-support-teen-career-planning/) - In any given school year, your teen experiences many moments that elicit a range of different emotions about the future, especially when they consider what comes next after high school. They’re not alone. College Board recently commissioned a survey of 1,200 high school students that looked at students’ attitudes about careers. Almost half of the
- [Three Tips to Maximize Summer Break](https://ptaourchildren.org/three-tips-to-maximize-summer-break/) - Summer vacation is here! These few months are not only a time for kids to relax and recharge after a busy school year, but they are also an opportunity for parents to make the most out of their downtime through continued education and community involvement. Summer vacation offers a unique chance to focus on family
- [Cause for Alarm: PTAs Educate Families about Fire Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/cause-for-alarm-pta-educate-families-about-fire-safety/) - With support from Kidde, a Proud National PTA sponsor, local PTAs deliver critical education about fire safety. “Fire safety is not something that's frequently discussed in our community, but it’s really important information that affects our families,” says Brock Bridge Elementary PTA President Bonnie Thaden. Brock Bridge was one of the first PTAs to host
- [How YouTube is Supporting Teen Well-Being and Mental Health](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-youtube-is-supporting-teen-wellbeing/) - Today, kids go online daily to learn, socialize and express themselves. Together with parents, YouTube wants to make that time online as engaging and inspiring as possible. That’s why we strive to provide young people with a platform and tools to navigate their growing individual interests while putting their safety, privacy and well-being first. Since
- [Local PTA Spotlight: Winnetka PTA in Dallas Educates Families about Fire Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/winnetka-pta-educates-families-about-fire-safety/) - Winnetka Elementary School in Dallas was one of three schools to kick off a new fire safety effort with National PTA and Kidde this fall. After learning about the disproportionate effects of fires on children and communities of color like their own, Winnetka PTA went above and beyond to design an event that would meet
- [Four Tips to Promote Winter Wellness ](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-tips-to-promote-winter-wellness/) - How to help encourage wellness with your family’s health all season long. Our children’s classrooms are more than just educational spaces— they’re environments where students learn and absorb essential life lessons. Students are stronger when they’re together, so it is essential for parents to recognize that the habits cultivated at home have a direct impact
- [Four Spring Cleaning Tips for Better School Engagement](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-spring-cleaning-tips-for-better-school-engagement/) - Follow these spring cleaning tips during the season or year-round to set your child up for classroom success. Spring represents renewal and rejuvenation, which inspired the common tradition of spring cleaning. While spring cleaning lists normally have tasks like laundry and dusting furniture, consider expanding your list with the following tips to help your child
- [10 Tips to Throw a Successful School Fundraiser](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-tips-to-throw-a-successful-school-fundraiser/) - PTA fundraisers are essential to helping schools support student activities inside the classroom and out, build stronger community ties and promote a culture of caring and responsibility among students. As a proud National PTA Sponsor, Walmart Business knows that throwing a successful fundraiser is not possible without the help of the caretakers, teachers and PTA
- [4 Healthy Habit Tips for Summertime](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-healthy-habits-for-summertime/) - Summer vacation is just around the corner which means the beginning of summer sports! With so many outdoor activities and longer days to play outside, it's the perfect time to instill healthy habits that promote positive physical and mental well-being for the family all summer long. Here are four tips for parents looking to foster
- [Supporting Teachers During Back-to-School Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/supporting-teachers-during-back-to-school-season/) - As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s natural to focus on preparing your children for the new academic year. While ensuring your child has the necessary supplies and a positive mindset is crucial, another key element to consider is supporting your child’s teacher. A strong partnership between parents and teachers can greatly enhance your child's educational
- [Keep Your Family Safe This Summer with AT&T Secure Family®](https://ptaourchildren.org/keep-your-family-safe-this-summer-with-att-secure-family/) - Summer is here, and the kids are out of school. Exciting, right? But as they enjoy the break, safety becomes a top priority for parents. Thankfully, tools like the AT&T Secure Family® app can help. Here are five ways parents can use this app to keep kids safe all summer long: 1. Track Their Device
- [A Guardian's Guide to Discord](https://ptaourchildren.org/a-guardians-guide-to-discord/) - Today’s teen and parent check-ins are more complex than ever. This is in part due to teens connecting with each other across various digital touchpoints, on top of in-person hangs or school activities. From getting mentioned in a server channel to getting invited to a new group direct message, the connection touchpoints for your teen
- [Resources to Help Combat Cold and Flu Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/resources-to-combat-cold-and-flu-season/) - Parents can play a role in keeping your school community healthy. Together, parents and teachers play a pivotal role in children's health and education. Schools are an extension of the home; they are not just institutions for education, but a place where our children learn the foundation for many life lessons. During cold and flu
- [Empowering Teens While Promoting Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/empowering-teens-while-promoting-safety-with-uber-for-tee/) - Spotlight on National PTA’s Collaboration with Uber October is National PTA’s Family and School Safety Month, so it is a fitting time to spotlight National PTA’s collaboration with Uber, a Proud National PTA Sponsor. When it comes to promoting the well-being of teens, safety and agency are top priorities at National PTA. Uber shares these
- [National PTA’s Ready, Tech, Go! Program Helps Parents Navigate Raising Kids in the Digital Age](https://ptaourchildren.org/ready-tech-go-program-helps-parents-navigate-the-digital-age/) - Parenting is one of the world’s hardest, most rewarding jobs. But if you grew up before the age of the internet and smartphones, you might feel nostalgic for an era when life was a bit simpler as you navigate raising your kids in today’s rapidly evolving digital world. Parents today face a complex challenge: The
- [Creating a Safe Internet for our Children](https://ptaourchildren.org/creating-a-safe-internet-for-our-children/) - Growing up, I was what we used to call a "latchkey kid." Raised by a single mom, my big sister and I got ourselves home from school while my mom was at work. Our routine was to call our mom, talk about our day and tell her what we'd be up to that afternoon. My
- [Tips to Prioritize Student Health During the Holidays](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-to-prioritize-student-health-during-the-holidays/) - The holiday season is exciting for students, parents and the broader school community, but it may also be challenging to remain productive and prioritize healthy habits. With so many celebrations around the corner, it’s vital we continue to remind our children to wash their hands and cover coughs and sneezes this time of year. The
- [3 Tips to Prioritize Student Health in the New Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/three-tips-to-prioritize-student-health-in-the-new-year/) - As children wind down from the holidays and head back to school in the New Year, consider collaborating with your children’s teachers to start 2025 with healthy habits! 1. Make healthy habits New Year resolutions together. Whether students are at home or in the classroom, establish easy healthy habits as a New Years resolution to
- [Teaching Children Virtues Through Play](https://ptaourchildren.org/teaching-children-virtues-through-play/) - Virtues are moral qualities or behaviors that reflect doing what is right in different situations. Being virtuous means embodying traits like honesty, self-respect and thoughtfulness. These traits help guide individuals in making good choices and shape their relationships with others and their communities. Virtues help children understand the difference between right and wrong. They help
- [What’s the Difference Between Disinfecting and Cleaning at Home?](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-difference-between-disinfecting-and-cleaning-at-home/) - As the weather warms up and the final stretch of the school year approaches, elementary students are more active than ever—running around at recess, trading toys and snacks, and coming home with a backpack full of projects, worksheets and … germs! While cold and flu season peaks in winter, germs won’t disappear when spring arrives.
- [Encourage Creativity with Five Popular Classroom Art Supplies](https://ptaourchildren.org/encourage-creativity-with-five-popular-classroom-art-supplies/) - With the right art supplies in hand, a simple doodle can grow into a lifelong passion for art. Unleashing a child’s creativity starts with choosing the right tools, which can help kids discover their hidden talents and find healthy ways to express themselves, Here is what parents and teachers need to know about choosing the
- [PTA Spotlight: Holland Hill Elementary Educates Families About Fire Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/holland-hill-elementary-educates-families-about-fire-safety/) - Nearly 500 kids under the age of 14 die in house fires each year. To educate families about making a fire safety plan, Holland Hill Elementary School PTA, which serves a Title I school community in Fairfield, Conn., hosted a family fire safety event with National PTA and Kidde, North America’s #1 fire safety brand*, during
- [Spring Cleaning Tips for a Brighter Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/spring-cleaning-tips-for-a-brighter-home/) - Spring is finally here, bringing open windows, outdoor play, and a fresh start at home. After months of winter hibernation, buildup, dust, clutter and germs have likely settled into every corner, collecting in places that are easy to overlook. A thorough cleaning helps create a healthier environment, especially as your kids spend more time outside
- [Cause for Alarm: Closing the Fire Safety Information Gap](https://ptaourchildren.org/closing-the-fire-safety-information-gap/) - Every year, nearly 500 kids under the age of 14 die in house fires. Yet only 26% of families have a fire escape plan that they have discussed with their kids. National PTA and Kidde, North America’s #1 fire safety brand*, have teamed up for Fire Safety Family Nights hosted in local communities across the
- [Helpful Additions to Your Child's School Supply List](https://ptaourchildren.org/helpful-additions-to-your-childs-school-supply-list/) - Summer break is here, but before you know it, it'll be time to tackle those back-to-school supply lists again. While teachers carefully craft these lists with classroom necessities in mind, there are often additional items that can make a significant difference in creating a productive learning environment for your children. Here are five useful items
- [Simple Healthy Habits to Help Your Child Avoid “SOMO” This School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/simple-healthy-habits-to-help-your-child-avoid-somo-this-school-year/) - Back-to-school is all about fresh starts: catching up with friends, making new ones and sharing those little moments that make each day special, from lunchtime giggles to classroom celebrations. That means when our kids have to stay home sick, they miss so much more than just lessons. This year, National PTA and Lysol’s HERE for
- [Starting the School Year Right: How Families and Schools Can Support Teens’ Online Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/starting-the-school-year-right-how-families-and-schools-can-support-teens-online-safety/) - With the back-to-school season already up on us, I know parents and educators alike are thinking about how to help teens kick off the year feeling safe, confident and ready for success both in the classroom and their extracurricular activities. A new school year is always a fresh start—full of excitement, possibilities and maybe a
- [Carpool Safety Tips For Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/carpool-safety-tips-for-parents/) - One of the easiest ways to add time to your busy back-to-school schedule is to start a school carpool. As a bonus, dividing the responsibility of school drop-off and pickups amongst friends and neighbors is also better for the environment. But what if you’re the type of parent who doesn’t trust the neighborhood carpool? Parents
- [Bug Bites and Stings: What Parents Need to Know When Heading Outdoors](https://ptaourchildren.org/bug-bites-and-stings-what-parents-need-to-know-when-heading-outdoors/) - It’s an inevitable part of summer: Your kids are playing outdoors and enjoying the sunshine when they come running to you with an itchy, swollen or inflamed bite on their skin. Insect bites and stings can be cause for alarm—and ruin an afternoon outside. Allergic reactions can range from mild (think red bumps, itchiness and
- [7 Summer Crafts For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/7-summer-crafts-for-kids/) - Summer is here, which means it’s time for sun, fun and free time spent with your kids. To fill those days when you don’t have plans and sending them outside isn’t an option, do some crafts. They are a great way to connect with your kids—and keep them off of their devices. Make one of
- [Beat the Summer Slide: 6 Tips to Keep Learning Fun Over Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/beat-summer-slide-with-these-six-tips/) - When kids are out of school for the summer, they are out of the learning habit and can experience summer slide, where they forget portions of what they learned in the previous school year. But summer fun doesn't have to mean learning loss for your kids. Here are some tips to keep your child's brain
- [5 Tips to Prevent Drowning This Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-tips-to-prevent-drowning-this-summer/) - Summer days often include creating fun family memories in and around water. Sadly, it’s also a time when drowning can happen. A new report from the CDC shows that drowning deaths have increased in recent years, especially among children ages 1 to 4, where drowning is the leading cause of death. The good news is
- [10 Summer Learning Activities for the Family](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-summer-learning-activities-for-the-family/) - From picnics and fireworks to days at the beach, summer is all about having fun—the time of year when “learning” sounds like a dirty word. Luckily, you don’t have to adopt a back-to-school mindset with your kids in order to cultivate curiosity during the warmer months and minimize screen time. These ordinary activities have built-in
- [The Best Carpool Apps For Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-best-carpool-apps-for-parents/) - As parents, we rely on the convenience of school buses during our morning routine. Opting for one means fewer cars on the road and less stress and traffic at school dropoff—plus, it’s an easy way to teach your kids the value of time management. Carpooling can offer the same benefits, but who wants to take
- [9 Retro Lunchboxes for Millennial Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/9-retro-lunchboxes-for-millennial-parents/) - Back-to-school season is here, and while pencils, notebooks and new sneakers may top the shopping list, there’s one item that can make your child’s return to the classroom extra special – a lunchbox with personality. Millennial parents looking for something fun can turn to their own childhood – retro lunchboxes are making a comeback! So
- [The Best Sunscreens For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-best-sunscreens-for-kids/) - Summer is here, and more sunshine and longer days bring ample opportunities to enjoy fun in the sun with your kids. But going outside without sunscreen is like knowing it’s going to rain and not bringing an umbrella—worse, in fact! Not protecting your child’s skin from sunburn while they’re young can lead to an increased
- [5 Ways to Inspire Kids to Write Their Family Story](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-ways-to-inspire-kids-to-write-their-family-story/) - Summer is the season of adventure and imagination. It’s also the perfect time to spark a child’s creativity through writing. But instead of assigning another journal prompt, why not invite your kids to become the storytellers of your family’s history? Writing a family story gives children a meaningful project with personal roots. Research has shown that kids
- [6 Family Vacation Tips For Stress-Free Travel](https://ptaourchildren.org/6-family-vacation-tips-for-stress-free-travel/) - Whether you’re planning your first family vacation or an annual summer getaway, family trips are full of opportunities to create memories. But a change in scenery and routine also means opportunities for tantrums and drama—which can quickly turn a fun vacation into a chaotic nightmare. With some planning, collaboration and conversations with your kids, leaving
- [Finding the Perfect Teacher Gifts: 10 Ideas for the Teachers on Your List](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-teacher-gifts-for-the-teachers-on-your-list/) - With holiday parties, school performances and other year-end activities, teachers are juggling a lot this time of year! And with kids hopped up on extra sugar and eagerly waiting for the winter break (notice we didn’t say patiently waiting?), teachers are performing miracles in the classroom to keep kids focused and engaged throughout the month
- [4 Essential Skills Kids Learn Playing with Blocks](https://ptaourchildren.org/4-essential-skills-kids-learn-playing-with-blocks/) - When comparing a set of building blocks to sophisticated-looking toys and gadgets, can playing with blocks compare? Science says, yes! You might be surprised to learn that building blocks have been scientifically proven to build important skills. Research has shown that block play supports the development of social skills, abstract thinking, creativity, mathematical thinking, literacy
- [7 Crucial Safety Questions for Kids & Teens](https://ptaourchildren.org/7-crucial-safety-questions-kids-teens/) - May 25 is National Missing Children’s Day. It is a time for us to raise awareness for those who are still searching for a child, and an opportunity to learn new ways to keep our children safer. At the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), we understand that talking about safety with your
- [8 Ways to Help Your Child Speak for Themselves](https://ptaourchildren.org/8-ways-to-help-your-child-speak-for-themselves/) - As parents, we often jump in and speak for our children. We handle things for them because we mean well and want to protect them. But this doesn’t do our kids any favors. We need to help them speak for themselves. Each time we solve our children’s problems and speak up in their place, we
- [11 Positive Parenting Tips Every Parent Should Know](https://ptaourchildren.org/11-positive-parenting-tips/) - As parents, we strive to nurture, protect and guide our children through each stage of their lives. However, it’s not always a smooth and easy path. As they grow and develop, there are times when our kids display undesirable or unexplainable behavior—and we don’t always know how to help them when they struggle. While these
- [Cutting Physical Education and Recess: Troubling Trends and How PTAs Can Help!](https://ptaourchildren.org/cutting-physical-education-and-recess-troubling-trends/) - Since the 2001 passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, many schools have struggled to find ways to meet the act’s rigorous assessment standards. One avenue schools have been taking to find time for more academics is to cut out physical education classes and recess. Another approach has been to withhold time allotted for
- [How To Make A Rainforest in a Bottle](https://ptaourchildren.org/earth-day-craft-rainforest-in-a-bottle/) - With only two days until Earth Day (April 22), it's the perfect time to get your kids interested in the environment. Craft projects can take kids on an adventure! They can launch imaginations to places young minds have only read about or seen on television. And more importantly, they can spark lifelong passions and creative
- [The Top 10 Social Media Apps According to Students, and What Parents Need to Know](https://ptaourchildren.org/top-ten-social-media-apps-according-to-students/) - New social media apps are popping up every month, and it feels nearly impossible for parents to keep up with which ones are trending versus which ones are “cringey”. As a social media educator to tens of thousands of students across the country, I can tell you that in today’s world, social media is how
- [Mental Health Awareness Month: Using the Arts to Discuss Mental Health](https://ptaourchildren.org/using-arts-to-discuss-mental-health/) - Each year, the PTA Reflections program theme encourages students to explore the arts and creative expression based on a student-created theme. The themes are also tools for using the arts to explore our thoughts, feelings and lived experiences to better understand ourselves and our communities. For the 2025-2026 school year, the theme is “I Belong,”
- [10 Non-Tech Summer Activities to Build Language, Literacy and Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-non-tech-summer-activities-to-build-language-literatcy-and-learning/) - Summer is here—and many families have more leisure time on their hands. To prevent overuse of tech devices, try these ideas for non-tech activities that are fun AND promote language, literacy and learning. Many of these activities are suitable for both younger and older children. Summer Learning Activities For Kids Form a Kids’ Book Club:
- [Beat Summer Slide: 6 Tips to Keep Learning Fun Over Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-tips-to-keep-learning-fun-over-summer/) - While summer break is a time for family vacations and long, lazy days spent relaxing and having fun with family and friends, those long summer months can lead to learning loss – something often referred to as summer slide. While studies vary as to how much knowledge kids lose over the summer, most academic experts
- [What Does It Mean To Be Trans? A Parents’ Guide](https://ptaourchildren.org/what-does-it-mean-to-be-trans-a-parents-guide/) - Imagine you are a male child at birth, but by age three you feel certain you are a girl. You reject boy’s clothing, you want to play with other girls and grow your hair long, but your body does not reflect who you are. This is the experience of Ellie, a 5-year-old transgender girl in
- [10 Fun Ways To Celebrate Father’s Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-fun-ways-to-celebrate-fathers-day/) - Father’s Day is a special opportunity to celebrate the dads and father figures who support, inspire and love us unconditionally. While a card or gift is always appreciated, creating memories together can be even more meaningful. There are many fun things, unique things you can do to make this year’s Father’s Day a memorable one!
- [3 Father’s Day Gifts Kids Can Make](https://ptaourchildren.org/3-fathers-day-gifts-kids-can-make/) - Father’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for the dads, stepdads, grandpas and father figures who go above and beyond every day. From teaching us how to ride a bike to helping with homework and offering guidance through life’s challenges, fathers play a huge role in shaping who we are. One of the most
- [The 10 Best National Geographic Books For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-best-national-geographic-books-for-kids/) - Other than exploring the outdoors in real life, one of the best ways to get your kids excited about the natural world is during story time. Widely perceived as experts on the natural world, the National Geographic Society (via National Geographic Kids) publishes a wide range of nonfiction reads to inspire children to learn more
- [6 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month with Your Family](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-ways-to-celebrate-pride-month-with-your-family-2/) - What started as a parade to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, Pride Month, celebrated every June, is now a worldwide celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, achievement and activism. Different cities celebrate Pride Month in their own way, with many communities holding parades, festivals, concerts and workshops. This year, Pride events promise to
- [5 Ways To Be A Mental Health Role Model For Your Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-ways-to-be-a-mental-health-role-model-for-your-kids/) - From athletes and entertainers to favorite movie characters, children have many role models to emulate. However, parents and caregivers are a child’s primary role model, and they play a significant role in how children handle issues and challenges. Modeling behaviors to help kids learn life skills includes a healthy approach to mental health. May is
- [Bike Safety Tips for Kids of Any Age](https://ptaourchildren.org/bike-safety-tips-for-kids-of-any-age/) - Even if you’ve made an effort to teach your child bike safety as soon as they graduate from training wheels, it’s never too early or late to emphasize the importance of smart cycling. Most children are ready to ride on two wheels by age 8 to 10, but many other factors—including their interest in biking,
- [8 Mother’s Day Activities For The Whole Family](https://ptaourchildren.org/8-mothers-day-activities-for-the-whole-family/) - Mother’s Day is the day we celebrate everything that moms do for us. From planner-in-chief to expert problem solver and a therapeutic ear, moms spend so much of their day supporting their family. But while they are on-call 364 days a year, Mother’s Day should be the day where it is all about celebrating her.
- [Handmade Crafts Kids Can Make for Teachers](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-handmade-crafts-kids-can-make-for-teachers/) - Teacher Appreciation Week is about recognizing the tremendous impact educators have on our children's lives. The most meaningful celebrations acknowledge not just what teachers do, but who they are and the difference they make. As the famous saying goes: “Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.” Finding thoughtful ways to thank
- [Beyond Apples: 10 Creative Ways to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-creative-ways-to-celebrate-teacher-appreciation-week/) - Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025) is fast approaching, and it's the perfect opportunity to show the educators in your life just how much their dedication means to you and your child. While the traditional apple for the teacher is a sweet gesture, today's teaching realities call for more meaningful expressions of gratitude. Did you
- [6 Tips for Raising Readers When Your Kids Don’t Like to Read](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-for-raising-readers/) - Reading has so many benefits for children: It improves critical thinking skills, enhances vocabulary, strengthens memory, fosters a vivid imagination and can be a way to support family bonding. But even if you make an effort to instill a love of reading in your kids, making it stick is another story. In 2024, only 34.6
- [Celebrating Earth Day: 9 Easy Bird Feeders To Make With Your Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/nine-easy-bird-feeders-to-make-with-your-kids/) - Attracting birds to your yard is one of the best ways to help your kids feel connected to the natural world. DIY bird feeders are easy to make! All birds need a steady supply of food throughout the day to keep warm and fuel their flying. Birds eat different amounts depending on their size: Hunting
- [Month of the Military Child: 4 Ways Your Kid Can Support a Military Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-ways-your-kid-can-support-a-military-child/) - For most families, the chaos and fun of heading back to school happens in the fall. By the time spring arrives, your kids have mastered their school routine, made friends and are even looking forward to summer break. But for kids of military families, going back to school takes on a different meaning. The flurry
- [Earth Day Craft: DIY Seed Bombs](https://ptaourchildren.org/earth-day-craft-seed-bombs/) - Did you know that playing with dirt can benefit your mental and physical health? Gardening is known to reduce stress and anxiety in children and adults. Playing with soil can also boost your child’s immune system. Earth Day is the perfect day to play in the dirt! In addition to the health benefits, getting your
- [National Reading Month: PTA Staff Share Their Favorite Books](https://ptaourchildren.org/pta-staff-share-their-favorite-books/) - When you open a book, something magical happens. Suddenly, you can travel to faraway lands, meet fascinating characters, solve mysteries or learn about our amazing world—all without leaving your favorite reading spot. That’s why National Reading Month, celebrated every March, is one of our favorite celebrations of the year. Why Reading Together Matters Did you
- [Celebrating National Reading Month: The Benefits and Joys of Family Reading](https://ptaourchildren.org/benefits-and-joys-of-family-reading/) - In today's fast-paced digital world, few activities strengthen family bonds while building essential life skills quite like reading together. The simple act of sharing a story creates meaningful connections between family members while laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy and learning success. As we celebrate National Reading Month, remember, reading isn't just fundamental—it's also fun!
- [5 Ways To Teach Your Kids News Literacy](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-ways-to-teach-your-kids-news-literacy/) - In today’s world, kids have no shortage of ways to learn about current events. Phones, television and social media have outpaced traditional news sources as a connection to what’s happening in the world. Yet a 2022 survey found that 74 percent of Gen Z and Millennials get their weekly news from a mix of newspapers,
- [13 Must-Have Dr. Seuss Books for Your Child’s Library](https://ptaourchildren.org/13-dr-seuss-books-for-your-childs-library/) - How many Dr. Seuss books can you name? Theodor Seuss Geisel, the Pulitzer Prize and Emmy award-winning author known as Dr. Seuss, penned over 60 books during his lifetime. His timeless children’s books are loved by people across generations, and he is the inspiration behind Read Across America Day, which is celebrated on March 2,
- [10 Reading Apps For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-reading-apps-for-kids/) - While there’s nothing like sitting down with an old-fashioned printed book for bedtime stories or summer vacation reads, e-books and app-based reading can play an important part in developing your child’s literacy skills. With music and interactive images and text, reading apps encourage kids to use their visual, auditory and tactile skills to read, which
- [5 Ways To Celebrate Read Across America](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-ways-to-celebrate-read-across-america/) - Aside from story time with your littlest readers, it’s easy to forget to make time for family reading in a digital-first age. But Read Across America Day, celebrated annually on March 2, is a great way to encourage taking the time to enjoy a good book. Observed on Dr. Seuss’s birthday and also known as
- [5 Ways To Build Your Child’s Library](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-ways-to-build-your-childs-library/) - The research is clear—children who read on their own or are read to have higher reading scores and hit educational milestones like counting and writing their name faster than kids who aren’t exposed to reading in early childhood. One in six children who are not reading proficiently in the third grade do not graduate from
- [Celebrate Black History Month With These Kid-Friendly Activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrate-black-history-month-with-these-kid-friendly-activities/) - Black History Month is a celebration of black heritage and culture in the United States that takes place every February. Though it might be emphasized in your child’s classroom during this time of year, only 12 states have made Black history a mandated part of the K-12 school curriculum. Here are several kid-friendly activities you
- [Let’s Remove Barriers to Student Success and Lift up Things Promoting Progress](https://ptaourchildren.org/lets-remove-barriers-to-student-success-and-lift-up-things-promoting-progre/) - It’s hard to sugar coat the latest Nation’s Report Card. Across the nation, reading scores are down, and it’s a mixed picture in math. Let’s start with the tough truth: we’re not raising a nation of readers. And if we’re being real, we need to focus more on those tricky middle school years. It’s a
- [10 Books to Read to Your Kids on President’s Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-books-to-read-to-your-kids-on-presidents-day/) - President’s Day is the perfect time to introduce kids to the leaders who have shaped American history—and spark an interest in social studies. Whether they’re curious about George Washington’s bravery, Abraham Lincoln’s leadership or the inspiring stories of other U.S. presidents, books can bring history to life in a fun and engaging way. From picture
- [10 Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-valentines-day-crafts-for-kids/) - The Valentine’s Day holiday is the perfect opportunity to spread some love with your kids. These handmade Valentine's Day crafts are a great screen-free weekend project for you and your family. Make them and send one to friends, secret admirers, siblings and extended family for some sweet holiday cheer. 1. Pipe Cleaner Bubble Wand Made
- [10 Movies to Watch With Your Kids During Black History Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-movies-to-watch-with-your-kids-during-black-history-month/) - With Nickel Boys scoring an Academy Award nomination for Best Feature and Adapted Screenplay—and Shirley earning praise as one of 2024’s best films—Black History Month is the perfect time to catch up on movies featuring stellar African-American performances. Whether you prefer comedies and animated films or movies adapted from books, plays or inspirational biographies, here
- [5 Healthy, Kid Friendly Soul Food Recipes](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-healthy-kid-friendly-soul-food-recipes/) - Delicious all year round as comfort food, soul food is African-American ethnic cuisine closely associated with the south. But if you grew up with or love eating fried chicken, biscuits, dumplings and barbeque, you know it’s not exactly good for your heart—or your family’s waistlines. These five recipes are healthier versions of classic soul food
- [How To Help Your Kids Conquer Math Anxiety](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-help-your-kids-conquer-math-anxiety/) - While math comes naturally to some students, many others struggle with the subject. The 2023 Trends In International Mathematics and Science study found that U.S. students in 4th to 8th grade are falling behind in math and science, with 87 percent scoring below the lowest benchmark. While it’s common for parents to pass their math
- [How to Help Your Child Develop a Sense of Humor ](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-help-your-child-develop-a-sense-of-humor/) - Whether your child gets the giggles from watching a commercial or LOLs at their own jokes, creating a house full of laughter can relieve stress and make family life more fun. Studies also have found that sharing a laugh with your kids fosters a stronger parent-child relationship. Even if you have kids with different appreciations
- [Raising Future Voters: Five Tips to Instill Honor and Good Values in Children](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-tips-to-raise-future-voters/) - The American democracy and very fabric of our way of life is built on the right to vote. Our founders understood that a fair and just government is made by the people, where individuals can elect governing leaders that represent their beliefs. The colonists and countless Americans have fought and died for our right to
- [3 Tips to Keep Kids Concussion Safe](https://ptaourchildren.org/three-tips-to-keep-kids-concussion-safe/) - As parents and caregivers, we want to help children learn, grow and play. We also want to keep them safe, while knowing what to do if they get hurt. A concussion is a type of brain injury that can change the way a young person’s brain normally works. It can affect the physical, mental and
- [4 Christmas Crafts For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-christmas-crafts-for-kids/) - Christmas is almost here, which means you likely have more time to get crafty with your kids as the year winds down. Instead of baking cookies, try these four simple crafts to trim your tree and adorn your hearth. 1. Pinecone Garland Great as a tree trimming or piece of fireplace decor, this pinecone garland
- [6 Winter Sport Safety Tips For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-winter-sport-safety-tips-for-kids/) - The arrival of winter is the perfect time to embrace outdoor activities as a family. Getting outside for even an hour or two can lead to a better night’s sleep during hibernation season, and an improved sense of health and wellness. But even if your kids enjoy summer activities more, that doesn’t mean cold weather
- [4 Ways To Encourage Your Kids To Be Generous](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-ways-to-encourage-your-kids-to-be-generous/) - For those who celebrate Christmas in America, December 26 is typically a day of rest. The presents have been opened and the hustle of shopping, cooking, and decorating are over. It’s time to sleep in. But in a few countries including the UK, Canada and Australia, December 26 is another holiday—Boxing Day. Thought to have
- [5 Fun Ways to Keep Your Family Active During the Holidays](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-fun-ways-to-keep-your-family-active-during-the-holidays/) - While the holidays bring family fun and school celebrations, they can also be disruptive for your family’s routine. Once December arrives, it can be hard to make exercise a priority. But, making an effort to stay on track with healthy habits can set you up for success at the start of a new year. The
- [Tips for Navigating Your Teen's Choice to Go Vegan](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-talk-to-your-teen-about-going-vegan/) - Educating your kids about food—and the choices they have about the foods they eat—is an important part of raising healthy kids. If your household enjoys meat-based meals, you could be surprised when your teenager announces they want to go vegan, which could lead to feelings of confusion and frustration. Like many parents who consume meat,
- [Is it a Behavior Problem or is it Grief?](https://ptaourchildren.org/is-it-a-behavior-problem-or-is-it-grief/) - Children grieve differently than adults. When caregivers, educators and other adults are unaware of how grief manifests in kids and teens, it can be easy to mistake normal, healthy responses to loss as behavior problems, neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD) or learning disabilities. This can have lasting implications for the estimated 1 in 12 children in
- [Learning Grief: 5 Myths About Children’s Grief](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-myths-about-childrens-grief/) - November is Children's Grief Awareness Month. An estimated 1 in 12 children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. And that number does not account for other bereavements, like grandparents or pets, or non-death losses like caregiver divorce or incarceration. Most of us weren’t taught how
- [In Memory of Tyler: A Call to Protect Our Children from Gun Violence](https://ptaourchildren.org/a-call-to-protect-our-children-from-gun-violence/) - On September 28, 2024, my heart broke in a way I never thought possible. Tyler Taffe, a beautiful 12-year-old boy who had been a part of our lives since he was just five, lost his life to a firearm in his mother’s home. This wasn’t just any child, this was Tyler, our Tyler. I loved
- [5 Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-easy-weeknight-dinner-recipes/) - Making dinner during the week for your family—especially when they have unique dietary needs, special preferences or after school activities—can be a hassle. Every parent has those nights where going through the drive-thru or grabbing a microwavable, pre-prepared dinner instead of making something from scratch is the only way dinner is going to be served.
- [8 Risk Factors For Teen Suicide—And What Parents Can Do To Help](https://ptaourchildren.org/eight-risk-factors-for-teen-suicide-and-what-parents-can-do-to-help/) - For many parents, the word “suicide” is one spoken in whispers—it is a taboo topic or a subject best swept under the rug. But families today need to be talking about suicide. It’s the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-14. Most families think it could never happen to them, but they
- [10 Power Foods For Athletic Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-power-foods-for-althetic-kids/) - If you’re a parent to a student athlete, you know that it takes more than three meals a day to keep active bodies moving and performing at their best. Kids who are participating in sports or exercising for more than an hour a day need to fuel themselves with extra protein and replenish lost fluids
- [5 Ways to Prepare For Parent-Teacher Conferences](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-ways-to-prepare-for-parent-teacher-conferences/) - Whether it’s a scheduled semester check-in or a meeting requested by your child’s teacher, attending a parent-teacher conference may cause some anxiety. You hope your child is meeting academic expectations, behaving well and making friends, but teachers are in the classroom with your child every day, and they have insights into things you can’t see.
- [5 Tips to Teach Your Teen How to be a Safe Driver ](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-tips-to-teach-your-teen-to-be-a-safe-driver/) - Getting a driver’s license is a significant milestone in a teen’s life. It brings them independence and a new sense for freedom and empowerment on their journey to adulthood. But it can be terrifying for parents. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death for young adults in the United States. While
- [Extraordinary Educators: Missy Testerman—2024 Teacher of the Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/missy-testerman-2024-teacher-of-the-year/) - Missy Testerman understands that the classroom is only one place in which students learn—and she has embraced her role as a teacher beyond the school door. Testerman’s achievements and devotion to her students in and out of the classroom has led her to being named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. Testerman, an English
- [Back-to-School Tips: Make Dinner a Family Affair](https://ptaourchildren.org/make-dinner-a-family-affair/) - With new schedules and all of the back-to-school activities, it’s easy to skip family dinnertime. But there are so many benefits to keeping this important part of your evening routine—or getting back to it if mealtime was more flexible during summer vacation. In addition to structured time where you can catch up with your kids,
- [Back-to-School Recipes: Power Up Your Child's Day With 5 Kid-Friendly Breakfast Options](https://ptaourchildren.org/power-up-your-childs-day-with-5-kid-friendly-breakfast-options/) - Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and it’s even more important for your kids as they head back to school. Not only do children who eat breakfast perform better in the classroom, a healthy first meal gives young students the nutrients they need to start the day right. However, 15%
- [Explore the 2024-2025 PTA Reflections Theme: "Accepting Imperfection"](https://ptaourchildren.org/explore-the-2024-25-pta-reflections-theme/) - Each year, the PTA Reflections program offers students a platform to express their unique perspectives and interpretation of a student-created theme. For the 2024-2025 school year, the theme is "Accepting Imperfection," a concept created by Paige Opaska from San Antonio, Texas who won the 2022 Reflections Theme Search Contest. This theme serves as a powerful
- [Empowering Students Through Art: A Tale of Two PTAs Making a Difference](https://ptaourchildren.org/a-tale-of-two-ptas-making-a-difference-through-art/) - Art is more than just paint on a canvas, music notes or dance moves—it's a powerful medium for self-expression, creativity and connection. When schools support the arts, they create environments where students can thrive emotionally, socially and academically. For over 50 years, the National PTA Reflections arts program has furthered the goals of program founder
- [6 Healthy Back-To-School Snack Ideas](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-healthy-back-to-school-snack-ideas/) - You put a lot of effort into planning healthy back-to-school breakfasts for your kids—but what about those after school snacks? After a long day of learning, kids come home ready for a hearty snack. Giving them healthy options will help fuel them through their extracurricular activities—and keep them full until dinner. Healthy snacks also provide
- [5 Tips to Make the Walk to School Safer ](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-tips-to-make-the-walk-to-school-safer/) - After the long summer, it’s always fun to see the school buses rolling down the streets to take kids back to school. If you are like most parents, you have weighed your options to get your kids to and from school safely. From school buses to carpools, millions of students across the country arrive at
- [8 Water Bottles to Keep Your Kids Hydrated All Day Long](https://ptaourchildren.org/eight-water-bottles-to-keep-your-kids-hydrated/) - Staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your kids healthy. In the summer months, you might find it easier to remember to encourage them to drink water, since enjoying the sunshine makes everyone naturally thirsty. And as every water-bottle-toting mom knows, keeping kids hydrated does wonders, giving kids more energy, helping their bodies stay
- [Extraordinary Educators: Rebecka Peterson–2023 Teacher of the Year ](https://ptaourchildren.org/rebecka-peterson-2023-teacher-of-the-year/) - As a young girl, Rebecka Peterson felt like a fish out of water when she immigrated from her native Sweden to Oklahoma with her parents. But there was one thing that helped to keep her grounded as she settled into her new home in the United States — math. “Math is so universal. It was
- [5 Ways to Get Your Child Back on a Sleep Schedule](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-ways-to-get-your-child-back-on-a-sleep-schedule/) - If you think back to when you were a child or teenager, sleep probably wasn’t high on your priority list. Your evenings were likely spent sneaking in more TV time, chatting with friends or making more time for hobbies like music and video games. But just as making sure your kids have the right school
- [5 Tips to Master Your Back-To-School Routine](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-tips-to-master-your-back-to-school-routine/) - For many families, the end of the summer brings mixed emotions. With no school schedule or homework, the lazy days of summer provide time to sleep in, enjoy the outdoors and spend more time together as a family. But the carefree days of summer eventually come to an end, which can trigger back-to-school anxiety for
- [Back-to-School Shopping: How to Find the Right Backpack For Your Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-find-the-right-school-backpack-for-your-child/) - Helping your kids select a backpack for school isn’t just about scoping out trendy brands, eye-catching fabrics and adequate space to tote back-to-school essentials. Choosing fashion over function can actually be unsafe, and the wrong size backpack can lead to neck, back and shoulder pain. Large bags are often packed with loads that are too
- [5 Tips to Keep Your Child Safe from Lead Exposure as School Begins](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-tips-to-keep-your-child-safe-from-lead-exposure-as-school-begins/) - Ensuring the safety of children from lead exposure is crucial, especially as they return to the classroom for the new school year. A recent report on lead-contaminated applesauce serves as a critical reminder of the importance of staying aware of potential sources of lead poisoning. The CDC and our federal, state and local public health
- [To Tackle Achievement Gaps, Look at Opportunities to Learn](https://ptaourchildren.org/to-tackle-achievement-gaps-look-at-opportunities-to-learn/) - I was sitting in the principal's office of my children's school recently—no, nobody was in trouble; Ms. Delabar has an open-door policy and families pop in and all time—when I noticed a report called “The Opportunity Myth” framed right behind her desk. It was an eye-opening report published five years ago by the nonprofit TNTP
- [Keep Your Kids Busy and Engaged This Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/keep-your-kids-buys-and-engaged-this-summer/) - Summer break can feel like an endless cycle of boredom and screen time for kids. And for parents, we want to make fun memories and also nurture their growth and development while they are out of school. With a little planning, you can create a fun and enriching experience for your kids this summer. Structure
- [Three Ways to Show Teachers How Much You Appreciate Them](https://ptaourchildren.org/three-ways-to-show-teacher-appreciation/) - While National Teacher Appreciation Day is celebrated each May, showing teachers how thankful you are for everything they do to shape the future of tomorrow’s leaders can happen any day of the year! Here are three ways to show teachers how much you appreciate them. 1. Organize a Meal in the Teachers’ Lounge Organizing a
- [Cultivating Well-Being: Mental Health Awareness Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/cultivating-well-being-during-mental-health-awareness-month/) - May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the importance of emotional and psychological well-being. Just like physical health, mental health requires ongoing care and attention. Our Healthy Lifestyles initiative offers educational resources and engagement opportunities that empower students and families to make better-informed health decisions. This May, let's explore
- [Shattering Stigma, Building Strength: Mental Health Awareness Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/shattering-stigma-building-strength-mental-health-awareness-month/) - May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to break the silence surrounding mental health struggles and promote well-being for all. Our Healthy Lifestyles initiative offers educational resources and engagement opportunities that empower students and families to make better-informed health decisions, including mental health assistance and tips. While conversations about mental health have become more
- [Shining Stars: Celebrating Our Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrating-our-teachers-during-teacher-appreciation-week/) - Every year, during the first full week of May, school communities across the nation erupt in a constellation of appreciation—Teacher Appreciation Week! During Teacher Appreciation Week, we will highlight the hard work and impact of our nation’s teachers and the ways they help shape the future of our society. This year’s theme, Teachers are Shining
- [The Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Our PTA Volunteers](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrating-our-pta-volunteers/) - This month, we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, taking place April 21-27, which is a time to recognize the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their time and talents to our school communities across the country. Our hearts overflow with gratitude to our incredible PTA volunteers! Our volunteers wear many hats. They are the smiling faces welcoming parents
- [How Your Child Can Volunteer During Volunteer Appreciation Week](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-can-your-child-volunteer-during-volunteer-appreciation-week/) - Volunteer Appreciation Week, taking place April 21-27, is a fantastic opportunity to instill the spirit of giving in your child. It's a chance for them to experience helping others while making a positive impact on their community. Not sure where to start to get your child involved with service? Here are some key opportunities for
- [Teach Your Kids About the Solar Eclipse! ](https://ptaourchildren.org/teach-your-kids-about-the-solar-eclipse/) - Imagine the excitement of witnessing the sun disappear completely in the middle of the day, replaced by a breathtaking ring of light! On April 8, 2024, parts of North America will be treated to a total solar eclipse, a celestial event that has captivated humanity for centuries. This is a unique opportunity to spark children's
- [13 Ways a PTA Can Help a Student with Special Needs](https://ptaourchildren.org/13-wys-pta-helps-sutdents-with-special-needs/) - People often wonder what the PTA does. The PTA does whatever the school needs to be done! Some PTA activities do not cost anything except volunteer hours, for example, providing volunteers to help students check out library books, or to help the office staff check in late students and deliver lost lunchboxes in the morning.
- [Congratulations, 2020-2021 National PTA Reflections Outstanding Interpretation Winners!](https://ptaourchildren.org/2020-2021-reflections-winners/) - On May 1, National PTA announced the 2020-2021 Reflections winners for the student-selected theme I Matter Because…. Over 200 students from 38 State PTA Congresses earned national recognition for their creative accomplishments in Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts. The program also offers a Special Artist Division to recognize students
- [Congratulations, 2019-2020 Reflections Outstanding Interpretation Winners!](https://ptaourchildren.org/meet-the-2019-2020-national-pta-reflections-winners/) - On May 1, National PTA announced the 2019-2020 Reflections winners for the student-selected theme Look Within. Over 200 students across 40 State PTA Congresses were recognized for their achievements in Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts. Seven students were named Outstanding Interpretation winners, which is the highest achievement in the Reflections program. We
- [Healthy Habits for Spring Break](https://ptaourchildren.org/healthy-habits-for-spring-break/) - Spring break is just around the corner, and many families are getting ready to go on vacation. While this is an exciting time for kids and parents alike, it’s important to make sure that everyone continues to practice healthy habits while enjoying their time off. Here are some healthy spring break habits for parents taking
- [Grant Continues to Advance Art Through PTAs Nationwide](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-pta-grants-advance-art-in-education/) - For over 50 years, the National PTA Reflections arts program has provided opportunities for recognition and access to the arts for millions of students, thanks to the innovation of artist, PTA leader and founder Mary Lou Anderson. Reflections boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Anderson’s vision was to increase arts access among
- [4 Tips for Parents Whose Children Learn Differently](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-tips-for-parents-with-children-who-learn-differently/) - One in five students struggle with learning and attention issues. So, if you suspect your child has a learning difference—such as difficulty focusing or reading, writing or doing math—you are not alone. A national survey of parents who know or suspect their child has learning challenges, conducted by Learning Heroes with support from Oak Foundation, offers some
- [Family Engagement and Hispanic Heritage Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/family-engagement-and-hispanic-heritage-month/) - Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the United States. We see this in our Head Start programs across the country where the number of Hispanic families with enrolled children has nearly doubled over the last three decades. As a nation, one of the most important things we can do is to support
- [Excellence in Action: 2019’s Top 3 National PTA Schools of Excellence](https://ptaourchildren.org/top-three-national-pta-school-of-excellence/) - Each year, the top three National PTA Schools of Excellence are selected to receive the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Awards for demonstrating outstanding success in engaging families in student success and school improvements. These awards are selected by a team of Past National PTA Presidents and are the highest honor National PTA offers for success in family engagement.
- [Enhancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Your PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/enhancing-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-your-pta/) - How do you improve your PTA’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in a meaningful way? Roger Minott Sherman Elementary PTA, in Fairfield, Conn., has a few valuable tips—they received a 2019 Jan Harp Domene Award for implementing several strategies to help their community embrace and value diverse perspectives. Discover a few of their keys to success below to
- [DO’s and DON’Ts of Preparing for Presentations](https://ptaourchildren.org/dos-and-donts-of-preparing-for-presentations/) - We’ve all attended an event at least once where the presenter failed to connect with us in a meaningful way. After such presentations, we left feeling disappointed and frustrated with what seemed to have been a waste of time. No one plans or expects for presentations to turn into a disaster, but the reality is
- [David’s Law: A Texas PTA Story](https://ptaourchildren.org/davids-law-a-texas-pta-story/) - Texas PTA first became involved in the work to reduce bullying in 2011, when we worked with legislators to pass a law strengthening guidelines for dealing with bullying in the schools. At that time, cell phones were still scarce in the schools, and administrators were reluctant to support laws that required schools to confront cyberbullying,
- [National PTA Continues Celebration of “I Matter Because…” Reflections Artists](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-pta-continues-celebration-of-i-matter-because-reflections-artists/) - Every year, hundreds of thousands of students across the country and in U.S. schools abroad participate in the National PTA Reflections program. By creating opportunities for recognition and access to the arts, Reflections boosts student confidence and success, both in the arts and in life. In response to an annual student-selected theme, students can submit artwork in the categories of Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts. The program also offers the Special
- [National PTA Celebrates the Heroes Around Us All](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-pta-celebrates-the-heroes-around-us-all/) - National PTA’s Reflections program has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life. Each year, over 300,000 students participate in Reflections in response to the annual theme. On Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, the
- [National PTA Celebrates Look Within Reflections Artists](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-pta-celebrates-look-within-reflections-artists/) - For over fifty years, the National PTA Reflections program has provided opportunities for recognition and access to the arts, which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. The arts program honors student creativity through six Reflections categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. In response to an annual theme, thousands of students across the country and in U.S.
- [Meet the 2023-2024 Reflections Theme Search Contest Winner!](https://ptaourchildren.org/meet-the-2023-2024-reflections-theme-search-contest-winner/) - Every year, hundreds of thousands of students across the country and in U.S. schools abroad participate in the Reflections program, creating artwork in response to an annual theme. Through Reflections, PTA provides students with an opportunity to grow their confidence and a platform to raise their voice on social issues. As part of that effort, we are proud to say that since the program’s launch
- [Meet the 2022-2023 Reflections Outstanding Interpretation Winners!](https://ptaourchildren.org/meet-the-2022-2023-reflections-outstanding-interpretation-winners/) - Last month, National PTA announced the national winners for the 2022-2023 Reflections program. From nearly 1,000 student submissions nationwide, a total of 223 original student artworks from 39 state PTA congresses advanced through local, regional, state and national-level review to earn national recognition, scholarships and other special prizes. Inspired by the student-created theme Show Your Voice! the top-scoring works
- [Meet the 2021 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Awardees!](https://ptaourchildren.org/meet-the-2021-phoebe-apperson-hearst-awardees/) - Each year, National PTA honors the top three National PTA Schools of Excellence with the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Awards for demonstrating outstanding success in engaging families in student success and school improvement. The awardees are selected by a team of Past National PTA Presidents and are the highest honor our association offers for success in family engagement. The 2021 National PTA Phoebe Apperson Hearst recipients
- [Congratulations to National PTA’s Outstanding Interpretation Awardees!](https://ptaourchildren.org/congratulations-to-national-ptas-outstanding-interpretation-winners/) - Thousands of young artists from across the country participated in the 2021-2022 National PTA Reflections program by creating original works of art in response to the student-selected theme: I Will Change the World By…. Winning student artworks advanced from the local PTA level to the district, region, council, state and, ultimately, to the national level. This
- [Celebrating our 2018 Mary Lou Anderson Arts Enhancement Grantees](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrating-our-2018-mary-lou-anderson-arts-enhancement-grantees/) - As we open the 2019 Mary Lou Anderson Arts Enhancement Grant cycle, we are reminded of the many arts education projects that this grant opportunity has funded. Most recently, the Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant honored high quality arts learning programs at Harvest Hill PTA in California and Tiffany Park Elementary PTA in Washington with $1000 in
- [Celebrating Arts & Humanities through the School of Excellence](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrating-arts-and-humanities-through-the-school-of-excellence/) - National PTA and the School of Excellence program recognize that schools and PTAs can take an active role in supporting of arts education. Throughout the country, arts education programming is being slashed, leaving all students, artists or not, without a creative outlet to explore their own experiences and identities. Understanding this, some of our School of Excellence
- [Booster Partners with Dude Perfect](https://ptaourchildren.org/booster-partners-with-dude-perfect/) - Getting students and families excited about a school fundraiser can have a tremendous impact on its success. If your community is motivated to take part in your event, you will raise more funds. Sounds simple, right? But tapping into that excitement isn’t always easy. Which is why we’re so pumped about Booster’s new partnership with
- [Be SMART Reduces Unintentional Shootings and Suicides](https://ptaourchildren.org/be-samart-reduces-unintentional-shootings-and-suicides/) - The past year has brought extreme changes and challenges to our children, families, schools and communities. It has been stressful, difficult and even scary. While we have grappled with the effects of COVID-19, we have also seen the reports about 2020 being a deadly year for gun violence and 2021 continuing in the same pattern. These stories,
- [Back to School and Back to PTA means Engaging Families and Growing Membership!](https://ptaourchildren.org/engage-families-to-grow-pta-membership/) - A new school year means new opportunities to grow your PTA. This past year was tough for so many PTAs, families and communities. As you prepare for back to school, you may be wondering how you can grow your PTA membership this year. Would you be surprised to learn that even during the pandemic, there
- [Ask the Right Questions to Support Student Online Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/ask-questions-to-support-student-online-safety/) - November is Parent Involvement Month, and there are few topics needing our attention more than children’s online safety. But it’s not always easy to know where to begin. What type of digital safety measures should we expect schools to have in place? How do you know if your school or district is following best practices?
- [Arts Enhancement Grant Awards Local PTAs](https://ptaourchildren.org/arts-enhancement-grant-awards-local-ptas/) - National PTA’s Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant awards two local PTAs $1,000 in matching funds for student-centered programs that increase access to high quality arts learning experiences and new pathways for students to participate in National PTA’s Reflections program. Last year, through the Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant application, PTAs shared
- [Art in Action: The National PTA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Exhibit](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-pta-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-art-exhibit/) - National PTA has been seeking and actively listening to input from students and communities across the United States on how to best act in support of social justice and racial equity. In particular, the 2020-2021 Reflections program theme I Matter Because… took on new meaning in the wake of a national reckoning around systemic racism in our
- [Arlington Science Focus School Virtual Family STEM Night 2021](https://ptaourchildren.org/arlington-science-focus-school-virtual-family-stem-night-2021/) - Think you can’t host a family fun night while remote learning? Think again! Arlington Science Focus School, an elementary school in Arlington, Va., hosted its first-ever Virtual Family STEM Night Wednesday, Feb. 17. The event went off without a hitch thanks to ASFS Investigation Station Lead, Stephanie Lin, the 2020 NOVA District PTA Educator of the Year,
- [A New School Year, a New Education Law](https://ptaourchildren.org/new-school-year-new-education-law/) - A new school year comes with new people to meet, new material to learn and new expectations. This year, it also comes with a new education law—the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Across the country, states and districts are crafting new education plans that will guide the implementation of ESSA. The process of implementing the
- [6 Essential Back-to-School Supplies](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-essential-back-to-school-supplies/) - Your average school supply list contains the usual suspects: No. 2 pencils, glue sticks, plus folders in every color of the rainbow. But these are just a few of the tools that fuel success in the classroom. Teachers and students need other items you might not immediately think of—and that might be missing from your
- [4 Ways Your PTA Can Simplify School Supplies](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-ways-your-pta-can-simplify-school-supplies/) - From crayons to calculators, students rely on a steady stream of school supplies to make it through the academic year. But securing these items can be a challenge for teachers and parents, especially when supply lists are long and they differ from grade to grade, even from classroom to classroom. That’s where PTA leaders can
- [4 Seasonal Illness Resources for Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-seasonal-illness-resources-for-parents/) - We know every parent goes into protect mode when illness enters their home, especially during the cold winter months. Lysol and National PTA are here to help prevent illness-causing germs from spreading any further, so students can remain in school as much as possible. To help set both your family and broader school community up
- [Meet the 2019 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Winner](https://ptaourchildren.org/meet-the-2019-phoebe-apperson-hearst-winner/) - This summer, National PTA honored Mark Twain Elementary PTA in Lawndale, California with the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award for Outstanding Family-School Partnership. This award is given to top National PTA School of Excellence designees for demonstrating outstanding success in engaging families in student success and school improvements. Mark Twain Elementary PTA proved again and again to be
- [Meet Paige Opaska—the 2024-2025 Reflections Theme Search Contest Winner!](https://ptaourchildren.org/meet-paige-opaska-the-2024-2025-reflections-theme-search-contest-winner/) - Every year, National PTA invites students across the PTA member network to participate in the annual Reflections Theme Search Contest—a national competition to select an original and inspiring theme for the upcoming Reflections year. We are so pleased to announce the winner of the 2024-2025 Reflections Theme Search… drumroll please! Congratulations to Paige Opaska, an 8th
- [Meet National PTA’s Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant Recipients](https://ptaourchildren.org/meet-national-ptas-mary-lou-anderson-reflections-arts-enhancement-grant-recipients/) - National PTA’s Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant awards two local PTAs $1,000 in funds for student-centered programs that increase access to high quality arts learning experiences and new pathways for students – especially those hardest to reach – to participate in the arts and National PTA’s Reflections program. We were so excited to
- [Lessons Learned from the PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/lessons-learned-from-pta/) - As I retire from PTA this year, there are so many memories and opportunities I have had because of my involvement at the local, council, state and national PTA level. My entire life would truly be different if one person had not asked me to get involved! I wouldn’t have had two jobs I absolutely
- [Kindergarten Registration: Don’t Delay and Register Your Child Today!](https://ptaourchildren.org/kindergarten-registration-dont-delay-and-register-your-child-today/) - Many parents are excited and feeling anxious about their child beginning kindergarten in the fall. Some parents feel this way simply because they may have unanswered questions about registration processes, transportation to and from school, and school expectations. This feeling is normal for parents; however there are several steps parents can do now to get
- [It’s Not Too Late To PTA!](https://ptaourchildren.org/its-not-too-late-to-pta/) - It’s been a school year like no other. Many schools remain closed, offer hybrid attendance or are open one day and closed the next due to increased cases of COVID-19 in the community. But PTAs don’t need a school building to support their families! Are you still PTA/PTSA-ing in your school communities? Kids, families, teachers,
- [Increasing Family Engagement in Diverse Schools](https://ptaourchildren.org/increasing-family-engagement-in-diverse-schools/) - I know first hand what it is like to grow up as an English-language learner and saw what a difference it made to have parents who were able to connect and engage with teachers. On a very personal level I understood what we now know from decades of academic research: That family engagement is the
- [Stay Safer Over the Holidays with an Updated COVID Vaccine](https://ptaourchildren.org/stay-safer-over-the-holidays-with-an-updated-covid-vaccine-2/) - ‘Tis the holiday season! For many, that means traveling and gathering with friends and family. That also means more opportunities to catch COVID. Thankfully, updated COVID vaccines are available for people 6 months and older. The updated COVID vaccines are designed to help protect against Omicron, the variant that is causing all new COVID infections
- [We Can Do This: Strategies to Address Vaccine Hesitancy through Local PTAs](https://ptaourchildren.org/strategies-address-vaccine-hesitancy-local-ptas/) - Insights and Resources from our Recent Roundtable National PTA’s urgent work to build vaccine confidence is well underway in 19 communities across the country. Recently we hosted a virtual roundtable to equip PTA leaders with accurate information and practical strategies to help address vaccine hesitancy and leverage every strategy to make schools safer for children and staff
- [Building Vaccine Confidence by Engaging Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/building-vaccine-confidence-by-engaging-parents/) - This January, National PTA launched an urgent grassroots effort to keep our children healthy and in school by building vaccine confidence in local communities. Funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, the We Can Do This campaign is a nationwide effort to reach individuals and families facing barriers or hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. National
- [4 Healthy Back to School Tips for Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-healthy-back-to-school-tip-for-parents/) - Practice healthy habits so we can be “stronger together” this back-to-school season! Lysol and National PTA hope families everywhere enjoyed their summer vacation and the quality time that comes with it! This school year is the first time many students are back together at school following the COVID-19 pandemic. Children are stronger together in the
- [3 Healthy Habits for the Holiday Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/three-healthy-habits-for-the-holiday-season/) - As the weather begins to chill in parts of the country, Lysol and National PTA are looking forward to the special moments to come this time of the year! However, it’s important to remember the holiday months are also the start of cold & flu season. While your school communities prepare to celebrate with friends
- [Helping Families Navigate Today’s COVID-19 Environment](https://ptaourchildren.org/helping-families-navigate-todays-covid-19-environment/) - National PTA hosted a virtual town hall May 18, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support families in navigating today’s COVID-19 environment. The event featured CDC COVID-19 Response Principal Deputy Incident Manager Dr. Greta Massetti, White House Senior Policy Advisory Dr. Cameron Webb, American Academy of Pediatrics Spokesperson Dr. Ilan Shapiro,
- [National PTA Reflections Virtual Showcase Highlights Young Artists and Family Members](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-pta-reflections-virtual-showcase-highlights-young-artists-and-family-members/) - On January 25, 2023, National PTA concluded the celebration of the 2021-2022 “I Will Change the World By…” Reflections year with the Reflections Student Arts Virtual Showcase. This special event featured 20 extraordinary young creators sharing the inspiration for their national award-winning artwork, as well as a few of their parents who emphasized the importance
- [National PTA's Art Program Turns 50](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-ptas-art-program-turns-50/) - Did you know we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National PTA Reflections Program this year? For the past 50 years, the National PTA Reflections program has encouraged students of all ages to explore and be involved in the arts. Through the program, National PTA and over 4,000 PTAs across the country encourage all students with all
- [Online Payment Dos and Don’ts for PTAs](https://ptaourchildren.org/online-payment-dos-and-donts-for-ptas/) - If you visit any PTA message board, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll see a post that goes something like this: “Looking to take PTA payments digital … what platform do you recommend? I hear Venmo is not great for PTAs. Is that true?” It’s a common conversation, and for good reason. Now, more than ever, PTAs
- [Plan Ahead for a Healthy School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/plan-ahead-for-a-healthy-school-year/) - Our kids are returning to school, but germs don’t have to. We’ve all learned just how important in-person learning is to our children’s academic and social development. Maximizing in-school time requires protecting our kids from the spread of the flu and other illnesses caused by germs. Local PTAs can play a role in cultivating healthy
- [Polling the Public on Education Shows the Importance of Family Engagement](https://ptaourchildren.org/polling-the-public-on-education-shows-the-importance-of-family-engagement/) - Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK) annual poll on the public’s attitude towards education was recently released. The poll revealed mixed views on education, but showed a strong relationship between school satisfaction and how engaged parents feel about their child’s school. Less than half of the survey respondents (45%) believe that the role of public education
- [PTA Leader Helps School Step Outside Comfort Zone and Into Progress](https://ptaourchildren.org/pta-leader-helps-school-step-outside-comfort-zone-and-into-progress/) - Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Daphne Callender, Fitness Instructor by day and PTA champion of Springfield Estates Elementary School (SEES) PTA in Springfield, VA, and her extraordinary school community in celebration of their 2019-2021 National PTA School of Excellence designation. The warm celebration with parents, staff and administrators included a delicious dinner,
- [RECAP: 2019 PTA Reflections Showcase](https://ptaourchildren.org/recap-2019-pta-reflections-showcase/) - For 50 years, the National PTA Reflections program has inspired millions of students to explore their talents and be involved in the arts by creating works for fun and recognition. Students are recognized each year for their artistic ingenuity to bring the annual theme to life in a way that is personal and meaningful. On
- [Show Your PTA Value to Sustain and Grow Your Membership](https://ptaourchildren.org/show-your-pta-value-to-sustain-and-grow-your-membership/) - This school year will be a year like no other in PTA history. All of us must look at how we PTA in a different way. You may have heard the phrase “PTA flexible.” This is the year to show PTA flexible in action across everything we do. Just like schools have had to pivot,
- [Show Your PTA Value with YOU Belong in PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/show-your-pta-value-with-you-belong-in-pta/) - With the 2022-2023 school year well underway, PTAs and PTSAs are hard at work with their initial membership drive, inviting people to join their local units or renew their PTA/PTSA memberships. Encouraging people to join doesn’t end with the back-to-school membership drive though. It’s an ongoing, year-round initiative. To support your commitment to membership growth,
- [Show Your PTA/PTSA’s Value and Grow Membership with the Reflections Program](https://ptaourchildren.org/show-your-pta-ptsas-value-and-grow-membership-with-the-reflections-program/) - National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education because of the important role the arts play in boosting children’s confidence and success. By participating in the arts, children explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and
- [Situational Awareness: Taking Ownership of School Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/situational-awareness-taking-ownership-of-school-safety/) - One strategy to help create a safer space where threats are mitigated and students and staff feel safe. Schools should be safe havens for students, refuges from the harshness of the outside world. However, the opposite is too often true. According to a study published in the April 2018 issue of the Journal of Child
- [State, District, Council and Region PTAs…Know Your Data to Grow Membership](https://ptaourchildren.org/state-district-council-and-region-ptasknow-your-data-to-grow-membership/) - By Linda Johnson and Kirthana Krishnathasan Data is knowledge and knowledge is power. Taking a deep dive into your state, district, council and/or region membership data beyond the overall total membership numbers gives you the power to make informed decisions to maximize your financial and people resources to reach your goals to grow membership. Reviewing
- [Supporting Arts Education through PTA’s School of Excellence Program](https://ptaourchildren.org/supporting-arts-education-through-ptas-school-of-excellence-program/) - National PTA believes that all students deserve the opportunity to take part in high-quality arts programming. Through the National PTA School of Excellence program, PTAs can support this effort by making a commitment to enhancing and improving arts education access and programming in their school and community. National PTA’s Schools of Excellence have a history
- [Teaming Up for Safer Online Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/teaming-up-for-safer-online-learning/) - Learning technologies are changing fast, accelerated by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students now spend a significant part of each day learning online and working with school-issued technology. In this new reality—where digital learning is pervasive and evolving—parents and schools must work together to keep kids safer online. Digital learning is here to stay,
- [Lysol and National PTA help support parents and teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic](https://ptaourchildren.org/lysol-and-national-pta-help-support-parents-and-teaching-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/) - Reckitt, the maker of Lysol, believes it is important to keep your loved ones illness-free and is dedicated to providing resources to help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs. In partnership with National PTA, Lysol has collaborated to recognize the resilience parents and teachers have shown over the past two years and bring the following resources to schools and families: HERE for Healthy SchoolsThrough education,
- [Add ‘Get My Child Vaccinated Against COVID’ to Your Summer Plans](https://ptaourchildren.org/children-vaccinated-against-covid-this-summer/) - Great news: Our younger kids can now get vaccinated against COVID! After a thorough review of the safety and effectiveness data from the clinical trials, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized COVID vaccines for children ages 6 months through 4 years. That means that everyone as young as 6 months in the United States can now
- [6 Tips for Keeping Children Safe From COVID This Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/6-tips-for-keeping-children-safe-from-covid-this-summer/) - By We Can Do This, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Public Education Campaign We’re headed into summer, but we’re not out of the woods with COVID. Cases are going up all over the country, and COVID can make children very sick. Since the pandemic began, over 100,000 children have been hospitalized with COVID and over 1,500 have died.
- [5 Tips for Keeping Your Child Safe From COVID at School](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-tips-for-keeping-your-child-safe-from-covid-at-school/) - Children everywhere are heading back to school and in-person learning. It’s important to keep in mind that many communities continue to be affected by the COVID pandemic. As of August 22, the risk that COVID poses—based on how many people are getting infected and need hospital care—is medium to high in more than 75% of communities
- [4 Reasons You Should Vaccinate Your Child Against COVID-19](https://ptaourchildren.org/4-reasons-you-should-vaccinate-your-child-against-covid-19/) - 1. There’s no way to know if your child will get severely ill and even die from COVID-19 Since the pandemic began, one in six children under the age of 18 in the United States have been infected with COVID-19. Among those children, over 100,000 have been hospitalized and nearly 1,500 have died due to the virus. COVID-19 can
- [How to Start a PTA at Your School Now](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-start-a-pta-at-your-school-now/) - You love your school and want to make it better- we applaud you! So now… excited to find resources or better yet, a network of people who understand your school needs, you begin your quest for things to help your school excel: A strong voice to speak on behalf of every child… check! Funding opportunities
- [How to Make Joining PTA Easy](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-make-joining-pta-easy/) - Now more than ever, people want to connect with each other and know what is happening at their child’s school. Your PTA can fulfill the universal need to connect and belong, during this dark time. You should seek to not only renew current members, but to reach out to new audiences, grow your PTA and
- [How to Make a Mid-Year Ask to Join PTA—While Communicating PTA Value](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-make-a-mid-year-ask-to-join-pta-while-communicating-pta-value/) - Happy Take Your Family to School Week, PTA/PTSA family and friends! We are now about halfway through the 2021-2022 school year, which means that now is also a great time to share your PTA/PTSA’s successes and progress with your members and your community. This is no time to hide your light under a basket! Share
- [Thank You: An Open Letter to Teachers](https://ptaourchildren.org/thank-you-an-open-letter-to-teachers/) - Teaching is a tiring, often thankless job. You work long hours, face immense pressures, and often invest your own salary back into the classroom. But your efforts and dedication to our children have not gone unnoticed. We want to thank you for all that you do, both in the classroom and on your own time,
- [The Achievery, Created by AT&T](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-achievery-created-by-att/) - Connecting students to a new world of digital learning AT&T launched a free digital learning platform that aims to make online learning more entertaining, inspiring, and accessible. The Achievery, created by AT&T, is a growing online library of learning activities for students in grades K-12 to use wherever they are – at home, in the
- [The New PTA Normal: 4 Tips This New School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-new-pta-normal-4-tips-this-new-school-year/) - After the upheaval and uncertainty of the past year and a half, do you find yourself anxious to get your PTA back to “normal?” What is “normal” anyway? Merriam Webster defines normal as, “conforming to a type, standard or regular pattern; characterized by that which is considered usual, typical or routine.” So maybe, after all
- [Then & Now: 50 Years of Reflections Award Winners](https://ptaourchildren.org/then-now-50-years-of-reflections-award-winners/) - I had the recent pleasure of exhibiting at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) National Convention in beautiful Boston, Mass., to promote the National PTA Reflections program to over 5,700 arts professionals across the country. At the booth I was greeted by art educators who have led the Reflections program at their school, partnered with
- [Thoughtful. Affirming. Trustworthy. Are You a Youth Champion?](https://ptaourchildren.org/thoughtful-affirming-trustworthy-are-you-a-youth-champion/) - A Growing Need for Youth Champions Driven by data that underscores rising rates of mental health stress and illness among youth and young adults, the youth mental health advocacy organization known as Active Minds is harnessing the power of one of the most significant determining factors in youth mental health and wellness: the power of
- [Tips for After School Healthy Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-for-after-school-healthy-habits/) - Remember to encourage healthy habits to help avoid the spread of germs. Students are officially back to school, and so is increased exposure to viruses and bacteria. Try refreshing your sanitizing and disinfecting routine at home and practicing healthy habits with your kids. Here are a few tips that can help your family avoid the
- [Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Communicating with Your PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/top-10-mistakes-to-avoid-in-communicating-with-your-pta/) - Effective communication is essential to driving PTA member engagement. Yet all too often, we see PTA leaders make several crucial mistakes. Here are 10 of the most common communication pitfalls and how you can avoid them with your PTA. Communicating with your PTA members only when you need money. Yes, school fundraising is important. But
- [Ways to Make Your PTA Virtual](https://ptaourchildren.org/ways-to-make-your-pta-virtual/) - With so many schools closed through the end of the school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, how are PTA/PTSAs keeping in touch with their school communities? They are going virtual! National PTA surveyed local leaders from across America and heard about the many amazing things they are doing to be relevant to their members,
- [We Can Do This: Strategies to Address Vaccine Hesitancy through Local PTAs](https://ptaourchildren.org/we-can-do-this-strategies-to-address-vaccine-hesitancy-through-local-ptas/) - Insights and Resources from our Recent Roundtable National PTA’s urgent work to build vaccine confidence is well underway in 19 communities across the country. Recently we hosted a virtual roundtable to equip PTA leaders with accurate information and practical strategies to help address vaccine hesitancy and leverage every strategy to make schools safer for children
- [We Have a Winner! The Reflections Program’s Annual Theme Search is Complete](https://ptaourchildren.org/we-have-a-winner-the-reflections-programs-annual-theme-search-is-complete/) - Did you know that students develop the Reflections program’s annual overarching theme? Each year, students from across the country and in U.S. schools abroad submit theme suggestions for a future Reflections program cycle. The Reflections Theme Search Contest’s winning theme goes on to inspire thousands of student artists. We are excited to announce that Jason Yevin, a 10th grader from Salk/Macarthur PTSA
- [What Do Successful Schools Look Like?](https://ptaourchildren.org/what-do-successful-schools-look-like/) - As a parent, I have a good idea of how my child’s school is working for her. I talk to her and her friends about what is going on there. I see the work that she is doing. I communicate with her teachers and other school staff. But while I know that my daughter is
- [How to Get the Technology Your Local PTA Needs](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-get-the-technology-your-local-pta-needs/) - The first question we often hear at National PTA is … are PTAs allowed to spend PTA dollars on technology? The answer is a resounding YES. Your local PTA is a membership association and a non-profit business. PTAs can budget for, and spend money on, any technology that will be used by the PTA. This year, PTAs across the country must pivot to the
- [How Parents Can Support Teachers for their Child’s Back-to-School Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-parents-can-support-teachers-for-their-childs-back-to-school-success/) - As parents, you know how much of a team effort it is to raise a child–that includes partnership between educators in school and family at home. Back-to-school season is quickly approaching, which means it’s already time to start thinking about the year ahead. Here are some tips to help support your child’s education this year.
- [Why Do PTA’s Need Insurance?](https://ptaourchildren.org/why-do-ptas-need-insurance/) - Sponsored Post: Being part of your local PTA is a great way to be involved and bettering the community is a very noble cause. What most people outside this network don’t know is, its hard work!! And there are an endless amount unseen details required for every field trip, every fundraiser and nearly every decision
- [Meet Ben Morgan, the 2025-2026 Reflections Theme Search Contest Winner!](https://ptaourchildren.org/meet-the-2025-2026-refections-theme-winner/) - Every year, students across the country and in U.S. schools abroad participate in the Reflections Theme Search Contest – a competition where students submit unique and inspiring theme suggestions to inspire a future Reflections program cycle. State PTAs select the top five finalists and advance the submissions to National PTA, where they go through multiple
- [Celebrating Black History Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrating-black-history-month/) - February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout our country’s history. In education, many prominent Black figures have had a profound impact, shaping the education system we know today and driving real change to ensure all children have equal access to services and the opportunity
- [Parent Voices Are Needed More than Ever to Inform and Improve Public Education in America](https://ptaourchildren.org/parent-voices-are-needed-more-than-ever-to-inform-and-improve-public-education-in-america/) - It’s a new school year, but students are still living with the consequences of the pandemic that turned our worlds—especially our schools—upside down more than three years ago. We’re continuing to hear about increased chronic absenteeism and stalled academic recovery efforts, yet too many parents are unaware of the extent of these problems. Most think the
- [Tips to Grow Your PTA Membership](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-to-grow-your-pta-membership/) - As you prepare for back-to-school, a new school year means new opportunities to grow your PTA. We talked to PTAs across the country that continue to grow membership every year—here are the tips they shared to help engage families in the community and grow membership. Ask everyone to join (support or invest in) your PTA! Membership
- [6 Strategies to Help Schools Improve Mental Health in Students](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-strategies-to-help-improve-student-mental-health/) - As the Director of the Division of Adolescent and School Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), I know that schools play a critical role in meeting the mental and emotional health needs of our nation’s young people. I also know that parents increasingly recognize and support this role and want to be
- [Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award Recipients: Stories Celebrating Family-School Partnerships](https://ptaourchildren.org/phoebe-apperson-hearst-award-stories-celebrating-family-school-partnerships/) - The 2023 National PTA Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award recipients led their School of Excellence programs with the goal of transforming family engagement in their school communities, and that’s exactly what they did! Thanks to the generous support of the Hearst Foundation, the 2023 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Family-School Partnership Awardee, Bells Ferry Elementary PTA in
- [How YouTube’s Youth Principles Help Build a Healthy Online Experience for Children and Teens](https://ptaourchildren.org/youtube-helps-build-healthy-online-experiences-for-kids/) - Children and teenagers today can access a world of possibilities online. Whether it’s exploring important topics around the world or looking up a video to help with algebra homework, they’ve never known a reality without this world at their fingertips. And, as they’ve grown up, so has the internet. Today, conversations are taking place around
- [Parents Want More From Their Child’s K-12 Education. Here are Five Ways to Find it.](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-ways-to-choose-a-k12-school/) - Our school system is still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many districts continue to experience declining enrollment. Families are pivoting to homeschooling and taking advantage of alternative education opportunities. And, across the board, there is still major learning loss. With all this going on, it’s understandable that parents are giving more thought to myriad options to
- [Forget Resolutions - Make SMART Goals for the New Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/make-smart-goals-for-the-new-year/) - As the New Year approaches, many people start making resolutions to change something about their lives. But, by February, nearly 80% of people will fail to keep their resolutions, with 8% failing within the first week of January. As we head into the new year and begin thinking about goals, plans and ideas for a
- [The CDC: Working to Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning](https://ptaourchildren.org/cdc-working-to-prevent-childhood-lead-poisoning/) - For over 30 years, the CDC has been working to prevent lead poisoning through its Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP), which supports 62 state and local health departments with childhood lead poisoning prevention activities. That support includes testing, reporting, surveillance and linkages to care for 47 state health departments and targeted interventions in 12
- [Ask a PTA Leader: Yvonne Johnson, National PTA President](https://ptaourchildren.org/ask-a-pta-leader-yvonne-johnson-national-pta-president/) - With a passion for advocacy, new National PTA president Yvonne Johnson lives by her motto to “Never underestimate the power of a parent’s voice.” Johnson, a mother of three and a Bubbe, has been a staunch advocate for children during her nearly 30 years serving PTA. She helped pass several educational bills in her home
- [Tips to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-to-stay-healhty-during-cold-and-flu-season/) - Working together, parents and teachers play pivotal roles in children’s health and education. Schools are an extension of the home; they are not just institutions for education, but a place where our children learn the foundation for many life lessons. During cold and flu season, parents and teachers need to work together and promote healthy
- [Tips for Surviving Holiday Travel with Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-for-surviving-holiday-travel-with-kids/) - It’s that time of year where parents and caregivers pack up the kids and hit the highway–or airway–to see family, friends and loved ones. While this is typically a happy and joyful time of year, it can also be stressful planning all of that family travel. According to the 2023 Holiday Travel Report from Nerd
- [7 Food Tips to Keep Kids–and Parents–Healthy During Goblin and Gobble Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/seven-food-tips-to-keep-kids-healthy-during-the-holiday/) - Between Halloween and Thanksgiving, fall is the season of good eats, drinks, and lots of treats. According to a survey by Food Navigator USA, 42% of consumers plan to splurge on desserts this year. But all those potlucks, school parties, and delicious deserts can lead to overindulgence – and tummy aches. The festivities of the
- [10 Tricks to Keep Kids Safe This Halloween](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-tricks-to-keep-kids-safe-this-halloween/) - Trick or treat! It’s almost time for one of the best kid holidays of the year–Halloween! Kids of all ages eagerly anticipate Halloween, where they can transform into their favorite character and express their creativity with fun costumes and spooky crafts. But all the Halloween fun comes with a dark side–children are twice as likely
- [5 Tips to Fit Volunteering for PTA Into Your Schedule](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-tips-to-fit-volunteering-for-pta-into-your-schedul/) - With the school year in full swing, the PTA has probably reached out to your school community looking for volunteers to help with the events and activities that help every child reach their full potential. With so many wonderful events and resources the PTA provides for your school, the need for volunteers is huge. But
- [Healthy Hands-On: An Inside Look at Fighting Germs in a Creatively Curated Classroom](https://ptaourchildren.org/fighting-germs-in-a-creative-classroom/) - Georgia Teacher Of the Year, and Pre-K Teacher, Johnathon Hines Shares His Tips for a Protected Learning Environment Teaching in a Pre-K classroom means two things are guaranteed: learning takes place through hands-on experiences and those experiences can lead to germs spreading. Every day I come into the classroom and plan out how to take
- [6 Facts Counselors Wish Parents Knew About Student Mental Health](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-facts-counselors-wished-parents-knew-about-mental-health/) - Having been a school counselor for over eight years now, I know some people have misconceptions about what our role entails. The truth is, counselors wear a lot of different hats and are often stretched very thin. Whether it is supporting a child through a crisis, advising students on their academic goals or partnering with
- [Keeping Student Athletes Safe on the Playing Field](https://ptaourchildren.org/keeping-student-athletes-safe-on-the-playing-field/) - During last year’s NFL season, the nation watched as Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went down on the field after a big hit to the chest. The sports medicine team, and specifically its athletic trainers, jumped into action and saved his life on the field. Sports motivate students to achieve extraordinary success. And with sports
- [10 Preteen Parenting Tips: Stay Close as Kids Move into Their Teens](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-preteen-parenting-tips/) - It’s typically between the ages of nine and twelve that our cute, cuddly little children, once so willing to climb into our laps and share their secrets, suddenly want little or nothing to do with us. A child in preadolescence is not the same person they were just a year or two ago. They have changed—physically, cognitively, emotionally,
- [Sleep Is the Secret Ingredient for Back-to-School Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/sleep-is-secret-ingredient-for-back-to-school-success/) - Getting enough sleep is critical for children and teens, but bedtime struggles for parents are real, especially now that school is back in session. Most kids—especially teens—don’t come close to getting the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep they need every night. Their sleep is being stolen by a perfect storm of interruptions, including loads of
- [What to Do When Your Child is Struggling Academically](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-help-when-your-child-is-struggling/) - Worried parents, sometimes subconsciously, keep an account of their child’s failures and setbacks with the same diligence and anxiety they did a pediatric growth chart. Is my child thriving? Are they developing in line with their peers? Are they perhaps, better than average? Every day there’s a new data point to plot: a list
- [4 Steps to Make School Projects Less Stressful](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-steps-to-make-school-projects-less-stressful/) - Say goodbye to “school project panic“ with this fun planning techniqueWe’ve all been there. Your child comes home from school in a panic because a project is due the next day and they haven’t even started. And this is the first time you are hearing about it. Situations like these do not bring out the best
- [4 Ideas for a Healthy Back-to-School Transition](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-ideas-for-a-healthy-back-to-school-transition/) - Back to school doesn’t have to be so stressful. In fact, the return to school is a perfect moment for families to establish healthy habits at home that set our children up for success all year long. Here are a few tips families can use to prepare children for success before the school year begins.
- [Flavors of Fun: Tasty Summer Adventures for Young Chefs](https://ptaourchildren.org/flavors-of-fun-tasty-summer-adventures-for-young-chefs/) - Summer is a season for exploring and the perfect time to engage your child in kitchen adventures that go beyond the usual snacks and meals. Cooking with your child not only teaches them valuable life skills but also fosters their creativity and nurtures their love for food. This summer, explore our collection of fun and
- [Fun DIY Projects to Inspire Your Child's Imagination](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-fun-diy-projects-with-kids/) - In today's technology-driven world, where digital devices command the attention of children, it is crucial to foster creativity through engaging hands-on activities. DIY projects provide an exceptional avenue for kids to unleash their imagination, explore their artistic abilities, and express themselves in unique and fulfilling ways. By encouraging our children to embark on these fun
- [5 Tips to Having Fun with Kids While WFH](https://ptaourchildren.org/working-from-home-with-kids-this-summer/) - It’s no secret that as the summer season continues, working parents face the challenge of keeping their kids entertained while juggling work responsibilities from the comfort of their homes. Finding a balance between work and fun can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and a little creativity, you’ll be well on your
- [Should a Smartphone be on Your Back-to-School Shopping List?](https://ptaourchildren.org/should-a-smartphone-be-on-your-back-to-school-shopping-list/) - Can I have a cell phone? It’s a question many parents get around this time of year. With kids headed back to school soon, a smartphone often tops back-to-school shopping wish lists. But is your child ready for a device? More importantly, are you ready to take the necessary steps to help your child use
- [6 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month with Your Family](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-ways-to-celebrate-pride-month-with-your-family/) - The LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride Month in a number of different ways, including commemorating the harsh history to be recognized and included and honoring the lives lost in the struggles for equality. It’s also a time to celebrate the victories. In today's evolving world, it's essential that we prioritize educating our children from a young
- [This Free Learning Tool May Help Your Child Avoid Summer Learning Loss](https://ptaourchildren.org/learning-tool-to-avoid-summer-learning-loss/) - How many of you have mixed feelings about the summer break like me? It’s a time for our kids to bask in the sun and hang out with their friends. But we also need to make sure they avoid the summer slide – and I’m not talking about the kind at the community pool. The
- [Summer Toolbox: How to Keep Your Teen Safe and Thriving](https://ptaourchildren.org/keep-your-teen-safe-this-summer/) - Summer break is fast approaching, and children and teens are anticipating weeks of excitement and freedom. Frankly, so are parents. We want our children to have a fun and relaxing vacation, and most of us would also appreciate a break from the constant flurry of activity the school year brings. Not so fast, says student wellbeing activist
- [Boosting Family Mental Health: 5 Fun Activities for Mental Health Awareness Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-fun-activities-to-boost-family-mental-health/) - This Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize the importance of nurturing our children's mental health, which has become a hot topic in recent years. While we have made great strides in supporting our children’s mental health, we still have a long way to go to ensure our children lead healthy lives and thrive. According to
- [Teacher Appreciation Week is Coming—Need Gift Ideas?](https://ptaourchildren.org/gift-ideas-for-teacher-appreciation-week/) - Let’s hear it for our teachers! This Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12), National PTA joins students and families in celebrating all the educators who go beyond the call of duty to reimagine learning and shape a brighter future for our kids. Despite the numerous challenges thrown their way, educators continue to show up every day and
- [Help Protect Your Child Against Meningococcal Disease](https://ptaourchildren.org/protecting-your-teen-from-meningococcal-disease/) - From school dances, sporting events, and college applications, adolescence and young adulthood can be one of the most exciting (and busy) periods in your child’s life. But did you know that some common teen behaviors, like sharing beverages and cosmetics, attending close-quarter gatherings, and more can put them at increased risk for certain vaccine-preventable diseases,
- [Why Social Media Should be the New Driver's Ed](https://ptaourchildren.org/social-media-the-new-drivers/) - Smartphones are a lot like cars. They are incredibly important to teens and tweens, allow for a newfound sense of freedom and independence, and offer students more ways to connect with friends. However, with both cars and tech, the stakes for misuse can be high. So, how can we empower students to use social media
- [How to Monitor and Manage Your Child's Stress](https://ptaourchildren.org/monitor-and-manage-your-childs-stress/) - As parents, we want our children to be successful and lead happy and healthy lives. However, in today's fast-paced world, the reality is that our children, much like adults, are susceptible to experiencing stress and anxiety due to a range of challenges. April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to examine how we can support
- [Stomachaches: Is It Clinical or Emotional?](https://ptaourchildren.org/clinical-or-emotional-stomach-aches/) - As a registered school nurse with over 28 years of experience, I have seen countless children come into my office complaining of stomachaches. Some of these stomachaches are caused by physical ailments, while others are caused by emotional distress. As a parent, it can be challenging to determine which type of stomachache your child is
- [Art Imitates Life for Lisa Ann Walter of ‘Abbott Elementary’](https://ptaourchildren.org/art-imitates-life-for-lisa-ann-walter/) - Lisa Ann Walter is not a teacher, but she plays one on TV—Ms. Melissa Schemmenti—and she's got it all: Pride for her students (the second and third graders that she teaches simultaneously), a guy who can take care of any problem (don’t ask any questions) and a commitment to not burn out because … the
- [Extraordinary Educators: Kurt Russell – 2022 Teacher of the Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/2022-teacher-of-the-year/) - “When I was growing up my mother told a story that when she was in high school she marched with Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Russell, a history teacher at Oberlin High School in Oberlin, Ohio. “From there, I always had an interest in what I consider unknown stories. I love talking to people about
- [How to Add Mindfulness to Your Child’s Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/add-mindfulness-to-your-childs-day/) - Many adults are able to recognize feelings of anxiety, stress and frustration, but when children and teenagers experience these emotions, they are often less equipped to deal with them. As we as parents and caregivers work to manage and reduce stress in our everyday life, we should help our children do the same. Mindfulness is
- [4 Ways to Help Your Child Create True Friendships](https://ptaourchildren.org/4-ways-to-help-your-child-create-true-friendships/) - Having a group of friends can be a big part of most kids’ feelings of well-being, belonging and self-esteem. Being part of a peer group can affect everything from students’ grades to their emotional health. But the ability to make good friends—and be a good friend to others—has to be taught and nurtured just like
- [PARENT TALK: How to Engage Families of Students with Disabilities, Like Mine](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-engage-families-of-students-with-disabilities/) - A few years ago, a flyer came home from my child’s high school announcing the first annual sensory-friendly school dance. Knowing that a school event was planned with the needs of all students in mind, made me, a parent of children with disabilities, feel that my family was included in a meaningful way. When I
- [Working Together to Support Healthy Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/working-together-to-support-healthy-habits/) - Parents and educators share a common goal—to support their children and students so they reach their full potential and lead fulfilling, successful lives. Parents and teachers can work together to set a positive example for the children around them and make sure they’re practicing healthy habits every day. Taking the steps at home to encourage
- [10 Ways to Get Involved in Your Child’s School](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-ways-to-get-involved-in-your-childs-school/) - Did you know that families who are more engaged in a school have students that are more engaged and have a higher school success rate? Studies show that family engagement in early grades led to higher graduation rates. Students with involved parents are more likely to earn higher grades and pass their classes, attend school
- [4 Tips for Your Child's Online Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-tips-for-childrens-online-safety/) - Over the past few years, screen-based technology has continued to permeate children’s lives. And more recently, we have witnessed the global pandemic usher in a much larger need for children and young people to have access to and spend more time online—from educational research, entertainment—and even communication with family and friends. As the use of
- [5 Fun Valentine’s Day Facts to Share with Your Family](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-fun-valentines-day-facts/) - We all know Valentine’s Day is a time for chocolate, flowers, fun crafts and a time to share how much we love and appreciate the special people in our lives. But do you know the history of the holiday? Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, originated as a
- [5 Kid-Friendly Activities to Celebrate Black History Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-kid-friendly-activities-to-celebrate-black-history-month/) - During Black History Month, we highlight the incredible contributions made by Black Americans throughout U.S. history. As you look for different ways to celebrate outside of the classroom, here are five activities you can do as a family that will expose your children to new experiences and deepen their knowledge on Black history and culture. 1. Attend
- [Uplifting Black Excellence—It’s Not Just for Black History Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/uplifting-black-excellence-for-black-history-month/) - When I was growing up, I always felt the love of my family wrapped around me. While our home was not rich in resources, it was rich in love. Every weekend, we’d take a trip to the local library. All week long I would anticipate sorting through the books and magazines, especially National Geographic. I
- [Four Tips for a Healthy Cold and Flu Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-tips-for-a-healthy-cold-and-flu-season/) - How parents – and Lysol – can help curb the spread of germs Every parent goes into protection mode to help their family avoid the cold and flu, especially after the winter recess when cold and flu season is at its peak. It is important for students to keep up their academic morale for a
- [Winter Break: Activities from <em>Statistics in Schools</em> Keep Kids Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/winter-break-activities-from-statistics-in-schools-keep-kids-learning/) - With four children in elementary, middle, and high school, I know what a struggle it is to find engaging family activities during school vacations. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools (SIS) program may be just the ticket, offering a range of resources designed to entertain kids while teaching them about their world and improving
- [Stay Safer Over the Holidays with an Updated COVID Vaccine](https://ptaourchildren.org/stay-safer-over-the-holidays-with-an-updated-covid-vaccine/) - ‘Tis the holiday season! For many, that means traveling and gathering with friends and family. That also means more opportunities to catch COVID. Thankfully, updated COVID vaccines are available for people 6 months and older. The updated COVID vaccines are designed to help protect against Omicron, the variant that is causing all new COVID infections
- [‘Tis the season to thank your child’s teacher with a holiday gift!](https://ptaourchildren.org/office-depot-office-max-holiday-gift-guide-for-teachers/) - Family nights, report cards, carpools and virtual meetings. We’re in the midst of a peak stress time for parents and educators as we all strive for that elusive work/life balance. Moving into the holiday season, there will be even more to juggle. Now is a great time to thank hard-working educators with a gift that
- [5 Cold & Flu Season Resources for Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/cold-and-flu-prevention/) - As the weather gets colder, the cold and flu season will make its mark in classrooms with the spreading of germs/illness and the resulting absences. Parents need resources and help. Lysol and National PTA want students to remain in school as much as possible to enjoy a healthy learning experience with other students. Here are
- [10 Tips to Keep Your Athletes Safe this School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-tips-to-keep-your-athletes-safe-this-school-year/) - Student athletes learn so much throughout their journey in school—teamwork, how to win, how to lose and also how to avoid injury. It’s important to stay safe throughout the season. Parents often come to me with visions of their child competing in the Olympics or becoming the star athlete in a professional sports team. Like
- [4 Back-to-School Tips from Catherine Lowe](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-back-to-school-tips-from-catherine-lowe/) - This back-to-school season is very significant for the Lowe family because all three children will be in the classroom this year. Samuel, my oldest son, is starting kindergarten (I can’t believe it!) while Isaiah starts Pre-K 4, and Mia begins her very first day of pre-school. After two difficult years, I am excited for my
- [8 Parenting Tips for a Great School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/8-parenting-tips-for-a-great-school-year/) - The back-to-school season is a wonderful time for parents to reset how they will be involved in their child’s education and development. As you are getting back into the groove and navigating new classrooms, teachers, schedules and relationships, know that building a community will help you best support your child as they learn and grow
- [Parents Can Get Thousands of Dollars This Tax Season: Here’s How](https://ptaourchildren.org/parents-can-get-thousands-of-dollars-this-tax-season-heres-how/) - With the ongoing Covid pandemic and rising prices, we know that parents face challenges as they manage their families’ health, finances and emotional needs. Fortunately, this tax season, tens of millions of families can get a little extra breathing room thanks to the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC). The full CTC provides $3,600 per child
- [10 Tips to Keep Your Kids’ Eyes Healthy](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-for-kids-eye-health/) - Vision care is a super important part of keeping kids healthy—and so is teaching them eye-healthy habits! That’s why every year, eye health professionals remind parents and caregivers to make kids’ eye health a priority. Here are some tips to help you take care of your child's eyes from the National Eye Institute (NEI)
- [10 Ways to Celebrate Teachers](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-ways-to-celebrate-teachers/) - Teaching is heart work, and it's no secret that times have been tough on our nation's educators. Many are feeling discouraged and Teacher Appreciation Week is the time to celebrate our teachers and make sure they know that we see all of their efforts and appreciate everything they do. Through all of the challenges we've
- [5 Black Educators and Advocates You Should Know](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-black-educators-and-advocates-you-should-know/) - Did you know that Black History Month was established in 1976? President Gerald Ford officially designated February as a month to, “seize the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” As we celebrate the contributions of African Americans who forged a path and opened doors for future generations,
- [Get Resources and Healthy Habits from Lysol](https://ptaourchildren.org/get-resources-and-healthy-habits-from-lysol/) - Parenting and teaching in this pandemic has been challenging as we’ve given our all to support our children’s learning, well-being and development. Reckitt, the maker of Lysol, believes it is important to keep your loved ones illness-free and is dedicated to providing resources to help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs. While you all have stepped up to the plate,
- [Parents, Be Your Own Valentine This Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/https-ptaourchildren-org-be-your-own-valentine-this-year/) - Being a parent is so rewarding—but it can also be so HARD! Even in the best of times, parenting-related stress can affect your overall well-being. Parenting during a global pandemic has taken an even greater toll. So, this Valentine’s Day, take a beat to focus on your own mental health. Pandemic parenting has worn us
- [PTA History: Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth](https://ptaourchildren.org/preventing-tobacco-use-among-youth/) - Throughout PTA’s history, we have advocated to prevent the use and access of tobacco products to minors. Preventing tobacco use among youth is important for their overall growth and development. We know to help children reach their full potential, we need to support the whole child—academic, social and emotional and well-being. That's because a child
- [College Planning: 6 Questions Every Family Should Ask](https://ptaourchildren.org/college-planning-questions-every-family-should-ask/) - College and Career Planning can be an exciting time for high school students and their parents—but it can also be intimidating, time-consuming and costly. Even with the wealth of resources available today, academic and financial planning experts see millions of families who simply aren’t aware of the right questions to ask and fail to see
- [New Year, New Tips for 2022 Healthy Habits and Wellness](https://ptaourchildren.org/new-year-tips-2022-healthy-habits-wellness/) - The new year is a chance to reset and remind us of what is most important in our lives, including healthy habits. As we begin to think about New Year’s resolutions for 2022, Lysol and National PTA have teamed up to share tips for healthy habits for the year to come. Small actions can help
- [Ask this Key Question to Better Shape Your Child’s Future](https://ptaourchildren.org/mission-driven-question-shapes-career/) - It’s everyone’s favorite question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Yet when we ask children this, it can imply that they’ll be defined by what they do, and that their achievements regarding this singular goal will determine their success. Instead, ask, “What problem in the world do you want to solve?”
- [Esports: The New After-School Activity You Should Know About](https://ptaourchildren.org/esports-competitive-video-gaming-benefits/) - Teamwork. Communication. Leadership. When you hear these three skills, which extracurricular activity comes to mind? Maybe sports like soccer and football? Student government? Theater? These are actually three of the skills that students improve upon when they join their school’s esports team. As more and more teachers discover the positive power behind high school esports—or
- [5 Things You Need to Know About Youth Vaping](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-things-parents-should-know-about-youth-vaping-nicotine-use/) - Now is an important time for parents and schools to address youth nicotine use. Recent research shows that youth vaping, which is still at epidemic levels, was significantly impacted as students spent more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and had less retail access to e-cigarettes and opportunities to share e-cigarettes with others. Now
- [5 Healthy Habits for the Holiday Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/holiday-healthy-habits-lysol/) - After a holiday season that was anything but usual last year, Lysol and National PTA are very much looking forward to the special moments to come this time of the year! However, it’s important to remember the holiday months are also the start of the cold and flu season. With many people planning to celebrate
- [‘Tis Better to Give: A Guide to Giving to Educators](https://ptaourchildren.org/a-guide-to-giving-to-educators/) - Practicing gratitude has been shown to boost happiness and positivity. While gratitude should be a year-round practice, the holidays are a time many people choose to express their gratitude and appreciation in the form of a gift. These gifts range from heartfelt, handwritten thank-you notes to gift cards, but the essence of gift-giving remains the
- [Want to Make Halloween Safe & Sweet? Think Like A Kid.](https://ptaourchildren.org/safe-sweet-halloween-covid-19-tips/) - For many of the estimated 172 million of us who celebrate Halloween, this year will still be a little funky as COVID-19 remains a challenge and group gatherings and celebrations still carry risk. As parents, we only get a certain number of annual tickets in the front row seat to our kiddos’ Halloween joy. So,
- [When Watching Leads to Doing](https://ptaourchildren.org/when-watching-youtube-kids-leads-to-doing/) - After a busy week, everyone in our family is excited for the weekend. But with our crazy schedules during the week, sometimes finding fun activities for family time is a challenge. My five kids range in age from elementary to high school. Obviously, the kids’ interests and attention spans differ greatly! Some of my kids
- [Parent Talk: How I Helped Start Our PTSA’s DEI Committee](https://ptaourchildren.org/parent-talk-how-i-helped-start-our-ptsas-dei-committee/) - Last year, my family moved from the east coast back to California. As if moving across country wasn’t complicated enough, the added challenge of navigating our way through the COVID-19 pandemic made for a wild ride! We decided to move back to the area where we lived three years prior as we were already familiar
- [Celebrate World Smile Day with this Activity](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrate-world-smile-day-with-this-activity/) - Celebrate World Smile Day (Oct. 1) with this fun STEAM activity that will help put a smile on the face of every member of your family! Work together to create a Smile Map! What Are We Discovering?
- [Focus on Eyesight to Improve Learning This Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/focus-on-eyesight-to-improve-learning-this-year/) - The beginning of a new school year is often marked with new supplies, clothes and routines—and all the things your child needs to have a great school year. If you haven’t done so already, a visit to your child’s eye doctor for an exam should be on your to-do list. Many children suffer from underlying vision problems that go undetected
- [“Testing” Has a Whole New Meaning This Fall](https://ptaourchildren.org/testing-has-a-whole-new-meaning-this-fall/) - As students across the country prepare to return to in-person learning this fall, schools are closely watching federal, state and local health guidelines—and listening to parents and staff about what feels safe and right when kids return to campus. Since children under 12 years of age are not yet eligible for vaccination, national public health experts have recognized the value of routine rapid response coronavirus testing for elementary and middle school settings in
- [TikTok Star Jason Linton Shares His #DadLife with the World](https://ptaourchildren.org/jason-linton-dadlife-tiktok/) - Jason Linton is grateful for his family. Known to many as @DadlifeJason on TikTok, he is an adoptive father of three in a biracial family. His positive and fun videos are a source of joy and inspiration to his 9.8 million followers. It’s his mission to show how his family navigates the ups and downs
- [8 Maneras de Ayudar a Sus Niños a Hablar por Sí Mismos](https://ptaourchildren.org/8-maneras-de-ayudar-a-sus-ninos-a-hablar-por-si-mismos/) - Como padres, a menudo, intervenimos y hablamos por nuestros hijos. Manejamos las cosas por ellos porque tenemos buenas intenciones y queremos protegerlos. Pero esto no les sirve de nada. Cada vez que resolvemos los problemas de nuestros hijos y hablamos en lugar de ellos, les robamos parte de su poder para descifrar las cosas por
- [Consejos para Promover la Inclusión y la Alegría de La Maestra Nacional del Año 2021](https://ptaourchildren.org/consejos-para-promover-la-inclusion-y-la-alegria-de-la-maestra-nacional-del-ano-2021/) - Juliana Urtubey, la Maestra Nacional del Año 2021, tiene una visión clara para el futuro: una educación “alegre y justa” para todos los niños. A Urtubey le encanta enseñar a los niños más pequeños porque tienen una base muy sólida en lo que respecta a la inclusión y la igualdad. “No están muy alejados de
- [Los Educadores Extraordinarios: Juliana Urtubey, la Maestra Nacional del Año 2021](https://ptaourchildren.org/los-educadores-extraordinarios-juliana-urtubey-la-maestra-nacional-del-ano-2021/) - La Maestra Nacional del Año 2021, se ve reflejada en sus estudiantes. Al igual que ella, muchos de sus alumnos pertenecen a la primera generación de inmigrantes. Los padres de Urtubey abandonaron su Colombia natal, donde nació Juliana, y se establecieron en Chicago para dar a ella y a sus hermanas una crianza más segura.
- [4 Ways to Address Your Child's COVID-Era Learning Gaps](https://ptaourchildren.org/4-ways-to-address-your-childs-covid-era-learning-gaps/) - School has been enormously challenging for students, teachers and parents who have had to juggle a mix of distance, hybrid and in-person learning—in addition to the other big changes—during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, our children have returned to in-person learning, albeit with social distancing and other safety practices in place. However, many parents are
- [How to Reduce Your Family’s COVID-19 Risk this School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-reduce-your-familys-covid-19-risk-this-school-year/) - As the Delta variant continues its rampage across the U.S. and other parts of the world, kids under 12 who can’t yet receive a COVID-19 vaccine remain at high risk. As we embark on the third school year in a row affected by this pandemic, parents are collectively exhausted by the constantly shifting risk assessment that
- [Tips to Promote Inclusivity and Joy from the 2021 National Teacher of the Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-to-promote-inclusivity-and-joy-from-the-2021-national-teacher-of-the-year/) - Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, has a clear vision for the future—a "joyous and just" education for every child. Part of that vision includes supporting the strong foundation of inclusivity and equity that young children naturally possess. "They understand that while everybody needs something different to succeed, everybody also needs the
- [Extraordinary Educators: Juliana Urtubey, 2021 National Teacher of the Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/extraordinary-educators-juliana-urtubey-2021-national-teacher-of-the-year/) - Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, sees herself in her students. Like her, many of her students are first-generation immigrants. Urtubey’s parents left their native country of Colombia, where she was born, and settled in Chicago to give her and her sisters a safer upbringing. However, her mother didn’t feel welcome or
- [Ready, Set, STEM! Create a Hydro-Dipped Science Gift](https://ptaourchildren.org/ready-set-stem-create-a-hydro-dipped-science-gift/) - The National Inventors Hall of Fame aims to inspire young innovators everywhere. Show your child how fun STEM can be with this activity! Let your creativity flow as you explore principles of fluid dynamics to create a one-of-a-kind gift. Dip a canvas panel or ceramic tile into a swirl of spray paint to reveal a
- [How We PTA: Meeting the Critical Needs of Families and Communities](https://ptaourchildren.org/covid19-how-we-pta-family-engagement/) - Schools provide so much more than education: good nutrition, childcare, access to technology, mental health services and more. This is what makes them central to any community. That’s also why local PTAs were well-positioned to address some of the biggest societal challenges that were caused or worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of
- [Ask a PTA Leader: Anna King, National PTA President](https://ptaourchildren.org/ask-a-pta-leader-anna-king/) - If you ask new National PTA President, Anna King, about why she is so passionate about our mission work, you will get a firm, immediate answer, “It’s all for our kids.” As a mother of three and a proud grandmother of 11, King firmly believes everything is possible for all children when we put our
- [5 Back-to-School Hacks for Middle School Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/back-to-school-hacks/) - As you plan your back to school shopping, it's time to think creatively about how the items on your school supplies list can help organize your child. Here are some back-to-school hacks that can save middle school parents the one thing that every parent seems to lack: time. Master packed lunches. Let's start with the thing that
- [5 Back to School Tech Accessories](https://ptaourchildren.org/school-tech-accessories/) - In the past, the average back to school supplies list featured just the basics: paper, pens, rulers and folders. Back to school shopping is a little more modern these days, with a healthy dose of tech to help students get their grades. Here are five school tech accessories to consider for the tech-savvy student. 1. Backpack. According
- [Start the School Year Right: From School Supplies to Routines](https://ptaourchildren.org/start-the-school-year-right/) - Even though January officially starts the “new year,” most parents would say that September and back to school is the “real” new year. If you’re looking ahead to starting some new routines, you can check out our tips that can help you prepare to begin the school year right. Create a Place for Everything If
- [RESET Your Family Schedule This School Year—Less is More](https://ptaourchildren.org/reset-your-family-schedule/) - We know that the pandemic has been a challenging time for many kids with limited outdoor play options, isolation from friends and virtual learning. However, there are many things that have worked for families—things you want to continue as we go back to in-person schooling and schedules. It's time to reset your family schedule with
- [Help Your Teen Get Ready for College and Career with ACT Resources](https://ptaourchildren.org/get-your-teen-ready-for-college-and-career-with-act/) - Your teen's high school journey can seem like it will last forever, but as they approach graduation, it becomes clear that they need to prepare for their next adventure. Inspire your child to consider their education and learning as a lifelong voyage of discovery—the lion’s share of which happens after senior year. This holds true
- [7 Tips for Sparking a Love of Reading](https://ptaourchildren.org/7-tips-for-sparking-a-love-of-reading/) - Like many families navigating this difficult time, we have our children’s well-being and academics on our minds. Have you spent the past 18 months organizing, planning and stressing about your child’s learning? Are you wondering what one thing you can do that is proven to help your child the most? Well, reading is the answer!
- [How Parents Can Support Healthy Schools and Teachers This Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-parents-can-support-health-schools-and-teachers-this-year/) - It’s hard to believe the summer has flown by and students are already back in school ready to begin another year of learning and growing! For some schools across the country, this will be the first time students will be consistently attending in-person learning, and there are undoubtedly questions and concerns top of mind for
- [It’s Not All About COVID—Children Need Regular Vaccinations to Go Back to School](https://ptaourchildren.org/children-need-regular-vaccinations-to-go-back-to-school/) - Is your child up-to-date on their vaccinations? When asked this question, did you automatically think of the COVID-19 vaccine, or did you think “Oh, the shots we get at our routine appointments?” Most of us are only thinking about COVID-19 and its emerging new variants that make headlines almost every day. And we are not
- [Why Do We Need COVID-19 Testing in K-12 Schools?](https://ptaourchildren.org/why-do-we-need-covid-19-testing-in-schools/) - While vaccinations continue to help put the worst of COVID-19 behind us, that does not mean public health measures can relax yet. The critical vaccination threshold for herd immunity has just hit 70% and with the Delta Variant spreading, infected people can still spread the virus. The Risks to Public Health This group of people
- [4 Back-to-School Health Tips for Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/4-back-to-school-health-tips-for-parents/) - We hope families everywhere are enjoying summer and the quality time that comes with the season! Before we know it, school doors will open and the excitement and commotion of the academic year will be upon us. Keep the following tips in mind to help make the transition back to school as smooth as possible:
- [ACT Basics: Breaking Down What You Need to Know About the Test](https://ptaourchildren.org/act-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-test/) - The ACT is one of the best ways to help your child prepare and plan for their future. Taking the ACT as a junior in high school gives your student an idea about their readiness for college coursework by showing them where they have strengths, and where there are opportunities for improvement. Identify interests. The ACT
- [Learn Through Books and Their Movie Adaptations](https://ptaourchildren.org/learning-through-books-and-their-movie-adaptations/) - Digital media plays a critical role in our children’s daily lives and routines, both at home and at school. Data shows that throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the need to teach kids and find ways to keep them occupied swept aside former rules regulating screen time. In the aftermath of these disruptions, many parents have been
- [How Much Do Our Children Understand About COVID-19?](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-much-do-our-children-understand-about-covid-19/) - As the school year comes to a close and we continue to strive towards a semblance of normalcy in our daily lives, now is a time to reflect on all we have experienced over the past 14+ months. Many aspects of life have looked incredibly different since March 2020, especially at school, and no two
- [Want Your Child to Remember What They Learn? Have Them Teach It.](https://ptaourchildren.org/help-your-child-learn-by-teaching-you/) - There are many ways for families to practice transformative family engagement in their child’s education. Have you ever heard the old adage, “you don’t really understand something unless you can teach it to someone else?” Well, learning science shows that’s true. “Learning by teaching” (also known as the protégé effect) is a simple yet underused learning
- [With Pre-K Enrollment Down, Families Hold the Key to  Preventing a Long-Term Crisis](https://ptaourchildren.org/pre-k-enrollment-down-how-families-can-help/) - Where have all the 5-year-olds gone? This question is being asked in school districts across the country—including, almost certainly, your own. As a result of the pandemic, enrollment in Pre-K and Kindergarten is down—in some cases, dramatically. This has been widely reported: double-digit enrollment declines have hit urban, rural and suburban districts across the country.
- [5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Family’s Mental Health](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-tips-for-taking-care-of-your-familys-mental-health/) - May is Mental Health Awareness month! To celebrate, National PTA’s podcast, Notes from the Backpack, has released a new healthy minds miniseries comprised of five new episodes, all focused on helping your family improve their mental health and social-emotional well-being. Here are some of our favorite tips from the experts we interviewed. 1. Normalize Talking About Mental Health Families
- [Help Your Student Make the Most of Their Summer (and Still Have Time for Fun)](https://ptaourchildren.org/use-online-courses-to-limit-learning-loss-this-summer/) - After the long months of quarantine, children and parents alike are ready to get out of the house this summer and put at least a few beach-towel-lengths between family members. Yet this could also be one of the most important summers for education because of all of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Choosing
- [How to Prepare Children for the Fourth Industrial Revolution](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-prepare-children-for-the-fourth-industrial-revolution/) - When the internet came, connectivity changed our lives. Artificial intelligence, robotics and blockchains will transform our children’s lives by bringing more changes in the next twenty years than in the past two hundred years combined. This sea change is called the Fourth Industrial Revolution. While artificial intelligence enhances human skillsets and robotics offers freedom from
- [Start Thinking about College Applications Early](https://ptaourchildren.org/start-thinking-about-college-applications-early/) - After experiencing the college application process with my daughter last year, this process is top-of-mind as I watch my son get ready to start high school this fall. While some would view this focus so early on in high school as a little hyper-vigilant, I would argue that viewing your high school experience through the
- [Coffee Compost: Exploring the Science Behind Composting](https://ptaourchildren.org/coffee-compost-exploring-the-science-behind-composting/) - When you think about saving the planet, you might think about reducing carbon emissions by carpooling, riding a bike, or even purchasing an electric vehicle. While these are all great ways to save the planet, there are also a lot of simple things you can do everyday to help protect our planet. Any day is
- [5 Ways Hope Can Improve Your Child’s Academic Skills](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-ways-hope-can-improve-your-childs-academic-skills/) - When most teachers begin planning their lessons for the week, hope is not typically at the top of their lesson plan. However, taking a bit of time each day to teach and practice hope skills can actually provide clear, measurable benefits for the students and the classroom as a whole. That is why we created
- [Have a Math Chat with Your Kids: The Role of Dialogue in the Learning Process](https://ptaourchildren.org/math-chat-learning-through-conversation/) - How often do you have conversations with your children about math? If you’re like many parents, the subject probably comes up less frequently, and without the kind of depth, that your conversations have around literature, history and science. But math discussions can be rich and interesting and can go a long way toward helping your
- [Science Is Leading the Way to Reopen Schools](https://ptaourchildren.org/science-is-leading-the-way-to-reopen-schools/) - From the PTA Blog: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented immense and immediate challenges for schools across the country. Seemingly overnight, teachers and administrators had to rework their curriculum, shift to online learning, and find ways to engage students of all ages from behind a screen. At the same time, students and parents worked to quickly
- [5 Reasons Your Child Should Listen to Podcasts](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-reasons-your-child-should-listen-to-podcasts/) - During the pandemic, as we were debating our next venture in the world of children’s educational entertainment, we decided to turn to podcasting. Podcasting was something we could do right in our homes. We could write, record and edit shows while maintaining impeccable social distance. We even thought up a great name for our new
- [5 Keys to Activating Hope in Your Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-keys-to-activating-hope-in-your-home/) - This year, our children have been faced with unprecedented obstacles and stress as they’ve learned to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given these challenges, it is imperative that children develop the skills they need to maintain a hopeful mindset and continue moving forward, especially in the face of adversity. There has never been a more
- [Help Your Teen Learn How to Communicate](https://ptaourchildren.org/help-your-teen-learn-to-communicate/) - When it comes to “adulting” people often think of skills like cooking and financial literacy, but they don’t always think about the art of communication. If we want our teens to be successful, it’s essential that we teach them to communicate clearly and respectfully as they venture out into the world on their own. So
- [Adulting 101: From Cooking to Credit Cards](https://ptaourchildren.org/adulting-101-cooking-to-credit-cards/) - My middle son became an adult in 2020. He was among the first wave of teens who jumped feet first into a world changed by the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and with the lack of typical celebrations that mark the transition from “kid” to “adult.” Yet, he was raring to get out into the world, officially
- [Teaching Social and Emotional Skills at Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/teaching-social-and-emotional-skills-at-home/) - What is Social Emotional Learning? The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) identifies the five core social emotional competencies as social awareness, self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making and relationship skills. But what does that really look like in action? March 26 is International SEL Day, so in honor of the occasion, we asked parents,
- [Digging into STEM](https://ptaourchildren.org/digging-into-stem/) - Create and then excavate your very own ice ball! This family activity teaches kids about the science behind glacier excavation. When you think about polar bears, you probably also think about ice. The ice in glaciers comes from snow that is very old. By studying the water, air, dust and other materials trapped in the
- [Use Brain Breaks to Help Your Kids Recharge and Refocus](https://ptaourchildren.org/use-brain-breaks-to-help-your-kids-recharge-and-refocus/) - Are your young learners sitting in front of a computer screen multiple hours a day as part of remote learning? Do you see them getting antsy and reckless after sitting there for an extended period? Children have short attention spans. This makes it very important for them to take brain breaks—mental breaks designed to help
- [What I’ve Learned About How My Kids Learn](https://ptaourchildren.org/what-ive-learned-about-how-my-kids-learn/) - None of us would have predicted in March 2020 that our children’s school situations would remain frustratingly amorphous a full year later. Perhaps that was for the best; if parents had known, we might have run screaming for the hills (with some of our children’s teachers right behind us). This forced experiment in remote
- [Remind Your School Community About These 5 Healthy Habit Tips](https://ptaourchildren.org/remind-your-school-community-about-these-5-healthy-habit-tips/) - As we continue through the 2020-2021 school year, some schools are in person, some are remote, and still others are offering a hybrid option. Therefore, it is more important than ever for teachers, students and families to practice healthy habits. Everyone should work together to remember, practice and promote healthy habits, both in the classroom
- [Derribando los Mitos del “Nativo Digital”](https://ptaourchildren.org/derribando-los-mitos-del-nativo-digital/) - Como vicepresidenta de una empresa de tecnología para la educación, constantemente veo las cosas increíbles que pueden hacer los niños y lo rápido que aprenden usando la tecnología. Una maestra hasta llegó a decirme que: “La tecnología no es solo una parte de su mundo, ¡es SU mundo!” Esta suposición tan difundida de que los
- [Educadores Excepcionales: Luis Juarez](https://ptaourchildren.org/educadores-excepcionales-luis-juarez/) - Luis Juárez es un maestro con una misión: quiere ayudar a los padres hispanohablantes a que aprendan a apoyar el aprendizaje de sus hijos y a forjar relaciones con los maestros y administradores de sus niños. “Algunos padres no están familiarizados con los maestros y son un poco tímidos para acercarse a ellos cuando no
- [El Rincón de Lectura](https://ptaourchildren.org/el-rincon-de-lectura/) - La escritura es uno de los hábitos con mayor trascendencia en la humanidad. La Antigua combinación del papiro y la tinta ha forjado la presencia de numerosas civilizaciones a través de los años. Está práctica nos ha otorgado las herramientas necesarias para, precisamente, recurrir a un pasado que nos permita comprender nuestro presente y diseñar
- [¿Como pueden los padres que hablan español ayudar a sus hijos lograr el éxito en la escuela?](https://ptaourchildren.org/como-pueden-los-padres-que-hablan-espanol-ayudar-a-sus-hijos-lograr-el-exito-en-la-escuela/) - El éxito de un niño en la escuela a menudo depende del vocabulario y las habilidades de lectura que él o ella desarrolla durante sus primeros años. Cuanto más vocabulario tenga un niño, mayor será la probabilidad de su éxito escolar. Las palabras son bloques de construcción para todo: usamos palabras para comunicar nuestros sentimientos,
- [Lanzarse a Ser Una Estrella: Mae Jemison Habla Acerca De La Ciencia Y La Vida](https://ptaourchildren.org/lanzarse-a-ser-una-estrella-mae-jemison-habla-acerca-de-la-ciencia-y-la-vida/) - La película reciente Hidden Figures explora la historia nunca contada de tres mujeres afroamericanas, cuyas excepcionales aptitudes para las Matemáticas y la Ingeniería ayudaron a enviar astronautas al espacio y traerlos de regreso sanos y salvos en las décadas de 1950 y 1960. La astronauta y física Mae C. Jemison nació cuando estas mujeres usaban
- [Una feria de CIENCIAS FAMILIAR](https://ptaourchildren.org/una-feria-de-ciencias-familiar/) - Pruebe estos experimentos en casa con sus hijos Es fácil ser científico. Solo mira a tu alrededor y pregunta “¿por qué?” ¡Seguramente tus hijos lo hacen con suficiente frecuencia! Están en buen camino para ser científicos. Prueba uno de estos experimentos fáciles y divertidos de la iniciativa Making Science Make Sense® de Bayer en tu
- [Ayude a su hijo a comprender el ciberacoso](https://ptaourchildren.org/ayude-a-su-hijo-a-comprender-el-ciberacoso/) - Imagine estar caminando por el pasillo de una escuela intermedia y ver las palabras “perdedor feo” escritas en el casillero de un estudiante de sexto grado, con las letras gigantes ensombreciendo el espacio personal de un estudiante en la escuela. Algunos pares apuntan con el dedo y ríen mientras pasan, otros alejan la mirada con
- [Cómo Estar Seguro En La Ruta](https://ptaourchildren.org/como-estar-seguro-en-la-ruta/) - Aquí tienen algunos consejos de seguridad para que su familia esté segura al viajar. Antes De Salir Hágale un servicio a su auto antes de ir a la ruta. No hay nada peor que una avería del automóvil para retrasar o limitar su diversión familiar. Y también le conviene estar preparado ante cualquier evento inesperado,
- [Mejores Refrigerios Para Su Próximo Viaje Familiar En Ruta](https://ptaourchildren.org/mejores-refrigerios-para-su-proximo-viaje-familiar-en-ruta/) - Los viajes en ruta: sea que cruce todo el país o la ciudad para visitar a la abuela, pueden ser muy divertidos. No hay nada más adorable que cuando los hijos oyen en la radio una cancion que aman y empiezan a cantarla; excepto cuando esto se repite todo el tiempo. Por desgracia, aparte de
- [¿Qué Dicen Los Expertos?](https://ptaourchildren.org/que-dicen-los-expertos/) - ¿Hay algunos tiempos de pantalla mejores que otros? ¡Por supuesto! Hay una gran diferencia entre una hora que se pasó viendo Instagram y otra que se pasó aprendiendo vocabulario con una app del smartphone, o haciendo la tarea de matemáticas en un sitio web educativo. Según Common Sense Media, usted puede maximizar el tiempo de
- [Let Your Kids Bank on It](https://ptaourchildren.org/let-your-kids-bank-on-it/) - “No one ever taught me about banking when I was younger. Not at home, not in school. It was never explained to me.” As a caring parent do you want your child saying that when they get older? Of course not. Every day banking is an important part of being an adult and that’s why
- [5 Maneras de Ayudar a Sus Niños a Transitar los Años de Escolaridad](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-maneras-de-ayudar-a-sus-ninos-a-transitar-los-anos-de-escolaridad/) - Este año, el regreso a la escuela ha tomado un nuevo significado. Las escuelas de todo el país han adoptado distintos enfoques para garantizar la seguridad del personal y los estudiantes, brindar una formación sólida y proporcionar un acceso equitativo a los recursos. Y los desafíos logísticos representan la punta del iceberg. Tras meses de
- [Cómo Desarrollar las Habilidades Emocionales y Sociales de Sus Niños](https://ptaourchildren.org/como-desarrollar-las-habilidades-emocionales-y-sociales-de-sus-ninos/) - Usted sabe que leer con sus hijos puede ayudarles a mejorar sus habilidades de alfabetización, pero quizás le cueste encontrar maneras de ayudarles a desarrollar habilidades de la vida. Existen muchas maneras en las que puede facilitar el desarrollo de sus hijos más allá de lo académico. ¡La buena noticia es que ya les está
- [Commit to Clean: Advice for Parents to Create a Healthy School Environment](https://ptaourchildren.org/commit-to-clean-advice-for-parents-to-create-a-healthy-school-environment/) - Throughout 2020, we saw children across the country learn in ways like never before—virtual, in-person or a hybrid of both. Regardless of how your child experienced school, the top priority of school administrators, teachers, school nurses and parents remained the same—keeping everyone safe and healthy as we navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, we
- [7 Pasos para Enseñar a sus Niños a Levantarse Cuando Están Bajoneados](https://ptaourchildren.org/7-pasos-para-ensenar-a-sus-ninos-a-levantarse-cuando-estan-bajoneados/) - Todos los niños tienen días oscuros, pero algunos los atraviesan con más facilidad que otros. A pesar de que algunas personas son resilientes por naturaleza, la capacidad de recuperarse también puede aprenderse. Siga estos siete pasos para ayudar a sus niños a practicar la resiliencia a diario. PASO 1: Escuchar los pensamientos Nuestros pensamiento pueden
- [Recupere su Rutina Matutina](https://ptaourchildren.org/recupere-su-rutina-matutina/) - Las mañanas ayudan a marcar el ritmo del resto del día. Por desgracia, luego de los días largos y relajados de las vacaciones de verano, hacer la transición de sus niños a la rutina diaria puede ser más fácil decirlo que hacerlo. ¡Pero no permita que el estrés sabotee sus mañanas! Estos siete consejos le
- [Padres: El Jugador Más Valioso en el Deporte Juvenil es Usted](https://ptaourchildren.org/padres-el-jugador-mas-valioso-en-el-deporte-juvenil-es-usted/) - El campeón del Super Bowl Brady Poppinga recuerda una discusión acalorada que se desarrolló entre un entrenador voluntario y un padre luego de un juego de béisbol juvenil en el que participó hace más de 20 años. Su equipo juvenil acababa de ser dejado fuera de un torneo en Evanston, Wyo., y mientras guardaban las
- [Conozca Las Señales: La Verdad Sobre el Abuso de Opioides](https://ptaourchildren.org/conozca-las-senales-la-verdad-sobre-el-abuso-de-opioides/) - En la última década, el uso de opioides ha tenido un impacto devastador en familias en todo el país, y la crisis no muestra señales de haber disminuido. Hay más de 144 muertes por sobredosis de droga por día en Estados Unidos y el 63% de esas muertes están relacionas con la heroína o con
- [How to Get College Credit in High School](https://ptaourchildren.org/get-college-credit-in-high-school/) - As if teaching your child how to drive wasn’t scary enough, now you have to start thinking about paying for college. Like many parents of high school students, you are probably encouraging your teenager to take advantage of any opportunity to lower the cost of their future college education. That includes earning college credit while
- [10 Buenos Habitos De Estudio](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-buenos-habitos-de-estudio/) - Para Ayudar a su Hijo Tener Éxito en el Nuevo Año Escolar Otra vez llegó esa época del año. Hemos cambiado los días de playa por los días escolaresy una vez que la frescura luminosa de los primeros días de clase se evapore, será el momento de ponernos a trabajar. En especial, para los estudiantes
- [10 Sugerencias para Crear Buenas Relaciones con la Escuela](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-sugerencias-para-crear-buenas-relaciones-con-la-escuela/) - Cada año escolar es una nueva aventura y una nueva oportunidad para crear relaciones y memorias con sus hijos. En el plazo de un año, estudiantes de kinder hasta la preparatoria pasan en promedio, siete horas al día en la escuela por 180 días cada año escolar. En total, ¡sus hijos pasan aproximadamente 1,260 horas
- [The Five Best Things You Can Do for Your Kids in the New Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-best-things-for-your-kids-in-the-new-year/) - This time of year reminds me of kayaking toward a waterfall. As the New Year kicks off, things start to move faster, knowing how much is going to be added to our already-full plate. This year seems especially treacherous as we maneuver the route, trying to avoid the obstacles thrown in our way. As we
- [Cómo los padres Hispánicos pueden participar activamente en la educación de sus hijos](https://ptaourchildren.org/como-los-padres-hispanicos-pueden-participar-activamente-en-la-educacion-de-sus-hijos/) - Mi marido y yo somos los orgullosos padres de cuatro hijas. Cuando nuestra primera hija, Meralis, se empezó la escuela primaria, nos dimos cuenta de que, en nuestro rol de padres, había muchos factores que escapaban de nuestro control y que ella experimentaría en su día escolar, algunas cosas diferentes a nuestra cultura hispana. Aprendimos
- [¿La Escuela De Su Hijo Es Segura Ambientalmente?](https://ptaourchildren.org/la-escuela-de-su-hijo-es-segura-ambientalmente/) - Proteger a los niños del daño es un instinto básico de la naturaleza humana. Les enseñamos a nuestros hijos a ser cuidadosos: no jugar con fósforos, mirar a ambos lados de la calle antes de cruzar, y lavarse las manos al llegar a casa después de jugar afuera. Les damos alimentos saludables y nos aseguramos
- [¿Cuánto Tiempo De Pantalla Es Demasiado Mucho?](https://ptaourchildren.org/cuanto-tiempo-de-pantalla-es-demasiado-mucho/) - El mundo digital ha llegado para quedarse, y no es secreto que los niños de hoy en día enfrentan diferentes desafíos que las generaciones anteriores. ¿Tarea? Enviarla por Internet. ¿Proyecto escolar? Crear un documento de Google. ¿Necesita practicar matemáticas o sus habilidades de lectura? Hay una app para eso. Con la tele, la computadora, la
- [Receta del doctor de la nación: Ir a la escuela caminando](https://ptaourchildren.org/receta-del-doctor-de-la-nacion-ir-a-la-escuela-caminando/) - Caminar es una de las mejores cosas que los niños pueden hacer por su salud, bienestar emocional y éxito académico. Sin embargo, entre 1969 y 2009, el numero de niños que iban a la escuela caminando bajó del 48% al 13%. Durante ese mismo período, la obesidad infantil se triplicó, y las congestiones de tráfico
- [Celebrating Kwanzaa as a Family: How We Incorporate Kwanzaa in our Holiday Traditions](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrating-kwanzaa-as-a-family/) - The holiday season is a time for celebrating traditions and sharing those traditions with family and friends. Our most significant memories around this time tend to center around how we celebrated the holidays growing up and it is the main reason why we pass these traditions down from generation to generation. We want our kids
- [Why Letting Your Child Struggle with Math is Okay](https://ptaourchildren.org/why-letting-your-child-struggle-with-math-is-okay/) - What does math problem-solving typically look like for your child? No matter how accomplished a student is, most parents have seen frustration firsthand when working with a child who “gets stuck” completing a problem. As educators, we’re often asked, what’s the right way to respond? The "Helping" Problem Often, in the interest of seeing children
- [10 Ways to Get—and Keep—Conversations Going with Teens](https://ptaourchildren.org/conversation-tips-parents-teens/) - Sometimes it’s harder to communicate with teenagers than it would be to fry an egg on the sidewalk in Minnesota in January. No matter what you do, both the egg and the conversation turn as cold as ice, not sunny-side up. It’s easy to take this personally, too. They seem to be able to talk
- [4 Tips to Keep Kids Engaged in Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/keep-kids-engaged-in-learning/) - Are your kids having trouble getting motivated for school? Similar to what long-distance runners experience, your child may be hitting a wall, especially in this virtual and remote learning year. It's hard to keep them engaged in the learning process. I'm sure you've witnessed it. One moment your child is flying along, feeling great, and
- [How to Build Your Child’s Social and Emotional Skills](https://ptaourchildren.org/build-your-childs-social-emotional-skills/) - You know that reading with your child can help boost their literacy skills, but you might be stumped on ways to help them build life skills. There are many ways you can facilitate your child’s development beyond academics—by building their social and emotional skills. And the good news is you are already helping in more
- [Tips to Make Better Connections](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-to-make-better-connections/) - The 2020 National Teacher of the Year, Tabatha Rosproy, follows one golden rule when it comes to building connections with the children in her classroom, their families and her grandparent volunteers: Remember that every interaction you have is either a deposit or a withdrawal. “Never make the first interaction a withdrawal,” Rosproy says. “Make deposits
- [Extraordinary Educators: Tabatha Rosproy, 2020 National Teacher of the Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/extraordinary-educators-tabatha-rosproy-2020-national-teacher-of-the-year/) - When it comes to making learning an adventure, Tabatha Rosproy is the leader of the pack. Each day she guides a group of 16 inquisitive, energetic four-year-olds through lessons and activities in an unusual location for such a lively bunch—a retirement community and nursing home. Her innovative approach led her to be named the 2020
- [10 Children’s Books on the Elections and Voting Process](https://ptaourchildren.org/election-and-voting-books/) - In this election season, your children are likely well aware that there's an important presidential vote coming up. But they also probably have a lot of questions about the history and details of the election process. Read one or more of these 10 books during your family reading time to teach your child about the
- [How to Combat Screen Fatigue in a Virtual Learning Environment](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-combat-screen-fatigue/) - With many children engaged in four or more hours of online learning each day due to the COVID-19 pandemic, screen fatigue is a big concern for parents and educators. For all people, online interactions via Zoom and other video platforms require extra effort to communicate. It takes additional work to hear, understand, speak and stay
- [Help Your Child Through Communication Challenges in Distant Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/distance-learning-challenges/) - Attending classes and learning remotely is a new normal for our children. This has come with new challenges as your child may struggle to communicate and understand concepts during their sessions. You may have recognized these three challenges as your child is learning in a virtual setting. Here are tips for improving their success. CHALLENGE
- [Lesson Plans to Help Parents and Teachers Reinforce Healthy Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/healthy-habits-lesson-plans/) - More than in any previous school year, it is important to teach your children healthy habits, and ensure that they are practicing these habits at home and in the classroom.
- [How to Answer the “What Ifs” When Your Child Struggles](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-answer-the-what-ifs/) - If two months ago someone had asked me to sum up my feelings about the approaching school year, I can confidently say my answer would have started with “what if.” What if my school district chooses not to reopen in person? What if we have to make it through another six months of remote learning?
- [5 Ways to Help Your Child Navigate the School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-ways-to-help-your-child-navigate-the-school-year/) - G You may have had a mock day to ease your child’s anxiety about moving up a grade. However, continue conversations and activities throughout the school year. It can be hard for children to feel like they’re missing out on the traditional experience. Try to approximate non-academic school activities as much as you can. That
- [Questions Every Parent Should Ask Themselves](https://ptaourchildren.org/questions-every-parent-should-ask-themselves/) - The Washington Post Parenting Expert, Meghan Leahy, is a mom of three school-aged girls and a parenting coach. Like her clients and readers, she grew weary of the endless “shoulds” of modern parenting—along with the simplistic rules and advice that often hurt more than help.
- [Start Parenting Outside the Lines](https://ptaourchildren.org/start-parenting-outside-the-lines/) - When the pandemic hit, my social media became flooded with memes. A few personal favorites: "Coronavirus Parenting Week 1: Mary Poppins.Coronavirus Parenting Week 2: Miss Hannigan from Annie." "Homeschool Day 2: Wondering how to get my kids transferred out of class." "Being quarantined with a talkative child is like having a parrot super glued to your
- [How to Virtually Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-virtually/) - Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and throughout this month, we honor the diverse cultures, histories and endless contributions that Hispanic and Latinx Americans have made and continue to make to society. With over 60 million Hispanics in the United States—the nation’s largest ethnic and racial minority—it is safe to say that
- [How You Can Support Your Child’s Distance Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/distance-learning/) - The first few weeks of the new school year are behind you. Your child is acclimated to their virtual classroom and their teacher(s) have welcomed their students with getting-to-know-you activities. Now, it’s time for learning, which is looking very different this school year. You have probably already heard the advice to establish morning routines, have
- [Changing the Way Kids Learn this School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/changing-the-way-kids-learn-this-school-year/) - When it’s time for more than 56 million public and private school students to go back to school, it might not be the same school they abruptly left last March. If they return to physical classrooms, they may be in environments that seek to mitigate risk by enforcing social distancing, adopting rigorous hand-washing as well as other
- [Set Up Your Workspace for Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/set-up-your-workspace-for-success/) - When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the U.S., many employers changed their business policies to allow employees to work from home to follow social distancing guidelines. At first, a simple desk or work setup at home could suffice, but now we are looking at longer-term remote work or a potential shift to permanent remote work. Whether
- [Have Fun Learning at Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/have-fun-learning-at-home/) - Kids long for those school breaks where they can escape the pressures of everyday classes. However, studies show that achievement scores can decline by a month’s worth of school year learning when children don’t sharpen their academic skills over the summer. Learning loss from an extended time away from school can be a concern. What can be
- [How to Reduce Germ Spread and Illness in Our New Normal](https://ptaourchildren.org/reduce-germ-spread/) - This back-to-school season is filled with uncertainty in our new normal. You are wondering how to keep your children healthy and safe as classes resume. And whether your school district is returning to in-person classes or continuing remote learning, helping to reduce the spread of germs and illness is as important as ever. Joe Rubino,
- [Help Manage Your Child’s Stress as Schools Reopen](https://ptaourchildren.org/manage-back-to-school-stressors/) - Reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty and stress for many parents and children. While you are trying to understand what you and your family will do, many children and teens have anxiety about what to expect during the school year. And it's important to help manage the stress. Whether your child will
- [4 Benefits to Living Below Your Means](https://ptaourchildren.org/living-below-your-means/) - The idea of living below your means may sound awful—or, at best, uncomfortable. But consider this Swedish proverb, “He who buys what he does not need, steals from himself.” There are advantages of living below your means. My family and I have spent the last 20 years pretending our household income is a fraction of
- [Youth Sports and COVID-19: Calling the Play for Your Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/youth-sports-and-covid-19/) - These are unusual times for families entering the fall sports season. The COVID-19 pandemic has left parents uncertain about the reopening of schools and their child participating in youth sports. Only 53% of parents expect their child to resume sports activity at the same or higher amount when current restrictions are removed, according to a
- [Jump-Start the Arts With the Whole Family](https://ptaourchildren.org/family-art-activities/) - During these difficult times, emotions can run high. Art has always been an emotional outlet, especially for the youth, and it can be a great activity to encourage family bonding and memories. Introduce art in your home often this summer, from large projects to simple coloring, and let your family express themselves. It’s easy to
- [How to Talk to Your Child About Racism](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-racism/) - Are you struggling to talk to your children about the ongoing racial tensions in our country and looking for tips to help start a conversation about racism? Psychologists say it is important to encourage children to celebrate their differences—diversity is a strength. For parents of color, this may involve celebrating your heritage and affirming their
- [Get to the Bottom of Your Child’s Challenging Behaviors](https://ptaourchildren.org/get-to-the-bottom-of-your-childs-challenging-behaviors/) - Over the last few months, families have been spending more time together than usual. And we’re learning more about our kids’ habits—including the tantrums and other challenging behaviors. Our experts from recent episodes of Notes from the Backpack: a PTA Podcast offer helpful tips to help figure out what’s up with your kid! Could my
- [5 Summer Vacation Ideas the Whole Family Will Enjoy](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-summer-vacation-ideas-the-whole-family-will-enjoy/) - With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic disrupting traditional summer vacation plans this year, many parents might be thinking about skipping a family vacation altogether. Really - who wants to get on an airplane right now, especially with children? But you and your kids are already restless after months of distance learning, and there are limited summer
- [3 Cool Summer Crafts For Some Family Fun](https://ptaourchildren.org/3-cool-summer-crafts-for-family-fun/) - School is finally out for the summer and suddenly the kids are at home 24/7 with no distance learning to keep them busy. Summer is a great time for family bonding, and crafts are always a fun way to celebrate the season. Here are some fun summer crafts that will promote family time and keep
- [Tips to Keep Your Kids Learning this Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/summer-learning-advice-for-your-kids/) - As the lazy days of summer stretch on, some families are searching for things to keep their kids busy this summer. We spoke to two experts, Dr. Rebecca Silverman and Dr. Carol O’Donnell, who offered creative ideas for keeping kids entertained and learning this summer. Dr. Silverman offered ideas for cultivating a love of reading
- [9 Quarantine Ideas for Father’s Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/quarantine-ideas-for-fathers-day/) - It’s time to celebrate our dads and with the start of summer, there are several fun things you can do, even in a social distancing world, to make 2020 a special Father’s Day! Dads make life fun and teach us the important things we need to know for life, so this is your time to
- [5 Bike Safety Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe While They Ride](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-bike-safety-tips/) - Summer is finally here! As you plan your family’s fun adventures and activities in the sun, it’s the perfect time to go bike riding, whether it’s in your neighborhood, in a park or on a trail. But as parents, we know we always worry about safety when our kids head out on their bikes. Are
- [3 Fun Things to Do at Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/fun-things-to-do-at-home/) - The global pandemic has paused, delayed or canceled summer plans for families across the nation. All this extra time together is a great opportunity for making family memories, but your kids may be going a little stir crazy without the benefit of their usual routines. Try these fun activities at home to keep growing minds
- [5 Summer Camp Alternatives for Your Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/summer-camp-alternatives/) - Just when you started narrowing down summer camp ideas for your kids—or if you were ahead of the game, you had already made a down payment and marked your calendar—the COVID-19 pandemic hit the nation and summer programs were cancelled. So now we’re left to figure out how to give our kids the benefits of
- [4 Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Youth During Quarantine](https://ptaourchildren.org/support-lgbtq-youth-during-quarantine/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on all kids (and their families) in a variety of ways, but according to a report from The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth may be particularly vulnerable to the mental health impacts of COVID-19 and need support While some LGBTQ+ youth may be quarantined in unsupportive environments—others who are
- [Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News](https://ptaourchildren.org/racism-and-violence-how-to-help-kids/) - With protests over the violent deaths of black Americans dominating the news, it’s understandable that many kids are feeling scared, confused or angry about the situation. How can parents, many of whom are struggling themselves, help children process what they’re seeing and manage their feelings? There’s no one right answer. That said, there are a
- [How to Teach Your Teen to Cook Real Meals](https://ptaourchildren.org/teach-your-teen-to-cook/) - How many times has your teen asked you, “What’s for dinner?” Probably several times this week alone. Teens are constantly hungry and are usually foraging through the pantry for something to tide them over until it’s time for dinner. Wouldn’t you love to ask them, “What’s for dinner?” Then teach your teen to cook a
- [Vaping and Teens: Protect Youth Lung Health in COVID-19](https://ptaourchildren.org/vaping-and-teens-in-covid-19/) - With over five million kids using e-cigarettes, and millions of kids who still smoke, our youth are facing a serious threat for more severe symptoms of COVID-19 and a lifetime of addiction. The coronavirus attacks the lungs, and health experts warn that behaviors that weaken the lungs—including smoking and vaping—put our youth at greater risk
- [Celebrate Family Reading Every Day!](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrate-family-reading/) - Get into the reading habit and start a family tradition! At least once or twice a week, turn off your TVs and streaming devices and grab a book, a magazine or your e-reader for a family reading night! You can even download an audiobook or podcast! The goal: to celebrate reading! Reading helps us to
- [9 Ways to Show Love for Mom While Quarantined](https://ptaourchildren.org/mothers-day-while-quarantine/) - It’s another Mother’s Day, but with a social distancing twist this year! No taking mom out for brunch or to the movies—or shopping for her favorite gift in a store. Even online gift packages are delayed! So it’s time to get creative to show mom love while quarantined. While we’ve all been cooped up in
- [How Daily Reading Can Help Social and Emotional Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/daily-reading-helps-social-and-emotional-learning/) - It’s like the chicken and the egg debate. Do social and emotional skills foster literacy development or do strong literacy skills help children with social and emotional learning? The answer to both questions is, Yes. Literacy sets children on a path for a satisfying life journey—from education, to career, to personal growth and happiness. The
- [14 Ways to Virtually Celebrate Teachers During COVID-19 ](https://ptaourchildren.org/virtual-teacher-appreciation-week-ideas/) - It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and with many schools remote or following new safety protocols because of COVID-19, we've all gotten a pretty clear glimpse into "a day in the life" of a teacher. And we have found a greater appreciation for teachers as we’ve seen just how much they do and how their passion to
- [Celebrate Earth Day with These Activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/earth-day-activities/) - Earth Day (April 22) is the perfect time to celebrate our planet and teach your kids to be more eco-friendly by showing them how to recycle, conserve water and be energy-efficient. You can also try these activities to help talk about the importance of taking care of our environment—and have fun! Scavenger Hunt For your
- [Helping Teens Cope with Missed Milestones](https://ptaourchildren.org/helping-teens-cope-with-missed-milestones/) - The coronavirus pandemic has upended classes and other school activities. It means no prom posts, no graduation pics and no celebration party for many students and their families. Teens are mourning the loss of these missed milestones and experiences that mark the end of the school year. And it’s not just graduating students experiencing missed
- [How Your Family Can Be More Green at Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/be-more-green-at-home/) - Teaching your children to love the Earth and take better care of our planet starts at home. And it doesn’t take drastic—or costly—changes to be more green at home to make a huge impact on improving our environment. As you strive to reduce your family’s carbon footprint, here are some easy—and budget-friendly—tips you can do
- [Tackle the Stress Monster Exercise](https://ptaourchildren.org/tackle-the-stress-monster-exercise/) - Kids experience stress in lots of different ways. There’s the stress of grief and loss during traumatic events, but there’s also the stress from exciting events like trying new things and meeting new people. Encourage your child to get to know their stress with this Stress Monster activity. Help Your Child Create Their Own Stress
- [Handwashing Tips and Tricks](https://ptaourchildren.org/handwashing-tips-and-tricks/) - The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that one of the best ways to combat the COVID-19 is to make sure you are washing and disinfecting your hands properly. Below are a few tips to remember when it comes to washing your hands and keeping both you and your family healthy. Tip #1 It
- [Stay Healthy with these Routine Healthy Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/routine-healthy-habits/) - It’s important to practice good hygiene habits all times, but during the spread of COVD-19, families must be extra vigilant and consistent in their daily routine healthy habits to stop the spread. We all have seen the persistent reminders to wash our hands and disinfect our surfaces. And it’s also important to maintain a healthy
- [5 Crafts for Passover and Easter](https://ptaourchildren.org/easter-passover-crafts/) - Holidays at home are the perfect opportunity to make memories with your kids by doing fun activities. While you are celebrating Passover and Easter, enjoy getting a little messy with your family by trying a few of these five crafts. Jumping Grasshopper Retell the plague of the locusts with this craft during Passover. Materials Egg carton
- [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math AT HOME, Oh My!](https://ptaourchildren.org/stem-at-home/) - You should be doing STEM at home. But wait, you may be thinking, ... don’t I need a degree to do that with my kids? Is this going to require lots of expensive materials? How can we do complicated experiments at home? These are common questions people ask when they hear about bringing science, technology, engineering
- [5 Great Kids Books that Highlight Diversity](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-great-kids-books-that-highlight-diversity/) - Are you tired of reading the same book to your child night after night? It’s time to shake things up and introduce new stories, characters and cultures into your child’s book collection. Expand your child's horizons by focusing on books that explore diversity. Despite improvements in recent years, characters of color are still significantly underrepresented
- [Talking With Your Children About Stress](https://ptaourchildren.org/talking-with-your-children-about-stress/) - According to the American Psychological Association’s annual Stress in America survey, many Americans—both adults and youth—report experiencing significant stress. While some stress is part of everyday life and sometimes helps motivate us to take action, adults can more readily identify feelings and causes of significant stress, and consider ways to manage it. Young people, however, may not
- [10 Ways Children with Language Disorders Can Connect in COVID-19](https://ptaourchildren.org/children-with-language-disorders-coronavirus/) - With social distancing being the new way of life as COVID-19 cases grow across the country, for children with language disorders—who have difficulties with social interactions in the best of times—the physical distance mandated to prevent the pandemic’s spread can be especially challenging, says the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). “In-person social interactions are now restricted
- [Understanding Coronavirus: How to Prevent the Spread](https://ptaourchildren.org/prevent-the-spread-covid-19/) - It is very important to continue practicing healthy habits and the latest COVID-19 developments. While children are at home practicing social distancing, Lysol® and National PTA encourage families to practice every day healthy habits to help prevent the spread of illness. Lysol® works closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to educate
- [Self-Care in the Time of Coronavirus](https://ptaourchildren.org/self-care-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/) - When you’re a parent, self-care often slips to the bottom of the list. But taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. And during this difficult time, when children are home and stress is running high, it’s more important than ever. Here are five tips from our clinicians that can help. Make time for
- [Tips for Calming Anxious Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-for-calming-anxious-kids/) - Anyone who’s met me knows that I’m the homeschooling mother of six smart, funny, adventurous, noisy children ranging from infant to teenager. Many people also know that my oldest son has multiple special needs, my six-year-old struggles with Asperger’s and ADHD, and my four-year-old is allergic to everything. Okay, maybe I’m a little bit off the grid. But
- [How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-avoid-passing-anxiety-on-to-your-kids/) - Managing your stress and anxiety is not easy in the midst of parenting. On a recent afternoon, JD Bailey was trying to get her two young daughters to their dance class. A work assignment delayed her attempts to leave the house, and when Bailey was finally ready to go, she realized that her girls still
- [10 Quarantine Activities to Keep You and Your Kids Sane](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-quarantine-activities-to-keep-you-kids-sane/) - With the spread of the Coronavirus across the U.S, our extended time at home is proving to be stressful at times for families. As you juggle working at home and keeping your kids occupied and learning, Dan Pegram, children's author of Pop-Pop Airplane, How Do You Fly?, has shared a great list of quarantine activities
- [STEM Careers: Introducing Kids to Innovation](https://ptaourchildren.org/stem-careers-introducing-innovation-to-kids/) - Children are dreamers. When you ask children what they want to be when they grow up, the possibilities are endless! They want to be a professional athlete, or movie star or doctor. Theirs is an age where the only limitations are the ones they place on themselves. That's why childhood is the perfect time to
- [Schools Closed? How to Make a New Home Routine](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-make-a-new-home-routine/) - For most of us, life feels anything but normal right now with the COVID-19 pandemic, schools closed and working from home. But you can create a new normal for your family by having consistent routines. It's time for new routines! Children thrive on routines. To little ones, there is so much new in their worlds,
- [How to Keep Kids Connected with Friends During COVID-19](https://ptaourchildren.org/kids-staying-connected-during-covid-19/) - Social distancing and recent school closures have made it difficult for kids to stay connected with their friends. As parents, it's more important than ever to keep our kids connected to their friends, so they don't become isolated. Since parents are advised against in-person playdates and taking their kids to playgrounds, our kids are spending
- [6 Ways to Help Your Child Manage Their Anxiety During COVID-19](https://ptaourchildren.org/help-manage-covid-19-anxiety/) - COVID-19 has resulted in uncertain times for parents and children, prompting stress about family members health and safety, as well as upending school and work routines. The good news is that help is available to help manage anxiety: Psychological research has shown that there are specific, effective ways to prevent children’s anxiety and help them
- [Navigating Supports for English Language Learners](https://ptaourchildren.org/english-language-learners/) - When English is not a family’s first language, navigating the education system to support their child’s learning can be difficult. That's why English Language Learners (ELL) need extra services to help. In a special Spanish episode of Notes from the Backpack: a PTA Podcast, we talked to language development expert, Dr. Lorena Mancilla, about the
- [Tackle Spring Cleaning the Right Way with These Tips](https://ptaourchildren.org/spring-cleaning-tips/) - The first official day of spring is this week, and with the warmer weather comes spring cleaning. Now is the time of year to rid your home not only of any unnecessary clutter but also of the germs and bacteria that built up throughout the winter. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- [What Makes a Great School? Look for These 4 Things](https://ptaourchildren.org/what-makes-a-great-school/) - Every parent wants their child to attend a great school—with teachers and resources to help them reach their full potential. But what does that look like? It’s difficult to ask for improvements in your child’s school without concrete ideas about what effective education looks like. On a recent episode of Notes from the Backpack: A
- [Share Loving-Kindness Meditation with Your Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/kids-loving-kindness-meditation/) - Thinking good thoughts about themselves and others can help kids be happier and healthier. Loving-kindness meditation toward themselves and others can comfort and strengthen young hearts. Loving-kindness is a meditation practice that consists of sending love, kindness, and compassion by directing positive thoughts, good intentions, or well wishes toward ourselves and others. When people practice
- [Ask an Expert: How to Handle Your Kid's Bad Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-handle-bad-habits/) - When our child displays bad behavior or habits, we often fret about how to redirect their actions, so they learn how to be a productive citizen and thrive in the world. But how do you address these bad habits and teach your child to independently choose better actions? In a recent episode of Notes from
- [How School Discipline Can Affect Your Child’s Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/school-discipline/) - Does your child like to test the limits? It’s natural for children to push boundaries and experiment with breaking the rules. And while making mistakes is a part of growing up, but how your child’s school disciplines these lapses in judgment is crucial. You may fear your child being labeled as the troublemaker or worry
- [Beyond the Report Card: How to Measure Your Child’s Progress](https://ptaourchildren.org/beyond-the-report-card/) - It’s report card time. The moment of truth for parents and students when progress and problem areas are revealed on one sheet of paper. But as you look beyond the letter grade or symbol, what does it all mean? You may wonder…How does this report card truly measure my child’s progress? During a recent episode
- [Challenging Negative Assumptions About the Uninvolved Parent](https://ptaourchildren.org/challenging-negative-assumptions-about-the-uninvolved-parent/) - Research shows that parents’ decisions about how they engage in their child’s education are not “one size fits all.” With competing priorities and responsibilities, that may mean we don't go to PTA meetings or attend some school events. It doesn’t mean we don’t care about our child’s success. That's the myth of the uninvolved parent.
- [Are You Asking the “Right” Questions?](https://ptaourchildren.org/ask-the-right-questions/) - Sometimes as parents, it feels like we are at a disadvantage when we meet with teachers and administrators about our child’s progress or a challenge. If only we had a magic ball to help us ask the exact question that will get to the heart of our concern or confusion. But what are the right
- [3 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Homework](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-for-homework/) - What does homework time look like in your household? During some school years it may not be so bad, but there are some subjects and lessons that cause stress, tears and anxiety for your child—and YOU too! So, how do you handle homework and how can you help make it a less stressful affair? During
- [How to Work with Your Child's School to Support Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/support-learning/) - A key ingredient to supporting your child’s learning and growth is the strength of your relationship with their teachers and school administrators. With a strong relationship as a base, you can work with them throughout the year to create meaningful opportunities to engage in your child’s education. This is the hallmark of family engagement. During
- [Life Lessons: How to Stand up to Bullying with Books](https://ptaourchildren.org/stand-up-to-bullying-with-books/) - When bullying occurs, it’s up to us to teach our kids how to respond and children's books can help us with these important life lessons. Bullying is a growing problem, affecting our schools and our communities. Increasingly, it is happening online, expanding the number of kids who get bullied and bully others. The internet can
- [Making Water Fun for Kids to Drink](https://ptaourchildren.org/making-water-fun-to-drink/) - How many times have you heard “I don’t like water” from kids? With all the other beverage options out there, water may not stand out as the most exciting choice. Here are seven ways you can make water fun to drink for kids to keep them hydrated and healthy! Fruit-infused Water Water doesn’t really have
- [Learning through Play: The Case for Recess](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-case-for-recess/) - Recess and free play help kids learn in a unique way. Yet, if there’s a weather delay or a change in schedule because of special programming, recess is often the first activity to go. If kids don’t finish their work, they often lose their recess because academics are the priority. So why do we think
- [How to Pick the Right College for Your Kid (and Budget)](https://ptaourchildren.org/pick-right-college-for-kid-budget/) - Are college application deadlines looming large in your household? As your teen puts their finishing touches on their essays and other items on that long checklist, we know you have other worries on your mind too. Like, What are the odds they get into the schools where they applied? Will the college they go to
- [Staying Hydrated in and out of School](https://ptaourchildren.org/staying-hydrated-school-home/) - It is important for children to stay hydrated when at home and at school since those two places are where children spend most of their time. As a parent, you may have control over their water intake at home but what about at school and other places? Here are several ways you can ensure your
- [Making the Most of Middle School](https://ptaourchildren.org/make-the-most-of-middle-school/) - Does the idea of your child entering middle school fill you with dread? Are you anticipating an increase in eye-rolling, friendship drama and awkward conversations? Or are you already dealing with the changes middle school brings and need H-E-L-P?! Well, we have help for you and your preteen. During a recent episode of Notes from
- [‘Tis the Season . . . for Hearing Protection](https://ptaourchildren.org/holiday-gift-hearing-protection-tips/) - Over half of U.S. parents recently polled by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and YouGov said they plan to purchase a tech gift for their child this holiday season. And while you consider many factors when purchasing products like smartphones, tablets, video game consoles and earbuds/headphones for their kids, hearing safety may be overlooked. But
- [5 Ways to Prepare Your Child for College Now](https://ptaourchildren.org/prepare-your-child-for-college-now/) - Right now, your children's college years may seem far away, but the truth of the matter is that they'll be here before you know it. Just think about how fast the infant and toddler years flew by! In other words, there's no better time than right now to start preparing your kids for college. Start
- [3 Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained this Thanksgiving](https://ptaourchildren.org/3-ways-to-keep-your-kids-entertained-this-thanksgiving/) - Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends with gratitude for all your blessings. And when you come together, you eat! If hosting the festive gathering for Thanksgiving this year, the key is to keep the stress down and your children occupied. Try these few tips for keeping your children entertained as
- [How to Keep Kids Safe from Food Allergies](https://ptaourchildren.org/food-allergy-safety-tips/) - Was peanut butter and jelly a staple in your school lunchbox? If so, you might wonder why many schools, camps and teams have adopted peanut-free policies. The reason is an explosion in the prevalence of food allergies. Between 1997 and 2008, reports of childhood peanut allergy more than tripled in the U.S. Once considered rare,
- [How to Stay Healthy this Flu Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-stay-healthy-this-flu-season/) - A healthy lifestyle goes beyond just eating well and getting enough exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), living a healthy lifestyle and practicing healthy habits is important in preventing the spread of cold and flu viruses. Instead of waiting for your child to get sick, make sure to proactively teach them healthy habits. Use these tips to help keep you and your
- [3 Crafts for Halloween](https://ptaourchildren.org/3-crafts-for-halloween/) - For Halloween, some kids look forward to dressing up as their favorite superheroes and TV show characters, while others look forward to eating far too much candy. As you carve pumpkins and decorate your house, add these fun crafts to your family time to make your child’s Halloween season extra spooky! Lollypop Ghosts This is
- [7 Steps to Teach Your Kids to Look Up When They Feel Down](https://ptaourchildren.org/support-your-childrens-mental-health/) - All kids have cloudy days, but some get through them more easily than others. Although some people are naturally resilient, the ability to bounce back can be learned. Follow these seven steps to help your kids practice resilience every day: Step 1: Reframe thoughts Our thoughts can have a huge impact on how we feel
- [Annabel Karmel’s Top 5 Tips to Tackle Picky Eating](https://ptaourchildren.org/annabel-karmel-s-top-5-tips-to-tackle-picky-eating/) - Did you know that most children go through that dreaded fussy eating phase? To be precise, 89% of children go through at least one lengthy stage of fussy eating, so you’re not the only one being kept awake at night worrying about your child’s picky palate! It’s actually the way that we deal with the
- [How to Navigate Speech and Language Services in Schools](https://ptaourchildren.org/guide-to-school-speech-language-services/) - It’s back-to-school time, which means a clean slate for many students (along with a satisfyingly pristine set of school supplies). However, it also can bring new, or renewed, concerns for parents about their child’s ability to communicate. Children who have communication problems such as stuttering, voice control or difficulty swallowing may have trouble learning, or
- [Ask a PTA Leader: Leslie Boggs, National PTA President](https://ptaourchildren.org/ask-a-pta-leader-national-president-leslie-boggs/) - National PTA’s new president, Leslie Boggs, has a welcoming smile, a firm handshake and often quietly listens before she speaks. But when she does speak, her words are decisive—backed by a deep knowledge of the association’s potential and infused with a bright and infectious belief in PTA’s mission. As a mother of three and a
- [2019 Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson](https://ptaourchildren.org/2019-teacher-of-the-year/) - How do you reach through the barriers of poverty, violence and generational inequality to inspire hope? And how do you show a child who has been told at every turn that they are worthless that in fact, their future is as bright as they want it to be? For Rodney Robinson, the 2019 Teacher of
- [What to Do (and Not Do) When Your Child is Anxious](https://ptaourchildren.org/child-anxiety/) - How to respect feelings without empowering fears When children are chronically anxious, even the most well-meaning parents can fall into a negative cycle and, not wanting a child to suffer, actually exacerbate the youngster’s anxiety. It happens when parents, anticipating a child’s fears, try to protect her from them. Here are pointers for helping children
- [Family Volunteer Ideas for the School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/family-volunteer-ideas/) - Looking for strategies to increase your students’ academic engagement? Want to give your kids vital skills and virtues like empathy, leadership and confidence? Integrating community service into the lives of students this school year will make a critical impact on your children AND your community. Studies show that academic engagement increases as students understand the
- [Bias & Hate: What to do When it Happens at Your School](https://ptaourchildren.org/bias-hate-incidents-at-school/) - It’s often said that children learn by imitating others, especially those in positions of authority. And in this present culture of toxic shaming, trolling and name calling—by adults—it’s especially disheartening when we see our children act in a way that is hurtful to others. As parents, we must use these moments as opportunities to teach
- [How Much Water Do Your Kids Really Need?](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-much-water-do-kids-need/) - Traditionally, you’ve heard it said that eight glasses of water is the recommended amount of water you need to drink daily—or maybe that you should drink half of your body weight in ounces per day, but the question remains…How much water do you and your children REALLY need to drink each day? The answer isn’t
- [10 Questions You Should Ask About Your Child's Curriculum](https://ptaourchildren.org/questions-about-curriculum/) - For parents, getting ready for the new school year often means checking off a list of supplies, getting medical forms in order, replacing that old lunch box, and considering whether a volunteer role might be a good fit. Crucially important in this process—but sometimes overlooked—is a close examination of the curriculum their child’s school is
- [How to Help Your Child Stay Active and Choose the Best Sport](https://ptaourchildren.org/active-youth-sports/) - Every day we’re reminded about the value of moving our bodies for physical health, emotional health and academic success. Yet, less than one in four children ages six to 12 are considered active to a healthy level, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. So how can we get our kids more active—and keep
- [Teach Your Kids to #BeCyberSmart](https://ptaourchildren.org/kids-cybersecurity-tips/) - October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a collaborative effort to raise awareness and provide education on ways to be safer online at work, at home, at school and all the places in between. Kids aged eight to 12 spend an average of six hours a day online, making them vulnerable to issues like identity theft, cyberbullying
- [Your Teen Might Be Vaping: Here’s What to Do](https://ptaourchildren.org/teen-vaping-what-to-do/) - According to the CDC, the number of middle and high school students using e-cigarettes rose from 2.1 million in 2017 to 3.6 million in 2018—a difference of about 1.5 million youth. Over the past five years, JUUL and e-cigarette use among youth has skyrocketed, leading the Surgeon General and FDA to declare an “epidemic.” The
- [Get Your Routine Back on Track](https://ptaourchildren.org/morning-routine-tips/) - Mornings help set the tone for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, after the long, lazy days of summer vacation, transitioning your kids back to a consistent daily routine can be easier said than done. Don’t let stress sabotage your mornings! These seven tips will help you smoothly get your morning routine back on track
- [Help Your Child’s Anxiety in the Classroom](https://ptaourchildren.org/anxiety-in-the-classroom/) - What it looks like, and why it's often mistaken for something else... Sometimes anxiety is easy to identify—like when a child is feeling nervous before a test at school. Other times anxiety can look like something else entirely—an upset stomach, disruptive or angry behavior, ADHD or even a learning disorder. There are various kinds of
- [JD McCrary: Hollywood's Young King on the Rise](https://ptaourchildren.org/jd-mccrary/) - JD McCrary has a message to kids who have a special talent and a dream: Keep going and never give up. The 12-year-old actor and singer—whose most recent role was the voice of young Simba in the live-action The Lion King remake—is a young Hollywood star on the rise. When we sat down to talk,
- [Hydration Motivation: Get Your Kids Excited About Drinking Water](https://ptaourchildren.org/hydration-motivation/) - We all need to drink more water. And if we want our kids to drink water, it starts with us. Drinking water helps prevent dehydration, keeps your body temperature in check, encourages clear thinking, aids digestion and more. With so many soda and juice options available, some kids might find water boring by comparison. But
- [Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas](https://ptaourchildren.org/quick-and-easy-breakfast-ideas/) - School mornings are hard. You have to get up early, get everyone ready and get out the door on time. You also need to eat! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it can be hard to find a spare moment while rushing to get to school and work on time. These
- [Make a School Supply Cake for Your Teacher](https://ptaourchildren.org/school-supply-cake/) - Everybody loves cake, right? But bringing one to school to surprise your favorite teacher may not always be ideal. With food allergies and portion control and having all the right utensils on hand to feed a classroom may make it more of a burden. Office Depot has the solution. Why not bring a Supply Cake
- [Prepare Your Student-Athlete for a Healthy School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/student-athlete-health-tips/) - More than 45 million youth athletes between the ages of six and 17 years old participate in sports every year—for good reason. In addition to the physical benefits, young student-athletes also build life skills, including confidence, leadership and teamwork, among other things. However, these benefits don’t come without risk. According to the CDC, sports-related injuries
- [The Importance of Parental Involvement for Student Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/parent-involvement-student-success/) - The link between parental support and student achievement is so robust that school districts often have policies to encourage it, and various funding sources for schools have been tied to it, but there are some activities that move the needle on student achievement further than others. While teacher skill and communication is an important
- [3 Ways to Improve Communication with Your Child's Teacher](https://ptaourchildren.org/improve-communication-with-teachers/) - Traditionally, the adults in a child’s life were confined to their respective environments—a teacher was responsible for facilitating learning and delivering discipline in the classroom, while the parent took the lead on those efforts at home. However, expectations have shifted over the past several years. With a focus on a well-rounded, whole-child approach to education
- [Tips on Saving Money During Back-to-School Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-on-saving-money-during-back-to-school/) - Back-to-school season is stressful for a number of reasons, one of them being how expensive this time of year can be. The average U.S. parent can expect to spend $253 on clothing and accessories getting their children ready for the new school year—and that’s not including shoes or computer-related equipment. Use these five tips to
- [Sticks and Stones: How to Recognize Bullying](https://ptaourchildren.org/sticks-and-stones-how-to-recognize-bullying/) - At any point in time your child could be the bully or the victim of bullying in your neighborhood, on the internet or in school. And while society is becoming more aware of the bullying that our children face, parents are often ill-equipped with the knowledge of how to recognize and address it. Here’s how
- [How Technology Bridges the Summer Learning Gap](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-technology-bridges-the-summer-learning-gap/) - Did you know that nine out of 10 teachers spend at least three weeks re-teaching lessons at the start of the school year to help students catch up? This loss of learning—known as the ‘summer slide’—varies in intensity from child to child, based on factors like age, income-level and even the child’s access to internet
- [Low Battery: Tips for Getting Kids Off Devices and Into the Summer Sun](https://ptaourchildren.org/low-battery-tips-for-getting-kids-off-devices-and-into-the-summer-sun/) - It’s summer time! That means school is out and for many families, days are spent enjoying picnics, roasting marshmallows and pushing the boundaries of bedtime. But for some, these long unstructured summer days mean hours on end spent in front of screens, from tablets and video game consoles to computers and smartphones. In the U.S.
- [Protect Kids’ Hearing During This Season of Noise](https://ptaourchildren.org/protect-kids-hearing-during-this-season-of-noise/) - Summer is in full swing—and while this is a season for maximum fun, it also happens to be a season of maximum noise. Summer hearing hazards that can result in hearing loss include attending loud seasonal events such as fireworks, festivals, concerts and sporting events, as well as unsafe listening (listening for too long and
- [Help Your Child Get Ahead This Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/help-your-child-get-ahead-this-summer/) - Summer break doesn’t need to mean a break from learning. On the contrary, it’s the perfect time to make learning come alive. As parents, we can flip the script on the ‘summer slide’ and help our children stride ahead this summer. Learning Heroes national research shows 90% of parents believe their child is at or
- [How to Talk to Young Kids About Sex Ed](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-talk-to-young-kids-about-sex-ed/) - Many parents assume that puberty is the time to have “The Talk” with kids. It’s a rite of passage to adolescence with their changing bodies and escalating hormones! However, in order to build a solid foundation of communication, it’s really important to talk to your kids about bodies and relationships early. How early? Well, as
- [Parenting at the Pool: 4 Ways to Make Water Play Safe and Fun](https://ptaourchildren.org/parenting-at-the-pool/) - The sun, big splashes, poolside treats...The pool is a great place to bring kids to play during the summer break. However, school doesn’t prepare our kids for how to be safe at the pool. According to the CDC, one out of five drowning deaths happens with children 14 years old and younger. And for every
- [Six Ways for High School Juniors to Earn Scholarships](https://ptaourchildren.org/six-ways-for-high-school-juniors-to-earn-scholarships/) - It’s never too early to get in on scholarships for your teen. As you search for the right school and a financial pathway there, your teen can be a part of the process with free tools to help you along the way. The College Board Opportunity Scholarships program guides students through the college planning process
- [Father's Day Fun: DIY Gifts for Dad](https://ptaourchildren.org/fathers-day-fun-diy-gifts-for-dad/) - Whether the fathers in your life are self-proclaimed comedians, handy fixer-uppers, sporting enthusiasts or Jacks of all trades, we love and appreciate all they do to enrich our lives and the lives of our children. For many, our fathers are our very first hero, teacher and supporter. This Father’s Day, chuckle at dad’s cringe-worthy “dad
- [How to Prepare Your Kids for the Jobs of the Future](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-prepare-your-kids-for-the-jobs-of-the-future/) - Today, hundreds of thousands of cyber security positions remain vacant around the world. Research estimates that by 2022, there will be a shortage of 1.8 million information security workers. At the same time, consumer demand for automated, connected and intelligent products is growing, as are the risks and resulting realities of increased cyber-attacks. Unfortunately, it
- [Patriotic Memorial Day Crafts](https://ptaourchildren.org/patriotic-memorial-day-crafts/) - Memorial Day is a time to honor those who have died serving in the American armed forces. We create so many traditions and expectations around this long holiday weekend that it’s easy for its true meaning to get lost. So how do you explain this day and its significance to your kids? Create these patriotic
- [Health Starts At Home: Set an Example for Healthy Living](https://ptaourchildren.org/set-an-example-for-healthy-living/) - The most influential person in a child’s journey to health, is you! Parents are the first and best resource when it comes to modeling a healthy lifestyle to their children. Teaching children to value and nourish their bodies, helps to set them on a path to self-care and self-love. Children are constantly bombarded by digital
- [Here's What Video Game Addiction Looks Like](https://ptaourchildren.org/heres-what-video-game-addiction-looks-like/) - Technology is constantly changing the way we experience the world around us from smartphones, to smart cars, technology is shaping the way we interact with the world. Children today have never known a world without technology, internet, and the games influenced by tech’s evolution. For many kids today, gaming is a frequent source of entertainment—a
- [Ask a PTA Leader: Collin Robinson](https://ptaourchildren.org/ask-a-pta-leader-collin-robinson/) - Collin Robinson is the proud soccer dad of Coral, and Asher, and has been an active PTA parent leader at his children’s school and regionally—eventually serving as Oregon PTA president. Robinson now serves at the national level as a member of the National PTA Board of Directors and as Chair of the Bylaws Committee. Professionally,
- [7 Tips to Get Kids into Cooking at Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/7-tips-to-get-kids-into-cooking-at-home/) - Cooking at home is a great way to save money and eat healthy. But let’s face it, between work, school, after-school activities and all of the other events that make up our busy schedules, meal planning isn’t always easy. And it can be hard to get into the habit of cooking meals at home. While
- [Tapping Tech: How Personalized Learning is Going Digital](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-personalized-learning-is-going-digital/) - As we learn more about the way we learn, it’s clear that education’s old “one size fits all” approach doesn’t actually fit all, or even most. With that in mind, many districts and schools are making the necessary move toward student-centered, personalized learning approaches to increase student success. According to a report by the U.S.
- [Learning the Power of Education Data](https://ptaourchildren.org/learning-the-power-of-education-data/) - When you hear the phrase “education data” you probably feel intimidated and overwhelmed—or you may not even have a clear idea of what it means or how it can be used. You are not alone. While education data includes useful insights like demographics, test scores and teacher observations, this information is often presented to parents
- [Fruitful DNA: The Roadmap to Humans and Food](https://ptaourchildren.org/fruitful-dna-the-roadmap-to-humans-and-food/) - It’s fun to look at family photos and see younger versions of our parents and grandparents. It’s even more amazing to connect with the reflections we see of ourselves in these treasured family heirlooms. Generational traits are carried in our DNA, or genetic code, which determines eye color, hair color and height, among other things.
- [3 Ways to Improve High School—According to African-American Students](https://ptaourchildren.org/3-ways-to-improve-high-school-according-to-african-american-students/) - Two years ago, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) began the first of many conversations with nearly 800 African-American students in several cities to learn what improvements they felt were necessary to make their educational experiences better. Those conversations evolved into an honest and candid dialogue, which resulted in a few surprising suggestions. Some of
- [Keep Your Child Happily Engaged in Academics All Year Round](https://ptaourchildren.org/keep-your-child-happily-engaged-in-academics-year-round/) - The summer season is fast approaching and your child is going up a grade and moving on to the next level, which means more homework and more responsibilities. But your child is most likely not thinking about that. They’re thinking about what they’re going to do (or not do) for the next three school-free months!
- [Gardening with Kids: How It Affects Your Child's Brain, Body and Soul](https://ptaourchildren.org/gardening-with-kids/) - For parents struggling to find ways to encourage their kids to eat a healthy and balanced diet, gardening can be an important tool. Don’t let the idea overwhelm you. Gardening doesn’t require a perfectly level, large or sunny backyard. Try planting in a small raised bed or growing a few edibles in existing landscaping. Lean
- [Parent Talk: Trust Your Gut in the Digital World](https://ptaourchildren.org/parent-talk-digital/) - With all the online noise surrounding parenthood today, it’s no wonder we can barely hear our own instincts amid the cacophony. Search “photo printing services” on a mainstream search engine and you’ll find yourself inundated with ads for photo books and personalized coffee mugs from Shutterfly or Walmart, and for associated products ranging from Polaroid
- [The Giving Habit: It's Not Just About Money](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-giving-habit/) - We’ve all seen and shared those viral videos—who doesn’t love to see children act in a selfless way? It warms the heart. When children give on a regular basis, it enriches their lives and the lives of the people around them. As parents, we’re always looking for ways to instill positive values into our
- [Nature-Based Learning: Get Back to the Great Outdoors!](https://ptaourchildren.org/nature-based-learning/) - When you were a child, did you have a special place outdoors that you would call your own? A small creek, a magical backyard, an expansive field or a special undeveloped lot? These spaces were familiar to many of us in our youth and no doubt led to exciting and educational adventures in our minds
- [Busting the Myths of the Digital Native](https://ptaourchildren.org/busting-the-myths-of-the-digital-native/) - As the vice president of an education technology company, I constantly see the amazing things children can do, and how quickly they can learn, by using technology. One teacher I talked to even went so far as to say, “Technology isn’t just part of their world. It IS their world!” This widespread presumption that children
- [8 Ways to Advocate for Your Child's Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/advocate-for-your-child/) - Not too long ago, a mom came to me for advice about an incident that happened at her child’s school. As we talked and worked out a strategy that I thought was best for her child, she suddenly turned to me, shocked and said, “Wow, I didn’t know I could do that!” I looked her
- [Getting PTA Connected: Parenting in the Digital Age](https://ptaourchildren.org/parenting-in-the-digital-age/) - Quick—name everything you’ve done on your phone in the last hour. You’ve probably sent a few texts, posted on Facebook and Instagram, checked your school’s app to see if your kid has homework and googled that actor whose name you can never remember. You might’ve also written a to-do list, done some online shopping or
- [How to Approach Screen Time as a Family](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-approach-screen-time-as-a-family/) - Recent media reports and studies have re-ignited the debate on how much screen time is appropriate for children and teens at school. When you hear that learning is “going digital” or that your child says they are doing online learning—should you be concerned? At home most parents see their children in front of screens on
- [Made With Love: Mother’s Day Crafts](https://ptaourchildren.org/made-with-love-mothers-day-crafts/) - Mom, mother, mama, mommy...whatever we call our mothers, we can all agree that they are amazing. Every single day our mothers juggle the role of teacher, caregiver, supporter and friend. There are about 2 billion moms in the world, but only one like yours! For someone who gives so much, it can be difficult to
- [Extraordinary Educators: Luis Juárez](https://ptaourchildren.org/extraordinary-educators-luis-juarez/) - Luis Juárez is a teacher on a mission. He wants to help Spanish-speaking parents learn how to support their children’s learning and build relationships with their children’s teachers and administrators. “Some parents are unfamiliar and a little shy about approaching the teachers, especially when they’re not sure what to do or they don’t know English,”
- [Celebrate the Heart of a Teacher](https://ptaourchildren.org/celebrate-the-heart-of-a-teacher/) - A philosopher once said, “Everyone who remembers his own education, remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the education system.” Every day, teachers touch the lives of over 56 million children in public and private school across America and their work and impact extends far beyond the classroom. We’ve all
- [10 Ways to #ThankATeacher During Teacher Appreciation Week](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-ways-teacher-appreciation-week/) - Teachers are truly Out of This World. Having been an educator, and now a parent, I’m keenly aware of the daily effort that goes into waking up before the sun five days a week, conjuring up enormous energy to bring joy and positivity to kids, and designing and facilitating engaging and meaningful lessons. There is
- [The Science of Dog Scents](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-science-of-dog-scents/) - Riddle this: what has fur, four legs and can find a bone buried some distance away? The answer: dogs! Man’s best friend is said to have a sense of smell superior to that of human beings—some scientists have found that dogs’ sense of smell is up to 1,000 times sharper than ours! While most humans
- [Good Dental Health: How Baby Teeth Affect Adult Smiles](https://ptaourchildren.org/childrens-dental-health/) - You want your child to have the healthy and successful future you’ve always imagined for them. And when it comes to their teeth, the future is NOW. Too often “baby” teeth get neglected because we think they aren’t permanent and a new set will come in a few years. However, you should take good care
- [Petal Power Earth Day Craft](https://ptaourchildren.org/petal-power-earth-day-craft/) - After dying all those Easter eggs, I bet you have an egg carton or two that you were just about toss. DON’T THROW IT AWAY! Instead, show those kiddos the importance of recycling by turning that carton into a bouquet of flowers. It’s soooo easy! Here’s what you need: Cardboard Egg Carton Craft PaintsPaint BrushesPipe
- [Try These Easter Fun STEM Crafts](https://ptaourchildren.org/try-these-easter-fun-stem-crafts/) - Easter is a time for gathering with loved ones to build family traditions and celebrate. This year, start a tradition of learning with these fun Easter STEM crafts and experiments! Peeps House Easter STEM Challenge Kids can experiment with using melted chocolate and graham cracker pieces to build a house! What You’ll Need: 1 pkg.
- [5 Ways to Take Your School’s Field Day to the Next Level](https://ptaourchildren.org/field-day-tips/) - The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining brighter, and spring has officially sprung. With the anticipation of summer just around the corner comes one final, big hoorah for your school- Field Day. When executed correctly, Field Day can be one of the most exciting days of the school year for students. It will
- [Science with Treats are Like Sparkles and Ice Cream](https://ptaourchildren.org/science-with-treats/) - Learning on the weekends can be fun as well as tasty. Listed below are fun experiments that exercise the right side of the brain, which handles logical tasks, and the left side of the brain, which processes the five senses. To understand which side of the brain is dominant in a child, doctors advise parents
- [How to Stay Healthy Around Pets](https://ptaourchildren.org/staying-healthy-with-pets/) - Sure, pets are cute! But pets of any kind can be a source of human Salmonella infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That includes rodents (such as mice, rats or hamsters), rabbits, poultry or other small non-traditional pets (such as hedgehogs, sugar gliders, chinchillas, ferrets, reptiles and amphibians). Even though
- [What is a Certificate and Why YOU Should Get One](https://ptaourchildren.org/why-you-should-get-a-certificate/) - In your quest for financial security, you've likely heard of something called a certificate—but you may not be clear about what it is exactly. That's okay, you're not alone. Certificates, while incredibly valuable, are not often discussed among friends, family or even some financial advisors. What is a certificate? Let’s break it down. Fundamentally, certificates
- [How to Spring Ahead on State Testing](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-spring-ahead-on-state-testing/) - For our kids, spring often represents warmer days on the playground and school spring concerts and other events. It also means it’s time for their annual state test in math and reading. As I recall my experience as a young English Language Learner, I know firsthand how tests can cause anxiety and self-doubt. One way
- [Three Ways to Engage Girls in STEM](https://ptaourchildren.org/girls-in-stem/) - By the time most girls turn 11, their interest in STEM significantly drops—in part because of gender bias and self-consciousness. Here are three ways to break down barriers and help girls expand their curiosity. 1. Capture girls’ imaginations by fourth grade. Today, 84% of working professionals in science or engineering jobs in the U.S. are
- [Don't Pass Your Math Anxiety to Your Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/child-math-anxiety/) - As parents, we don’t just pass our genes and our culture to our children—we also pass down our attitudes. Unfortunately, math anxiety is easily passed down to the next generation, starting as early as first grade. Communicating your unease with math may not only increase your child’s math anxiety—it may also lower their math achievement
- [How to Help Your Child Prepare for Tests](https://ptaourchildren.org/teaching-test-prep/) - With children being handed homework as early as preschool, it’s important to start thinking about study habits at a young age. Don’t wait for a bad test grade to take action. Here are some tips to support your child taking tests at any age. Encourage Consistency Homework and studying should be a regular activity, so
- [5 Strategies to Help Kids Resolve Conflict](https://ptaourchildren.org/resolving-kid-conflict/) - Two first grade boys argue on the playground while playing kickball with a group of kids. One calls the other a cheater and threatens to tell the teacher. The other boy yells back that he’s not a cheater, but that he never wants to play with the other boy again. He stomps away from the
- [Activity: Make Butter at Home and Learn](https://ptaourchildren.org/butter/) - Looking to teach your child about science in an easy, fun way? Why not try making butter! This activity can be done almost anywhere, in a kitchen, while camping or in a classroom. While you are making the butter, ask your child to make observations, predictions, and conclusions about what they see happening. Ta da!
- [What Happens When Meditation Replaces School Detention](https://ptaourchildren.org/meditation-not-detention/) - Sometimes, we forget that school isn’t easy. For a student it can be extremely overwhelming. Think about it. They wake up early in the morning and spend their entire day learning new concepts and ideas that they might not be in the mindset to receive—from teachers they might not get along with, surrounded by peers
- [Donor Spotlight: Wayne Bauman](https://ptaourchildren.org/donor-spotlight-wayne-bauman/) - We all want the same thing—a bright future for our children. That’s why National PTA is working to make sure that our public schools provide a first-class education for every child—and generous contributions help make our important work possible. Our mission is to strengthen family and community engagement in schools, elevate the voices of families
- [How to Prevent Winter Allergy and Asthma Flare Ups](https://ptaourchildren.org/prevent-winter-allergy-asthma-flare-ups/) - It seems like no matter how you try to prevent it, you can’t escape cold and flu season. And this year, drastic changes in climate have increased allergy and asthma flare-ups. For parents, it’s hard to tell if your child is suffering from a simple cold or an allergy and asthma because of the similar
- [6 Ways To Teach Your Kids About Finance](https://ptaourchildren.org/personal-finance-lessons/) - This holiday season, give your kids a gift they'll use throughout their lives—an understanding of personal finance. Studies show that teaching finance is not a top priority of the U.S. education system. Fewer than 20% of teachers report feeling competent to teach personal finance, according to a Council for Economic Education Survey, and only 17 states require
- [For Diversity and Inclusivity, Internet Access is Key](https://ptaourchildren.org/internet-access-is-key/) - There’s no doubt that the internet is one of the greatest educational resources America’s schools have at their disposal today. As a country, we have made great progress toward connecting classrooms with high-speed internet to expand educational opportunities. Today, some 94% of school districts nationwide meet minimum connectivity targets set by the federal government. This
- [Know the Signs: Get the Truth About Opioid Abuse](https://ptaourchildren.org/opioids/) - Over the last decade, opioid abuse has had a devastating impact on families across the country, and the crisis shows no signs of slowing down. There are 144 drug overdose deaths per day in the United States, and 63% of those deaths are related to pharmaceutical opioids or heroin. Nearly one in five teens say they
- [How to Address Suicide Prevention with Your Children](https://ptaourchildren.org/suicide-prevention/) - As parents and educators, our children’s and students’ safety is always paramount. From a young age, we ensure our kids buckle their seat belts and look both ways before they cross the street. We also educate them on more adult issues, like the dangers of substance abuse. Exposing children to the benefits of suicide prevention
- [Get the FAQs on Army ROTC](https://ptaourchildren.org/army-rotc-faqs/) - As a professor of military science at Jackson State University, I get a lot of questions from parents and students about the ROTC scholarship program. When most people hear the words Army ROTC, they associate it with characteristics like discipline, education, leadership development, etc. That said, there are also many misconceptions associated with Army ROTC.
- [Reading Nights that Engage Families in Amazing Adventures](https://ptaourchildren.org/willy-nilly-stories-literacy-nights/) - Have you ever hosted a Literacy Night? It’s a popular way for families, teachers and school administrators to celebrate the love of reading with a lively mix of read-aloud stories, activities and adventure. It also brings teachers and families together to work as partners in student development. A well-planned Literacy Night will: Encourage Family Engagement.
- [Handwashing: The Best Defense Against Germs](https://ptaourchildren.org/handwashing/) - With kids who touch and share EVERYTHING, keeping germs and colds—and the flu—away can be difficult. And despite widespread knowledge of the importance of handwashing, a recent study found that only 31% of men and 65% of women washed their hands after using a public restroom. According to the Global Handwashing Partnership handwashing with soap
- [Get Smart on YouTube: A Parent’s Ultimate Guide](https://ptaourchildren.org/youtube-parent-guide/) - Smosh, Good Mythical Morning, Markiplier—these names may not mean much to you, but chances are your kids are on a first-name basis. Their funny hosts, off-the-cuff commentary, silly antics and bewildering (to adults) subject matter put them among the most popular YouTube channels for young teens, garnering millions (and, in the case of game commentary
- [Finances: 7 Useful Lessons to Share with Your Kid](https://ptaourchildren.org/finances-7-useful-lessons-to-share-with-your-kid/) - Kids are incredibly perceptive—some of the most powerful things they learn come from what they observe in everyday life. Taking the time to teach them life lessons as they grow up will help them to become successful adults. Let’s look at how we can turn everyday conversations into teachable moments about finances. 1. Careers “I’m
- [Ask a PTA Leader: Charlene Shanahan](https://ptaourchildren.org/ask-a-pta-leader-charlene-shanahan/) - We spoke with Charlene Shanahan about her family, PTA leadership experience and how to create a more welcoming and inclusive school environment. Charlene Shanahan is the proud mom of nine-year-old twins at Sacajawea Elementary School in Seattle, Wash. She’s also the co-chair of the Sacajawea PTA Equity Team, where she organizes and executes inclusive schoolwide
- [Easy Dinner Hack: Turn Your Leftovers into a Tasty School Lunch](https://ptaourchildren.org/leftover-makeover-lunch/) - Back-to-school season means preparing your children for new classes, teachers, homework and after-school activities. The return of routine often means it’s harder to set aside time for cooking meals together, as well as packing healthy lunches for school each day. The good news is, you can feed two birds with one seed by cooking dinner
- [How to Pack and Wear a Backpack Safely](https://ptaourchildren.org/backpack-safety/) - A proper fitting backpack is a good way to prevent physical pain and promote wellness. Unfortunately, over half of students carry backpacks over the recommended weight or wear it the wrong way, which can lead to pain and strain. Few parents actually check the weight of their children's backpacks, so we want to raise awareness
- [2018 National Teacher of the Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/mandy-manning/) - Teachers who can make learning come alive are true treasures. Think about that drama teacher who helped you find your voice, or that math teacher who did handstands to help you learn reciprocals, or the English teacher who shared books that made you feel understood. These are the kinds of educators who hold onto the
- [The Magic of Using Loose Parts to Learn New Cultures](https://ptaourchildren.org/loose-parts/) - Angel begins to bang on a variety of pots and pans. He arranges traditionally-carved wooden bowls donated to the classroom by families alongside cardboard boxes and listens as he bangs on them, experimenting with different sounds by using metal and wooden utensils. He tells Marina, who is sitting next to him, “This is how my
- [5 Healthy Habits You Can Instill at Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/healthy-habits-at-home/) - As a parent, you naturally want your kids to grow up healthy and happy and develop good habits. This means staying diligent about things like immunizations and checkups, teaching them about germ prevention, and giving them a good foundation for healthy eating and fitness. Easy, right? Maybe not…but helping your kids develop healthy habits during
- [How to Maintain Good Balance as a PTA Leader](https://ptaourchildren.org/parent-pta-leader-balance/) - Let’s be honest. Parents are some of the busiest people on Earth. And when you add a leadership role in the PTA, it can be tough to juggle responsibilities at home and at school. So how do you strike the right balance? After working with thousands of PTA leaders, and helping them run over 10,000 successful
- [Teach Your Kids How to Make Their Own Decisions](https://ptaourchildren.org/teach-kids-decision-making-skills/) - It may surprise you to learn that, from elementary school through high school, kids are generally capable of making decisions that are about as good as the decisions we’d make for them. And the more we give them the ability to make their own decisions, the better they’ll be at it as they grow. The
- [How to Start the Puberty Talk with Your Tween](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-puberty-talk/) - So Here’s the Crazy Thing About Puberty: everyone goes through it, yet parents often dread talking to their kids about it. The good news is, there are some practical tactics that will help you get past the awkward and get talking with your kids. I have been in the field of adolescent health for about
- [Plan for College with These Free Resources](https://ptaourchildren.org/free-college-resources/) - Applying to colleges can seem like a daunting experience for students and their families. Luckily, you’re not embarking on this process alone. There are plenty of free resources to help make the process easier, so your teen can be excited about their future and focus on their strengths and passions. Together, you can successfully tackle the
- [Parent Talk: How I’m Building an A-Team for My Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/parent-talk-kindergarten/) - A few weeks before school, my rising Kindergartner, David, bunny-hopped home from a playdate at our neighbor’s house with his pants at his ankles. Rushing to meet him, I warned, “You are not going to be able to do that in Kindergarten!” While as a rule, no one at any age should hop around the
- [Kids and Science: Pointers for Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/kids-and-science-pointers-for-parents/) - Kids love science! National PTA and Bayer are committed to advancing STEM and ensuring that all individuals are scientifically literate by making STEM education make sense and more accessible and less intimidating—to kids and adults. So what can parents do to help nurture and maintain their children's interest in science? America's Ph.D. scientists offer some
- [Parents: The Most Valuable Player in Youth Sports is You](https://ptaourchildren.org/parent-coach-relationship/) - Super Bowl champion Brady Poppinga still remembers a heated argument that unfolded between a volunteer coach and parent following a youth baseball game he played in over 20 years ago. His youth team had just been knocked out of a tournament in Evanston, Wyo., and as they were packing up their equipment, the team’s coach
- [Go Back-to-School with PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/go-back-to-school-with-pta/) - Back to School, Back to PTA! It’s the most wonderful time of year for PTA! The beginning of the school year is an unofficial holiday season with new schedules, endless supplies, cool outfits, innovative lesson plans and fun activities. Over 50 million students across the country are back in the school groove with teachers and
- [Make this Easy School Bus Frame With Your Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/school-bus-frame-craft/) - Weekend Craft Idea! If you’re like me, you have more pictures of your kid than frames, or wall space to hang them. And even though my son is only two, I already have sheets of unused wallet-sized school, holiday and family photos. The back-to-school season is yet another opportunity to capture a special milestone. Here’s
- [Help Your Child Learn How to Learn](https://ptaourchildren.org/help-your-child-learn-how-to-learn/) - Wouldn’t you love to know how to help your child learn better? More easily? With less frustration? During our online courses for adults, Learning How to Learn, parents in the group often ask us if we know how to help children learn. They figure if the simple techniques we teach—based on what we know from
- [What Teachers Want You to Ask About Your Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/teacher-secrets/) - Want your child to get ahead? Build a great relationship with your child's teacher to create a strong partnership throughout the school year. Not sure how to do it? We talked to Hilary Scharton who gave some insight on what really works and shared what teachers really want you to ask about your child during
- [5 Ways to Address Back-to-School Jitters](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-ways-to-address-back-to-school-jitters/) - As a mom of three children—ages 20, 15 and 12—our family has had many first days of school, ranging from preschool to college. No matter how old my kids are, every year they each deal with back-to-school anxiety. I remember one first day several years ago when my youngest told me that he felt like
- [Can Your Child Be Allergic to Halloween?](https://ptaourchildren.org/halloween-allergies/) - Between the spooky haunted houses, the creepy ghost stories and being scared by monsters, Halloween can be a frightening time. But, for children with allergies, Halloween is scarier than being haunted by vampires. Halloween candy and costumes may contain hidden allergens that can cause severe, life-threatening allergic reactions, which is why it is important to
- [5 Tips for Working Moms (And Dads!) to Survive Back to School](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-tips-for-working-moms-back-to-school/) - From the moment my daughter got out of school in May to the end of July, was a complete blur. It was a blur of summer camp, work, travel, deadlines, proposals and pool parties. The fact that she was going back to school in three weeks had not even occurred to me. When it did,
- [5 Steps For Going Back to School With Food Allergies](https://ptaourchildren.org/back-to-school-food-allergies/) - The start of the school year means fresh backpacks, school supplies, and most importantly for food-allergy families, a new teacher and routine. Use these five steps and resources to become a food allergy valedictorian. Set up a meeting before school starts. Speaking with school staff and educators ahead of time sets the stage for an
- [7 Strategies to Integrate Hispanic Families with PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/ptahispanicfamilies/) - The positive impact of parental involvement is incalculable and has a reverberating effect that can be felt far beyond the schoolhouse. By helping a child succeed, we help a family accomplish a milestone; a family helps a community be prosperous, and a thriving community helps a nation be a world leader, which in turn can positively
- [Would You Host a Math Night?](https://ptaourchildren.org/ptamathnight/) - Many students (and parents) groan when they think about math. But the truth is, arming your child with a strong grasp of math will give them the tools they need to master concepts in other classes and in life. Think about it! Your child will need math knowledge to do well in science (especially physics
- [What You Don't Know About Pool Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/poolsafety/) - Millions of us celebrate (and try to escape) the warm summer weather by taking a dip in a swimming pool. It's such an iconic family activity, but tragically, over 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year—did you know that drowning is the number one accidental killer of children between one and four
- [5-Step Summer Digital Diet Plan](https://ptaourchildren.org/5-step-summer-digital-diet-plan/) - Are you looking to help your family adopt a healthier lifestyle this summer? Here are some tips for a summer diet—from your mobile devices. Summer Digital Diet Plan Consume in moderation. Most people can’t go cold turkey on tech . . . and that’s okay. But summer is the perfect time to be outdoors, take
- [Don’t Make These 3 Common Parenting Mistakes](https://ptaourchildren.org/3-common-parenting-mistakes/) - There's no secret formula to raising kids, no 10 easy steps that can guarantee the outcome. Raising human beings isn't like baking a cake or fixing a flat tire. That said, as a developmental psychologist I do believe there are important principles and practices—some drawn from the wisdom of the ages, others from contemporary advances in
- [10 Non-Tech Summer Activities to Build Language, Literacy and Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-non-tech-summer-activities/) - The dog days of summer are here—and many kids have a lot more leisure time on their hands. To prevent overuse of tech devices, try these ideas for non-tech activities that are fun AND promote language, literacy and learning. Many of these activities are suitable for both younger and older children. Summer Learning Activities Form
- [Try These Patriotic Crafts for a Fantastic 4th](https://ptaourchildren.org/patriotic-crafts/) - The Fourth of July is a time for family and friends to get together for food and fun. Add to the fun with these patriotic crafts you can do with your children and their cousins and friends. Stars & Stripes Bean Bag Toss This is an easy NO-SEW bean bag toss! It’s a great game
- [How to Raise Kind, Respectful Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-raise-kind-respectful-kids/) - James, age seven, and Elizabeth, age five, “fought constantly,” usually because Elizabeth would try to do whatever James was doing. Their mom says she would then yell at them, which only made everyone more upset. Through a family meeting about this problem, the mother and kids worked out the following plan: No hitting or yelling
- [Navigating Disney: A Family Guide](https://ptaourchildren.org/navigating-disney-family-guide/) - A few months ago, we packed up our family of nine and went to one of the greatest places on earth—Disney World. Can you imagine two parents and seven children under the age of 14 being in Disney for eight days? Our friends and family couldn’t either. But it was by far one of the most EPIC family vacations we
- [Get Your Child Ready for the Next Grade Level This Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/summer-learning-school-ready/) - Summertime means longer days and warmer weather, making it the perfect time for learning fun! It’s also a great time to make a plan that gets your child ready for the next grade level. 5 tips to help your child stride forward Know before you go! Before school lets out, ask the teacher what your
- [Helping Your Child With Today's Math](https://ptaourchildren.org/helping-your-child-with-todays-math/) - Today’s math is designed to help your child compete and thrive in a rapidly changing world—academically, professionally, financially and socially. Math education should prepare your child to graduate from high school, get into college, start a career, and make smart, informed decisions in every area of life. To do this, today’s math education may look
- [How to Raise a Scientist](https://ptaourchildren.org/raise-a-scientist/) - Do you have a little STEM expert on your hands? Does your child dream of being an astronaut or a chemist or an app designer? Good news—experts project significant growth in jobs for scientists over the next few decades. Helping your child understand the breadth of opportunities will make what they’re learning more relevant and motivate
- [Engage Your Kids With Science Outside The Classroom](https://ptaourchildren.org/take-science-outside-classroom/) - Parents don’t need degrees in chemistry or physics to help their children learn science. They just need to make time to explore and learn alongside them. This can be as simple as conducting an experiment to see whether items float or sink in the bathtub or as adventurous as hiking into the forest in search
- [Scientific Literacy: Why It Matters](https://ptaourchildren.org/science-literacy/) - Scientific literacy matters, regardless of what career path your child chooses to pursue, the critical thinking skills needed for science will help them succeed at school, work and life. Science requires us to observe, question, test and evaluate—then question again and revise our opinions as needed. Science is about continually acquiring new knowledge and holding
- [How to Choose the Best Summer Program for Your Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/summerprograms/) - As summer approaches, parents are once again faced with the daunting yearly challenge—how do I choose the best summer program for my child? Before immersing yourself in online reviews or sifting through the summer camp promotions you’ve been getting in the mail, it’s important to take a step back and think of summer in the
- [Make Sure Your Child Gets The Education They Deserve](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-education-students-deserve/) - Your child has a right to attend and succeed in a great public school. Regardless of income, ethnicity, family circumstances, disability or school readiness, all children are entitled to an education that will help them reach their full academic, professional and personal potential. As a parent or guardian, you are the best advocate for ensuring
- [Social Readiness and Your Child: What You Can Do](https://ptaourchildren.org/social-readiness/) - As summer comes to an end, send your child to school confident, curious, and cooperative. Children start school with different degrees of social and emotional maturity. These qualities take time and practice to learn for school readiness. Give your child opportunities at home to begin to develop the following positive qualities. Children must feel good
- [Preparing Your Child For School](https://ptaourchildren.org/preparing-your-child-for-school/) - Starting school can be daunting for both parent and child—but there are steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible as you prepare them to start the new school year. Long before your child walks through a classroom door, you can begin instilling the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
- [All in the Family](https://ptaourchildren.org/all-in-the-family/) - When we think about ideal fathers, many of our minds focus on iconic television dads—Mike Brady from "The Brady Bunch," Carl Winslow from "Family Matters" or the now incredibly popular and tear-inducing Jack Pearson from "This Is Us." But what does it look like to be a father in the 21st century and tackle today's
- [Home Visits - Flipping the Family Engagement Script](https://ptaourchildren.org/teacher-home-visits/) - For the first 10 years that Jerome D. Mack Middle School, in Las Vegas, Nev., was open, skin color, religious preferences, gang affiliation, language skills—and most of all—public opinion were barriers to what our students could achieve. The rules for our kids were not written with the pens of affluence; they were written with a predetermined
- [Meatless Options for Every Family](https://ptaourchildren.org/meatless-options-for-every-family/) - Many families are adding meatless meals into their dinner plan because of the health benefits, including lower levels of obesity, a reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure. While Meatless Mondays is a popular trend in households, it can be hard to get kids to eat regular meals (especially with picky eaters!) much
- [Ask a PTA Leader: Donald Barringer](https://ptaourchildren.org/ask-a-pta-leader-donald-barringer/) - Donald Barringer has two passions—literacy and education. And it shows in the breadth of his work as a North Carolina PTA Board Member, PhD student, University Program Associate, youth mentor, former Teacher Advisor to North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue and former elementary school teacher. What is your “WHY” story? Why and how did you get
- [Use Your Kids' Screen Time to Inspire A Love of Reading](https://ptaourchildren.org/use-your-kids-screen-time-to-inspire-a-love-of-reading/) - For those of us who love to read, it’s hard to imagine not wanting to pick up a book and dive into a new world or browse through an article and learn something new. But a barrier to these invaluable experiences does exist for young readers, and it seems be about knowing where to start.
- [Reading is Still Fundamental](https://ptaourchildren.org/reading-is-still-fundamental/) - As a proud parent and eternal optimist, I believe that, despite our ever-growing list of obligations, we must take time out of our busy lives to reflect on our past, our hopes for the future and what we can do to help those around us. I can’t think of a better way to do all
- [Poetry & Prose: Kwame Alexander's #Bookish Life](https://ptaourchildren.org/kwame-alexander/) - If you asked poet and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander how he developed a love of reading, he would laugh and tell you a story about a 12-year-old boy who hated books. This is surprising, considering that the charismatic and innovative author of 25 books—Rebound, the prequel to Alexander’s Newbery Medalwinning novel The
- [How to Talk to Your Kids About The News](https://ptaourchildren.org/talk-kids-news/) - It can be tempting as a parent to corral and contain your child’s emotions when they encounter difficult news, but it’s important to talk through disturbing media moments to keep our kids emotionally healthy. While our children may not always understand the nuances and meanings of complex and disturbing topics that may appear on the
- [The Crisis Zone: What to Do About The News](https://ptaourchildren.org/crisis-zone-what-to-do-news/) - Many of us are worried about how our children may be responding to the tragic school shootings, sexual abuse and disaster stories that saturate the airwaves and the internet. As a children’s media expert, when I go to schools every day, parents ask me: How can we help our children if they come to us
- [What Kids Should Be Reading](https://ptaourchildren.org/what-kids-should-be-reading/) - In our hurried lives, it’s not easy to find the time to browse and discover books—but you can get creative and work together as a family to build a place of discovery and comfort for you and your children. And even a handful of books can improve reading skills. A home library should be more
- [How to Prepare your teen for the SAT Reading Test](https://ptaourchildren.org/prepare-teen-sat-reading-test/) - As you and your teen plan for college, you’ve probably become a little obsessed with admissions tests—like the SAT—and how to help your student prepare and perform well so their college application stands out in the selection process. The SAT tests what your child has been learning in high school and what they’ll need to
- [Secret to Getting Children to Read](https://ptaourchildren.org/secret-to-getting-children-to-read/) - My main character A.J.—the narrator of My Weird School, my series for six to 10-year-olds—says at the beginning of every book, “My name is A.J. and I hate school.” Every so often I receive an email from a parent who objects to me using "the H word" in books for young kids. But I'll tell
- [How to Add Books to Your Home Library](https://ptaourchildren.org/great-ways-to-add-books-to-your-home-library/) - Make it a weekly family activity to visit the public library. Be open minded about what your kids choose. It is okay if they want to check out all of Captain Underpants books, nothing but the Magic Tree House series or only sports stories. Let your kids follow their passions and select book formats that
- [Get your Family into the Reading Habit](https://ptaourchildren.org/family-reading-habits/) - Reading for just 15 minutes each day can have a lasting, profound impact on your child’s development. Adding yet another task to the daily grind can seem daunting, but starting a reading habit doesn’t have to be boring and prescriptive! Reading together is all about bonding over shared experiences and discovering complex language, expressive emotions
- [What Does it Mean to Be a School of Excellence?](https://ptaourchildren.org/mean-school-excellence/) - I had the pleasure of interviewing the Forest Park High School PTSA in Georgia about their experience in earning the 2017-2019 National PTA School of Excellence designation as well as the esteemed 2017 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award of Merit. I chose to interview this PTSA to highlight their incredible story in growing their leadership from
- [Fun Crafts For Saint Patrick's Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/fun-crafts-for-saint-patrick-day/) - St. Patrick's Day is a global celebration of Irish culture on or around March 17. It particularly remembers St. Patrick, one of Ireland's foremost patron saints. You don't have to be Irish or of Irish descent to celebrate, though! Try these fun activities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at home with your kids. Fruit Loops Rainbow
- [Kid-Approved Game Night Snacks](https://ptaourchildren.org/kids-approved-game-night-snacks/) - According to a study by Hasbro, 76% of Americans aren’t satisfied with the amount of quality time their family spends together. Game nights are a great way to increase your time together. And, no official game night is complete until you have the right snacks and finger foods set up for your family. Kids and parents
- [How to Build a Home Library](https://ptaourchildren.org/building-a-home-library/) - You want your children to have the best start in life, so you work hard to make sure their school has the best resources and your children attend the best after-school activities to help send them down a path to success. But having a place of discovery where your child can learn the importance and
- [Family Game Night Ideas](https://ptaourchildren.org/family-game-night-ideas/) - A great way to start a family tradition with your kids is by participating in family game nights! Whether it's every weekend or once a month, it will give you a great way to bond with your kids and family. According to a study by Hasbro, 91% of families say playing games gives their family’s mood
- [Is This the Golden Age of Juvenile Literature?](https://ptaourchildren.org/is-this-the-golden-age-of-juvenile-literature/) - Every art form goes through a “Golden Age,” a period when the art is at its peak and relevant to a wide audience. Juvenile literature has a rich history of beautiful books that have touched generations of children. Timeless works by authors like Roald Dahl, Maurice Sendak and Beverly Cleary have delighted and inspired generations
- [One Book at a Time: Planning For Your Child’s Future](https://ptaourchildren.org/one-book-at-a-time-planning-for-your-childs-future/) - The arrival of March brings thoughts of spring and a season of growth and hope. Leo Tolstoy wrote that “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” This month, high school seniors (and their parents) anxiously wait to plan their futures based on the letters they will receive notifying them of their acceptance (or denial)
- [Five Movies to Watch During Black History Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/favorite-movies-during-black-history-month/) - With Black Panther breaking records during long-awaited premiere (just in time for Black History Month!), what better way to reflect on all our favorite African-American led movies to watch before the month is over. The Great Debaters A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas.
- [National PTA Reflections Student Arts Showcase](https://ptaourchildren.org/reflection-honorees-2017/) - Each year, the National PTA Reflections program encourages students of all ages to create and submit original works of art in the medium of their choice—dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography or visual arts—that reflect on the annual theme. Submissions are reviewed by visual, literary and performing art experts, and students are recognized for
- [Create a ‘Color of Love’ Crayon](https://ptaourchildren.org/create-color-love-crayon/) - It only takes a box of Crayons and a child’s imagination to create a fridge-worthy family portrait. Dad wears glasses. Gramma has white hair. The dog is brown. Some things match up perfectly. But that seemingly endless box of colors does give some youngsters pause. “I could always color my dad with peach. I could
- [Ask A PTA Leader: Frances Frost](https://ptaourchildren.org/ask-a-pta-leader-frances-frost/) - Frances Frost serves many roles as a wife, mother and author. She has also been an active member of the PTA since 2006, when she first began editing the school newsletter as a PTA volunteer. She then went on to eventually become the vice president, then president of that local PTA. Frost has pursued many
- [How to Have an EPIC New Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/epic-new-year/) - Last year was filled with highs and lows, tears and laughter, and A LOT of lessons learned for me and my family. Looking back on it all, I can truly say the good outweighed the bad. Hopefully in reflection, you can say the same. As you plan out the year with your family, here are
- [Eat Food that Supports Good Mood and Attention](https://ptaourchildren.org/good-food-for-mood/) - We hear so much about how good food affects our mood, focus and attention, but what foods are best for our children? Nine essential guidelines for good mood and focus for the whole family No one diet is right for everyone. Each person has different genetics and therefore a different metabolism. Even people in the
- [Don’t Make the Flu a Family Affair](https://ptaourchildren.org/dont-make-flu-family-affair/) - The flu has increased significantly in homes and schools across the country recently and with children and teens being more vulnerable than most, you want to do everything you can to prevent them—and you—from getting sick. However, with germs everywhere and kids in school, sometimes a cold is inevitable. Pediatrician and author Dr. Tanya Altmann
- [Routine: Get Your Kids Out the Door Faster](https://ptaourchildren.org/get-kids-door-faster/) - You never realize how jam-packed your morning routine can be until you have kids: Get out of bed. Get dressed. Comb hair. Make breakfast. Eat breakfast. Brush teeth. Find shoes. Pack backpacks. Each step is a potential speed bump, poised to give your day a rough start. Want a smoother get-out-the-door routine? Try these parent-approved
- [All-Day Fun! Snowed In Winter Crafts for the Family](https://ptaourchildren.org/day-fun-snowed-winter-crafts-family/) - When school's out because of snow—or your kids are WISHING they could get some snow—these five winter crafts will keep things fun at home. If you don't have the exact materials, improvise and use these projects as learning moments! Share your finished crafts with us on Facebook and Instagram! Snow Day Crafts Memory Mittens Materials Mitten
- [Got Winter? Watch These Fun Facts with Your Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/got-winter-watch-fun-facts-kids/) - Whether you are snowed at home or watching the "bomb cyclone" from a warm and sunny location, you can use winter storms to teach your kids some fun winter facts. Check out these fun short videos from Bayer's Making Science Make Sense Library and discuss with your family! And if you're feeling a little cabin
- [Make it a December to Remember](https://ptaourchildren.org/make-december-remember/) - If there was a theme song that could sum up what the inside of your house looks like right now, what would it be? For our family of nine, our theme song would be It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas. Stockings are hung and day by day our house becomes more adorned with
- [How To Help Your Child Navigate Where Bullying is Common](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-help-your-child-navigate-where-bullying-is-common/) - October is National Bullying Prevention Month, during the month a nationwide campaign founded in 2006 by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center is held to unite communities around the world to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. Bullying is something that affects everyone, whether you are the target or the one doing the bullying, it
- [Toy Safety This Holiday Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/toy-safety-this-holiday-season/) - As you purchase gifts this holiday season, make sure you play safe while purchasing toys. About 3 Billion toys are sold in the U.S. every year, all toys in stores are subject to over 100 safety tests and standards that are required by federal law. Of those, less than one-tenth of one percent are recalled by the
- [Holiday Cookie Baking with Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/holiday-baking/) - As a kids’ cookbook author, cooking teacher, and mom, it’s a treat for me to watch children roll up their sleeves, measure flour, mix up dough and bake cookies from scratch. When their baked goods come out of the oven smelling yummy, they are proud of what they’ve made and always happy to share their
- [The Internet Never Forgets ](https://ptaourchildren.org/internet-safety/) - It's critical for your children to understand that anyone and everyone is on the internet (good people, bad people, predators) and it can be very hard to spot the predators online. The worst people are often the kindest voices over text messages or chat rooms. They are master manipulators, and may pose as other kids.
- [How Cyber Safe is Your Christmas List?](https://ptaourchildren.org/cyber-safe-christmas-list/) - The holidays are here again! Family time, catching up with friends and relatives, too many stores selling things made with pumpkin spice, and shopping for presents. However, while you and your family celebrate the season, there's one thing we should all add to our lists: Talking with our kids about online safety and privacy. I
- [New Year Resolution Stick Picks](https://ptaourchildren.org/new-year-resolution-stick/) - As the New Year approaches, why not make some resolutions with your kids to start off the New Year on a productive note. Check out these simple instructions, and start making a list of goals that you and your family would like to achieve either together or alone. You can simply use these sticks throughout the year to help you keep
- [Hanukkah Holiday Crafting](https://ptaourchildren.org/hanukkah-holiday-crafting/) - With Hanukkah around the corner, what a better way to get festive with your kids while crafting this unique Ribbon Dreidel, with simple tools that can easily be found at home. A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side. It is used during Hanukkah to play a popular children's game that involves
- [How Dads Can Get More Involved in Education](https://ptaourchildren.org/maleengagement/) - A father's involvement with his child serves a vital role on the impact of their development, and the socio-emotional and academic functioning within their lives. Research shows that when dads and other father figures are engaged in children’s education, student grades and test scores improve, attendance increases and students are more involved in school activities.
- [Youth Sports and Preventing Injury](https://ptaourchildren.org/youth-sports-preventing-injury/) - As your kids are participating in various sports throughout the year, it is important to keep them safe. In the U.S., about 30 million children and teens participate in a sports organization of some kind, and there are over 3.5 million injuries reported each year. Though some sports are more dangerous than others, all sports
- [Giving Back This Holiday Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/giving-back-this-holiday/) - The holiday season is here! It’s an exciting and busy time for families around the country. But as you’re shopping, cooking and celebrating, don't forget to mark #GivingTuesday on your calendars! Exactly what is #GivingTuesday? Unlike Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday isn’t about buying presents. It’s a global day of celebration dedicated to
- [Fun Crafts For Thanksgiving Days Off](https://ptaourchildren.org/fun-crafts-for-thanksgiving-days-off/) - As the holiday season is approaching, kids will be spending days off at home trying to stay out of trouble. We need to make sure that kids are occupied doing fun activities rather than watching T.V. throughout the break, and causing mischief around the house. Check out these fun crafts and activities to do at
- [Starting the College Search: How Parents Can Help](https://ptaourchildren.org/starting-college-search-how-parents-can-help/) - Finding a college that is a good fit and affordable for your teen can be overwhelming with thousands of colleges to choose from. There isn’t a magic formula for building a college list, but there are a few key steps you can take as you and your high schooler start the college search and learn
- [Have Fun with these Halloween Activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/spooky-halloween-activities/) - Check out these spooky arts and crafts activities to try with your kids this Halloween. It strictly doesn't have to be about candy this year. Here are some cool ideas you can try at home with simple instructions and ingredients that can easily be found. Monster Slime Check out this video from PBS Parents to see
- [Some History On Your Favorite Spooky Holiday](https://ptaourchildren.org/history-favorite-spooky-holiday/) - As October is quickly coming to an end, we gear up to celebrate one of the world's most unique holidays. Though we celebrate by indulging with all our favorite candies, do we really know where the fascinating history of Halloween came from? Check out these origins to see where Halloween traditions first started according to
- [Make Monday Family Night with Homemade Pizza](https://ptaourchildren.org/family-night-homemade-pizza/) - Although the convenience of the drive-thru window may be appealing on your way home from picking up the kids instead of planning for a family dinner, beware! Fast food and other convenience options are generally full of bad-for-you saturated fats and sugar and low in the nutrients you and your family need to keep your
- [2017 National Teacher of the Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/2017-national-teacher-year/) - On the day Sydney Chaffee started kindergarten, her mom went back to college to finish earning her bachelor’s degree after being away from school for 10 years. Growing up, Chaffee saw her mother as a student—and then as a teacher—when mom graduated and became an adjunct professor at a local college. This was Chaffee’s first
- [Unique Partnerships That Can Help Your PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/partnerships-that-can-help-your-pta/) - As parents, we look for a strong community base as we make important decisions for our child’s education and upbringing. Being part of a PTA is a great way to find support during the busy, fast-paced school year. However, people’s approach to volunteering, membership and civic engagement has shifted. That’s when creative thinking and reaching
- [Ask a PTA Leader: Jim Accomando](https://ptaourchildren.org/pta-leader-jim-accomando/) - Jim Accomando stands out in the world of PTA, especially in the nearly all-female Holland Hill Elementary PTA in Fairfield, Conn., where his PTA story began. But that suits him just fine. His wife, Wendy, is a teacher and instilled in Jim an awe of the impact a great and caring teacher can make in
- [How Girls On The Run Creates Confidence](https://ptaourchildren.org/girls-on-the-run-confidence/) - What does it take to help a girl find her superpower? Does she need to summon her strength with gold bracelets like Wonder Woman? Or have the ability to harness the wind like Storm? Or find the power to create a powerful spell like Hermione? Fortunately for today’s girls, accessing their superpowers is as easy
- [Why Fathers Matter in Educating Our Children](https://ptaourchildren.org/fathers-children-education/) - When my children—Alyssa and Zac—were in kindergarten and third grade, I was an involved dad. I coached soccer, helped with homework, played Legos and took them camping. However, I didn’t do much at their school. Mainly because I had a full-time job and was busy. My wife Valerie on the other hand, did all of
- [Get More Out of Your Parent-Teacher Conference](https://ptaourchildren.org/get-parent-teacher-conference/) - Kids are back in school. You went to back-to-school night. Now it’s time for the first parent-teacher conference of the school year. Instead of bracing for an uncomfortable conversation, embrace these meetings as a great opportunity to begin a relationship with your child’s teacher(s) and gain valuable information to best support your child. Why it’s
- [Steal These Grassroots Advocacy Ideas](https://ptaourchildren.org/grassrootsadvocacy/) - Recess for Miami Students successfully advocated to restore daily recess in all Florida elementary schools in July 2017. This incredible accomplishment was the result of over a year of hard work and grassroots community engagement. We sat down with Angie Gallo, Florida PTA legislation chair, and Kate Asturias, a Miami-Dade parent and member of the Recess
- [Serious Play: Restoring Daily Recess](https://ptaourchildren.org/serious-play-restoring-daily-recess/) - PTA parents have been advocating for daily recess in Florida since 2002, but the movement picked up momentum in 2014 when two PTA moms from Orlando, Angela Browning and Amy Narvaez, with no money, political experience or connections, convinced House and Senate legislators to sponsor legislation requiring 20 minutes of daily recess. Unfortunately, the legislation
- [Help Your Child Eat STEM for Breakfast](https://ptaourchildren.org/eat-stem-for-breakfast/) - When kids get into the kitchen to cook and eat regular meals with their families, they reap many benefits, including a stronger sense of confidence and a greater willingness to try new foods. But another important benefit of cooking in childhood is that it’s an activity that provides children with real-world applications for much of what
- [Keep Your Kids Safe on Social Networks](https://ptaourchildren.org/keep-kids-safe-social-networks/) - Children, tweens and teens have easy access to more social networks than you may realize. Although most social media apps are off limits to children under 13, a 2011 study by researchers Danah Boyd, Eszter Hargittai, Jason Schultz and John Palfrey found that a third (36%) of all parents surveyed reported that their child joined
- [Teach Your Tween Digital Etiquette](https://ptaourchildren.org/teach-tween-digital-etiquette/) - Do you know what social media networks your kids are actively using—and how they’re using them? If you don’t, it’s important to find out, and gain a firm understanding of how each service works and how kids can use them to connect with others and share their thoughts. Aside from comprehending the basics of how social media networks like Facebook,
- [What Does it Take to Become a School of Excellence?](https://ptaourchildren.org/take-become-school-excellence/) - Is there something at your school that you'd like to improve? Or, is something great already happening and you want it to be recognized? Through the National PTA School of Excellence program, PTAs partner with their schools to examine how families feel the school measures up to the research-based indicators of the National Standards for
- [The 411 on Getting a Mobile Phone for Your Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/411-getting-mobile-phone-child/) - As a technology commentator for CBS News, one of the most frequent questions I get from parents is, “When should I get my child a phone?” It’s a good question, but my answer is always a bit broader and more nuanced than a simple date on the calendar. While getting a mobile phone—or a souped-up
- [8 Back-to-School Tips for Parents and Students](https://ptaourchildren.org/btstips/) - The inevitable last minutes of summer are ticking away. The countdown has begun for back-to-school once again. And along with it, major retailers are bombarding parents, making sure they hurry out and buy the coolest new outfits, backpacks and gadgets for their kids. This hyped-up, commercial back-to-school rush to equip students with new garments and
- [Do You Have a House Fire Evacuation Plan?](https://ptaourchildren.org/do-you-have-a-house-fire-evacuation-plan/) - Despite your best prevention efforts, a house fire may still occur. At the first sign of smoke or fire, you must act quickly and calmly because you may have very little time to gather your family members and safely evacuate. But by planning and practicing your escape plan, you can increase your family’s preparedness. Plan
- [Parents for Healthy Kids at Home and School](https://ptaourchildren.org/parents-for-healthy-kids-at-home-and-school/) - When was the last time you ate a school lunch? Do you know if your elementary school student has recess daily? Or have you wondered how to introduce the idea of a school garden? If you find yourself asking these kinds of questions as your child heads back to school this fall, you’re not alone.
- [How to Manage School and Family Calendars](https://ptaourchildren.org/manage-school-and-family-calendars/) - Parenting is not for the faint of heart. And while Facebook can fool us into thinking there are some families whose lives are nothing but color-coordinated bliss, it’s simply not true. We all struggle to communicate, live out our priorities, manage our worries and just get along. One of the things my family grapples with
- [10 Study Habits Your Child Needs to Succeed](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-study-habits-child-needs-succeed/) - It’s that time of year again. We’ve traded beach days for school days and once the shiny freshness of the first few days of school wears off, it will be time to get down to business. Particularly for students heading to middle school or high school, the homework assignments become tougher, workloads get heavier and
- [Seven New School Year Resolutions](https://ptaourchildren.org/seven-new-school-year-resolutions/) - Parents have two “New Years”—January 1 and the first day of school. The back-to-school season means it's time for new clothes, backpacks and school supplies, but it's also a time to reset priorities and establish new habits for a successful school year. That means parents, too! When parents are actively involved in their child’s education,
- [9 Ways Parents Can Help Bullied Kids Learn Resilience](https://ptaourchildren.org/9-ways-parents-can-help-bullied-kids-learn-resilience/) - Whenever Jessie hung out with her best friends Chloe and Meg, they gossiped about another seventh-grader named Kate. Jessie didn’t know Kate, but Chloe and Meg said she was clingy, told boring stories and smelled like acne wash. When Jessie asked questions about this mystery girl, her friends giggled and exchanged knowing glances. This went
- [10-Day Countdown to School Readiness](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-day-countdown-to-school-readiness/) - Despite the best of intentions, reading and writing often take a back seat to other activities over the summer—speech-language pathologists working in schools often see a literacy lag as students return to the classroom. Here are 10 days’ worth of school readiness activities that can be used to help refresh a child’s verbal and reading/writing
- [How to Choose the Best School for Your Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-choose-the-best-school-for-your-child/) - As parents, we are constantly bombarded with loads of information about schools—which schools have the highest test scores, the best sports teams, the most impressive graduation and college acceptance rates. But what do you really need to know when making a decision about your children’s education? Researchers from WestEd asked a series of related questions
- [Girl Meets Working World](https://ptaourchildren.org/girl-meets-working-world/) - Like most teens in their junior year of high school, Jill Hassler has big dreams for her future. “I’ve thought about a lot of careers,” the bubbly 16-year-old said. “I thought about being a movie director, an astronaut, the president, you name it.” To gain some perspective, Jill’s mom and her school counselor encouraged Jill
- [Anaphylaxis: Be Aware, Prepared, and Ready to Respond](https://ptaourchildren.org/anaphylaxis-aware-prepared-ready-respond/) - August is always a stressful time for parents sending their kids back to school, especially for parents of children with severe allergies. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction resulting from exposure to allergens. Whether your child has a severe allergy or not, it is up to all of us to make sure that we keep
- [Crafts: How to Make a Butterfly Feeder](https://ptaourchildren.org/crafts-make-butterfly-feeder/) - Do you love seeing colorful butterflies gliding around in the summer? Is your child a budding entomologist who wishes they could get a closer look? Well, this craft is an easy way to attract some beautiful butterflies and let your kids explore nature right in their own backyard! Here's what you'll need: Plastic bottle with
- [Parents' Guides to Student Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-ptas-parents-guides-student-success/) - Whether they are just starting elementary school or are getting ready to graduate high school, every parent wants their child to have the knowledge they need to be successful in the future. However, sometimes it can be difficult to keep track of everything your child needs to know. That's why National PTA created the Parents'
- [Treats to Beat the Summer Heat](https://ptaourchildren.org/treats-beat-summer-heat/) - Summer is finally here! That means two things: The kids are out of school and temperatures are on the rise. While it’s always an option to run out the grocery store and pick up a chilled-out treat, making them on your own is a great way to have some summer fun. Our Children Magazine went
- [Report: Black Girls Apply Interest in STEM](https://ptaourchildren.org/black-girls-stem/) - Inspired by the Oscar-nominated movie “Hidden Figures” the National Assessment Governing Board decided to explore recent results from The Nation’s Report Card— also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)—to discover the opportunities and interest of young black women in STEM. The Nation’s Report Card gathers information on contextual data both in and
- [STEM Careers That Don't Require 4-year Degrees](https://ptaourchildren.org/stem-careers-dont-require-4-year-degrees/) - If you're seeking a career in a STEM field without a four-year degree, it may seem as if there are no opportunities out there for you. With the rising costs of university, getting your degree may not be an option, but that does not mean you can't follow your passion for STEM. Check out this list
- [Talking to Your Teen: Underage Drinking](https://ptaourchildren.org/talking-teen-underage-drinking/) - In 2015, 10,265 people died in drunk driving crashes—one every 51 minutes—and 290,000 were injured in drunk driving crashes. When it comes to drunk driving and teens, the go-to solution for many parents is to take away the keys. While that's an effective prevention from automobile ignition, it does not really take away the greater
- [What's Your STEM? - Physics in a Juice Can](https://ptaourchildren.org/whats-stem-physics-juice-can/) - Short for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM represents much more than a collection of school subjects or classes. It’s an exciting world that goes well beyond the walls of a classroom and into the world around us. STEM answers countless questions kids (and adults) ask every day. Figuring out the answers to these questions
- [Protecting Your Child's Student Data Privacy](https://ptaourchildren.org/protecting-student-data-privacy/) - We all have the luxury of Googling anything that we want to know, learn or buy while sitting home watching TV on our couch, attending our kid's sporting event or waiting at the doctor's office. "Google it" is a popular phrase in today's society, but if you stop to think about it, Google hasn't been
- [Career And Technical Education: Support Your Teen's STEM Future](https://ptaourchildren.org/career-technical-education-support-teens-stem-future/) - There's a lot of pressure for high schoolers to choose the "right" career for their future. With all the emphasis on STEM careers, some students may think they have to go to school for four to eight years to be qualified. When you think of STEM fields the next generation could pursue, you probably think of
- [Shooting For The Stars with Dr. Mae Jemison](https://ptaourchildren.org/shooting-stars-dr-mae-jemison/) - The recent movie Hidden Figures explores the untold story of three African-American women whose exceptional mathematic and engineering skills helped send astronauts into space and bring them back safely in the 1950s and 60s. Astronaut and physician Mae C. Jemison was born when these women were using their talents to break through racial and gender
- [Get A Jump On Computer Science Education](https://ptaourchildren.org/ap-computer-science-education/) - When you hear the words "computer science,"do you imagine a college student sitting in front of a computer alone, typing code all day and night? Think again! Kaila Piscitelli was a student at Conrad High School in Connecticut when she created an app that recommends clothes that a traveler should pack based on weather forecasts
- [Get Crafty for Earth Day!](https://ptaourchildren.org/get-crafty-for-earth-day/) - Earth Day is almost here, so gather up all those plastic bottle tops! The ones on your soda bottles. The ones from your mayo jar. The ones from your peanut butter. The ones from your juice cartons. The ones from your … well, you get the idea. Plastic caps come in all sorts of sizes
- [A Family Science Fair: 3 Fun Experiments](https://ptaourchildren.org/family-science-fair/) - It's easy to be a scientist. Simply look around and ask "why?" We're sure your children do that often enough! They're well on their way to being scientists themselves. Try one of these fun, easy experiments to encourage you child's interest in STEM, and hopefully answer at least one of those "whys." The goal is
- [Home Experiments for Kids: Hovercraft](https://ptaourchildren.org/experiments-kids-hovercraft/) - Most Gen-Xers know all about Marty McFly and his hoverboard. And if you’re a parent, you probably remember that hoverboards were THE HOTTEST toy on the market a few years ago. Not to worry, we’re not suggesting you watch a Back to the Future marathon (although there’s no shame in that) or tell you that
- [Awakening Joy For Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/awakening-joy-kids/) - It’s Monday morning in the classroom and many children are exhausted by their weekend activities. Some come into the room with more energy than they can possibly fit between four walls. Several have spent the weekend on electronics for more hours than any of us would wish. Others have schedules crammed with sports and family
- [10 Tips to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism](https://ptaourchildren.org/ten-tips-reduce-chronic-absenteeism/) - All parents want their children to be successful, to graduate from high school and be prepared for college or the workforce. But not all parents are aware that students who miss just two days a month—whether the absences are excused or unexcused—are considered chronically absent and at risk of not graduating. Chronic absenteeism affects as
- [Math That Will Get You on Your Feet](https://ptaourchildren.org/math-on-your-feet/) - Use this fun activity to get your child started on the path to math success! Using your hands and feet to measure the household furniture helps your child to understand that math is all around us. Suitable for first-graders and up. Materials/Supplies List: Hands & Feet Measurement Worksheet (provided below) Ruler Rules/Directions: First, have your
- [Math Skills: Building Blocks For A Brighter Future](https://ptaourchildren.org/math-skills-building-blocks-brighter-future/) - Many frustrated students lament, "Why do I need to learn math?" The truth is, arming your child with solid all-around mathematical knowledge gives them significant advantages as they navigate their way through school, college placement tests ... and life. Math success brings significant academic benefits outside the four walls of your child's math classroom. It's
- [7 Fun Facts About Dr. Mae Jemison](https://ptaourchildren.org/7-fun-facts-dr-mae-jemison/) - You may know about Dr. Mae Jemison's work as an astronaut for NASA, but do you know the entire story? Check out these fun facts to find out a little bit more about Dr. Jemison's lifetime of accomplishments. FORMER YEARS - Dr. Jemison graduated from high school at 16 and attended Stanford University, graduating in 1977
- [Helping Your Child Understand Cyberbullying](https://ptaourchildren.org/understand-cyberbullying/) - Imagine walking down the hallway of a middle school and seeing the words "ugly loser" written on the locker of a sixth grade student, the bold letters overshadowing a student's personal space at school. Some peers point and laugh as they pass by; others look away with expressions that can't be read. When someone notifies
- [Spotlight: Vineyard STEM PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/spotlight-on-vineyard-stem/) - Vineyard STEM in Ontario, Calif., is a special place. As a transitional kindergarten to eighth grade STEM magnet school, it is uniquely situated to involve families and traditionally underrepresented groups involved in STEM education and ultimately help fill those 2.4 million empty STEM jobs. With the support of the Ontario Montclair School District, Board of
- [STEM + Families](https://ptaourchildren.org/stem-families/) - It's no secret that science, technology, engineering and math are the fields of the future. STEM became everyone's vision of the future once Neil Armstrong took that first step out onto the moon's surface. And STEM is even more critical to our nation's future today. The United States Department of Commerce estimates that jobs in
- [A Voice for 5 Million Children](https://ptaourchildren.org/voice-5-million-children/) - I’ve never met Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett. Truthfully, I’ve not met any of our current Supreme Court Justices. But I’ve thought a lot about them over the last few months since their ruling that the funding system for Texas public schools is constitutional. I was surprised and I don’t think I’m alone in
- [Student Data Privacy: What You Need to Know](https://ptaourchildren.org/student-data-privacy-need-know/) - Schools are getting more and more tech-savvy. Assignments, tutoring and even report cards are now online. From these things, schools are collecting data on your children. Here's what you need to know to keep your student safe. What is student data? Student data includes any information about a student that is collected, stored and communicated
- [Old Laws Are Putting Your Child's Privacy At Risk](https://ptaourchildren.org/old-laws-putting-childs-privacy-risk/) - We all have the luxury of Googling anything that we want to know, learn or buy while sitting home watching TV on our couch, attending our kid’s sporting event or waiting at the doctor’s office. “Google it” is a popular phrase in today’s society, but if you stop to think about it, Google hasn’t been
- [How Do You Put a Price on Education?](https://ptaourchildren.org/put-price-education/) - Public schools cannot continue to educate our nation’s children without adequate funding. On average, 47% of school revenue in the U.S. comes from state funds, local government provides another 45% of school funding and the federal government covers 9% of K-12 education funding. That seems like it should cover education cost needs, but 35 states
- [Breakfast: The Right Way to Start the School Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/breakfast-right-way-start-school-day/) - Parents and teachers know how hunger affects children in and out of the classroom. Starting the school day ready to learn—by eating a healthy school breakfast—is the first step toward academic success. Children who eat school breakfast show improved attendance, behavior and standardized achievement test scores, as well as decreased tardiness and fewer visits to
- [Get Your Child Ready for the SAT with Free Practice Tools](https://ptaourchildren.org/get-child-ready-sat-free-sat-practice-tools/) - College entrance exams like the SAT are an important part of your child’s college application. The SAT is accepted by all colleges in the U.S. as a way for your child to demonstrate their readiness for college-level work. In March 2016, the College Board launched a new SAT that makes it easier for students to
- [Families + Schools = Student Success!](https://ptaourchildren.org/families-schools-student-success/) - It’s a simple equation—Involved families, plus welcoming schools, equals successful students. So parents and guardians, participate in your children’s learning so they know you value their education now and in the future. Over 40 years of research shows that when families are active in their child’s school activities and learning, students are more likely to:
- [Parenting Takes Relationships, Risks and Resiliency](https://ptaourchildren.org/parenting-takes-relationships-risks-and-resiliency/) - Life with kids is an ongoing lesson about just how little control you have. This year, instead of obsessing and making grand plans, I’m choosing to be more reflective about what has worked in the past and how to make it even more successful in the future. I have three daughters…A newborn and two who
- [Special Education: Why PTA Advocacy Matters](https://ptaourchildren.org/special-education-why-pta-advocacy-matters/) - According to the dictionary, an advocate is a person who pleads for another. As parents, we are advocates every day. When you walk into your child's classroom to meet with their teacher or attend back-to-school night, you are advocating for your child. Those are easy ways to support your child. However, when you have a
- [The Power of Positive Family Engagement](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-power-of-positive-family-engagement/) - High-stakes assessments are creating quite a stressful learning environment for students and teachers in schools. Teachers just can't do it alone, so parents have an extremely important impact on their child’s success. I've been a principal at the intermediate level in the past and now I'm a principal at Warren Early Childhood Center, so I've seen
- [How to Help Kids Manage Their Anger](https://ptaourchildren.org/help-kids-manage-anger/) - Anger is a completely normal and important emotion. Contrary to some popular beliefs, anger is not always a secondary feeling that is covering up underlying sadness or worries. It’s healthy and justifiable for kids to experience anger, such as when they believe they’re being treated unfairly, when their favorite toy stops working, or when their
- [Use Media to Teach Your Kids Self-Control](https://ptaourchildren.org/use-media-teach-kids-self-control/) - In a world of instant gratification and instant access to just about everything, self-control is really important—and can be really challenging. You can use media to help strengthen kids' self-control by setting appropriate media limits (with their input), finding media that helps kids organize their schedules and sharpen their focus, watching shows that promote the
- [Intervention Services Can Prevent Juvenile Incarceration](https://ptaourchildren.org/intervention-services-can-prevent-juvenile-incarceration/) - When you live in a rural community, you really get to know your neighbors. With fewer people around, your neighbors’ kids become your own in a way. I should know, I’ve lived in a rural Alaskan island community for 20 years. I moved to Kodiak, Ala., in 1995 when my husband was stationed here with
- [You Are the Key to Your Child's Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/key-childs-success/) - You are the school’s most important education partner—the key to your child's success. Research shows that when families are involved at home and at school, children attend school more regularly, earn better grades, enroll in high-level programs and have higher graduation rates. This is because families are the essential ingredient to helping students navigate challenges
- [Living with Columbine: Protecting Our Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/living-with-columbine-my-mission-to-protect-our-kids/) - As the mother of a child just entering middle school in the district where the infamous Columbine High School shooting occurred, I have a unique perspective on safety in our schools. I have made it my personal responsibility to seek out the latest information on school safety issues because of where my children attend school.
- [The Perfect Formula for Academic Achievement](https://ptaourchildren.org/good-nutrition-policy-parent-support-academic-achievement/) - Childhood obesity has become a major topic in our schools. According to the CDC, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the last 30 years. The long-term impact for our children is an increased risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis (CDC).
- [Closing The Wide Homework Gap](https://ptaourchildren.org/closing-the-wide-homework-gap/) - As parents you know the routine. Your kids tell you they need to use the computer to do their homework. They need to find a picture of a notable person online or Google a current event to write a report. And now, your child is required to create a PowerPoint presentation instead of a paper
- [Keep Kids Learning Over the Holidays](https://ptaourchildren.org/keep-kids-learning-over-the-holidays/) - Though winter is a busy and exciting time, visiting relatives and enjoying the holidays, parents shouldn’t forget about the potential for learning loss. Learning loss is the phenomenon where children forget important academic skills over breaks and holidays. NCLR Education has assembled a kit of activities and learning designed for families to prevent children from
- [Personalized Learning & Students with Disabilities](https://ptaourchildren.org/guide-personalized-learning-students-disabilities/) - Personalized learning is sweeping across schools and districts nationwide. At NCLD, we see the potential, but we are also asking: What does this mean for students with disabilities? We’ve spent over six months discussing the benefits and challenges with 70 leaders in educational practice, policy, research and parental advocacy fields. What we’ve found is that
- [Home Experiments for Kids: Rocket Launch!](https://ptaourchildren.org/home-experiments-for-kids-rocket-launch/) - Our Children Magazine presents fun….easy…and cheap science projects for kids! Is your child a mad scientist in the making? Have they ever wanted to see a rocket launch? Well, here’s your chance to make that dream a reality! Our friend Mary Porter Green offers kids an exciting way to learn about the science of temperature
- [Is Your Child at Risk?](https://ptaourchildren.org/is-your-child-at-risk/) - Sports are a great activity for youth, and there's an abundance of research that supports the positive impact they have on a child’s development—from physical to cognitive. For starters, those who participate in high school sports and remain physically active are less likely to experience obesity, have a lower incidence of heart disease, stroke or
- [Counselor's Corner: The "Santa" Talk](https://ptaourchildren.org/mini-qa-santa-talk/) - As the holiday season quickly approaches, many parents urge to know when the proper time is to have “The Santa Talk” with their child. With the fear of losing their child’s trust or spoiling a holiday tradition, some parents continue to be filled with questions when it comes to discussing the role of Santa in
- [The Best Sugar Cookies Ever](https://ptaourchildren.org/best-sugar-cookies-ever/) - You can't have a holiday without sugar cookies. They're the ultimate, most versatile treat. You can frost and dress them up in all sorts of ways to suit any occasion. Here, our base recipe that works in so many ways. Ingredients 1 cup butter, softened 1½ cups sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- [15 Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Ideas](https://ptaourchildren.org/15-gingerbread-cookie-recipe-ideas/) - We may be biased, but we think you're gonna win the cookie swap. Gingerbread men, trees, you name it. These festive sweets are filled with sugar, spice and everything nice. Gingerbread Wands Here's an elegant update on the kiddish cookie worthy of your classiest holiday soiree. Gingerbread Shapes You know how some doughs produce gingerbread
- [High School Performance Can Predict Later Chances of Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/high-school-performance-can-predict-later-chances-success/) - Exactly how much does a student’s performance in high school affect his or her later chances of success? According to a new report this week from GradNation, a collaboration between hundreds of educational organizations seeking to boost the US’s high school graduation rate, the answer is: exponentially. Researchers from education consultancy Civic Enterprises and Johns
- [Holiday Crafting & Recycling with the Kids!](https://ptaourchildren.org/holiday-crafting-recycling-kids/) - Between all of the office parties, classroom parties and neighborhood parties, there are lots of plastic spoons floating around this holiday season! Unfortunately, most of them end up in the trash. But if you’re a crunchy-crafter, you see projects in those used spoons! So gather them up, give them a good wash and prepare to
- [6 Easy Gift Ideas for Teachers](https://ptaourchildren.org/6-easy-gift-ideas-teachers/) - No time? Tight budget? We’ve got you covered with some clever, crafty and cheap gift ideas for teachers. Add them to your list right now! Coffee Time: Price Range: $5 - $10 Let’s set the scene: A teacher walks into class the Friday morning before Christmas break, exhausted and totally ready for a holiday vacation—and there
- [Your Best Shot is a Flu Vaccine](https://ptaourchildren.org/flu-season-full-force-best-shot-flu-shot/) - As winter approaches, cold weather isn’t the only thing you and your family need to be ready for. Flu season is on its way and the vaccine will help prevent illness. Millions of children get sick with flu every season. Children, especially school-aged children, are more likely to catch the flu, which can can mean
- [When to have the "Santa" Talk](https://ptaourchildren.org/when-to-have-the-santa-talk/) - The holiday season is officially upon us, and with it comes an age-old concern for parents of young children: When to have the “Santa” Talk. It’s inevitably going to happen. But when is it appropriate to tell your kids “the truth” about Santa? Laura Reagan, counselor, believes that parents should take cues from their children’s
- [Recipe: Zucchini Skillet](https://ptaourchildren.org/recipe-zucchini-skillet/) - Why not whip up a healthy, kid-friendly dinner tonight? This Cheesy Zucchini Black Bean Skillet is a perfect recipe to kick off your healthy new habit. Serves 4 Ingredients: • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 - 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 1/2 cups cooked rice • 1 1/2 cups zucchini, quartered lengthwise and
- [How Mixed-Faith Families Celebrate the Holidays](https://ptaourchildren.org/mixed-faith-families-celebrate-holidays/) - While sparkly trees and visits from Santa are a yearly tradition for many at this time of year, things aren’t quite so straightforward for mixed-faith families. When parents come from different religious backgrounds, they often celebrate the holidays in a variety of different ways. For Anna Keller, December is filled with festivities that encompass her
- [Show Your Kids They Can Be Brave](https://ptaourchildren.org/becoming-brave-help-child-move-past-fear/) - What does it mean to be brave? If you ask your child this question, your child will probably say that being brave means not being afraid. That’s the wrong answer. It’s also an answer that keeps kids from becoming brave. Bravery doesn’t mean fearlessness. It means doing something even though we’re scared. To become brave,
- [How to Raise a Leader](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-raise-a-leader/) - Leadership can be hard to define. You could say it’s the act of guiding or influencing a group of people, but that definition doesn’t quite capture the spirit of what parents mean when they say, “I want my child to grow up to be a leader.” After all, you’ve probably never said, “I’d really like my child
- [Why I Volunteer](https://ptaourchildren.org/why-i-volunteer/) - From the PTA Blog: Even at 40 years old, I still get scared. Driving out of town to a place I have never been before, going to exercise class for the first time, even flying on airplanes can give me a little anxiety. I say things to myself like: You’re going to get lost. You’re
- [Kid-Friendly Cooking for Thanksgiving](https://ptaourchildren.org/kid-friendly-cooking-for-thanksgiving/) - Perhaps the most special thing about cooking is the way that skills and traditions are passed down within families from generation to generation. Holidays—particularly food-focused holidays like Thanksgiving—are the perfect time to escape from the daily grind and spend quality time together passing on these traditions. Of course, cooking for the Thanksgiving meal may also
- [National Adoption Month: One Mother's Story](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-adoption-month-one-mothers-story/) - November is National Adoption Month! In celebration of the wonderful adoptive families in America, we asked one mom, Cynthia Gismegian, to share her adoption story. Tell us a little bit about your child! How old are they and where are they from? My daughter, Lindsay, will be two years old in December. She is sweet,
- [November is National Adoption Month!](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-adoption-month/) - Families who choose to adopt children and youth make a meaningful, and often critical, difference in the lives of very vulnerable children in our society. November is National Adoption Month, a time when we recognize the efforts of national, state and local adoption agencies, as well as the families who have made a decision to adopt.
- [Help Your Teen Plan for the Future](https://ptaourchildren.org/help-teen-plan-future/) - As your teen approaches their sophomore year in high school, they start to feel pressure about their future—if they haven’t started to worry already. While some kids know what they want to do when they graduate, other kids need more guidance. Parents can use a free career planning program to help your student as they
- [Understanding What Transgender Means](https://ptaourchildren.org/understanding-what-transgender-means/) - Imagine you are a child assigned as a male at birth, but by age three you feel certain you are a girl. You reject boy’s clothing, you want to play with other girls and grow your hair long, but your body does not reflect who you are. This is the experience of Ellie, a 5-year-old
- [What Screen Time Is Better than Others?](https://ptaourchildren.org/are-some-types-of-screen-time-better-than-others/) - With more and more of our lives being lived online, your kids are getting more screen time than ever—about six to nine hours a day, on average. That's a scary number, but are some types of screen time actually okay? The experts at Common Sense Media say—absolutely! There’s a big difference between an hour spent
- [How Much Screen Time is Too Much?](https://ptaourchildren.org/too-much-screen-time-kids/) - The digital world is here to stay, and that means it’s no secret that today’s children face different challenges than previous generations. Homework? Submit it online. School project? Create a Google Doc. Need to practice your math or reading skills? There’s an app for that. With the TV, computer, tablet, smartphone and other devices, kids
- [What’s Up With Look-Alike Smart Snacks?](https://ptaourchildren.org/whats-up-with-look-alike-smart-snacks/) - Have you had lunch at your child’s school and sat there wondering why kids are still allowed to purchase Doritos and Cheetos, even after the USDA created the Smart Snacks in School guidelines a few years back? Well, it turns out that food companies reformulated many of their branded snack foods to meet the Smart
- [Carve the Perfect Pumpkin](https://ptaourchildren.org/carve-perfect-pumpkin/) - Still need to carve your pumpkin for Halloween? Our friends at Good Housekeeping offer 8 tips that will make your pumpkin the most popular on your street! Happy carving! 1. Good carving starts with the right pumpkin. Choose one that is fresh, with a sturdy stem and no bruises, and that has a flat bottom
- [For Food Allergies, a Halloween Appeal: Go Teal!](https://ptaourchildren.org/teal-halloween/) - From classroom parties and Trunk-or-Treats to ghosts and goblins knocking on your door, Halloween puts snacking front and center. But for youngsters on restricted diets, the holiday’s focus on foods they can’t eat puts a big damper on trick-or-treat fun. One in 13 U.S. children has a food allergy. That’s about two kids per classroom.
- [Tips You Need to Keep Kids Safe Online](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-you-need-to-keep-kids-safe-online/) - From the PTA Blog: Keeping your kids safe in the age of continuous internet access and social media is tougher than ever these days. My wife and I work in information security, but even we struggle to keep up with evolving technology, so staying safe online is a frequent dinner topic in our family. With
- [Modeling Good Citizenship During Election Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/modeling-good-citizenship-during-election-season/) - In the spring, during the primaries, my 7-year-old daughter came home fired up, talking about how if she could vote whom she would vote for and listing out the negative aspects of the candidate from the other party. While I was paying attention to the election, but I had not discussed the primaries with my
- [How to Tame Your Child’s Sweet Tooth](https://ptaourchildren.org/tame-your-childs-sweet-tooth/) - Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas: It’s that time of year when sugar consumption is on overload for children. How can parents regulate their child's sweet tooth? Is it possible to do it without looking like the bad guy? “I think during the holidays, the best thing parents can do is to monitor and make sure their
- [Ask the Nutritionist: Sugar & Your Kid](https://ptaourchildren.org/ask-nutritionist-sugar-kid/) - Health and Nutrition experts from The American Heart Association (AHA) recently recommended that children ages two to 18 consume no more than six teaspoons of added sugar a day. That’s about 100 calories, or 25 grams of sugar. So how can you help curb your child’s sweet tooth? Sharon Hawks, registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist and certified
- [Understanding Your Teen’s Brain](https://ptaourchildren.org/understanding-your-teenagers-brain/) - Most parents are so mesmerized by their baby, toddler and child, they don’t know what to do when they get to the teenage years. That’s because as parents, we’re told how critical brain development is in early childhood. However, there is another important developmental stage—Adolescence. We’re encouraged to help our young children’s brains develop fully:
- [LGBTQ History Month 101](https://ptaourchildren.org/lgbtq-history-month-101/) - It's LGBTQ History Month! To help you learn more about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning community and explain why support groups in schools matter, we've put together a few facts. Read on, and check out more in the infographic below! LGBT students were 61% more likely than their non-LGBT peers to feel unsafe
- [Kid-Friendly Family Dinner Recipes](https://ptaourchildren.org/kid-friendly-family-dinner-recipes/) - For the health and well-being of your family, there is perhaps no better habit to adopt (or reignite!) than regularly cooking and eating together. Not only are the meals served at family dinners typically more nutritious, but kids who regularly eat with their families tend to do better in school, have lower rates of trying
- [Help Your Child Develop Good Study Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/good-study-habits-for-children/) - As parents we know the evening homework and study drill. Whether we sit with our young students to help them complete their assignments, or monitor our teen’s progress in their studies, we want to help them cultivate the kind of willpower and self-discipline that’s required to build healthy study habits. But we don't always know
- [Walk Your Kids to School](https://ptaourchildren.org/walk-kids-school-oct-5/) - It’s fall and the weather is perfect for walking, just in time for International Walk to School day. Take the time to walk with your kids to school and use the time to: Have a fun conversation with your child or teen Get some clean air and exercise and… Enjoy nature and other fun sights
- [Three Tips for Raising Curious Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/three-tips-raising-curious-kids/) - Young children are naturally curious. They have an itch to explore their world and figure out how things work. And parents have compelling reasons to foster this inherent inquisitiveness. Curiosity is tied to academic achievement, with research showing “unequivocally that when people are curious about something, they learn more, and better.” According to one study,
- [Parents: Get Back into the School Groove](https://ptaourchildren.org/parents-get-back-into-school-routine/) - So you’re helping your kids get on track with their new class schedule, homework and extracurricular activities and you find that YOU are struggling to get into a routine, too. The back-to-school season is also an adjustment for you! Here’s a checklist to help grown-ups get back into the swing of things: Breathe “Our mindset
- [Get Your Kids into the Back-to-School Groove](https://ptaourchildren.org/get-your-kids-into-the-back-to-school-groove/) - The school year is in full gear and you may be finding that after the summer months of lax bedtimes and fun in the sun, it is tough to get your kids back into a routine. Here are a few ways to help transition them from summer to school with a whole lot less stress: Make
- [Hispanic Heritage Month 101](https://ptaourchildren.org/hispanic-heritage-month-101/) - It's Hispanic Heritage Month! To help you celebrate, we've put together a few fun facts about this culture. Read on, and check out more in the infographic below! What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino? The U.S. government distinguishes Hispanic and Latino as terms to define regions of origin and not a person’s race.
- [Get a Healthy Start on the School Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/healthy-school-year/) - The Back-to-School season means it’s also the cold and flu season. Are your kids armed with the proper knowledge and tools to fight the uninvited germs that can be found in the classroom? Help jump-start a healthy school year with these Healthy Habits tips. Healthy Snack Packs Some children may be little bundles of energy, but are
- [8 Tips to Harness Your Child’s Musical Interests](https://ptaourchildren.org/8-tips-to-harness-your-childs-musical-interests/) - So, you want to be the parent of a musician. Perhaps you dream of raising the next Mozart, Audra McDonald or Yo-Yo Ma. Maybe you’re just thrilled about your child’s growing musical talents and aren’t sure about the next step. No need to worry, the following tips are the perfect head start toward harnessing your
- [Time Management for Teens](https://ptaourchildren.org/time-management-for-teens/) - Time management isn’t just for adults at work. The first few months of a new school year see many parents struggling to support their preteens and teens as they balance homework and school projects with clubs, sports, music, drama, volunteering, work—and just being a middle or high school kid! Juggling all of these activities can
- [Five Things You Need to Know about ESSA](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-things-need-know-essa/) - The start of the new school year is a busy time for many families as they juggle hectic schedules with homework, extracurricular activities and meeting new learning goals. However, the start of this school year is even more exciting than usual. It is the beginning of a new era for our nation’s classrooms with the
- [18 Insanely Good Grilled Cheese Recipes](https://ptaourchildren.org/18-insanely-good-grilled-cheese-recipes/) - Most kids love a good grilled cheese sandwich. Are you looking to switch up your grilled cheese game? These heavenly recipes will have your children wanting seconds. Try making them with your kids for a weekend lunch or dinner. Get the recipes at GoodHousekeeping.com. Need some creative lunch ideas for school? Check out lunches that your
- [How to Build Your Child's Empathy Muscles](https://ptaourchildren.org/buildingempathy/) - Empathy is a skill—one that we can cultivate and strengthen with practice. It requires us to imagine how someone else is feeling and then respond in a caring manner. When kids care for living things – from babies to animals to plants—they exercise their empathy muscles. What do kids gain from these experiences? They learn through experience
- [The Dos and Don’ts of School Supplies](https://ptaourchildren.org/dos-donts-school-supplies/) - Every back-to-school season, students get long list of school supplies they need for their class and homework. But as parents we often wonder, are all these items essential for our kids success? According to personal finance expert Rubina Ahmed-Haq, back-to-school supplies shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. “Parents go a little bit crazy thinking
- [How to Curb Your Kid's Smartphone Use](https://ptaourchildren.org/curb-kids-smartphone-use/) - The typical child spends over 7 hours a day looking at a screen—mainly a smartphone—which can affect their social, mental and academic development. Smartphones are one of the biggest electronic enablers, allowing teens to take a screen with them wherever they go. Before school starts, have a conversation with your child about appropriate smartphone use.
- [Four Myths About Back-to-School](https://ptaourchildren.org/backtoschoolmyths/) - Stress caused by Myths .... A mother of two teenagers sighed as she confessed to me her mixed emotions about this month. When I asked her why she said: “There’s a part of me that looks forward to the fall when my kids go back to school. But there’s another part of me that dreads the
- [10 Tips to Get Your Child to Love Reading](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-tips-to-get-your-child-to-love-reading/) - It’s clear that when families are engaged in education, everyone wins—schools, families and students! Creating daily family reading experiences helps your children to develop their vocabulary exponentially over time, boosts their academic performance overall and increases their likelihood of meeting college-and career-readiness benchmarks. These experiences also open their minds and hearts to others and guide them as
- [Make the Olympics a Learning Opportunity](https://ptaourchildren.org/turn-olympics-learning-opportunity/) - The Olympic Games can be such an inspiring and exciting time to watch TV as a family. But beyond the fantastic feats, breathtaking speed, and colorful outfits, there are plenty of opportunities to engage kids in deeper conversations about everything from character strengths like empathy and perseverance to politics. Seize the moment by asking open-ended questions, and
- [The Importance of Family Reading](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-importance-of-family-reading/) - Reading gives us two gifts—the gift of understanding and the gift of feeling understood. Every new book you read shows you another life, another time or place or way of being. Every new book also assures you that yes, other people have felt as afraid, as embarrassed, as sad, as giddy and as joyful as
- [Why 'Bad Moms' Need PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/why-bad-moms-need-pta/) - I’m sure you’ve seen the advertisements on Facebook and TV for the new comedy Bad Moms, released in theaters July 29. It tells the story of an over-worked and over-committed PTA mom who teams up with other stressed-out moms to free themselves from the everyday challenge of balancing kids, home and their careers. In the
- [How to Keep Safe on the Road](https://ptaourchildren.org/roadtrip/) - Over the river and through the woods, to... (Grandma's! The beach! The campsite!) ...we go! Wherever you're heading this summer on your family road trips, make sure your precious passengers arrive at their destination safely by taking some precautions to ensure your family stays safe while traveling. Before You Go Get your vehicle maintenance before
- [Stay Cool, Hydrated and Protected](https://ptaourchildren.org/safety-alerts-stay-cool-hydrated-and-protected/) - UV Safety Month Did you know that July is UV Safety Month? Keep your kids safe from the sun at all times—even when it is not summer and sunny! Make sure that they wear proper clothing that will protect them from harmful ultraviolet rays. Always apply sunscreen with at least 15 SPF to exposed skin
- [Why Healthy School Meals Matter](https://ptaourchildren.org/why-healthy-school-meals-matter/) - As parents, we’re are always concerned about our children’s diet and development. There are so many do’s and don’ts—and scary statistics—that sometimes it’s not clear if we’re on the right track. What is important is that we provide balance at home and school because what your child eats—or doesn’t eat—can affect their mood and academic success.
- [Backyard Party! 10 Ways to Have Fun with Your Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-ways-to-have-fun-with-your-kids/) - We’re halfway through summer break and you may be running out of ideas of things to do at home with your kids. Do not fret! We’ve compiled a list of some easy and fun games and activities you can do in your own backyard! And if you don’t have a big backyard, throw a neighborhood
- [Why Boys Don't Read](https://ptaourchildren.org/why-boys-dont-read/) - As a young boy, Sanjay Mahboobani was a passionate reader. He traveled through time with Jack and Annie in the Magic Tree House series, and devoured each and every Harry Potter book as soon as it hit the local bookstore. But as he got older, Sanjay, who lives in Redondo Beach, Calif., began to lose
- [11 Dorm Room Essentials](https://ptaourchildren.org/11-dorm-room-essentials/) - These budget-friendly recommendations from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute (GHRI) will help you set your favorite student up in style. For more tips and tricks for school-year prep, be sure to check out Good Housekeeping's comprehensive back-to-school guide. Dorm Decor Your child will want to put his/her own personal stamp on his/her new space, and the
- [The Best Educational Webcams to Watch This Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-best-educational-webcams-to-watch-this-summer/) - No more pencils, no more books! Summer is all about fun and freedom, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Webcams from around the world are a great way to keep kids engaged even when they’re not in the classroom. Zoos, aquariums and even some cities have amazing HD cameras that will easily
- [Seven Summer Family Fun Activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/seven-summer-family-fun-activities/) - After being cooped up all winter, it’s time to take advantage of the warmer weather by spending some quality summer family fun outside. These awesome activities will help you make memories without breaking the bank. You can also use your outings as fun, teachable moments to help your children avoid summer learning loss. 1. Explore
- [This Cookie Cake Will Make Your July 4](https://ptaourchildren.org/this-cookie-cake-will-make-your-july-4/) - Even a rainy Independence Day can’t take the fun out of this project, and if it’s a beautiful day and you’ve got a barbecue to go to—well, here’s your potluck dish! This cookie cake is more elaborate than our other two 4th-of-July-themed craft projects, but if you’re crunched on time or have very small helpers, you
- [Fun, Kid-Friendly 4th of July Crafts](https://ptaourchildren.org/fun-kid-friendly-fourth-of-july-crafts/) - Who says that fireworks are the only fun thing about the 4th of July? Not me! Independence Day is also a great day to do some crafts together with your kids—especially these extra-special, extra-flashy crafts. Grab the Alka-Seltzer and the crayons, because you’re going to make real rockets and fireworks on canvas. Film Canister Rockets These
- [10 Parenting Tricks for a Less Messy Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/less-messy-summer/) - Summer vacation is finally here! Use these genius ideas to make days at the beach and afternoons in the backyard less messy and easier to clean up. Prevent Sticky Drips Nothing is more frustrating than scrubbing streams of sticky drips off of a wriggling kid's arms post-Popsicle. To skip that step, poke a hole in the middle
- [Tips for Families from the National Teacher of the Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/tips-for-families-from-the-national-teacher-of-the-year/) - Every spring since 1952, a National Teacher of the Year is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year by a national selection committee representing leading education organizations, including National PTA. The National Teacher of the Year program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers. This year’s honoree is Jahana Hayes,
- [How Can You Prevent Summer Learning Loss?](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-can-you-prevent-summer-learning-loss/) - Summer break is often seen as an idyllic time for teachers, parents and students to take vacations, have fun, and forget about the stress of school. But for the growing number of students living in poverty, summer vacations can be a significant setback to their learning, researchers say. “Summer learning loss is a significant contributor
- [Kid-Friendly Snacks for Your Family Road Trip](https://ptaourchildren.org/road-trip-snacks/) - Road trips—whether you’re traveling cross-country or across town to grandma's house—can be a lot of fun. There's nothing as adorable as when your kid hears a song they love on the radio and starts singing along to it—except when it happens over and over again. Unfortunately, besides the adorable singing, the most common road trip phrase to come
- [Take The Stress Out of Standardized Tests](https://ptaourchildren.org/take-the-stress-out-of-standardized-tests/) - The very idea of a test throws some children into a panic. Other children seem to be able to go with the flow and even enjoy tests as a way of showing off how much they have learned. Most kids, however, fall somewhere in between. There are a number of things that parents can do to help
- [May Safety Alerts: Better Safe Than Sorry](https://ptaourchildren.org/may-safety-alerts-better-safe-than-sorry/) - 10 Tips to Keep Your Baby Safe Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices and advice from friends and relatives about your new baby? What to do? What to buy? Watch this video for some advice for new parents from the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission about nursery product safety. Dangers of Smokeless Tobacco Among
- [Spring into Healthy Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/spring-healthy-habits/) - Cold and flu season may be finally coming to a close, but that does not mean kids are done transferring germs. Germs can be found inside and outside the home, no matter the season, which is why incorporating healthy habits into your family’s yearlong routine can help create a healthy home. With a few simple and
- [Is Your Child on Track for Success?](https://ptaourchildren.org/is-your-child-on-track-for-success/) - Schools used to blatantly track students. Students were funneled into high, medium or low groups and, once labeled, they remained in those groups throughout most or all of their schooling. Students viewed as college material were placed on a higher-level academic track while other students were placed in lower level tracks. In some districts, students
- [Creative Lunches…Just Like Lunchbox Dad!](https://ptaourchildren.org/creative-lunchesjust-like-lunchbox-dad/) - Are you in a school lunch-rut? Sandwich, chips and an apple—all tossed into your kid’s lunchbox as they make a mad dash for the school bus. Have no shame—we’ve all been there. Luckily, “Luchbox Dad” has come to the rescue! As a blogger, and busy father of three, I make time to transform simple, healthy
- [Popular Mother's Day Flowers Throughout History](https://ptaourchildren.org/popular-mothers-day-flowers-throughout-history/) - It's Mother's Day and we're shedding some light on the history of the holiday. In 1908, a woman named Anna Jarvis decided to hold a memorial at Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, to honor her mother, who passed away three years before. During her lifetime, Anna's mother, Ann, founded Mothers' Day Work Clubs
- [College Countdown: Don’t Let Senioritis Prevent Preparation!](https://ptaourchildren.org/college-countdown-dont-let-senioritis-prevent-preparation/) - It’s the time of year when most college-seeking students have found out if they’ve been accepted into their school of choice, and for some, it’s when senioritis starts to set in. However, there are still critical steps your children need to be taking to ensure they are fully prepared for college and beyond during the remainder
- [Is Your Child Emotionally Fit?](https://ptaourchildren.org/behavioral-health-resources-for-children/) - If you think your child may have a behavioral health problem, it can be overwhelming. You’re trying to process this new information and you may not know where to start looking for help. Although you may feel alone in this, you should know that is definitely not the case. One in five children in the
- [Does Your Classroom Have School Smarts?](https://ptaourchildren.org/engaging-all-families-for-student-success/) - I’m a proud Californian: In my professional career working with children with learning disabilities, foster youth and migrant families and communities, as well as in my personal calling as a PTA member and volunteer, I’m honored to witness the strength of our state’s diverse students and families every single day. I’ve learned so many things
- [Safety Alerts: Take That Extra Step](https://ptaourchildren.org/safety-alerts/) - Safety...See It Before You Sign It Is your child heading to college in the fall semester? You and your college student are probably on the hunt for off-campus housing. Whether your son or daughter plan to live in a dorm or in off-campus housing, don’t sign on the dotted line until you see the housing
- [Parenting Fatigue: Overcoming Discouragement](https://ptaourchildren.org/parenting-fatigue-how-to-overcome-discouragement/) - Mid-term reports are out for my 13-year-old son. It is easy to see his progress as a student—the homework he has completed or not, the tests he aced and those he failed. It even shows his effort. While not always an accurate assessment of his abilities and actions, it is a benchmark. He does not
- [Key Benefits of Reading with your Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/reading-together-as-a-family/) - “The more that you read, the more things you will know.” Such beautiful words from the one and only Dr. Seuss. It’s this short but powerful phrase that sums up the night of fun-filled reading that took place at Brock Bridge Elementary School in Laurel, Md., to celebrate National Reading Month. “The PTA Family Reading Experience
- [How to Be Your Child's First Advocate](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-be-your-childs-first-advocate/) - As parents, we wear a lot of hats: chauffeur, accountant, janitor, personal chef, referee, nurse and many more. However, our most important role (and probably the one that’s most often overlooked), is being our child’s first advocate during those critical developmental years from birth to age five. As the parents of children in Head Start and other early
- [Spring into Service, Serve for the Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/spring-into-service-serve-for-the-summer/) - Spring and summer months bring long days, warm weather, school vacations—and great opportunities for kids to volunteer and families to serve together. While your service improves the community, your kids also benefit. Here’s how: It gives children and teens an identity and purpose. What better way to show youth that they matter—not in some distant
- [Advocacy tips for primary elections](https://ptaourchildren.org/advocacy-tips-for-primary-elections/) - I know it may seem as though the presidential race has dragged on forever already, but really, things are just starting to heat up. There is still over 42% of all Republican National Convention delegates and 46% of all Democratic National Convention delegates to be distributed among the remaining candidates. If you’re a political junkie
- [March Safety Alerts: Spring Forward with These Tips](https://ptaourchildren.org/march-safety-alerts-spring-forward-with-these-tips/) - Change Batteries, Save Lives With spring in full swing this weekend, we want to make sure that you are fully prepared to move forward. And no, this is not a friendly reminder to change your clocks ahead one hour (hopefully, you’ve done that by now)! The official start of spring is a great time to
- [March is National Reading Month!](https://ptaourchildren.org/march-is-national-reading-month/) - A lifelong love of reading begins at home with your family. As Emilie Buchwald once said, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Research shows that when families read together, learning happens and memories are made that last a lifetime. So get inspired! Watch these stories about the magic that unfolds when
- [Make a Feelings Face Chart!](https://ptaourchildren.org/make-a-feelings-face-chart/) - Feelings. They’re often tough to deal with, even for us adults. For kids, it’s an even bigger challenge. Psychotherapist and parent educator, Katie Hurley, recently wrote about feelings in PBS Parents' Expert Tips and Advice column. In a piece she penned about avoiding meltdowns, Hurley offered this, “Many children simply don’t know how to make the
- [The Arts: The Key to Student Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-secret-to-your-childs-academic-success-the-arts/) - Do you think the arts in education are a waste of time for your children? Think again! Research shows students who have greater access to the arts exponentially improve their chances to succeed in life. And, students who participate in arts programs are more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. In fact, students who
- [6 Ways to be Engaged in Your Child’s Education](https://ptaourchildren.org/be-engaged-education/) - In today's fast-paced world, it's becoming more important than ever to be actively engaged in your child’s education. The things they are learning in school are vastly different from the things you may have learned, not to mention the methods with which they are being taught are unlike anything you may have seen before. But
- [Black History Month: Today's Inspiration](https://ptaourchildren.org/black-history-month-todays-inspiration/) - During Black History Month, iconic African Americans from the past are often the focus. It is common, and important, for schools and families to reflect on the courageous acts and accomplishments of heroic figures from the past. But do you ever wonder what great things are being accomplished today? There are black educators, entertainers, entrepreneurs and
- [Spark Your Child's Interest in STEM](https://ptaourchildren.org/early-exposure-to-stem-is-key-to-driving-continued-interest/) - From the PTA Blog: Careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will increase over the next few decades, so it’s understandable that many parents are looking for ways to spark their child’s interest in STEM. And it’s not hard to get them interested! STEM naturally excite kids because they are innately fascinated with building things,
- [SAT Anxiety? We Found Free Test Prep!](https://ptaourchildren.org/march2success-free-test-prep-for-every-student/) - As parents, we strive to ensure our children have every opportunity to receive a quality education, to experience a fulfilling career and ultimately to find lifelong happiness. The SAT, ACT and other standardized tests are critical milestones along the way, but many of us don’t know where to begin when it comes to adequately preparing
- [Our 'A' List Celebrities for the Arts](https://ptaourchildren.org/our-a-list-celebrities-for-the-arts/) - The arts are universal. They open up the world to our children. When students take part in the arts in school, they are allowed to dream, to imagine and to create. There are a few Hollywood names that share our passion for the arts. From heading arts foundations to giving multi-million dollar donations to develop art
- [Black History Month: Historic Pioneers](https://ptaourchildren.org/black-history-month-historic-pioneers/) - Did you know that Rosa Parks was not the first person to defy bus segregation laws? Or that in 1962, an African American commanded a U.S. Navy combatant ship? There are many incredible accomplishments of the African American community members that are not well-known, or that have been lost to the past. Take a look at some
- [Young Artists Celebrate in DC](https://ptaourchildren.org/young-artists-celebrate-dc/) - National PTA and the U.S. Department of Education recently celebrated arts in education and students who are making the worlds a better place through their art. The ceremony, held in January in Washington, DC, recognized students from across the country for their winning entries in the National PTA Reflections Program. The event featured music and
- [Celebrating National PTA Founders’ Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/founders-day/) - I love the National PTA Founders’ Day story! It was 125 years ago, 2,000 women (and men) converging in the District of Columbia in the middle of February in 1897 and sharing a vision to create a better world for their children and all kids across the nation. This story always astounds me—How did they
- [Take Part in Your Kid’s Digital Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/take-part-in-your-kids-digital-learning/) - It can be hard to keep up with the new digital devices, mobile apps and educational software that are developed every day, but when used effectively, technology can be a great way to strengthen a student’s learning experience. Digital learning includes online courses, tools, applications, content or resources, and will often extend into a student’s
- [Parents, Are Your Kids Using These Apps?](https://ptaourchildren.org/parents-are-your-kids-using-these-apps/) - Young kids are using apps and social media networks more than ever. Did you know 73% of teens now use a smartphone and 92% are going online every day? While several digital platforms have age restrictions, this is not stopping the youth from creating an account and getting into the social media frenzy. You might
- [Valentine's Day Craft: Seed Hearts](https://ptaourchildren.org/valentines-day-craft-seed-hearts/) - These Valentine's Day hearts are made of recycled paper. They’re one-of-a-kind and when planted in the spring, they grow flowers! How cool is that?! You only need water, paper, seeds and some heart-shaped molds to bring this project to life. Supplies Lots of ripped-up newspaper or junk mail Warm water Wildflower seeds Heart-shaped mini aluminum
- [3 Super Sweet Valentine's Day Crafts](https://ptaourchildren.org/3-super-sweet-valentines-day-crafts/) - Picking up a box of Valentines from the store is way too easy. Yes, they’re cute and relatively inexpensive but Valentine’s Day is the kind of holiday when you can really celebrate your child’s crafty side. Our Children Magazine scoured the internet in search of super-cute craft ideas that you can do with your kids
- [Play Your Part for a Better Internet](https://ptaourchildren.org/play-your-part-for-a-better-internet/) - What will you do to make the internet a safer and more positive place? That's the theme for Safer Internet Day 2016, Feb. 9 in Hollywood, CA. Every year, ConnectSafely.org convenes youth leaders, educators, policy makers, parents, Internet safety experts and executives from the leading tech companies to discuss how we can all work together
- [Watch TV Smarter: Develop Your Teens' Critical Thinking](https://ptaourchildren.org/watch-tv-smarter-develop-your-teens-critical-thinking/) - Turn your teenager from a couch potato into a film buff by teaching him the language of film and TV programming. Your teen will discover there's no single "correct" way to interpret a story or an image. Instead, what a person gets out of a show or a film comes from who that person is,
- [National TV Safety Day is Feb. 6](https://ptaourchildren.org/national-tv-safety-day-is-feb-6/) - As you're getting your TVs set up for the big game, make sure they are safe in celebration of National TV Safety Day. The Super Bowl is one of the most watched events on TV every year, and it’s the perfect time to remind everyone about TV safety. TV safety, which often isn’t a top
- [How to Keep Arts Education Alive at School](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-keep-arts-education-alive-at-school/) - Maine’s young artists now have an opportunity to show what they can do, thanks to Julie Frum, a mom of two. “I just love the opportunity for kids to get a chance to be creative,” says Julie. When Julie moved to Maine from Louisville, Ky., she was disappointed to find no arts program at her
- [The New Culture of Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-new-culture-of-learning/) - Stanford University psychology professor Carol Dweck coined the phrase “growth mindset” as the belief that you can develop your abilities, and then watched as the term took hold as a meme for motivation on playgrounds and in classrooms across America. Now she’s worried about its misapplication: Teachers who use growth mindset as a shorthand without understanding it; parents
- [This Family Ditched Their TV & Couch](https://ptaourchildren.org/this-family-ditched-their-tv-couch/) - Katy Bowman doesn't believe in plopping down on a couch—or anywhere. "Most people drive to the gym to exercise," says Katy, a biomechanist and the author of Don't Just Sit There, a work-life wellness guide. "I prefer to put movement into my life all day." So what does a life of constant motion look like?
- [Enter Digital Safety Giveaway for Free Trip](https://ptaourchildren.org/enter-digital-safety-giveaway-for-free-trip/) - Amy Ritter Gibson is a tech-savvy mom who is not afraid to lay down the rules when it comes to her child’s digital devices. When her daughter was in the 4th grade, Amy decided it was time to set some ground rules. “I right away connected her iPad to my phone so that I could
- [Raising a Truthful Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/raising-a-truthful-child/) - All kids sometimes lie to their parents. The most common reason is to avoid punishment for a deliberate or accidental misdeed. Another common motive is to obtain some reward or benefit not otherwise obtainable. There are also lies to protect a friend or sibling, lies to enhance self-esteem (bragging), lies to get out of an
- [3 Totally Awesome Snow Day Crafts](https://ptaourchildren.org/3-totally-awesome-snow-day-crafts/) - Snow angels and roasting marshmallows are for amateurs! If you want to take your snow day to an all new level, these three activities are for you. Snow Paint You need three things for this super-creative project. Food coloring, spray bottles—and lots of imagination. Fill your spray bottle with water and add a few drops
- [Snow Days are for the Birds…& CRAFTING!](https://ptaourchildren.org/snow-days-are-for-the-birds-crafting/) - The alarm goes off, you reach for your phone and there it is—an alert that says: SCHOOL CANCELLED. Your day is about to change—BIG TIME! So do you let the kids just play in the snow? Or do you mix in some learning time? It’s the Great Snow Day Debate that every parent faces at
- [Music Gives Kids Critical Skills for Life](https://ptaourchildren.org/music-gives-kids-critical-skills-for-life/) - Plato wrote that, “music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” In recent years, the link between music and student success has become a hot topic in education. As a parent, you want to give your kids every possible opportunity to succeed in school
- [Vaccines: Valuable Info You Need to Know](https://ptaourchildren.org/vaccines-valuable-info-you-need-to-know/) - With flu season upon us, parents are faced with the yearly question of whether their child should receive an annual flu shot. As parents, we all want to do what is best for our children, but it’s often difficult to know what the best approach may be. Should my child get a flu shot? In
- [Parents Key to English Learner Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/parents-key-for-english-learner-success/) - Selene Ramirez has a lot on her plate caring for her three children and two nieces who live at her home in Buena Park, near Anaheim, but she finds the time to spend 15 minutes every day with each child—reading, writing or working on crafts. A few years ago, Ramirez, who came to the United States from
- [Benefits of Transitional Kindergarten](https://ptaourchildren.org/study-transitional-kindergarten-students-better-prepared-for-school/) - Children who attended transitional kindergarten performed better on language, literacy and math skills when they started kindergarten, compared to their peers who weren’t in the program, according to a new report. The American Institutes for Research on Tuesday released its first report that examines the impact of California’s transitional kindergarten program, which was created through
- [How to Address School Stress](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-address-school-stress/) - Managing school work, after school activities and other responsibilities can be overwhelming for kids. Good Housekeeping has advice for parents on kids and school stress. See the full video at GoodHousekeeping.com
- [Who is New Education Secretary John King?](https://ptaourchildren.org/king-schooled-by-loss-saved-by-teachers/) - The man charged with downsizing the federal role in public schools is a passionate policy geek who says his own teachers saved his life. John King, who stepped in as education secretary Jan. 1, spent his free time in college designing curriculum modules on Puerto Rican history. As New York state’s education commissioner, he came
- [Teaching Kids it's OK to Fail](https://ptaourchildren.org/teaching-kids-its-ok-to-fail/) - All parents want to see their kids succeed, but it’s just as important to teach your children how to fail. Failing can be reframed as trying, practicing, and putting in effort—and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. After all, it’s unrealistic to be good at everything on your first pass. Kids who can’t tolerate failure
- [Crafts: DIY Silly Putty](https://ptaourchildren.org/crafts-diy-silly-putty/) - Did you know that silly putty was accidentally invented during World War II? Make your own bouncy putty using only two household supplies for a project that is also a great chemistry or history lesson! Read the full craft at PBS.org/Parents.
- [Ditch the Sweets: Choose Healthy Fundraising](https://ptaourchildren.org/ditch-the-sweets-choose-healthy-fundraising/) - From the PTA Blog: As the parent of three children, I understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be to choose from all the options for school fundraisers. Overwhelming because there are so many programs to choose from and frustrating because so many of them promote unhealthy snacks and candy. From bake sales to pizza
- [Bust Boredom: Cook Together for the Holidays](https://ptaourchildren.org/bust-boredom-cook-together-for-the-holidays/) - For as much as your kids look forward to having time off from school during the holidays, how often do you hear the words “Mom, I’m booooored” while they’re home? And even if they’re more than happy to occupy themselves with screen time and young adult fiction, aren’t the holidays about spending quality time together
- [Teacher Appreciation Week: 7 Easy Gifts](https://ptaourchildren.org/teacher-appreciation-easy-gift-ideas-for-teachers/) - Teachers are real-life superheroes. They educate, innovate, encourage and support. Every day they touch the lives of millions of children and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Take the time to celebrate the "Out of This World" teachers in your life during PTA Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-11! Want
- [7 Family Time and Learning Tips for the Holidays](https://ptaourchildren.org/7-family-time-and-learning-tips-for-the-holidays/) - The holiday season is here! Like most families, my household is already in a flurry of activity—decorating, purchasing gifts, preparing for guests and baking cookies and pies. This is also a special time for family fun and togetherness. But with the holiday rush, the to-do list seems to grow exponentially by the minute. In the
- [Study Up on the New SAT](https://ptaourchildren.org/study-up-on-the-new-sat/) - College planning can be a stressful time for parents, especially if it’s your first child going to college. From applications to finances to admission tests, there’s a lot to keep track of. Taking the SAT is an important step in the college planning process, so we want you to have the most up-to-date information for
- [Chef Teams up with School for Food Fun](https://ptaourchildren.org/chef-teams-up-with-school-for-food-fun/) - The best way to help kids learn about healthy eating is to make food fun. That’s what PTA parents at Key Biscayne Community School (KBCS) in southern Florida learned. Natalie Estrella and Sara Deschamps wanted to teach kids to make healthy and balanced food choices, but knew the old, “eat your vegetables” speech wasn’t going
- [How In-School Mental Health Services Help Students](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-in-school-mental-health-services-help-students/) - Many students come to school each day struggling with various stressors that can affect their mental health—exposure to community violence, death of a loved one, parental divorce, bullying, homelessness or poverty—and they are more likely to seek help if these services are available in schools. However, one in five high schools lacks a school counselor
- [PTA Makes a Difference for Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/pta-makes-a-difference-for-parents/) - Like most parents, I got involved with the PTA soon after my first two children were enrolled in our local public elementary school, Jane S. Roberts K-8 Center in Miami. The more I volunteered with the PTA, the more PTA became a part of our family. In the early 90’s, my wife and I were
- [3 Steps to Skip Flu Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/3-steps-to-skip-flu-season/) - The flu can cause children to miss school, activities or even be hospitalized. You can get sick simply from droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Or, by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. We know kids
- [What the Arts Do for Your Child’s Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/arts-for-success/) - Piano lessons can help you succeed in life. As parents, we want our kids to participate in activities beyond the classroom and athletic field to give them another outlet of expression, and to prepare them for a multicultural world. So we encourage the arts so they can play an instrument, take a photography class or
- [Introducing the New Our Children Magazine!](https://ptaourchildren.org/introducing-the-new-our-children-magazine/) - Our Children Magazine is the unique voice for parents. This new website for parents will: Offer tips to help parents best support your child’s academic success and well-being. Tell more relevant and timely stories about the successes and challenges of students, schools and families. Spotlight, motivate and inspire everyday heroes who work to make every child’s
- [It's Time for the Smart Talk](https://ptaourchildren.org/encourage-digital-responsibility-with-the-smart-talk/) - With so many kids getting smartphones—even as early as nine or 10 years old—it’s never been more important to establish safe and responsible digital habits. We’re raising a generation of digital citizens, and there’s no way around it. Having access to worldwide communication and a bounty of information at your fingertips has many benefits, but
- [Advocate for Better School Food](https://ptaourchildren.org/the-long-road-to-school-food-reform/) - Several years ago, a parent approached me at a PTA meeting with concerns about the school lunch program. He wanted to know if the PTA at our school would take a serious look at it. I really didn’t know anything about school food but I had a personal interest in fitness and healthy eating, so
- [Moms + Action = Healthy Schools](https://ptaourchildren.org/moms-action-healthy-school-heroes/) - Parents play a critical role in promoting and implementing initiatives that improve school-based foods, nutrition education, physical activity and physical education. Action for Healthy Kids recognizes that informed and empowered parents are best positioned to help drive changes in school wellness programs. The national grassroots network celebrates Healthy School Heroes for their outstanding efforts and
- [De-Stress Your Holiday Season](https://ptaourchildren.org/de-stress-your-holiday-season/) - Scottish musician and songwriter Thomas Oliphant wrote the popular Christmas carol “Deck the Halls.” Oliphant was one of seven children, however, he was never married and had no children, so he probably couldn’t fathom what I go through to shop for, feed, entertain and referee my seven children or the challenge of having children home from
- [Resources for Spanish-Speaking Families](https://ptaourchildren.org/student-success-resources-for-spanish-speaking-families/) - From the PTA Blog: Twenty-five percent of students today are Hispanic, and Hispanic children and youth are the fastest-growing population in America—the U.S. Census Bureau projects that the Hispanic school-age population will increase by 166% by 2050. Hispanic and Latino students are an important part of our nation’s future, and it is essential to support
- [Master the Parent-Teacher Conference](https://ptaourchildren.org/master-the-parent-teacher-conference/) - It’s almost time for the first parent-teacher conferences of the year. For parents, this meeting can cause anxiety because it is an evaluation of their child’s academic and social development. The best approach for parents is to put aside all reservations and use the opportunity to establish a relationship with your child’s teacher. Now that
- [Thinking About College: What Matters?](https://ptaourchildren.org/thinking-about-college-what-matters/) - From the PTA Blog: Many high school seniors and their parents are heavily into the college application season. Colleges are being considered, ranked and evaluated on multiple parameters: How well regarded is the school? Who teaches most of the courses? How nice are the residence halls and lab facilities? How competitive is the school? How
- [Encouraging Family Fitness & Healthy Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/encouraging-family-fitness-healthy-habits/) - By setting the basic foundations of life, parents are the number one source affecting the way children feel about living a healthy lifestyle. Children innately realize that Mom and Dad are their educators, mentors, heroes, supporters, and role models throughout their lives. This is a colossal responsibility for the adult, as children believe that most
- [Five Great Family Nutrition Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/five-great-family-nutrition-habits/) - Challenge your family to develop at least one healthy habit. It's best to work on one habit that the family agrees on. Remember that it takes at least three weeks of doing something for it to become a "habit." Keeping the focus on building one habit at a time allows you to have a plan
- [Talking with Kids About Health](https://ptaourchildren.org/talking-with-kids-about-health/) - Communicating with kids who have everyday illnesses and common injuries can be challenging. Parents often feel unsure of what to do or say. Sometimes, you just want to scream, "HELP!" yourself - but you're the one who's supposed to be in charge. Experts recommend that you start by slowing down and taking a deep breath.
- [Meredith Vieira Advocates for Anti-Bully Efforts](https://ptaourchildren.org/meredith-vieira-advocates-for-anti-bully-efforts/) - Long before Meredith Vieira became one of America’s favorite television personalities, she was a mother of three children, struggling with the same concerns as any parent. “I always tried to communicate openly with my children, reinforcing to them constantly how wonderful they are, how they needed to have faith in themselves, and realize how great
- [The Invisible Population: Supporting Foster Families](https://ptaourchildren.org/supporting-foster-families/) - Foster families are an “invisible population.” If one hundred children were on a school playground, you couldn’t—or shouldn’t—be able to tell which ones were foster youth. If you were at a mall, you couldn’t pick out the foster families that pass you by. According to the National Working Group on Foster Care and Education, education
- [Dads are Important to Student Success](https://ptaourchildren.org/importance-of-male-engagement-in-education/) - Studies show that students perform better in school when parents or caregivers are actively involved in the education of their children. Men and women think differently and bring different perspectives and skills to school and PTA activities, but oftentimes, the women dominate in this area—until now. We tackled this issue from the grassroots perspective in
- [School is Stressing Your Teen Out](https://ptaourchildren.org/school-is-stressing-your-teen-out/) - Stress isn’t just a problem for adults. Young people also experience unhealthy levels of stress, according to Stress in America—an annual survey by the American Psychological Association. The survey found that 13-to-17-year olds experience stress levels higher than are considered to be healthy. School is the top source of stress for teens, followed by the
- [Is Your Child Stressed Out?](https://ptaourchildren.org/is-your-child-stressed-out/) - While many adults know the symptoms of too much stress and realize what to watch out for in themselves, sometimes it might be more challenging to identify stress in children. A certain amount of stress is a normal part of development, but too much of it, or stress that goes on for too long can
- [Why Your Kid Needs to Play](https://ptaourchildren.org/why-your-kid-needs-to-play/) - Jennifer Cox’s son, Cameron, is two and a half years old and like most toddlers, his days are spent filled with play. Cox, a work-from-home writer, is very hands-on when it comes to her son’s development. She makes a conscious effort to give him plenty of both unstructured and structured playtimes. “When it comes to
- [3 Facts on School Breakfast](https://ptaourchildren.org/3-facts-on-school-breakfast/) - During the 2013-2014 school year, the School Breakfast Program made it possible for more than 13.2 million students to eat a healthy morning meal each day. In a recovering economy, the program is even more important as a support for students who may not have the financial means to eat a well-balanced breakfast at home.
- [New Beginnings: About PTA President Laura Bay](https://ptaourchildren.org/new-beginnings-5-interesting-facts-about-laura-m-bay-national-pta-president/) - Laura Bay is passionate about making lives better for children in every aspect of life. Installed as the 54th president of National PTA at the June 2015 annual convention, Laura’s goals are to collaborate with communities, expand the association’s programs and enhance STEM and early learning efforts, as well as college and career programs to
- [How Hispanic Parents Can Actively Engage in Their Child's Education](https://ptaourchildren.org/how-hispanic-parents-can-actively-engage-in-their-childs-education/) - My husband and I are proud parents of four daughters. When our first daughter, Meralis, started elementary school, we realized that in our role as parents, there were many factors beyond our control that she would experience in her school day—some things different from our Hispanic culture. We learned from her first few years in school and adjusted
- [Is Your Child's School Environmentally Safe?](https://ptaourchildren.org/is-your-childs-school-environmentally-safe/) - Protecting a child from harm is an instinct basic to human nature. We teach our children to be careful—not to play with matches, to look both ways before crossing the street and to wash their hands when they come in from playing outside. We feed them healthy food and ensure they get plenty of rest.
- [Tips for Safe Play on the Sports Field](https://ptaourchildren.org/sports-made-safe-tips-for-parents-of-athletes-2/) - Fall sports are in full swing, with a year of school and team sports participation ahead. To ensure your child is safe during physical activity, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association offers guidelines to help you ask the right questions and prepare your child for safe play. It’s critical that the sports medicine team, coaches and
- [10 Tips for a Safe, Fun and Happy Halloween](https://ptaourchildren.org/10-tips-for-a-safe-fun-and-happy-halloween/) - Halloween is fun and exciting for the family. These 10 tips will ensure that your celebration safe too! Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Avoid letting children trick-or-treat alone. Have them walk in groups or with a
- [Securing America's Schools](https://ptaourchildren.org/securing-americas-schools-parents-and-teachers-should-work-together/) - School violence occurs on school property, on the way to or from school or a school-sponsored event, or during a school-sponsored event. Keeping our children safe and preventing violence in school is a top priority for parents, school administrators and lawmakers. According to the U.S. Department of Education, in 2013, about 65% of schools reported
- [Walking to School is the Best Perscription](https://ptaourchildren.org/prescription-from-the-nations-doctor-walk-to-school/) - Walking is one of the best things kids can do for their health, emotional well-being and academic success. Yet between 1969 and 2009, the number of kids walking to school dropped from 48% to 13%. During the same time period, childhood obesity tripled and traffic congestion grew around schools, negatively affecting air quality and snarling
- [100 Ways to Help Your Child and School Succeed](https://ptaourchildren.org/100-ways-to-help-your-child-and-school-succeed/) - No matter what your life consists of, you are sure to find at least 1—or 100 ways to help.
- [Raising a Money-Conscious Child](https://ptaourchildren.org/warrent-buffet-child-finance-tips/) - Billionaire investor Warren Buffett challenges students, advises parents on healthy financial habits.
- [Maximizing Teachable Moments](https://ptaourchildren.org/maximizing-teachable-moments/) - Three tips every parent can use to continue learning outside of classroom.
- [A Mother's Worst Nightmare](https://ptaourchildren.org/a-mothers-worst-nightmare/) - Following her son’s severe allergic reaction, Modern Family star Julie Bowen pushes to raise awareness about anaphylaxis.
- [Four College Secrets Every Parent Should Know](https://ptaourchildren.org/four-college-secrets-every-parent-should-know/) - Listen up, Parents! We're sharing four secrets about college from New York Times bestselling author and personal finance expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox.
- [Nutritious Chicken Chili Recipe](https://ptaourchildren.org/chicken-chili/) - A healthy lifestyle starts with healthy eating. Here’s a great winter recipe for nutritious chicken chili.

## Pages

- [Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/) - Make Pool Safety a Priority This Summer Keep the Book Faucet Flowing This Summer: How Families Can Prevent Summer Slide Prepare Smart, Go Far: Getting Your Family Ready for Summer Sponsored Content Simple Ways Dads Can Play a Bigger Role in Their Child’s Education Education, Featured Teacher Spotlight: An Interview With Jere Chang Protect Kids’
- [Submission Guidelines](https://ptaourchildren.org/submission-guidelines/) - About Our Children Online MagazineOur Children Magazine is the unique voice for parents, published by National PTA. This online publication was created for the parent who’s always on the go and looking for the best parenting, wellness, education and PTA community info to help their child excel at school and in life. If parents should know it,
- [Advertise on Our Children](https://ptaourchildren.org/advertise/) - If you are interested in reaching the PTA audience via Our Children or other opportunities, please reach out to resourcedevelopment@pta.org for more information. Latest News Make Pool Safety a Priority This Summer Keep the Book Faucet Flowing This Summer: How Families Can Prevent Summer Slide Prepare Smart, Go Far: Getting Your Family Ready for Summer
- [Contact](https://ptaourchildren.org/contact/) - Leave a message "*" indicates required fields InstagramThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.First Name*Last NameEmail* Message* Our Children Magazine Address National PTA Headquarters 1250 N. Pitt Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Phone (703) 518-1200 Toll Free (800) 307-4782 Email OurChildrenMagazine@pta.org Facebook-f X-twitter Linkedin-in Pinterest Instagram Youtube
- [Sitemap](https://ptaourchildren.org/sitemap/) - PagesSitemapAdvertise on Our ChildrenSubmission GuidelinesContactHomeSample Page
- [Sample Page](https://ptaourchildren.org/sample-page/) - This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I'm a bike messenger

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://ptaourchildren.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Wellness](https://ptaourchildren.org/category/wellness/) - Discover wellness tips for kids—from mental health support and safety to seasonal care and healthy habits—empowering families with expert guidance.
- [Education](https://ptaourchildren.org/category/education/) - Explore expert-backed tips on your child’s education—from STEM encouragement and study strategies to reading support and classroom success.
- [Parenting](https://ptaourchildren.org/category/parenting/) - Discover expert-backed parenting tips—from nutrition and learning support to emotional development and school readiness—all crafted to empower families today.
- [Family Fun](https://ptaourchildren.org/category/family-fun/) - Find creative ideas for family fun—from seasonal crafts and outdoor adventures to games and activities that bring parents and kids closer together.
- [PTA In Action](https://ptaourchildren.org/category/pta-in-action/) - See PTA in action—stories of advocacy, school improvements and community impact that inspire families and volunteers to make a difference together.
- [Technology](https://ptaourchildren.org/category/technology/)
- [En Español](https://ptaourchildren.org/category/en-espanol/)
- [Featured](https://ptaourchildren.org/category/featured/)
- [Editor's Choice](https://ptaourchildren.org/category/editors-choice/) - Explore Editor’s Choice—curated articles and resources from Our Children magazine, featuring top parenting, education, and wellness insights for families.

## Tags

- [Food](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/food/)
- [healthy lifestyles](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/healthy-lifestyles/)
- [Healthy Meals](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/healthy-meals/)
- [Nutrition](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/nutrition/)
- [Recipe](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/recipe/)
- [College](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/college/)
- [College and Career Readiness](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/college-and-career-readiness/)
- [college readiness](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/college-readiness/)
- [Parenting](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/parenting/)
- [Tips](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/tips/)
- [Allergies](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/allergies/)
- [Anaphylaxis](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/anaphylaxis/)
- [involved parent](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/involved-parent/)
- [Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/learning/)
- [Math](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/math/)
- [parent involvement](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/parent-involvement/)
- [parenting skills](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/parenting-skills/)
- [Finance](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/finance/)
- [Money](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/money/)
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- [Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/safety/)
- [Walking](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/walking/)
- [school safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/school-safety/)
- [activities with kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/activities-with-kids/)
- [children’s safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/childrens-safety/)
- [food safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/food-safety/)
- [Halloween](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/halloween/)
- [teen safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teen-safety/)
- [Athletes](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/athletes/)
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- [Adoption](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/adoption/)
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- [Foster Care](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/foster-care/)
- [Help](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/help/)
- [Parents](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/parents/)
- [Advocacy](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/advocacy/)
- [Bullying](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/bullying/)
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- [good habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/good-habits/)
- [Healthy Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/healthy-habits/)
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- [Education](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/education/)
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- [Holidays](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/holidays/)
- [Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/kids/)
- [Vacation](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/vacation/)
- [Cell Phones](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/cell-phones/)
- [Digital](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/digital/)
- [Digital Literacy](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/digital-literacy/)
- [Digital Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/digital-safety/)
- [Mobile](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/mobile/)
- [Smart Devices](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/smart-devices/)
- [smart phones](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/smart-phones/)
- [Tech](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/tech/)
- [Technology](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/technology/)
- [The Smart Talk](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/the-smart-talk/)
- [Arts](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/arts/)
- [CDC](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/cdc/)
- [Flu](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/flu/)
- [Sick](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/sick/)
- [Vaccine](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/vaccine/)
- [Disabilities](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/disabilities/)
- [Giving](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/giving/)
- [Giving Tuesday](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/giving-tuesday/)
- [Mental Health](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/mental-health/)
- [student mental health](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/student-mental-health/)
- [College Ready](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/college-ready/)
- [SAT](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/sat/)
- [Test Prep](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/test-prep/)
- [Holiday](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/holiday/)
- [Gift Ideas](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/gift-ideas/)
- [Teacher Appreciation Week](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teacher-appreciation-week/)
- [Teachers](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teachers/)
- [Cooking](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/cooking/)
- [Fun](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/fun/)
- [Fundraising](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/fundraising/)
- [Activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/activities/)
- [craft](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/craft/)
- [Crafts](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/crafts/)
- [Family Activity](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/family-activity/)
- [Family Fun](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/family-fun/)
- [learning activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/learning-activities/)
- [Life](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/life/)
- [Kindergarten](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/kindergarten/)
- [Diversity](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/diversity/)
- [Language](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/language/)
- [Vaccines](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/vaccines/)
- [Life Skills](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/life-skills/)
- [Music](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/music/)
- [Snow](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/snow/)
- [Smartphones](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/smartphones/)
- [Reflections](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/reflections/)
- [Students](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/students/)
- [Media](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/media/)
- [Internet](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/internet/)
- [Valentine](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/valentine/)
- [Apps](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/apps/)
- [History](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/history/)
- [National PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/national-pta/)
- [Black History](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/black-history/)
- [Black History Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/black-history-month/)
- [arts education](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/arts-education/)
- [ACT](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/act/)
- [STEM](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/stem/)
- [STEM activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/stem-activities/)
- [Emotions](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/emotions/)
- [Feelings](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/feelings/)
- [Family Reading](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/family-reading/)
- [National Reading Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/national-reading-month/)
- [reading](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/reading/)
- [Safety Tips](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/safety-tips/)
- [student wellness](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/student-wellness/)
- [Election](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/election/)
- [elections](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/elections/)
- [summer activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/summer-activities/)
- [volunteer](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/volunteer/)
- [volunteering](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/volunteering/)
- [Family Reading Activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/family-reading-activities/)
- [Reading is Fundamental](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/reading-is-fundamental/)
- [Earth Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/earth-day/)
- [ESL](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/esl/)
- [College Planning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/college-planning/)
- [Paying for College](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/paying-for-college/)
- [Flowers](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/flowers/)
- [Mother's Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/mothers-day/)
- [Lunch](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/lunch/)
- [Testing](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/testing/)
- [Smoking](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/smoking/)
- [Tobacco](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/tobacco/)
- [Healthy](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/healthy/)
- [Road Trip](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/road-trip/)
- [Snacks](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/snacks/)
- [Summer](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/summer/)
- [National Teacher of the Year](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/national-teacher-of-the-year/)
- [DIY](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/diy/)
- [Fourth of July](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/fourth-of-july/)
- [July 4](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/july-4/)
- [Patriotic](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/patriotic/)
- [Family Time](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/family-time/)
- [car safety tips](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/car-safety-tips/)
- [Back-to-School](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/back-to-school/)
- [Responsibility](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/responsibility/)
- [Screen time](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/screen-time/)
- [School Supplies](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/school-supplies/)
- [Shopping](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/shopping/)
- [Emotional Skills](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/emotional-skills/)
- [Empathy](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/empathy/)
- [Pets](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pets/)
- [Teaching](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teaching/)
- [family meals](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/family-meals/)
- [Recipes](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/recipes/)
- [Every Student Succeeds Act](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/every-student-succeeds-act/)
- [teens](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teens/)
- [time management](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/time-management/)
- [child](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/child/)
- [Hispanic Heritage Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/hispanic-heritage-month/)
- [extracurricular activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/extracurricular-activities/)
- [Dinner](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/dinner/)
- [LGBTQ](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/lgbtq/)
- [Advice](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/advice/)
- [Health Habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/health-habits/)
- [Sugar](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/sugar/)
- [Career](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/career/)
- [Graduation](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/graduation/)
- [National Adoption Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/national-adoption-month/)
- [Thanksgiving](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/thanksgiving/)
- [Leader](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/leader/)
- [Emotional Health](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/emotional-health/)
- [Emotional Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/emotional-learning/)
- [Christmas](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/christmas/)
- [gifts for teachers](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/gifts-for-teachers/)
- [teacher gifts](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teacher-gifts/)
- [Holiday Crafts](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/holiday-crafts/)
- [Recycling](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/recycling/)
- [high school](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/high-school/)
- [student success](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/student-success/)
- [Experiments](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/experiments/)
- [Science](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/science/)
- [Science experiments](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/science-experiments/)
- [Equity](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/equity/)
- [Inclusion](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/inclusion/)
- [learning loss](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/learning-loss/)
- [Homework Gap](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/homework-gap/)
- [National PTA's Public Policy Agenda](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/national-ptas-public-policy-agenda/)
- [Gun Safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/gun-safety/)
- [Juvenile Justice](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/juvenile-justice/)
- [Social Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/social-learning/)
- [Family Engagement](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/family-engagement/)
- [Special Education](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/special-education/)
- [Relationships](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/relationships/)
- [Resiliency](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/resiliency/)
- [Funding](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/funding/)
- [Student Data](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/student-data/)
- [Student Data Privacy](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/student-data-privacy/)
- [school funding](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/school-funding/)
- [Mathematics](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/mathematics/)
- [Elementary](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/elementary/)
- [Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/home/)
- [Academics](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/academics/)
- [Calm](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/calm/)
- [Classroom](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/classroom/)
- [Mindfulness](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/mindfulness/)
- [Engineering](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/engineering/)
- [STEM for Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/stem-for-kids/)
- [Cybersecurity](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/cybersecurity/)
- [Experiment](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/experiment/)
- [Driving](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/driving/)
- [Jobs](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/jobs/)
- [Girls](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/girls/)
- [Treats](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/treats/)
- [summer learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/summer-learning/)
- [Careers](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/careers/)
- [Data](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/data/)
- [Educational Decisions](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/educational-decisions/)
- [Information](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/information/)
- [study habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/study-habits/)
- [study skills](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/study-skills/)
- [Fire prevention](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/fire-prevention/)
- [homework tips](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/homework-tips/)
- [organization](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/organization/)
- [Family School Partnership](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/family-school-partnership/)
- [School of Excellence](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/school-of-excellence/)
- [Social Media](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/social-media/)
- [Tablets](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/tablets/)
- [Tweens](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/tweens/)
- [Daily Recess](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/daily-recess/)
- [Recess](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/recess/)
- [dads](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/dads/)
- [fathers](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/fathers/)
- [grandfathers](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/grandfathers/)
- [Support](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/support/)
- [Quality Time](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/quality-time/)
- [Winter](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/winter/)
- [Routine](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/routine/)
- [Movies](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/movies/)
- [literacy](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/literacy/)
- [books](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/books/)
- [Celebration](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/celebration/)
- [Game Night](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/game-night/)
- [games](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/games/)
- [Poetry](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/poetry/)
- [Learning heroes](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/learning-heroes/)
- [Family Vacation](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/family-vacation/)
- [Character Development](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/character-development/)
- [creative](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/creative/)
- [pool safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pool-safety/)
- [Asthma](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/asthma/)
- [Halloween Candy](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/halloween-candy/)
- [parent teacher conference](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/parent-teacher-conference/)
- [Homework](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/homework/)
- [Ideas](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/ideas/)
- [PTA leaders](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pta-leaders/)
- [Parent](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/parent/)
- [Youth Sports](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/youth-sports/)
- [race](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/race/)
- [conversation](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/conversation/)
- [YouTube](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/youtube/)
- [colds](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/colds/)
- [germs](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/germs/)
- [handwashing](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/handwashing/)
- [hygiene](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/hygiene/)
- [social-emotional learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/social-emotional-learning/)
- [well-being](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/well-being/)
- [whole child](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/whole-child/)
- [addiction](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/addiction/)
- [drugs](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/drugs/)
- [substance abuse](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/substance-abuse/)
- [Inclusivity](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/inclusivity/)
- [personal finance](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/personal-finance/)
- [illness](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/illness/)
- [Donating](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/donating/)
- [giving back](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/giving-back/)
- [meditation](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/meditation/)
- [study](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/study/)
- [math anxiety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/math-anxiety/)
- [State Testing](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/state-testing/)
- [cleaning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/cleaning/)
- [Lysol](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/lysol/)
- [easter](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/easter/)
- [Earth](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/earth/)
- [Recycle](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/recycle/)
- [celebrate](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/celebrate/)
- [Teacher Appreciation](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teacher-appreciation/)
- [ThankATeacher](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/thankateacher/)
- [Bilingual](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/bilingual/)
- [Educators](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/educators/)
- [Gifts](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/gifts/)
- [Mothers](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/mothers/)
- [Online](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/online/)
- [Connected](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/connected/)
- [Lessons](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/lessons/)
- [Outdoors](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/outdoors/)
- [Positivity](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/positivity/)
- [Value](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/value/)
- [Gardening](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/gardening/)
- [Growth](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/growth/)
- [Office Depot](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/office-depot/)
- [STEAM](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/steam/)
- [Summer Break](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/summer-break/)
- [Summer Slide](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/summer-slide/)
- [African American](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/african-american/)
- [Education Data](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/education-data/)
- [Report Card](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/report-card/)
- [Learning Tools](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/learning-tools/)
- [Cooking at Home](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/cooking-at-home/)
- [Meal Planning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/meal-planning/)
- [Meal Prep](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/meal-prep/)
- [Father's Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/fathers-day/)
- [Water](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/water/)
- [Sex Ed](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/sex-ed/)
- [Hearing](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/hearing/)
- [Summer Fun](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/summer-fun/)
- [PTA Connected](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pta-connected/)
- [student athletes](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/student-athletes/)
- [dehydration](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/dehydration/)
- [drink water](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/drink-water/)
- [healthy hydration](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/healthy-hydration/)
- [goals](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/goals/)
- [positive](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/positive/)
- [anxiety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/anxiety/)
- [childhood anxiety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/childhood-anxiety/)
- [vaping](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/vaping/)
- [cyberbullying](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/cyberbullying/)
- [internet safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/internet-safety/)
- [grades](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/grades/)
- [questions](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/questions/)
- [kindness](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/kindness/)
- [youth](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/youth/)
- [CCSSO](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/ccsso/)
- [Extraordinary Educators](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/extraordinary-educators/)
- [Ask a PTA Leader](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/ask-a-pta-leader/)
- [National PTA President](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/national-pta-president/)
- [self-esteem](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/self-esteem/)
- [Middle School](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/middle-school/)
- [Notes from the Backpack](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/notes-from-the-backpack/)
- [Podcast](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/podcast/)
- [hydration](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/hydration/)
- [college application](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/college-application/)
- [financial](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/financial/)
- [Development](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/development/)
- [play](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/play/)
- [life lessons](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/life-lessons/)
- [social and emotional](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/social-and-emotional/)
- [progress](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/progress/)
- [habits](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/habits/)
- [school experience](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/school-experience/)
- [spring cleaning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/spring-cleaning/)
- [Coronavirus](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/coronavirus/)
- [COVID-19](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/covid-19/)
- [Friends](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/friends/)
- [social distancing](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/social-distancing/)
- [Family Schedules](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/family-schedules/)
- [Routines](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/routines/)
- [Quarantine](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/quarantine/)
- [self-care](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/self-care/)
- [coping](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/coping/)
- [Encourage](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/encourage/)
- [Engage](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/engage/)
- [STEM Projects for Kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/stem-projects-for-kids/)
- [sadness](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/sadness/)
- [social and emotional learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/social-and-emotional-learning/)
- [parenting teens](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/parenting-teens/)
- [teen cooking](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teen-cooking/)
- [racism](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/racism/)
- [talking to children about racism](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/talking-to-children-about-racism/)
- [Pride](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pride/)
- [Pride Month](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pride-month/)
- [cooking with kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/cooking-with-kids/)
- [kids activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/kids-activities/)
- [summer vacation](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/summer-vacation/)
- [teen mental health](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teen-mental-health/)
- [PTA Reflections](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pta-reflections/)
- [Financial education](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/financial-education/)
- [Reopening schools](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/reopening-schools/)
- [Learning at home](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/learning-at-home/)
- [remote learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/remote-learning/)
- [classroom health](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/classroom-health/)
- [distance learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/distance-learning/)
- [virtual classroom](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/virtual-classroom/)
- [pandemic](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pandemic/)
- [screen](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/screen/)
- [equality](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/equality/)
- [teenagers](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teenagers/)
- [Celebrations](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/celebrations/)
- [en espanol](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/en-espanol/)
- [walk to school](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/walk-to-school/)
- [new year](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/new-year/)
- [study tips](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/study-tips/)
- [snack](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/snack/)
- [travel](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/travel/)
- [STEM Learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/stem-learning/)
- [adulting](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/adulting/)
- [Five Keys for Hope](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/five-keys-for-hope/)
- [hope](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/hope/)
- [hopelessness](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/hopelessness/)
- [schools](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/schools/)
- [online learning](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/online-learning/)
- [transformative family engagement](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/transformative-family-engagement/)
- [Read Across America](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/read-across-america/)
- [Independence](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/independence/)
- [covid](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/covid/)
- [How We PTA](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/how-we-pta/)
- [PTA Proud](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pta-proud/)
- [TikTok](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/tiktok/)
- [vision](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/vision/)
- [DEI](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/dei/)
- [Anti-Smoking](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/anti-smoking/)
- [Valentines Day](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/valentines-day/)
- [cold and flu](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/cold-and-flu/)
- [holiday travel](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/holiday-travel/)
- [kid friendly activities](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/kid-friendly-activities/)
- [online safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/online-safety/)
- [stay safe online](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/stay-safe-online/)
- [teacher of the year](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teacher-of-the-year/)
- [Teen social media](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teen-social-media/)
- [teen health](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teen-health/)
- [summer safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/summer-safety/)
- [PTA membership](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pta-membership/)
- [childhood obesity](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/childhood-obesity/)
- [student health](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/student-health/)
- [fire safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/fire-safety/)
- [Reflections Theme Winner](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/reflections-theme-winner/)
- [school success](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/school-success/)
- [safe schools](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/safe-schools/)
- [PTA programs](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pta-programs/)
- [school fundraisers](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/school-fundraisers/)
- [art grants](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/art-grants/)
- [grants for art](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/grants-for-art/)
- [gun violence](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/gun-violence/)
- [mental health awareness month](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/mental-health-awareness-month/)
- [parent teacher partnerships](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/parent-teacher-partnerships/)
- [suicide prevention](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/suicide-prevention/)
- [LGBTQ Youth](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/lgbtq-youth/)
- [financial literacy](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/financial-literacy/)
- [budgeting for kids](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/budgeting-for-kids/)
- [Arts in Education](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/arts-in-education/)
- [kids crafts](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/kids-crafts/)
- [pta discounts](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pta-discounts/)
- [parenting tips](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/parenting-tips/)
- [babysitter](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/babysitter/)
- [day care](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/day-care/)
- [Flu season](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/flu-season/)
- [PTA Grants](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/pta-grants/)
- [AI in education](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/ai-in-education/)
- [winter break](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/winter-break/)
- [National Day of Reading](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/national-day-of-reading/)
- [Discord](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/discord/)
- [digital wellbeing](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/digital-wellbeing/)
- [teen voice](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/teen-voice/)
- [climate change](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/climate-change/)
- [lysol here for healthy schools](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/lysol-here-for-healthy-schools/)
- [Summer reading](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/summer-reading/)
- [water safety](https://ptaourchildren.org/tag/water-safety/)

## Classifications

- [Featured](https://ptaourchildren.org/classification/featured/)