Libraries are always a hub of summer activity. To help keep kids reading and avoid the “summer slide” local libraries offer up FREE summer reading programs that reward kids with fun prizes and incentives. Many Libraries also provide engaging, entertaining,…
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Education for kids in Des Moines, IA
Family Friendly Bookstores in Des Moines
Bookstores are a wonderful way to keep the magic of reading alive in kids. Yes, it may be easier to just download a digital book to your kiddo’s tablet, but there’s just something about wandering through rows of book shelves…
Read More10 Summer Job Ideas for Des Moines Teens
Summer jobs offer a variety of benefits for teens beyond just earning some extra cash. In fact, having a summer job can be a valuable experience that helps teenagers develop important life skills, gain independence, and build their resumes. From…
Read MoreCooking Classes for Kids in Des Moines
Does your pint-sized chef prefer to watch cooking shows to cartoons? Feed their interest in food with one of these Des Moines area cooking classes! Once they have learned how to peel, chop, puree and simmer, you will be on…
Read MoreTips for Starting a Kids’ Book Club
October is National Book Month and is the perfect excuse to start a kids’ book club! Motivating kids to read outside of school can be a challenge. That’s where book clubs come in. They offer the perfect blend of socializing…
Read MoreCommunicate + Connect with Your Child’s Teacher
Do you feel intimidated when you think of talking to your child’s teacher? What if your child complains about problems with their teacher? Communication between home and school can be challenging. It’s vital for parents to be involved in their…
Read MoreAdjusting to Kindergarten
Sending a child off to kindergarten, whether it’s for the first, second or last time is an event filled with so many emotions – for both kids and parents. But there are some things you can do to prepare yourself…
Read MoreSummer Safety Tips & Reminders
Be extra careful this summer as temperatures rise! We’re already experiencing extreme heat and the Summer of 2022 is expected to be hotter than average across a broad swath of the United States, including here in the Midwest. And while summertime is…
Read MoreEnjoy Some Unplugged Family Time this Summer in Des Moines
There’s no better season to enjoy some unplugged family time than during the summer months. It’s a good time for sleeping in, spending afternoons at the pool and playing hide and seek until the fireflies come out. The days are…
Read MoreLife Lessons Teens Can Learn from Having a Summer Job
My 16-year-old recently landed his first part-time gig working at the local aquatic center this summer! I must admit, I’ve enjoyed watching him take on more “adult” tasks like preparing for an interview, corresponding with his prospective employer, getting a…
Read MoreCelebrate Reading with Your Kids at the DSM Book Festival!
This post is sponsored by the DSM Book Festival. What better time is there to attend a book festival than during National Reading Month? The 2022 DSM Book Festival will take place at Capital Square, 400 Locust Street, Des Moines…
Read MoreDes Moines Area Community Education Programs Offer Learning Opportunities for the Whole Family
Who says kids should have all the fun learning and growing? If you talk to enough central Iowans you’ll quickly learn that the Des Moines area is home to rich educational opportunities for all ages. Many local public-school districts offer…
Read MoreBest Kids Art Studios & Classes in Des Moines: Drawing, Painting, Pottery, & More
When you want to get hands-on with your own art projects, of course you can start at home, but there’s no shortage of places to go create in a studio setting. From classes to camps, workshops, and drop-in art-making sessions,…
Read MoreTips for Soothing Kids When Getting Shots
With the recent news that a formal submission to request Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer and Biontech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 12 years of age is expected soon, you may be deciding whether or not to…
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