It seems like artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, from AI-generated photos and videos to AI influencers taking over social media to digital chatbots that sound eerily human. It’s hard to conceive that AI technology only became commercially available less than four years ago, when OpenAI launched ChatGPT on November 30, 2022. Within two months, […]
Nicole Blume
Posted inKids In Action
Learning Safety While Having Fun
Kids’ Swimming Lessons
Teaching kids how to swim is arguably one of the most important safety skills they can learn. Confidence in the water allows them to enjoy pool parties, river days with friends, family time at the beach and so much more. Swimming is a classic pastime that every child should have the opportunity to experience. While […]
Posted inKid's Corner
Let’s Get Cozy
DIY Fleece Blanket
As the leaves change and the chilly wind begins to blow, now is the perfect time to cozy up to a fall craft that the whole family can make and enjoy together. And what better project than a warm fleece blanket? This sewing-free fleece tie blanket is super kid-friendly and easy to make! All you […]
Posted inKid's Corner
Dream Big
Kids’ subscription kits delivered straight to your door
Monthly subscription kits for kids—with toys, crafts, science experiments, cooking and so much more—are all the rage these days, and for good reason. With supplies all bundled in one place and clear instructions on what to make or do, these convenient mail-to-your-doorstep boxes pack a ton of fun for a relatively affordable cost. Summer break […]
Posted inEducation
Handwriting in a Digital World
Why Cursive Matters
As parents, many of us fondly remember learning cursive handwriting in school as children–the curly letters that looked like calligraphy, the quick dash of a pen across the page, the excitement of handwriting letters to pen pals and family. Learning cursive was both practical and enjoyable for many of us. Linking letters together and keeping […]
Posted inKids In Action
More Than a Game
Introducing kids to chess
With the popular TV show “The Queen’s Gambit,” many families are newly interested in the ancient game of chess. Recently, I brought my own chess set to a local party where it was a smash hit with the half dozen children in attendance, who were all clamoring for a turn at the board. Parents watched […]
Posted inBend Nest
Cozy Play Haven
How to transform your garage into a winter playroom
With winter fast approaching, kids will be spending more time indoors. Instead of letting little ones stir up chaos in the kitchen or living room, consider creating a dedicated play space where they can channel their creative energy and imagination in a way that supports the overall family environment. One often-overlooked space for play is […]
Posted inBend Nest
Playful Style
Fun and easy haircare for kids
Children’s hair is a hot topic these days, with a focus on individual expression mixed with simple daily care. From throwback styles to classic cuts, hair can be an avenue for kids to show their personalities—and who doesn’t love a fresh hairdo to make those family photos pop? When children are young, their hairstyles tend […]
Posted inBend Nest
Freshen & Detoxify
Tips for maximizing your home’s indoor air quality this fall
As we move into the crisp fall weather, inevitably, we’ll be spending more time indoors with the windows closed. The tail end of fire season can also bring smoky days that force us to hunker down at home. With less fresh air circulating inside and with the smoke potentially lingering outside, it’s more important than […]
Posted inBend Nest
Saying Goodbye
Tips for overcoming separation anxiety in young children
For families everywhere, September means one thing: school. The long, lazy days of summer are over and it’s time to either start or return to the classroom. Yet, leaving the comfort and safety of home can be tough for some kids, especially little ones who are new to the experience. Separation anxiety in preschoolers is […]
