In theory, I love getting breakfast in bed on Mother's Day, but nothing sends my nerves into overdrive like seeing a toddler wobble into my carpeted bedroom with a tray full of orange juice, sticky syrup and things with crumbs. Instead, …
I know some purists who think kids' music education should focus only on the "classics," and, thanks to Rock Band and Guitar Hero, we've got that down. But, you don't need to hear my 7 year-old warbling Barracuda to know that there is so…
C an you think of a good source for cute rocker-girl clothes for toddler girls? I'm doing this whole rock n' roll birthday party for a 3rd bday and want to get her a fun outfit. -Tara I have a few favorites that immediately come to mind …
Back when my kids were outgrowing their outfits every three months, it pained me to have to restock their wardrobe continually. It wasn't just the cost, it was the time it took to select each item. That's why I'm intrigued by the new eas…
I've come across two CDs from musicians who usually perform for adults, but have recently turned their collective talent toward the music for the younger set. Using distinct voices, a whole slew of instruments and music grounded in folk,…
I've been a huge fan of the Kickboard USA scooters ever since I witnessed my then two-year-old take off down the driveway on his royal blue Mini Kickboard. Three years later, if there's anything that could make his ride more fun, it woul…
Happy 40th Birthday, Earth Day ! You look fabulous! Not a day over 29, honest. In honor of this big birthday, a great opportunity to teach our kids about the best ways to take care of this nice planet of ours, the EPA has put out a whole…
One of the best ways I've found to get a message to stick with my kids is through music, and the new CD My Changing Planet has us appreciating the specialness of our planet a little more this Earth Day. Like a save-the-earth version of F…
I've been to enough birthday parties to have witnessed that infamous phenomenon by which the giftee ignores all the fancy toys and plays with a box instead. And while I wouldn't recommend you wrap up a plain box, I think the recipient of…
My beloved new MacBook is now as much a part of my kitchen table as the napkin stand but, in such a high-traffic spot, my laptop is in constant danger of a small person dribbling a juice box over the keys. Instead of constantly playing d…
More predictable kids' music CD's throw in a few songs about cuddly toys, naptime and making friends. Kindie-rock darling Uncle Rock croons instead about his friend Bigfoot, staying up the night the lights went out, and a big garbage bar…
No matter how I fare in the annual rite of Tax Reporting, on April 16 I cannot wait to get rid of all the papers and receipts and do-dads I've had to hold on to for a year. A bonfire would be nice, but I'm not that rebellious, so instead…
My kids are outgrowing more than their clothes: We now have dozens of DVDs that are considered too "babyish" for my precocious offspring. Instead of just leaving them in an ever-growing pile in my basement, I'm sending my stack to Kidfli…
As Cool Mom Picks' de facto kids' music reviewer, I'm as big a fan of indie, family-friendly music as even the fans who are oh, 30-35 years younger than I am. But, that's not going to stop me from pogoing around the Kindiefest Festival o…
Growing up, we had a big framed photo of my family that was a Mother's Day gift for my mom. How I hated that photo only five years later, with our embarrassing clothing, my poofy hair style, the cheesy backdrop. It isn't something I plan…
I'm trying to find a good elementary school fundraiser for my daughter's school to change things up a bit in the coming school year. I'd love to do one that doesn't involve that ubiquitous cookie dough or wrapping paper....and would be t…
Even though I homeschool, I'm more than okay with farming out some subjects. Especially if my kids will do them happily on their own, instead of fighting with me for an hour. So, when Headsprout asked if my five year-old beginner reader …
Any ideas where I can find allergen-free Easter candy? Nearly everything I see is processed in a plant with peanuts so I'm looking for egg-free and peanut-free goodies. -Mary As the mom of a daughter allergic to milk, I share your concer…
I get to the movie theater about once a year, so it's no surprise I totally missed Ponyo when it first came out. But ever since I heard the buzz around this animated film by Japan's Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli, I've been waiting…
I'm starting to see the signs of spring everywhere: Robins on the front lawn, crocus buds poking through the soil, and the kids lugging out the big jug of bubble juice so that they can blow bubbles outdoors to their hearts' content. They…
I may put a few drops of food coloring into tonight's frosty beverage of choice, but otherwise, the only green beer you'll catch me drinking will be from those innovative brewers who are keeping the environment in mind as they craft thei…
I've never been much of a jazz fan, maybe because it conjures up images of being stuck in a smokey bar during an endless amatuer improv-and-scat sessions. But, I have to admit that when packaged into bite-sized, three-minutes-and-under p…
I really hate losing an hour of sleep to Daylight Savings Time, but I'm also thrilled beyond belief that the season of Throwing the Children Outside to Play is nigh. And I'm pretty sure they will stay out even longer if they have somethi…
I am still in the lowly iPhone-less margins of society , although I'm fortunate to have plenty of friends who show me all the coolest new apps I'm missing. Take the free LEGO Photo app , for instance: It will take a regular .jpg photo an…
