Summer doesn’t officially begin until Friday, and we’re already off to a buggy start. I can play connect the dots on my 9-year-old’s upper arm, and my 5-year-old has a welt the size of a half-dollar. And that’s only from playing outside one afternoon. Since I definitely get a little kooky when the bugs come out in full force, I do my best to protect my girls from these pesky critters. Because many of the leading brands I’ve tried haven’t quite lived up to the hype, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to try something new. And I’m really glad I did. Fairy Tales Bug Bandit is my go-to weapon in the battle of the bugs. This pesticide- and DEET-free natural bug repellent that smells good as it works. Scented with rosemary oil, citronella, lemongrass and other natural ingredients, it’s a great combination of outdoor elements and fresh-from-the-garden fragrances. One whiff of this spray, and I was instantly transported to a summer night on the porch, fireflies buzzing about (and not a bite in sight). Both my daughters were willing test participants, so I dosed them with plenty of spray before heading out to play. I’m happy to report that no new nips have been taken out of their tender skin. And that makes for a welcome start to a happy, scratch-free summer.

In a Nutshell: Give bugs the brush-off with a natural insect repellent that gets the job done. Perfect for camp days, beach days and anytime the kids are outdoors.

Tags: all-natural bug spray, bug spray safe for kids, DEET-free bug spray, Fairy Tales Bug Bandit, insect repellent, natural insect repellent

With temps steadily climbing into the 80s this week and school due to let out this Friday, our thoughts are turning to ice pops, the beach and all things summer. Because we know firsthand how much the kids need to get outside and play, we need the perfect excuse to keep them there. Enter the NERF Super Soaker Arctic Shock Water Blaster. This is so not your average water gun. Deep within its recesses of this mega-sized toy is a removable wide-mouth clip that can hold up to 25 ounces of H2O–along with plenty of ice cubes–for primo ammo. One blast from this super-cool soaker, and your most unsuspecting buddy will never know what hit him. Then again, if this summer winds up being another scorcher, this water toy may provide some welcome relief.

In a Nutshell: Beat the heat whether you’re on wet or dry land. No matter where you roam, you can cool down with the mother of all super soakers.

Tags: Hasbro, NERF, NERF Super Soaker Arctic Shock Water Blaster, outdoor toys, pool toys, super soakers, water guns

When I was a kid and Father’s Day rolled around, I often saved up enough money to buy my dad one of two things: either Old Spice after shave or Aqua Velva. And, if he was really lucky, I could spring for a gift set, which included soap on a rope. That would be a banner year for my dad. Never tiring of these gifts that epitomized what fatherhood meant to me, my father always accepted these tokens with gratitude. In fact, I think he even came to count on them, especially when he was running low on after shave. With Dad’s Day practically here once again, it’s time to treat our favorite fathers with something special. If you haven’t already gone out and buy a requisite tie, new set of grilling tools or some after-shave, consider honoring that special day for dads and their young children: bedtime. A new picture book entitled When a Dad Says “I Love You” is an endearing story about the different ways a father can show his love for his family. Whether it’s bestowing silly pet names or reading a child’s favorite story for the hundredth time, each animal dad demonstrates the great lengths he will go to display his affection. Not only are the instances completely relatable, but the very notion of spending time together is what this book is all about. A delightful read for Father’s Day or even an ordinary day, this book celebrates the special kind of love between a father and child that’s always in season. Even without the after shave.

In a Nutshell: Dads get their moment in the sun with an adorable story that pays tribute to just how special these men can be.

Tags: Father's Day, Father's Day books, new picture books, When a Dad Says "I Love You

My 5-year-old had her kindergarten screening yesterday, and walked out with the biggest smile on her face. “I can’t wait to learn!,” she told me later. It’s moments like these that make you want to stop time, and bottle that infectious enthusiasm. To help my daughter get off to great start, even before September comes, we’ve been playing lots of simple learning games–using magnetic letters to spell out fun words, talking about the bugs and birds who’ve been making a home in our backyard–and I’m watching how they fuel her imagination. Just as important as these creative teaching moments are the opportunities to reinforce what she already knows and keep it fun. Just in time for back-to-school comes Priddy Books’ Schoolies, a line of educational books that help kids understand the basics in an engaging format. From activity flash cards, to a 3D school house that lets readers play teacher, there are plenty of choices to put new students on the right track for their first day. We were given the chance to review Let’s Get Ready for School, a write-on, wipe-off book filled with plenty of educational activities, like tracing lower- and uppercase letters, counting and recognizing different shapes. It kept my daughter entertained on a recent sick day, and she loved that she could “erase” any mistakes with the swipe of a tissue. Sounds kindergarten-ready to me!

In a Nutshell: Perfect for the preschool graduate, this new line of educational books and games helps students get ready for their first day of big-kid school.

Tags: back-to-school, back-to-school activity, kindergarten readiness, Let's Get Ready for School, preschool books, Priddy Books

With just about two weeks until school lets out, I am faced with the inevitable truth that my kids will soon be home with me, and I will be tasked with what I like to call a “Herculean feat”: keeping them entertained, while not killing each other. Sure, they’ll be doing some camp time here and there, but with plenty of down time on the calendar, it’s a ripe opportunity for them to do something that’s productive and that doesn’t have to follow a set schedule. Ah, the beauty of unstructured time!…What is that, anyway? After hearing so much about ‘brain drain’ and ‘summer slide,’ I figure it’s my job as a parent to keep them intellectually challenged and mentally engaged even when they’re not in the classroom. Because those requisite trips to the library and beach quickly lose their novel appeal, what’s a mom to do? If you’re like me and have plenty of weeks to fill between now and September, you might want to check out Green Kid Crafts’ Summer Survival Collection. Each month, the company will send your child a specially themed box of goodies, containing all the stuff they need to keep their brains running smoothly. June begins with a Backyard Science Box that let them get down and dirty as they explore what lies beneath. July’s Gardening Box helps cultivate little green thumbs–perfect if, like me, you “forgot” to weed out last year’s garden and plant new stuff. And if you make it August without killing anyone (!), you can check out the Around the World Box, which lets your child become a globe trotter without needing a passport. We’ve reviewed Green Kid Crafts’ other kits, and my 5-year-old is still playing with the puppets she made! A big hit when there’s plenty of down time–or just when you’re all out of ideas for boredom busters–these go-to kits will be your new best friend.

In a Nutshell: Step away from the Nintendo DS, and grab a friend (or sibling) for a fun afternoon of crafts, exploration and more. Great for a rainy day, summer vacation respite or any time your kid claims “There’s nothing to do.”

Tags: eco-friendly crafts, Green Kid Crafts, mail-order gifts for kids, summer activities for kids, Summer Survival Collection

As the school year begins to wind down, we’re slowly getting into summer mode. I’ve stocked up on sunscreen, filled out the camp paperwork and have already tried out my new beach radio that I got for Mother’s Day (it suits me perfectly…). Because my 9-year-old will be spending plenty of time in the swimming pool, I know her hair will be taking a beating. So when we got our hands on Swimmers’ Shampoo from Circle of Friends, I knew it would be another good match. This clarifying shampoo is designed to remove chlorine and product build-up, and is especially gentle on young tresses. One whiff of this shampoo, and you’ll wonder exactly where this pleasant scent originates from. Made with banana, kiwi, guava and aloe leaf extracts, it will leave your kid’s head smelling sweetly. And to protect those luscious locks before hitting the pool, try the Pre-Swim Conditioner. One spray of this stuff, and she’ll be ready for that high dive and more.

In a Nutshell: Get your family all set for summer with this new line of kid-friendly hair care products that keeps them looking their best.

Tags: Circle of Friends, kids' hair care products, kids' shampoo, summer products for kids, swim products for kids

Trying to get my 9-year-old to keep her just-cleaned room is neat is nothing short of a miracle. She usually “picks up” her room over the weekend (and I use that term loosely, mind you) and we’re lucky if we make it to Tuesday before it looks like a mini storm has made landfall exclusive to her four corners of the world. While I know as a parent I’m supposed to pick my battles, but truthfully I don’t think I can handle this for the next 10 years or so. Because I’ve always been a huge fan of kids’ products that do double duty, much like a multitasking mom, I was over the moon when my eyes landed on Mimish Designs’ Storage Beanbag. This comfy seat offers a place to read a book, listen to some tunes or just chill , while cleverly containing (and concealing) any kid contents. Simply unzip and open to reveal the interior. It’s roomy enough to hold up to 5,650 cubic inches worth of stuff, while not taking up too much precious space (the beanbag measures in at 30 inches in diameter and 17 inches in height). That means less mess and more time to sit back and relax…or better yet, keep that room in tip-top shape. (Yeah, Sweet Daughter: this means you.) The Storage Beanbag comes in 14 different colors, and is available in organic cotton, pure cotton and micro suede, and will begin shipping in June.

In a Nutshell: Sit down and clean up! Or vice versa. Take a load off the floor–and your mind–with a space-saving seat that looks great in any kids’ room, play room or dorm room.

Tags: de-cluttering kids' rooms, kids' beanbags, kids' room furniture, Mimish Designs, storage beanbag, storage solutions for kids' rooms

My daughter’s piano teacher recently enticed my 9-year-old with a new musical conquest: an introduction to classical music. Since the extent of my daughter’s experience in this genre boils down to the hold music on her father’s office phone, she’s about to enter into a whole new world of sound. Can’t say I’m a huge fan of Bach, Beethoven and the rest of the boys myself, so this should be a brand-new venture for the both of us. In the hopes of making this sound a little more accessible for our untrained ears, we’ve been listening to the just-released Young Avenue Kids’ Whatever I Want To Be. The genius of this CD is its clever adaptation, taking core classical melodies and putting a modern spin on them with the addition of catchy lyrics. Don’t worry about stuffy-sounding compositions or sleep-inducing sonotas; this is one CD that rocks out when you least expect it. From the first number that launches off with a fitting title, “Blast Off With Suppe,” to  the equally clever “William Tell Is Oh So Swell,” each composition delivers a well-paired sound/voice combination that will keep young listeners engaged and eagerly awaiting the next track. And even after the music winds down, the learning doesn’t come to an immediate close, thanks to plenty of post-track content in which kids share fun factoids about the famous composers themselves.  Who knows? Maybe my daughter will be able to teach me a thing or two.

In a Nutshell: A crash course in classical music for the beginning listener, Whatever I Want To Be gives kids the flexibility to learn at their own pace, and in a unique format.

Tags: kids' guide to classical music, new kids' CDs, new kids' music, Whatever I Want To Be, Young Avenue Kids

My mailbox has been overflowing with catalogs, many of them filled with kids’ summer clothing. I’ve said it here before and I’ll say it again: I loovvveee looking at clothes for my two girls. It’s so much more fun to check out all the playful ensembles rather than agonize over bathing suits for me (sigh). To help you get a jump on the summer sales season, Lolly Wooly Doodle, an online children’s clothing e-tailer, is having a mega Memorial Day sale. Beginning Thursday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 28, shoppers will get 30 % off everything when using special promo code SAS2013. There are plenty of fun pieces for babies through kids, boys and girls. Check it out, and happy shopping!

Tags: kids' clothing, kids' fashion, Lolly Wolly Doodle, Memorial Day kids' clothing sales, Memorial Day sales

A friend who was recently traveling with her kids wondered what snacks she could pack that would keep them full without having to resort to her usual stash of Goldfish and apple sauce cups. If you’ve bagged one too many cheddar bunnies and cheese strings in your day, it’s time to check out a new kid-friendly treat that’s as fun to say as it is to eat. Squoosh is a line of organic pureed fruit and veggies in a portable pouch. The all-natural snacks are the brainchild of a fellow mom who wanted to offer her kids nutritious snacks while on the go, but did not want to sacrifice taste for the sake of convenience. Each of the four fruity combinations — BeetBerry, OrangeBango, SquabbleBerry and Banago — contain a full serving of fruits and vegetables in a BPA-free pouch. They’re as palatable for little kids as they for backpack-wearing big brothers and sisters. Whether it’s for some after-school sustenance, a snack for a long car ride or a playdate at the park, Squoosh snacks are a refreshing no-brainer.

In a Nutshell: Don’t worry about sneaking spinach into their spaghetti and meatballs; these healthy treats will give kids plenty of reasons to eat their veggies and love it.

Tags: healthy snacks for kids, organic kids' food, portable kids' snacks, Squoosh