Articles written by Claudia M. Lenart

The Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda, Illinois, is displaying Golden Legacy: Original Art from 65 Years of Golden Books, through Aug. 22, 2010.

Apr 6, 2010 - Claudia M. Lenart

Consuming Kids, The Commercialization of Childhood is a disturbing documentary that will open eyes to the pervasiveness of the consumer culture and how it harms children

Mar 31, 2010 - Claudia M. Lenart

Rituals provide a source of comfort for families. They keep traditions and family history alive and create memories and strong family bonds.

Nov 12, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

When a family member takes responsibility for an elderly spouse or parent, they also need to find support, to take care of themselves and to get enough sleep.

Nov 10, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

In Good Night & God Bless, author Trish Clark tells where to find unique, friendly and affordable lodging in Europe with religious orders.

Oct 28, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

The most fun scary stories to tell are screamers - tales that startle listeners, make them scream, laugh or both. Here are some with tips on how to tell scary stories.

Oct 8, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Some of the best scary stores come from American folklore and legend and could be adapted to fit the time and place of the storytelling.

Oct 8, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Some ghost stories are classic favorites and fun to share around a campfire, during Halloween or at a sleepover. Following are some stories with scary storytelling tips.

Sep 22, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Before calling a plumber, try using Tide powder detergent to unclog a problem drain. It can be an inexpensive way to fix a clogged sink.

Aug 25, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Naturalist and Author Rachel Carson sets a good example for how adults and kids can share time outdoors, learning to appreciate the wilderness and bond with nature.

Aug 19, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Trailing games can help improve kids' alertness and also provide hours of fun. These games are best played in large or wooded outdoor areas and on camping trips.

Jul 28, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Inspired by games like Dungeons and Dragons, RenQuest offers a live-action story with puzzles, quests, and characters at the Renaissance Faire in Bristol, Wisconsin.

Jul 24, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Children and adults can escape to Elizabethan England for jousting, music and theatrics at the Bristol Renaissance Faire which runs every weekend through Labor Day.

Jul 23, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Based on a book the Secret Spaces of Childhood, this film studies how today's children play and warns they don't have enough opportunities for free, unstructured play.

Jun 16, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Perennial gardens can be stunning in just a couple of years. A big budget helps, but there are cost-cutting tricks to building beautiful perennial gardens.

May 20, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Humane Education stresses the relationship between compassion for animals, people and the planet. It shows that empathy grows.

May 5, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Harry Potter, The Exhibition debuts in Chicago, its only Midwest location on its U.S. tour. The display will continue for five years in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Apr 30, 2009 - Claudia M. Lenart

Planning ahead, communication, and flexibility can make the holidays less stressful and more joyful for children and divorced parents. Traditions can also add to the joy.

Dec 2, 2008 - Claudia M. Lenart

Like great art, the Christmas Carol Silent Night offers a message of beauty, peace and truth that is universally understood and can even stop a war.

Nov 19, 2008 - Claudia M. Lenart

Inexpensive gifts can be the best for children, especially open-ended toys that inspire imaginative play and encourage creative thinking.

Nov 12, 2008 - Claudia M. Lenart

Educators are concerned that an increase in violent toys and games will lead to an increase in aggression among children and they offer suggestions for concerned parents.

Oct 31, 2008 - Claudia M. Lenart

Griddly Games features family board games that can be played by all ages. These include baseball, hockey and Nascar games as well as educational board games.

Oct 21, 2008 - Claudia M. Lenart

Waldorf education is worldwide, yet it is not widely understood. The best way to comprehend Waldorf is by explaining how these schools differ from mainstream schools.

Oct 1, 2008 - Claudia M. Lenart

This book shows readers and journal keepers how to use their imaginations to observe the world around them with the creative perception of an artist or scientist.

Sep 16, 2008 - Claudia M. Lenart

Children can experience life of the early settlers in the Northwest Territory at the Trail of History, the third weekend in October at Glacial Park in McHenry, Illinois.

Sep 12, 2008 - Claudia M. Lenart

Chess and classic games have provided family fun for thousands of years. Board games provide family benefits and build skills. Today there are many games to choose from.

Sep 9, 2008 - Claudia M. Lenart

Pediatricians and childhood experts are concerned that a sexualized culture is leading to eating disorders, low self esteem and depression in girls.

Sep 13, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

There's no easier way to connect with nature and teach children about the natural world than birding.

Sep 13, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Plan a party and sleepover with the help of the birthday child. Following are tips including rules, snacks and activities.

Sep 13, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Studies show that family meals lead to academic success for children, healthier bodies, and fewer emotional and behavior problems.

Aug 23, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

School-age children need to eat nutritionally balanced meals to keep their growing brains in optimum condition. Here are some of the best brain foods for kids.

Aug 23, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Making sandcastles and sand sculptures requires some basic tools and preparation. Sand structures also require lots of water and tight packing. These tips will help.

Jun 28, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Swimming games can make an afternoon in the pool or lake more fun for children of all ages.

Jun 27, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

There are plenty of activities for families at the beach, from active games to creative arts to nature observation and sand play.

Jun 21, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Water games are a fun way to cool off from summer's heat. There are many wet games for pools, lakes or sprinklers.

Jun 13, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Traditional outdoor games such as tag, hide and seek and red light-green light are still fun and help children develop physical coordination and perceptual skills.

Jun 13, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Storytelling is a great way for families to spend a summer evening, especially while gathered around a bonfire or campfire.

May 21, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Backyard sand play can creatively occupy children for hours. It's easy to make a sandbox with a raised garden bed kit, an old tire or a kiddie pool.

May 15, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Recycle an old tire and make a simple vertical or horizontal apparatus for hours of outdoor fun

May 1, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

A wooden tree swing is a great addition to any play space. It can also encourage children to spend more time playing outside, and outdoor activity provides many benefits.

Apr 10, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Piles of old newspapers are a non-toxic way to kill weeds and grass in perennial and vegetable gardens

Mar 28, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Gardens and backyards provide plenty of natural material to create imaginative toys for boys and girls.

Mar 27, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Playhouses, treehouses and other sheltered areas are a great way to encourage children to spend time close to nature.

Mar 19, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart

Creating a natural and inviting backyard will encourage children to spend more time outdoors learning and engaging in imaginative play.

Mar 15, 2007 - Claudia M. Lenart