It's a lot easier writing about it than actually achieving it, but I'm vowing to reclaim family time for a happier home. It's my Mother's Day goal, as you will. That's not to mean my kids won't partake in their beloved activities; it's just that I pledge to be a little less grumpy, more organized, in better control of the chaos, and keep a handle on homework. And, oh yeah, practice saying "no" more. In spite of all this, I realize I have about a perfect (and realistic) life surrounded by loving kids and husband. What more could I ask for (besides a massage) anyway?

Everyone knows that you don't need a reason or special occasion to read to a child, but celebrating Reading is Fun Week on May 12-18 has a twist: its theme is making each day a little wacky and a lot of fun! Here are some fun reading activities to make kids clamor for more reading and more book time!

Wow! This is going to be a very busy week of thanks and hugs! This week is Teacher Appreciation Week (God Bless You teachers, everywhere!), Friday is Child Care Provider Appreciation Day (I can't say enough about your big hearts and helping hands with our young), and then let's not forget Mother's Day on Sunday. I'm not so sure I'll receive any pampering, but do know I'll get lots of love coming and going this week all around!

It seems like absolutely everyone nowadays is tightening their belts and worrying about the economy. Why should child care be any different? Here are reader tips from parents and child care providers alike on ways to save money on a daycare budget.

I've been sneezing my head off for the past few days, and alas, allergies are NOT to blame this time around. This morning, my daughter woke up with red, itchy eyes and greeted me with a big sneeze as well. Let's hear it (not) for springtime colds. Parents and caregivers can't usually escape child care duties when they have a minor illness, but there are ways to help minimize the "sharing" of colds.

It wasn't exactly in honor of National Volunteer Week, but I've just agreed to help with Field Day, be a chaperone to the zoo with my first grader, AND to help with publicity for my daughter's all-star cheer team. Am I nuts? No, rather I would say I am "volunteer-inclined." Volunteering with our kids' activities helps us to stay connected as a family, or at least that's what I keep telling myself as I say yes to yet another project!

Is it just me, or has the month of April literally blown by? It seems like only yesterday when I was contemplating an April Fool's Day joke. Now, I'm facing end-of-year school parties and planning for summer fun. Here are 6 things to do at child care or home during the month of May!

The official Take Our Daughters/Sons to Work Day has come and gone, but a year-round dilemma may be more apt to be whether you should bring your child to work on occasion. Yes? No? There are pros and cons either way. The first event is a way to expose older kids to the workforce and what parents do during the day; the second is often a survival mode of a last-minute childcare crisis or a babysitter getting sick. If you opt to bring a youngster in on occasion, just be sure to get an okay from the boss first!

As the end of the school year quickly approaches, parent should expect a conference to be scheduled with your child's teacher (or even care provider). These parent-teacher conferences are intended to be an avenue to learn more about your child's academic and social growth, successes and accolades, and issues or concerns that need to be addressed. Check out the following tips before scheduling your time to make it well spent and positive!

• Making the Most of a Parent-Teacher Conference.
• 10 Tips for a Success Parent-Teacher Conference.
• 10 Important Questions to Ask During a Parent-Teacher Conference.

My daughter scampered off to school this morning, proudly wearing an Earth Day shirt proclaiming everyone to "Love our Mother!" and showing a picture of Earth. But April 22 shouldn't be the only day we teach our kids to be environmentally responsible. We all need to pool efforts if we want a livable Earth for generations to come. Happy Earth Day to all!