Healthy Moms, Healthy Families

Dear Parents,

Fine-motor control is an essential foundation for writing skills. In this issue, learn how to help your child strengthen these skills through fun activities. Find out how to observe fine-motor difficulties in children, as well as what steps to take if your school seems reluctant to perform an evaluation.

Summer is in full swing, and the kids are having a blast. A few precautions will keep them safe in the neighborhood, on camping trips, at the playground, and at the pool. We also have advice for preventing or treating sunburn, heat exhaustion, and poison ivy.

No one needs to tell you that motherhood is demanding. When you can't think straight, take some time for one of our ten quick lifts. You can fine-tune your focus in as little as two minutes.

Finally, we are pleased to introduce a fun new feature: NameLab. Find the perfect baby name, learn about the origin and meaning of your family name, explore celebrity names, and more. Take a look!

From the Editors at FamilyEducation.com

Fine-Motor Skills
Fine-motor skills improve easily with lots of practice – especially when the practice is fun!

Fine-Motor Coordination Why Teach Fine Motor? Observing Fine-Motor Difficulties in Children Fine-Motor Skill Development: Tips for Parents Helpful Activities

Seven Ways to Help with Handwriting Benefits of Classic Games How to Get an Evaluation More on Fine-Motor Skills

Summer Safety
Where there's fun for kids, there are safety concerns for parents.

Neighborhood Safety Guide Camping Cautions Sun Safety for Children Heat Prostration or Exhaustion Treating Poison Ivy

Caution at the Local Playground Playground Safety at Home Pool Safety More About Summer Safety

Quick Lifts for Mom
Don't let the demands of your family drag you down – take some time for you.

How Moms Get Depleted Finding Focus Practice Morning Intent Do, Defer, or Delegate Learn to Really Breathe Complete One Thing Throw One Back

Get Physical Accept a Helping Hand Get Rid of the Ghosts Stop "Shoulding" on Yourself Plan Tomorrow Today

Hot Products for Back to School
Check out these must-have school supplies, and make sure your children are prepared for back to school. With the right tools, homework might even be fun!

		Join in this discussion on our Message Boards about sudden shyness in a 13-year-old: "Can anyone give any advice at all on helping a 13-year-old boy with shyness? My son is recently very shy to face kids he grew up with, and I don't know what to do!" — cici37

Printables: Fine-Motor Skills

		Use these printables to help strengthen your child's fine-motor skills. Teaching Letter Formations Something's Missing Follow That Line What's Missing?

End Summer Boredom
At our new Printables Center, you can access thousands of printable activities for your kids. Search by age group and/or category, turn on the printer, and with just a few clicks, the kids can be entertained for hours!

Back to School

		FamilyEducation.com is counting down to Back to School, with a new topic each weekday. Expert Advice on Back-to-School New School, New Challenges Tech Talk Summer Reading Preschool Kiss-and-Cry Back to School Calendar

Take a Break!
Stop by Mom's Coffee Break^TM when you need to take a break and relax. You'll find games, comics, and puzzles to help you unwind – including Sudoku!