Engage in Vacation Play

One of the problems with all-or-nothing thinking is that it encourages us to associate certain activities exclusively with weekends or vacations. So, we put off enjoying activities that we could easily enjoy on a normal day. True, you can't scuba dive in your back yard or go deep-sea fishing from your office window, but there are many vacation-type activities that might relax you.

Read one chapter of a beach novel, or do part of a crossword puzzle.
Practice your putting or ask the office "pro" for a few pointers.
Take time out for a conversation at the coffee bar. Share a few jokes.
Linger over the newspaper, as if you had nowhere to go.
Build sand castle art without sand: a tinker toy tower or a paperclip sculpture?
Write a few pages in a journal, just recording whatever thoughts pop into your mind.

If you spend ten minutes a day "playing," by the end of the year you will have vacationed a total of sixty-one hours — more than one full work week!

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Create Your Own Jack-O'-Lantern
We can help! Use our fun Jack-O'-Lantern Creator tool to make your very own spooky or silly jack-o'-lantern design. Print it out as a guide to carve the perfect Halloween pumpkin, or just let the little ones color it in. Sponsored by Madagascar 2. Watch the trailer here.

Kids and Whole Grains
Are you stumped when it comes to getting your kids to eat whole grains? Or do you have some of your own tips to share? Join in on our discussion!

Find Balance in Your Kids' Diet
The Balanced Meal Planner is a fun interactive tool that can help you plan a healthy, balanced diet for your family, based on the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid. Sponsored by Smucker's, home of more tasty ideas for kids.

Tired of the Breakfast Wars?
Set a truce with Apple Cinnamon Cheerios®, Fruity Cheerios®, Yogurt Burst Cheerios®, and Frosted Cheerios®. Four naturally sweetened flavors both parents and kids will love. Try one now with a $1 coupon.

Show Your Kids the Power of Voting
Help your kids understand the importance of the presidential-election process by giving them the chance to cast their very own vote! Encourage your child's school to get involved in the National Student/Parent Mock Election on October 30, 2008.