TIps for Familes: Ancient Greeks, Apple Ideas & More

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Friday, September 24, 2010

FAMILY by Anisa Raoof, GoLocalProv Contributor

Every Friday, enjoy inside tips for making the most of your weekend from Anisa Raoof, publisher and founder of Kidoinfo, the parents' guide for Rhode Island and beyond.

Kido Tip 1. Clean out the car

Say goodbye to summer and welcome in Fall by ridding the car of the sand and beach buckets and restocking it with the essentials for busy families. I stock my car with a blanket for impromptu picnics, Kleenex, wipes, pencils, books/noteboks, extra bags for trash/soiled clothes, small plastic containers w/lid in case someone gets car sick, paper towels, first-aid kit, bottle of water, basketball/soccerballs, reusable grocery bags, and a container of quarters for metered parking. When my kids were younger I also stocked diapers and a change of clothes. For more ideas, read how to make car travel a little easier.

Kido Tip 2. Make Apple Muffins

We usually pick far more apples than we can eat right from the fruit bowl. We love baking apple pies and muffins and making apple crisp and fresh apple sauce. Share the cooking with your children. Young kids can practice counting and help measure and mix up the ingredients. My kids love using the apple peeler/corer gadget. As kids get older, invite them to come up with their own recipes. Start with this yummy Apple Oat muffin recipe, then make your variation.

Kido Tip 3. Reconnect with ancient art at The RISD Museum

A special community day at The RISD Museum on Saturday, September 25 from 11am-4pm celebrates the opening of the newly reinstalled Greek and Roman galleries. Bring your children for all or part of the day to explore the uses of objects from antiquity, as well as related myths and history. Explore ancient artifacts in new ways and enjoy art and artmaking. Something for everyone, free and open to the public. Make connections with the art to your own life. My kids are into the Percy Jackson book series and will recognize some of the Greek Gods from their story books.

Anisa Raoof is the publisher and founder of Kidoinfo, the parents' guide for Rhode Island and beyond.