EarlySignsofAutism.com

Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a topic of great interest and importance to parents, and, as with all aspects of parenting, the more parents know, the more effectively they can do their job as caregivers.

EarlySignsofAutism.com is a site designed to offer information to parents and caregivers on a wide range of autism and ASD-related matters.

The website is designed to provide resources and information regarding the early identification of autism in infants and toddlers; since early detection is key to early intervention, the resources on this site are invaluable to anyone wanting to learn more about autism and ASDs.

On the site’s main page you will find information regarding the upcoming Second Autism Conference on Signs of Autism in Infants: Changing Outcomes Through Early Identification and Intervention, scheduled for October 11 and 12, 2008, in Yorba Linda, California.

The site also contains an autism blog that reports on the latest research and findings related to early autism detection and intervention, and a link to Child Development Media, Inc.’s website, where readers can find a wealth of information about child development.

The Autism Links and Resources link is being updated to include even more information for readers; currently, you can find links to a page about the 2008 International Autism Conference Preliminary Brochure , autism books and videos, and DVDs from the 2006 International Autism Conference.

SurfersHealing.org

Treatments for autism are certainly in the news and on the Web these days, but perhaps you’ve not considered the healing benefits that surfing can have on autistic children.

SurfersHealing.org is a foundation for autism that was founded by parents of an autistic child who discovered that his symptoms were relieved by surfing.  Thus, an idea for helping other autistic children was born.

Israel and Danielle Paskowitz, parents of Isaiah, run the camps along with several sponsors.  A former competitive surfer, Israel is well prepared to run the camps for children like his son.

The organization is based in California but runs free camps for autistic children in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia as well.  There is a “Sign up for Camp” link on the homepage that contains information about the camp dates (all are full for 2008) and tips for a successful camp experience.

The camps run a day in length, and parents can check out the “Typical Day at Camp” link for photographs and a summary of how the camp is run.  The organization has gotten a lot of press, and a list of links to various stories is available from the homepage as well.

Videos and photographs, as well as artwork from the child who inspired the camps are available for viewing as well.

The organization is always in need of volunteers to help this free experience continue; interested readers can find contact information under the “Volunteer” link.

FamilyFun.com

Now that back to school time has passed, the holiday season is fast approaching:  Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be here all too soon, and that means kids will want to create some craft projects for each event. FamilyFun.com, part of the DisneyFamily.com website, has great ideas for craft projects designed to keep little hands busy.

Visitors to the site can either click on various holidays presented on the homepage to find appropriately themed crafts ideas, or choose from the pulldown menu “Arts and Crafts” and select links by category:  Holiday and Seasonal, Crafts by Age, Quick and Easy, Classroom, Kids’ Room, and How to Videos, or simply search all crafts.

The pulldown menu features also a Halloween section, under which users can find ideas for crafts, recipes, decorating, pumpkin carving, and costumes.

Other categories to search are Games, Travel, Printables, Parties, and Recipes, each with its own subcategories that make for easy browsing of the unique ideas the site contains.

Under the Video tab, check out multimedia presentations of craft ideas for easy-to-follow instructions, and visit the Magazine section for past issues of Family Fun and subscription information.

Since the content of this site is updated as different holidays approach, be sure to check back often for fun craft, recipe, and decorating ideas your kids are sure to love!

NetSmartzKids.com

Children use the Internet with increasing frequency, and parents may be concerned about their access to inappropriate content.  NetSmartzKids.com is a fun way to teach children how to be safe while surfing the web, and is a great resource for children, parents, and educators.

The site is an interactive, educational safety resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and is designed for for children ages 5 to 17, their parents, guardians, educators, and law enforcement.

The site’s goal is to help children recognize dangers on the Internet, to report victimization to a trusted adult, and to increase communication between children and adults about online safety.

The NetSmartz Workshop teaches children the rules for online safety:  “I will tell an adult I trust if anything makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused; I will ask my parents or guardian before sharing my personal information; and I won't meet in person with anyone I have first ‘met’ online.”

The site contains videos designed to educate children about what to avoid on the Internet: what to do if they encounter content that makes them uncomfortable, if anyone asks for personal information, the importance of protecting passwords, and other lessons in personal safety. The site does not link to any external sources, so parents can trust that the site is child-safe.

Users can play games, download wallpaper and music files, send safe e-cards, and email different characters from the site.

Parents can be assured that the games and activities children encounter on this site are not only educational, but they are secure, so this is a terrific site to introduce to children since it is never too early to start learning about Internet safety.

ParentingTeens.com

All stages of parenting have their own sets of challenges, and parenting teens is no exception.  Parents of teens often search for comprehensive sources of information to help them navigate the potential problems of this stage.

ParentingTeens.com is a great source of information for parents looking for advice and information on parenting teenagers.

The information here is grouped into categories the reader can click and then browse:  teen health, education, troubled teens, drug abuse, behavior, parent support group, parent forum, and other teen issues (which includes topics such as divorce, self-mutilation, and sex, among others).

There is also a link to Parent Blogs where readers can visit the thoughts and advice of other parents, as well as links to information about boarding schools, child care, foster parenting, help for troubled boys, help for troubled girls, parenting resources, single parents, and treatment centers for teens.

Readers can comment on the stories on the site; there is a login link for those who wish to join the community.

Parents can also sign up for a free newsletter to help them stay abreast of the latest information this site has to offer about parenting teens.

Motheread.com

All parents know how the value of simply reading to their children, but many may take it for granted that they can read to their child. Of course, not all parents are able to provide their children with valuable gift.

If you’ve wondered what sorts of programs are available for promoting literacy among parents and children, check out Motheread.com.

Motheread, Inc., is a nationally acclaimed organization that teaches literacy skills, child development, and family empowerment issues.  The organization offers classes for adults and children, using story as a way of learning.

Founded in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1987, the organization presents classes that focus not just on the “how” of reading, but also the “why,” and encourages parents to be reading role models for their children. Children’s classes emphasize, in addition to reading, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

On the organization’s website, users can read about the curriculum methods used to teach adults and children, obtain a copy of the newsletter, and find out about training and research on both the local, state, and national levels.

Educators can get information on upcoming training and development opportunities, and those interested in becoming Motheread instructors will find what they need under the FAQ link.

If you are interested in learning more about this program that provides valuable and empowering skills to parents and children, or your organization could benefit from implementing the program’s curriculum, this easy-to-use, informative website is a valuable resource.

Nursinganddiapers.com

All parents know that the two things they must be prepared for when baby arrives are feeding and diapering.  While those are simple and basic needs, parents still need choices and information when it comes to the accessories that go along with these two activities.

NursingAndDiapers.com is a wonderful resource for finding high-quality cloth diapers, diaper bags, and breast- and solid-feeding essentials.

The site’s four main categories are diapers, diaper bags, nursing and breastfeeding, and bottle and solid feeding; under each link readers will find items chosen for their quality and easy of use.

The diapers section has both all-in-one cloth diapers as well as a wide selection of quality pre-fold cloth diapers.  Check out the diaper bags section for a selection of stylish, functional diaper bags in a variety of colors.  (Several of these appear designed so that Dads won’t feel awkward carrying them).

If you’ve decided to breastfeed, the essentials you need are here as well.  Find breast milk storage items, breast pump accessories, and high-quality breast pumps on the site under the “Nursing and Breastfeeding” link.  Several brands are available here, and you can choose from manual pumps for occasional use to more substantial electric pumps for daily use.

Finally, don’t forget that your baby will, sooner than you realize, be eating solids, and the “Bottle and Solid Feeding” section of this site will assist you in choosing the right sterilizers, bottle and food warmers, and hot-and-cold packs for transporting bottles and baby food.

Ordering from this site is safe and easy, and Nursing and Diapers will never share your personal information with an unauthorized third party.

Askdrsears.com

The Sears family is the “first family” of prenatal and pediatric advice; Dr. Bill Sears and his wife Martha, an RN, lactation consultant, and former childbirth educator, along with their three sons (who are also pediatricians) have many years of experience and practice – both as healthcare providers and as parents.

As a result, their website is full of information presented in a down-to-earth, user friendly way, and is a wonderful resource for a wide spectrum of childbirth and child rearing information.

The website is divided into main categories, ranging from pregnancy and childbirth to breastfeeding, vaccinating, sleep problems, fussy babies, childhood illnesses, and a number of other topics.  Under each is an extensive breakdown of information tailored to allow the reader to understand complicated topics in a reassuring way.

The “What’s New” and “Pediatric News” sections keep readers up-to-date on the latest in illnesses, research, and the Sears’s media appearances.  The “Regular Features” tab contains links to the parents’ forum, blogs, and the question of the week.

Readers can sign up for the newsletter, order books, and research the latest in pediatric news, as well as find and purchase products recommended by the Sears.

The site’s search feature makes finding just what you’re looking for a little easier, but you may find that just browsing the site and linking from one topic to another is just as valuable: the conversational tone and calming advice presented here makes this site a valuable one for parents or parents-to-be.

grocerymama.com

Gas prices are high and grocery prices are creeping up, too.  These days it is increasingly important also to know where your food comes from, and buying locally is definitely the “green” thing to do.  If you’re looking for a website that will help you save time, money, and make a difference in your family’s budget and nutrition, check out GroceryMama.com.

This site has many money- and time-saving tips for busy moms who still want to create nutritious, frugal meals for their families.  Check out the main page for blog posts that contain recipes and tips for finding the best supermarket and farmers’ market deals, product coupons, working supper solutions, and reviews of versatile products designed to make your life easier.

There is a link to the “current giveaways” page (leave a comment to be entered into drawings for products like aprons and baby bibs), and you can sign up for Grocery Mama’s Frugal Finds Newsletter.

Grocery Mama will also help you organize your food buying and meal preparation habits to help you get the most out of your grocery budget.

This site is a great place to visit when you need some inspiration for mealtimes without feeling like you’re spending too much money or time.

familyeducation.com

Family Education.com, as the site’s name implies, is a site devoted to parenting and family life.  The site has a little bit of everything, from suggestions for vacation and summer activities to blogs for parents to child development links.

Featured links on the site include a baby name database, a recipe database, a family entertainment section, and a puzzles and games section called “Mom’s Coffee Break.”

Parenting blogs are updated daily, and there is a tools section where you can investigate things like whether you can afford to stay home and your child’s future height.

Reading readiness screening tools and school resources for parents will help answer parents’ questions about education, and the activities center is full of great ideas for arts and crafts projects for busy little hands.

There is also a section just for moms that includes information on health and wellbeing, marriage, strategies for new moms, and divorce.

The sections on children are broken down into age categories:  0-6, 7-11, and 12-18, and within each you’ll find information on age-appropriate activates and developmental concerns like bullying, teen smoking, family pets, and nutrition.

Other resources include parenting message boards and a newsletter archive as well as links to parenting resources on the web.

The “most popular” tab allows users to see the most-viewed stories, and there is also an up-to-date movie section with links to information about movies in theatres as well as on DVD.

There is a lot to see on this website, but it is presented in an easy-to-follow format that will make for fun browsing and will educate parents and children alike.