Five-year-old Kavi Ostrom announced one day to her mother, “These plants aren’t doing well because we haven’t put enough compost on them.” Maia Ostrom said, laughing, “I’m pretty sure that Kavi will be running the farm soon.” Maia Ostrom and her husband, Erik, owners of Dusk to Dawn Farm near Poulsbo, are part of a […]
children
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Posted inAt Home
Why Children Should Spend More Time with Their Grandparents
Play is important for everyone, no matter their age — and when grandparents, parents and children play together, that’s where the real benefits of unstructured fun are discovered. “Play time with adults of different ages is not just a chance for families to bond; these interactions with positive role models can help children develop a […]
Posted inAt Home
5 Tips for Keeping Your Young Kids Safe
We all like to think of our homes as secure havens where our families can retreat from the world in peace and comfort. While most of us do everything we can to protect our children from harm, records show that in the United States, some 2,000 children 14 and younger succumb to preventable injuries in […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
5 Reasons Kids Should Play Outside More
Whether it’s dance lessons, computer projects, art class or yoga, kids these days are busy bees. And while such activities are enriching and fun, experts say that many kids aren’t spending enough time doing something much simpler and every bit as important as structured programming: playing outdoors. “Finding time for the kids to play outside […]
Posted inAround West Sound
Tips for Staying Safe Around the Water
Summer means that more children spend time in and around water areas such as pools, lakes and oceans. Like many parents, you worry about your children’s safety around water, no matter how old they are. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of injury death among children aged 1-4, and the third leading […]
Posted inAround West Sound
Tutors with Tails Reading Program Grows by Leaps and Bounds
If you walk down the halls of Evergreen or Harbor Heights Elementary schools on a particular day, you might find Rohan or Sasha stretched out on the floor of the school library, tails wagging, listening to a child read a book. No, people aren’t sneaking pets into school. These pups are part of the Tutors […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Making a Difference — Martha & Mary
If you want to feel good about the world, drive to Poulsbo and spend some time visiting Martha & Mary, a unique organization where kids get their start in life and seniors find a caring and peaceful place to spend the last part of their life. Martha & Mary offers several services to the local […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Best Hikes With Kids around Western Washington, Part 2
Editor’s note: This is the second part of an excerpt adapted from hiking expert Susan Elderkin’s book, “Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington” (Mountaineers Books, April 2018). Enjoy exploring the region’s hikes with your little ones — these are the perfect spots for them. Read Part 1 Here. Gold Creek Pond Snoqualmie Pass; 1.4 mile-loop […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Best Hikes With Kids around Western Washington, Part 1
Editor’s note: While the weather is still gorgeous, are you trying to pack in as much outdoor times as possible? If you have little ones, hiking can be a challenge. This excerpt was adapted from hiking expert Susan Elderkin’s book, “Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington” (Mountaineers Books, April 2018), recommends several hikes around our […]