Last year we left on a 1 am flight to the Philippines after we went trick or treating. This year we’re throwing a Halloween party since there is no trick or treating around these parts, but we still want to keep up as many of our American traditions as we can. The kids have been crafting all week in preparation! We had to get a little creative because it’s hard to find most things locally, but they made a bunch of easy Halloween decorations including trash bag spider webs, paper bats, candles and balloons. For games we’ll be playing monster tin can bowling, ring toss, pin the spider on the web, toilet paper mummies, and an awesome Swedish game called Fiskdamm or Fishpond. I’m looking forward to it as much as the kids!

12144106_953985984645261_681157767_n
Halloween 2015

Here are some links I thought you would find interesting! Have a great weekend!

E D U C A T I O N

No homework and fewer lessons: Why are Finnish students among the best in the world? via BBC

Banning Tablets is Best for Children via The Wall Street Journal

The worrying reason today’s four-year-olds are ‘not physically ready’ for school. via Independent

ADVERTISEMENT

H E A L T H

CMV is a Greater Threat to Infants Than Zika, but Far Less Often Discussed via The New York Times

Pediatricians say infants should sleep in parents’ rooms for one year. via Huffington Post

The worst place to fall asleep with a newborn baby via the Atlantic

Birthing Tubs: Great for labor not so safe for birth. via Fit Pregnancy

P A R E N T I N G

Parents Please Don’t Forget to RSVP via Peanutlayne

The Key Skills Parents Should be Teaching their Children via Washington Post

How We’re Endangering our Kids’ Imaginations via TIME

American Children are Drowning in Self-Esteem via 1843 Magazine

I had no sympathy for working moms until I became one. via NY Mag

Sorry but you’re not your dog’s mom. via NY Mag

Little space large life. Why we live in a teeny apartment with 3 children. via Washington Post

US parents are sweating and hustling to pay for childcare. via NPR

Bill Gates says his children understand why he won’t leave them any money. via Daily Mail

Does peaceful parenting work when your child crosses the line? via Aha Parenting

T R A V E L

How to Avoid Disney’s New Surge Pricing via Travel + Leisure

OMG, There’s Now A Roald Dahl-Inspired Clothing Collection for Kids via BuzzFeed

F O O D

Be a Genius, Do This One Thing, Have Better Soups All Winter via Slate