There are plenty of kids shows on reading, writing and 'rithmatic, but few on science.  On Labor Day, that will change when PBS launches The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, an animated series for the preschool set that will introduce them to science.

Each episode begins when Sally or Nick ask a science-related question.  Guided by the Cat, children -- on screen and yours at home -- figure out an answer for themselves by observing, collecting and making connections.

The show was developed by a team of scientists ...

You've got questions?  Noel Janis-Norton, parenting expert extraordinaire and creator of Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting, has answers.  This month, it's all about those challenging transitions to school.

A Macaroni Kid Mom asked:
 
"My son screams and yells and hangs on to my leg when I try to leave him at preschool.  The teachers say that he's fine once I'm gone, but every morning is so very difficult.  Are there things I can do to help prepare him or to better manage this?"
 
Noel Janis-Norton replies:

Absolutely ...

Macaroni Kid is excited to share our exclusive interview with the star of the Juno Baby CD's DVD's, books and toys – Juno herself!
 
Juno, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with Macaroni Kid!  We understand that you are just gearing up for your huge summer tour, and we really appreciate you taking a few minutes to connect with Macaroni Kid and our readers.  We know that the world is anxious to learn more about you, your friends, your stories and your music!

Q.  Speaking ...

I wanted my kids to help with a preview of Nanny McPhee Returns, so I asked them to check out the Nanny McPhee website to get their thoughts . . . and the above picture (of yours truly) is the result. 

When I heard them giggling, I went to check on them and found them at the Features page of the site, where they had honed in on "the Uglyfier," a fun little app that lets you take any picture and add some of Nanny McPhee's . . . um, enhanced characteristics.  When you ask ...

BigDifBooks Results are in.

Many of you know about BigDifBooks – the place where you can find very inexpensive – even free – on-line storybooks for kids.  When you choose a book, you (and your child) can read it in a slick page-turning e-reader program or you can print it out at home.   It’s an innovative way to provide original, fun stories for kids to read.  And it is one of our favorite uses for ‘computer-time. 

But, there’s an aspect to BigDifBooks that we think goes beyond the digital bookshelf.  We ...

I finally have people. You know the “have your people call my people” people who arrange and organize virtually everything for you? Yep. I’ve got them. And I can take them anywhere and everywhere. That’s because they’re in the form of an app for my iPhone (or your iPod Touch).

With the start of the new school year quickly approaching and bringing with it the inevitable chaos to our schedule, along with this ever-present desire I have to be more in control every year (did I mention ...

There are endless uses for duct tape.  Currently, there is duct tape holding my one refrigerator's door shelf in place...too many jars of exotic mustard and sauce broke it.  The other day, I was in a craft store waiting in the check out line and noticed a bin of brightly colored duct tape.  I was so tempted to buy a couple rolls but resisted since I have several of the traditional silver rolls in my garage.  It got me thinking what exactly is the purpose of colored duct ...

"Daddy, I'm in love with this," was what Maddie said to me after about two hours of playing with her new MobiGo Touch Learning System from VTech.  And she was thrilled when we let her stay up an extra 15 minutes to play with it before going to sleep.

The MobiGo (in pink) was an early fifth birthday present for her, she falls smack in the middle of the suggested age range of three to eight, so she makes an ideal tester.  We opened the box, popped in the ...

Dear Parents of Kindergarteners, Tweens, Athletes, Artists, Silly-Band Enthusiasts, and Geniuses,
 
As the first day of school approaches, you are sure to be double-checking the school supply list, getting back-to-school haircuts, comparing teachers and homerooms with friends, and securing a lunch period into your high schoolers’ schedule.  Before you send your child off on the school bus, this teacher would like to offer you some advice sure keep the school year flowing smoothly. 
 
School is a partnership.  Not sure what this means? First grade teacher Karen Sargis believes that “parents ...