With so much entertainment easily available on the homefront (television, video games, computers, etc.), we often forget that the performing arts are alive and kicking in communities across the nation - and much of this is low cost or free. 

Take some time to search out what is available and get in the habit of going out to an event - live music, dance, theater...or other live performance - at least once a month.

Part of the fun is just the outing. Have you ever watched young children at an event? The learning is tremendous - tons of people, tons of language, tons of new information about the world.

Unless your child is an ‘artist’, he or she may be reluctant to choose an art activity at home. Art can be incredibly absorbing. It takes our heads, hearts, and hands to new places without us even realizing it.

Participating in an art activity with your child can make the activity safer and more desirable (especially for young children). Clay work, bead work, weaving, drawing, watercolor painting, and several other art activities are relatively easy to get supplies for and dig into, even as a novice. If this is not a staple in your household it can provide a nice change of pace - and may quickly become a family favorite.

(As a bonus, many of these activities help strengthen fine motor skills, which can positively impact writing control!)