So if kids are natural learners, why do we expect to walk into a classroom to find a bunch of bored students?

This innovative project will have your child wearing her artistic and engineering hat all at once.

Studies have also shown that children involved in extracurricular activities tend to have better academics than children who spend free time using electronics and avoiding social situations.

Spark some quality time with your family and friends, and throw in some patriotic undertones while you’re at it.

Safety, kid-friendly activities, good food, ease of transportation, and cost are all considerations when planning a family vacation this summer.

Research is showing that extracurricular activities are just as important as what kids learn inside the classroom.

The benefits of learning a foreign language are far reaching and extend beyond simply linguistic advantages.

Music has tremendous benefits on a young brain. But research shows that the advantages aren’t fully realized by simply streaming music and letting music wash over kids’ brains. In order to reap the full cognitive benefits of music, it’s important for kids to actively engage by playing an instrument. It’s the direct that strengthens neural pathways.

How do the scientists know what they know? They utilize the scientific method, which is the process students use in their school or fair science projects. Your young scholar may be coming home with a science project assignment in the very near future, which begs the burning question: how much should you help your child? Here are some ways to help your child without doing the work for her.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Children are naturally creative. One of the greatest creative assets for kids is their inexperience. Since kids have the benefit of not knowing what is not possible, they ask “Why not?” Kids ask questions about things that, for everyone else, have become unquestioned assumptions.

Exercise removes fat deposits and strengthens your heart. It increases bone density, builds muscles, and lowers the risk of heart disease, strokes and cancers. But exercise is also an incredible coping mechanism with restorative and healing powers for the mind. One study concluded that moderate to vigorous physical activity at ages 6 and 8 is linked to fewer symptoms of depression two years later.

When researchers sought out to understand why some inner city kids thrived academically, they discovered that more often than not, students who performed well had an “identity project.” Identity projects, as described by researchers Stefanie DeLuca, Susan Clampet-Lundquist, and Kathryn Pedin in their book Coming of Age in the Other America, are hobbies students pursued passionately. They ranged from Japanese anime, to dance, to even rearing pigeons.

Most people believe creativity is something that’s hardwired into your genes, something you are. Having interviewed some of the most enterprising kids around today, what I’ve discovered is that creative children aren't necessarily born with genius, but have adopted key habits that enable them to go from creative insight to creative output.

Kids are more prone to eat visually appealing foods. Try constructing this artful display with your child for an afternoon snack and craft all in one.

A little planning goes a long way when hosting a playdate. This doesn’t mean you have to label water bottles or print out menu cards. But children tend to get territorial on their own home turf. Playing host is a great opportunity for your child to learn to be gracious and gain confidence.

There’s something decadent about eating off of a stick. Try putting a twist on holiday cookies this season with these cookie pops.

Rein in the holiday spending with these reindeer and Santa Claus hot cocoa cones. Kids love to give as much as they receive. So put them in the driver’s seat this holiday season and empower them to make their own gifts.

Watching a plant grow is magical for kids. But you don’t need magic beans to grow a beanstalk (nor will it cost you a cow), especially when beans are one of the easiest and cheapest vegetables to grow. All they need are sunlight and water. Within 7 to 10 days of planting, your child will see he’s planted "magic" beans as well.

Help your child’s inner artist blossom by creating this blooming flowers stamp artwork. Using repurposed materials, this kids activity is also eco-friendly!