photo credit: bravenewtraveler

As I mentioned before, one of main sources of parenting help when I had a newborn were parenting magazines. They contain tons of useful, up to date parenting tips - and you can rip the pages out for reference.

Now that my kids are growing up - I still keep up with my Parenting magazine subscription. It seems a little odd, being that I should know everything by now ;). But most magazines for parents have articles that pertain to kids of all ages - and I certainly don’t want to head into the uncharted waters of adolescence unprepared!

I also, especially like the sections on product recalls and new products. Keeping up to date with what kids like make me a kind of “hip” mom - at least in my kids eyes (which is all that really matters!).

My Parenting Magazine subscription continues to serve me well. But another one of my favorites is Parents Magazine. Years ago I cut a soup recipe out of this one and it is still one of my family’s favorite meals. If you are having mealtime issue with your toddler - many of these magazines provide step by step instructions for fun and healthy foods that kids find appealing. Sometimes the recipes are a little over the top and you have to wonder who really has time to prepare such an involved meal with an elaborate presentation. But on the whole the ideas are good.

In addition to a Parenting Magazine subscription, you might be interested in the following parenting magazines that are geared towards families:

• Cookie Magazine - I recently picked up a copy of Cookie Magazine and was very surprised at how much I liked it. There was lots of articles and information geared towards moms (not just kids). This was nice because it is so easy to lose yourself in your role as parent. The issue that I read seemed like it had more articles relating to kids as opposed to just baby.
• SportingKid Magazine - I have not seen this one, but given the emphasis that we put on sports, this is one magazine that I would like to read. Like many others, I am finding it hard to strike a balance between sports, schoolwork, and free time for the kids.
• FamilyFun Magazine - I love Family Fun Magazine! There are lots of ideas of things to do with kids. But I especially like the family vacation suggestions. Picking the right destination can make a family vacation fantastic.
• American Baby Magazine - American Baby was the first parenting magazine subscription that I ever had - so I have a soft spot for it. I even sent in a blurb about something when my oldest son was a baby and to my surprise they published it! I still have a copy of that issue.

So that is my short list of the many choices that are out there!