Don’t launch a new babysitter on your young kids. It can be very scary for them to be separated from mom and dad and in the hands of a complete stranger. Have the sitter come over a few hours before you leave so your kids can get used to them.

Even better, if you’ve met someone you feel would be a good fit hire them as a “mother’s helper” for a day. They can help you with your daily routine and get a feel for your family schedule. You want your sitter to enter your lifestyle as seamlessly as possible. The more they know about you and your kids the better they can be as your sitter.

Make sure they’ve attended babysitting courses and are CPR trained. It’ll give you piece of mind to know your sitter has gone the extra steps to keep your kids safe.

Find a sitter through friends and family. Somebody is bound to know of a sitter they can’t say enough good things about. You’ll have the recommendation of someone you trust, which can be reassuring.

Find out what they charge from the beginning. You don’t want to be fishing in your wallet for extra cash because you weren’t expecting the amount they require. Babysitting is a job and babysitters have the right to set their prices. Just make sure it fits your budget.

Get your kids opinions. Have the sitter watch your kids for a few hours while you run errands. Afterwards see how your kids feel about him or her. You don’t want to leave your kids with someone they can’t stand.

Form a babysitting share group with your friends and neighbors. Instead of hiring a sitter offers to watch each other’s kids. You get a night off and then they get a night off.

Now that it’s the summer check your local college and high school to see if anyone is looking for babysitting opportunities. Plenty of teenagers and young adults are willing to babysit. You can even look for college students that have majored in teaching so they have serious kid experience.

Once you find a sitter your family loves he or she becomes part of the family. It’s every parents dream to have their kids beg them to go out so they can hang out with the sitter!

Every state has different rules about what’s recyclable and what’s not. It’s easy to find your state guidelines online. Check them out so you can know what you can recycle. An easy tool to find out where you can recycle is www.earth911.com. You just need to enter what you want to recycle and your zipcode to find a center near you.

Help your kids learn to recycle by setting up different colored bins. One could be for paper, one for glass and so on. It’ll help keep your recyclables organized and make it easier for your little ones to know where everything goes.

Remember to flatten cardboard boxes before recycling and take the lids off glass and plastic bottles.

Some items you might not realize can be recycled include:

Printer cartridges: Some companies include an envelope with their cartridge for you to mail to pack for them to recycle. Take advantage of this option if you can. Otherwise check with your recycling department to see if they accept cartridges.

Magazines: It seems sometimes you get more magazines than you can get rid of! Most recycling facilities accept glossy paper. Recycled paper uses 60% of the energy we need to make new paper. So put those dusty magazines to use!

Batteries can be very harmful to the Earth if not taken care of properly. Instead of throwing dead batteries away set them aside. Many retailers, such as AutoZone, will take your dead car batteries and recycle them. For the batteries you use in your TV remote or camera check to see if your town has a collection site for hazardous household materials. Some electronic stores also will take your dead batteries and recycle them.

Cell phones are quickly becoming the fastest growing trash. These electronics are toxin laden and need to be disposed of correctly if we want to stop them from harming the environment. Call2Recycle is a program that works similar to earth911. You can find a drop box for your electronics through their website. Many charities also accept used cellphones, which they will refurbish and give to those in need.

If you have a working household appliance you want to get rid of you can donate it to Goodwill. For appliances that don’t have the potential for a second life check out www.recycle-steel.org.

It’s amazing how far we’ve come in our ability to recycle. Never assume you have to throw away something, chances are you can recycle it!

Before heading out for a day trip consider what your kids are interested in. If dinosaurs are their thing try to find a museum that will peak their interest. If it seems like everyone has a different passion shoot for a larger museum that will have a variety of subjects. If your children are older consider following a guide through a larger museum. He’ll be able to explain every painting and diorama to you and also have facts that you might never have heard before. It will also make navigating a large museum less overwhelming. For little ones there are plenty of science and interactive museums where they can play and explore. Many of these centers focus on interacting with kids and offer activities for them to do so you don’t have to keep them entertained the whole time.

Most museums offer discount rates for kids, and will let toddlers and babies in for free. Decide what your budget is before heading over, some museums offer IMAX movies and of course there is the souvenir shop. Make a decision about what you want to spend and where so you can be certain the moment you walk in.

Visit the museum website with your kids so they can get a sneak peak at what’s in store. You’ll be able to decide which exhibits are a priority and if there are any specials going on.

Aim to go either early or late on the weekend so you won’t be overwhelmed by crowds and can get up close to everything. During the week try to go around 3, when school field trips aren’t there anymore.

Don’t feel like you have to see everything. Little ones can get tired and bored and the last thing you want is a tantrum on the museum floor! Go at a leisurely pace and don’t feel stressed if you haven’t reached every exhibit on your list. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks too.

You’ll want to remember these family trips forever but some museums don’t allow flash photography or any cameras at all. Check the policy so you can be prepared and ready to capture the moment.

Don’t let the fun end at the museum door. If your trip has the creative juices flowing in your kids then check out books at the library about the subjects they loved. Once you see how much fun museums can be they’ll become a rainy day staple!

Is your wife or mom an animal lover? Maybe she’s passionate about the arts. Show that you know what she finds important with a donation to a charity that she’d love. It’s a very thoughtful way to express your love.

Have your kids put their hands in paint and make a handprint t-shirt. It’ll be something mom will cherish forever as her kids grow.

Have a scavenger hunt that leads to a picnic. Leave clues around the house leading her outside to a lovely picnic lunch you and kids have prepared.

Does your mom love flowers? Or wine? Or chocolate? Sign her up for a membership to a club that’ll mail her what she loves every month.

Encourage the kids to make a “love book” where they write down why they love mom. Or have them write poems and frame them.

Is your mom out of this world? Name a star after her! The International Star Registry let’s you do just that!

If your wife is a technophobe set up all her gadgets for her today so she’ll be ready to go when she feels like updating her ipod or loading pictures.

Our Activity Finder is also available on our website (http://www.funkoos.com/kids-activity-finder.html). We are so excited for our Finder because it’s the first of its kind. Not only do you get to find activities and events suggested by parents but also whenever you add an activity to the Finder you earn points towards a Funkoos gift card!

We really want to build a community of parents at Funkoos, which is why we released our Activity Finder as an app! We can’t wait for you to try it out!

Now that the weather is getting warmer hang your clothes out to dry instead of using the dryer. You’ll save energy and your clothes will smell fresh and breezy!

Another great Earth friendly habit to adopt in the warm weather is limiting your use of air conditioning. Throw open the windows and install and screen door to keep you cool!

Take advantage of your local farmers market. Food grown locally is the best for you and the planet.

Lighting can account for up to 15% of energy use in your home. Switch to CFL light bulbs which are energy efficient and last longer than your average bulb!

Turn off the lights when you leave a room and unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. These are simple changes in routine that can make a big difference.

Avoid pesticides when working on your lawn. They aren’t good for your family or the Earth!

Don’t water your grass everyday. It can be tempting to turn on the sprinkler to help make your grass green but it’s a huge waste of water. A green lawn isn’t worth the water usage.

Turn the water off while brushing your teeth to also help save water.

Use reusable water bottles and skip the plastic ones. There are plenty of cute eco-friendly water bottles out there!

If every family made simple changes to their everyday habits we could really help the planet!

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. It’s a fairly new science and one that is filling our grocery store shelves. Genetically modified foods come from GMOs. Genetically modified organisms have had deliberate changes to their DNA through genetic engineering techniques. Some examples of genetically modified foods include soybeans, corn and rice. In the lab genetic engineers might use cisgenesis, which is when genes are artificially transferred between organisms. Or they could use transgenesis to insert genes from a different species.

Why would people want genetically modify foods? Well the first food to ever be genetically modified was a tomato in 1994. Its genes were modified so it would ripen without softening. People loved the idea of a tomato with a longer shelf life and were more than willing to buy them. Some soybeans, corn and cotton are modified so they won’t be resistant to herbicide. In 2013 Golden Rice will be introduced to the market, it’s been modified to be a source of vitamin A. Some people support GM foods because they have the potential to solve world hunger. GM foods can potentially be grown faster than organic food.

Why wouldn’t people want genetically modified foods? In countries suffering from poverty and hunger issues people don’t support the idea of being forced to use GM seeds. They want the same options as other countries in how they farm. Some scientists have published studies that show GM foods really don’t produce a higher yield. GMO farming has increased to the point that 10% of the WORLD’S crops are genetically modified. This limits the choices people have. If every item the grocery store is genetically modified then we are forced to buy them, whether we are comfortable with the idea or not. Most GMO foods are not labeled as such, leaving people uneducated about the food they eat. America’s three major food agencies: the FDA, the USDA and the EPA haven’t created new laws for regulating GMO food, despite it being a growing industry. In Europe and other places GM food is required to be separated from non-GM food and needs to be labeled. Many people are uncomfortable with the fact that multi-billion corporations, such as Monsanto are the ones producing the GM seeds and saturating the market with them. They feel that large biotech seed producers have taken over the farming system and are forcing small farmers to buy GM seeds through spikes in prices and buying independent seed companies.

There are always many ways to look at controversies. While GM crops have the potential to have a higher yield, they also have led to weeds that are resistant to herbicides. The more weeds are resistant to engineered plants, the more chemicals have to be added to herbicides.

Cross-pollination between GM crops and non-modified crops has also become an issue. It’s led to people worrying about finding true non-modified crops.

Because Europe and other countries don’t allow GM foods, and many under developed countries (such as India, Zambia and Venezuela) don’t support the idea of GM crops, this has become a U.S. issue. Many of the biotech companies are based in America and have the money to promote their products. Their power in our government is a lot stronger than that of independent farmers. But the potential for future GM foods is fascinating. Scientists are already looking into modifying bananas to produce vaccines against infectious diseases and engineering fish to grow faster. But on the other hand the FDA doesn’t run tests on GM foods, instead saying the developers of the foods have found it to be safe.

At the end of the day the battle over genetically modified foods is one of choice. Do you want the ability to choose between GM foods and non-modified ones? Do you want better regulation, and more studies of this new technology before it takes over the market? Are you comfortable with the decisions the government has made? When it comes to developing countries and the food crisis the questions become even more complex. Does the ability to produce foods that have special qualities override the downsides to GM foods? Will this really solve world hunger? Everyone needs to do research about his or her food and come to his or her own decisions. That way you can support your opinion with confidence

Gaylord Nelson, who was a Senator from Wisconsin, founded Earth Day in 1970. It was a time of turmoil with protests over the Vietnam War. Nelson realized he could channel that energy towards a focus on the environment and make it a national cause. Even on the first Earth Day the turnout was amazing. 20 million people came out in support of taking care of our planet. In 1990 Earth Day went global. Today we are all invested in changing the way we treat the world and our resources. There are so many ways you can celebrate this special day.

Cities across the country will be hosting festivals on the 22^nd. Take your family to one and enjoy celebrating with others.

Have everyone in your family make a promise to change a habit that hurts the Earth. Your kids could promise to turn off the water while brushing their teeth or you could promise to open your windows more and use less air conditioning. Have everyone read their pledge and post them on the fridge or a bulletin board so you remember all year long.

Plant a tree that is indigenous to your area in your backyard. You can watch the tree grow with your children and they’ll have a special connection to it.

Go grocery shopping and try to buy only organic items. Make it a game for your kids to find eco-friendly products. Discuss which ones are better for the Earth and why.

Host an Earth Day party! Who doesn’t love a good celebration? Ask guests to bring items to recycle or reuse. Serve food you bought at the local farmers market. Have a quiz game where you ask questions about the Earth.

Research environmental issues and have your kids pick ones they think are most important. Then help them write letters to your Senator or Representatives about these issues. Knowledge is empowering!

This year make a pledge to celebrate Earth Day with your family and friends. It will make a world of a difference!

Who will be responsible for the pet? If your kids are young chances are you’ll be the one raising your pet. Think about how much time you have and what you can commit to. It’s also good to keep in mind if your family travels a lot. Maybe you need to have a low-key pet. A tropical fish aquarium can be beautiful and fascinating for little ones.

How does your child respond to animals? Young kids sometimes have a hard time understanding they need to be gentle with animals. Before you bring anything home spend some time at friend’s houses or a petting zoo so your kids can learn proper pet etiquette. Hamsters and gerbils might seem perfect toddler size but they are very delicate and sensitive. You’ll have to closely monitor how your child handles the pet. Guinea pigs and rabbits might be a better option. They’re bigger and can interact with kids. Keep in mind though some pets are prone to nipping.

Do you want a pet that needs to be walked or can walk themselves? If your family is ready for more responsibility but still can’t commit to training a cat is a good choice. Cats are very independent and can stay indoors. If you think you can devote the time dogs make lifelong companions. It’s crucial to remember though that if your baby hasn’t grown up with a dog or cat it can be a lot of work. You’re number one priority is keeping your baby safe so if they tend to pull tails or get to close you might want to wait till they’re older before introducing a larger animal to the house. Another great option is adopting an older dog or cat. They tend to already be trained and because they’re older they’re more docile. You can even look for ones that have lived with families before. You’ll be providing a loving home for an animal that needs it and they’ll be a great introduction to the world of pets!

Teething starts when the first set of teeth break through the gums. You might remember how your mouth ached when your wisdom teeth came in. It’s the same thing, except your baby’s whole mouth!

Teething symptoms usually stop once the tooth breaks the skin. It’s the days before the tooth makes an appearance that your baby is fussy and uncomfortable.

It might help to rub your baby’s gums gently for 2 minutes either with your finger or a cold teething ring. Your baby is looking for a way to relieve the pressure in her mouth when she gnaws on things. You want to make sure to give her safe teething toys so she doesn’t start to chew unsafe things around the house. Check out Green Sprouts or Little Sapling Toys for eco-friendly teething products. Another big favorite is Sophie the Giraffe from the French company Vulli.

Encourage your baby to drink cold water; it’ll help numb the pain. Babies tend to drool a lot when they’re teething so staying hydrated is important. Cold soft food has also been found to be helpful.

Last, but certainly not least, once your baby has some teeth coming in it’s time to establish good teeth care. Start by gently brushing your baby’s teeth with water and talk to your pediatrician about the next steps.