You can start by searching the Internet, visiting your city's webpage or contacting your local chamber of commerce. Here are some ideas of things to explore in your hometown.

Parks and Recreation

You probably know every swing, slide and jungle gym in your neighborhood park. However, have you been to all the parks in town? You may be surprised by what they offer. Some may have different playscapes. Others might have hiking and bike trails. Many provide facilities for sports like basketball, tennis, skateboarding or horseshoes.

Most cities' parks and recreation department offers classes to the public. You can find almost anything that fits your interests, from yoga to dance to cooking.

Arts

Discover the museums in your area. Most towns have a museum dedicated to local history. Some museums have hands-on activities for children. Look for unusual museums. For example, I discovered a Victorian Bridal Museum in our town.

Colleges and universities often have art exhibits, plays, and symphony performances available to the public. Look up your city's arts association for local exhibits or classes.

When my husband and I were newlyweds, I was still working on my degree. Since I was taking French classes, I had a student pass to the university's foreign film festival. Some of the movies were cheesy; some were hilarious; others were exceptional. It was a fun and unique date night for us at a time when finances were tight.

Library

If you have kids, then you probably already know about the programs your library offers over the summer. Our local library provides reading incentives, movie nights and crafts. It also invites entertaining guests such as a mime, a magician, and the snake lady.

Your local library may have adult programs, as well. It might sponsor a book club or host genealogy classes. Check with your librarian for the options available to you.

Farmer's market

A farmer's market can provide delicious local food. It will often have other vendors hosting booths for gift shopping. Sometimes, your town might combine a farmer's market with a street fair offering live music and entertainment.

Local businesses

It can be fun to go to a pet store to play with the puppies or visit your local ice creamery for a cooling treat. Some businesses offer classes that you can attend to learn a new skill or create something. Both Home Depot and Lowe's have DIY clinics for both children and adults. Michael's Arts and Crafts stores also have classes for various crafts.

Field trip

For fun and a little education, plan a field trip. Some local businesses will allow you to take a tour if you call in advance. Visit a zoo or botanical garden in your area. The police department and fire stations usually have a presentation available for field trips. To find suggestions in your hometown, try Field Trip Finder.

Several years ago, when I homeschooled my children we went on many fun field trips. We visited a farm where we picked our own strawberries. We toured Cold Stone Creamery, where we not only learned how ice cream is made, but also received free ice cream at the end. We explored the tide pools at a local beach. It was a fun way to enjoy hands-on learning experiences.

If you're looking for adventure, you don't have to go far. You can find exciting new activities right outside your front door.

The post 6 ways to explore your hometown appeared first on FamilyToday.

The dog days of summer are upon us, and we're all looking for ways to beat the heat. You can be the "cool" parent on the block by inviting the neighborhood kids over for a water day. Here are 10 fun water activities that you can plan with your children.

Sponge Dodge Ball

Buy several extra-large sponges, the kind that you use to wash your car, and fill several buckets with water. Have children stand in a ring with a few people in the middle. The children in the ring throw wet sponges at the children in the middle. When someone is hit, he switches places with the child who hit him. This also works well with water balloons.

Squirt Gun Freeze Tag

Divide kids into two teams. Have them try to squirt members of the opposite team. When someone is hit by a member of the opposite team, she must freeze in place until someone from her own team squirts her to unfreeze her. This can also work with sponges or water balloons.

Limbo

One person holds a running hose up high. The other children go under it. The child holding the hose lowers it little by little each round. If someone gets splashed by the hose, he is "out."� The game continues until there is one child left who is the winner.

Sneaky Snake

This is reverse Limbo. One person wiggles a running hose low to the ground. The others jump over it. The child holding the hose lifts it above ground little by little each ground. As an alternative, the child with the hose keeps it on the ground but wiggles it wider and wider each round. If someone gets splashed, she is "out." The game continues until there is one child left who is the winner.

Homemade Sprinkler

You can create your own sprinkler simply by drilling holes in a 2-liter bottle and attaching it to your hose. If you want a more challenging project, you can create a playscape with PVC pipe and drilled holes.

Tug-of-War

Get a very long piece of rope; long enough to extend across and beyond a kiddie pool filled with water. Divide children into two groups. Try to make the groups equal in strength. Each group grabs one end of the rope and tries to pull the other group into the water.

Water balloon hot potato

Have children sit in a circle. They pass a water balloon around as quickly as possible until you say "Stop!" Then, the child who ends up with the water balloon must pop it over her head. If you want everyone to get wet, you can use a soaked sponge instead of a water balloon.

Water Balloon Pinata

Ziggity Zoom recommends that you fill birthday-sized balloons with water. Securely attach them to a long piece of string. Then, hang the string somewhere high like a patio or a tree. Have children take turns trying to hit the water balloons with a large stick or bat.

Slip 'n' Slide

Wired Geek Dad shows how you can create a homemade slip n slide using heavy duty plastic, foam noodles, Velcro, a sprinkler hose and some stakes.

Water obstacle course

Consider combining several of your water activities into an obstacle course. In addition to the options above, you could also add water buckets that kids need to step into, or have them carry a wet sponge on their head. Use your imagination - anything that gets the kids wet will make it fun.

You don't have to endure the summer heat in misery. Use it as an opportunity to have fun with your kids and build lasting memories.

This article was originally published on FamilyShare.com. Check out these other related articles: Camp Fun: Stay-at-home summer camp ideas, How to enjoy some homemade fun and School's Out: Make a schedule to keep kids busy.

The post Summer fun: 10 great water activities for kids appeared first on FamilyToday.

Pinterest allows you to browse other users' pins according to topics such as Popular, Art, Education, Food and Drink and much more. When you visit another person's pinboard, you can like, comment on or repin their pins. You also have the option to follow that person or one of his boards.

You may have such fun on pinterest you find yourself logging in much too often, but it is also very useful. I have found tons of fun ideas for crafts, recipes, strengthening my marriage and having fun with my family. Here are six family-friendly Pinterest boards to follow.

I Love My Family

. I Love My Family offers solutions, how-to's, ideas and answers for families. They include pins for parenting, pregnancy, marriage, home, recipes, baby, health, vacations, family finance, values, children, love and more.

Recent pin

: Procraftinating. Definition: working on craft projects when you should be doing laundry, or dishes, or picking the kids up from school.

The Family Handyman

. The Family Handyman offers step-by-step projects, buying advice and ideas to make DIY (do-it-yourself) easier. His boards include DIY tip of the day, organization, simple repairs, eco friendly ideas and more.

Recent pin

: You can make this garden trellis from just $25 of steel rebar. And you won't have to weld a thing. We'll show you how to bend the arches and attach the decorative circles with wire. When you're done, cover it with climbing plants for an attractive addition to your garden.

The Family Foodie

. The Family Foodie's mission is to bring back Sunday dinner around the family table in every home. She focuses on easy, kid-friendly recipes with boards like desserts in jars, family foodie recipes, fun with food and more.

Recent pin

: Coconut cream berry parfaits.

Family Friendly Frugality

. Family Friendly Frugality teaches you how to use coupons, shop smart and grab the best deals. Her boards include family-friendly frugality recipes, money-saving tips and tricks, gift ideas, home décor and more.

Recent pin

: Baby clothes: how to save money and how to make money.

Creative Family Fun

. Terri ~ Creative Family Fun focuses on creativity, play, learning, good food, good friends and a life worth living. Terri's boards are especially great for families with toddlers and young children, but she has also has ideas for kids of all ages. Her boards include creative family fun nights, ways to play, science play, fun snacks and more.

Recent pin

: Cupcake liner and foam sticker space craft.

Six Sisters' Stuff

. Six Sisters love to cook and craft. They offer easy family recipes, craft ideas and more. Their boards include kid stuff, family dinner ideas, crafts and DIY, traditions and more. They also have boards with ideas for different holidays.

Recent pin

: 25 Summer Dinner Recipes from SixSistersStuff.com- no oven required! All these can be made without heating up your kitchen!

Pinterest is a fun and addictive way to find crafts and recipes. It's also a great resource for strengthening your family.

The post Follow me! 6 top Pinterest boards for families appeared first on FamilyToday.

Let's face it - parenting is hard! First of all, the kids don't come with an instruction manual. Then, when you've finally figured things out with the first child, the same methods don't necessarily work for the second, third or fourth. As parents, we need to keep our parenting bag of tricks full.

These Facebook pages can help fill your bag of tricks by offering tips, ideas, support and inspiration for parents.

I Love My Family

. I Love My Family strives to enlighten, strengthen and inspire families worldwide. The page shares parenting related articles such as helping children through divorce, preparing your child for kindergarten and how to plan for a family vacation. There are also occasional giveaways.

Recent post: Summer is here and that means it's swim season! LIKE if your kids love going to the pool!

Make this the year you teach your kids to swim. Use these 10 tips to get started: http://familyshare.com/dive-right-in-10-things-to-know-when-teaching-your-kids-to-swim

I Love My Kids

. I Love My Kids shares articles on parenting as well as inspiration and support for parents. It covers topics such as parenting children with autism, free family activities and childcare options. It occasionally hosts giveaways.

Recent post: This is a little bit of encouragement for the dog days of motherhood when you want your money back.

For the dog days of motherhood when you want your money back

Super Healthy Kids

Super Healthy Kids specializes in helping parents and kids develop healthy habits. You'll find ideas, recipes and tips for healthy eating and fitness. The recipes are bright and very kid-friendly.

Recent post: Some yummy and healthy ideas for 4th of July! http://www.peasandcrayons.com/2012/06/party-like-foodie.html

Trekaroo

. Trekaroo gives you the inside scoop on everyday travel with kids. The page shares kid-friendly activities, hotels and restaurants as well as tips for traveling with children. It seeks to inspire families to get out and explore.

Recent post: Michelle's family has stayed in the cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness twice. The cabins are cleaned daily - they even straighten up and do the dishes! The wafting smell of gardenias as she zipped through the resort in a rented golf cart is one of her favorite trip memories. Would you stay here?

Should Your Family Stay at Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness Resort?

Crafting & Fun Ideas for Mommy & Kids

. Crafting & Fun Ideas for Mommy & Kids not only has fun craft projects to do with your children, but it also shares recipes, tips and ways to pamper yourself as a parent.

Recent post: Root Beer Float Cookies. Makes about 3 dozen large cookies or 4 dozen medium cookies (depending how big you like 'em!).

Mom Central

. Mom Central is the place to go for inspiration and support for moms. You'll find inspirational quotes, product reviews and giveaways. There is also a blog roll for mom bloggers to network with each other.

Recent post: Wise words. Click Like if you do this.

"Listen earnestly to anything your children want to tell you, no matter what. If you don't listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little, they won't tell you the big stuff when they are big, because to them all of it has always been big stuff."�

Dadmissions

. Dadmissions shares parenting information from a dad's point of view. Sometimes wise, often humorous and always relatable, he gives us insight into what it's like to be outnumbered by a wife and two little girls at home.

Recent post: The kids just heard 30 seconds of "Hot in Herrrre"... Yeh THAT song... And they said it was weird and funny especially the part about clothes coming off... THANK GOODNESS.

Facebook can be a fun way to stay connected with friends and family. With these pages, it's also a great resource for parents.

The post 8 great Facebook pages for parents appeared first on FamilyToday.

When my first child was born, I was eager to discover who she was. I delighted in her personality and the little quirks that made her - her. She was smart, very verbal, shy and a little bit sassy. Then, my son was born, and I discovered an entirely different person. He was clever, funny, tender and a little too much of a daredevil. With the births of each of my children, I learned that they were all different, all unique in - sometimes delightful sometimes not so much - ways.

Celebrate each child's individuality

It is important to celebrate each child's individuality and to adapt your parenting styles accordingly. Time Magazine says that tailored parenting may be the key to a well-adjusted child. They suggest that flexibility in parenting may be even more important than consistency.

What makes you unique?

Your personality

. Some children are easygoing. Others can be more demanding. Some are natural optimists while others see the practicalities in life. Help your child recognize the benefits of her particular personality; even those traits that may seem like flaws. Your son who is stubborn can grow up to be a tenacious adult. Your daughter with a temper will always live life passionately.

Your physical appearance

. Too often, we focus on the flaws in our appearance. Our children are no different. It is important to reinforce the positive aspects of our kids' appearance without focusing too much on physical beauty. You can tell your daughter she has a beautiful smile, a strong healthy body or expressive eyes. Even something that may seem like a flaw can be used to boost your child's self-esteem.

My son was born with microtia and atresia, which means that the outer ear did not form properly. He is profoundly deaf in his right ear. His little ear could have made him feel different in a negative way. However, he has always compensated very well for his hearing loss, and he is a smart and confident boy. He is funny and kind and makes friends easily.

One day, we discussed how his little ear may be a blessing to him and others. I explained how some people may bully people with disabilities because they don't understand them. However, through his friendships, my son has shown people that he is just a normal kid in spite of his disability. I told him that I thought that would help them to better understand people with other, bigger disabilities. Our conversation helped him not only to accept his little ear but to be proud of it.

The way you dress can also express your uniqueness. When our children are young, we take care of their clothing needs. However, when they enter their teen years, you can help them develop their own personal style.

Your talents

. Your child may not be the next Michael Jordan or Pele, but he does have talents unique to him. He might be a natural athlete, smart, have a great voice, be a ham, or simply have a tender heart. If he seems to be perfectly average, that's OK, too. You can help him follow his interests and develop his talents as he grows.

Your experiences

. Each of us has unique life experiences. Many of these experiences are good; some are bad or even tragic. All of them mold us into a unique individual. We can teach our children to learn from them and use them to connect with and help others.

Your dreams

. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A dancer? A rock star? A professional football player? Back then, everything seemed possible. Discover what your child's dreams are, and then help her follow them. Emphasize the importance of education. Teach her how to set goals and work to achieve them.

Embrace your children's individuality. Each one has something different to give, something different to learn, something different to teach. That's what makes life - and parenting - such an adventure.

The post Being YOU: Helping your child discover their individuality [VIDEO] appeared first on FamilyToday.

Children want us to set rules and enforce them. Boundaries make kids feel loved and secure. Katherine Lee from Child Parenting says that children who have been disciplined have more self-control, are more self-sufficient, are more self-confident, understand accountability and are simply more pleasant to be around. Of course, how we discipline is just as important as whether or not we discipline.

In other words, if you're going to be the boss, you had better be a good one.

The Huffington Post shares some of the traits that make a good boss.

No surprises

. If you want to be the boss of your children, you need to make sure that you have clear expectations. Set family rules and make sure your children are aware of the consequences.

They hold themselves and others accountable

. Be consistent when enforcing your family rules. The University of Alabama Parenting Assistance Line web site says that consistency in parenting makes your children feel more secure and less anxious. Inconsistent parenting causes confusion, poor self-esteem and often negative values. Hold yourself accountable, too. When you make a mistake, don't be afraid to admit it and ask your children for forgiveness.

The other day, my husband asked my 12-year-old son to help him organize the garage. They were trying to hang bike hooks, and my husband became frustrated with my son. It hurt his feelings. When my son told him how he felt, my husband apologized and said he would try to be more encouraging. Because of my husband's actions, what could have become a rift between them strengthened their relationship instead.

They fix things

. Parents need to be problem-solvers, and we need to teach our children problem-solving skills. When our kids skin their knees, we fix it with a kiss and a band-aid. When their hearts are broken, we fix it with a listening ear, hugs and ice cream. As children get older, let them work out their problems with you as the mediator. Help them compile a list of possible solutions and choose the best option.

They're effective, not productive

. When did busyness become a virtue? Slow down and enjoy the small, tender moments that matter to your children. Take time to listen to your kids and find out what is going on in their lives. Scale back your activities if you feel they are taking too much time away from your family.

They have a sense of humor, humility and empathy

. You will discover if you have a sense of humor the first time your toddler cuts her own hair, scribbles on the mirror with your lipstick or pours honey on your carpeted stairs (yes, that happened to me). Psychology Today says that laughter is the best way to warm up a relationship. It drains the tension from a situation and helps diffuse rising tempers.

Try to remember what it was like to be a kid. Share stories of your childhood with your children, especially if it's funny, embarrassing or relates to what your child is going through. Let your kids know that you survived, and they will, too.

They live for their jobs as parents

. Parenting is the most challenging, relentless and difficult work you will ever do. It is also the most rewarding. You get a front-row seat to watch these amazing young things grow and develop and become fascinating adults. There is nothing more satisfying than watching our children succeed (or fail) and pick themselves up to try again. You get decades of hugs, kisses, giggles, and eventually, thank yous.

Be the boss. Be a really good boss, and you and your children will be blessed for it.

The post Teaching children that YOU are the boss [VIDEO] appeared first on FamilyToday.

However, not everyone can send their children to summer camp. Money, time and other constraints may mean that your kids have to stay home this year. That's OK. You can offer your kids fun summer camp experiences right at home. Here are some ideas for a successful stay-at-home summer camp.

Gathering

You don't have to start the day with reveille, but you do want to gather together to signal the beginning of camp. Use this time to have a family prayer, share an inspirational thought, say the pledge of allegiance together or review the day's activities.

Crafts

Some of my favorite memories are of craft-time at summer camp. Do you remember making lanyards, Friendship bracelets, or Dream catchers? You can recreate these crafts with your children. Collect leaves, twigs, flowers and acorns on a nature walk, and use the items to create nature crafts like these from Better Homes and Gardens.

Nature

Explore nature by going for a hike in your area. Have a photo scavenger hunt. Divide your kids into two groups and give each group a list of things that you would find in nature. Have them take pictures of as many things on the list as possible. Go on a nature walk. Have each child write down all the animals he sees. Give a prize to the person who can find the most.

Songs and skits

Every child is a star waiting to be born. Hold a family talent show. Put on a skit together as a family. Camping Dude has a great list of skits that would be fun for everyone. Remember the songs you used to sing at camp? Teach them to your children. Shurdington has old campfire song favorites such as Kum ba yah, Hole in My Bucket and Baby Bumblebee.

KP. You want your camp to be clean and orderly, so don't forget KP duty. Assign your children jobs and pay them play money to be spent at the camp store.

Camp store

Stock your camp store with inexpensive treats and toys. Penny candy, chips, pretzels, trail mix and juice boxes are always in demand. Choose toys that reflect your camp theme, or are otherwise related to summertime. Water balloons, squirt guns and sponge balls are fun and a great way to cool off in the hot afternoon.

Campfire

If you have an outdoor, wood-burning fire pit, then this is the time to use it! Roast hot dogs and marshmallows for s'mores. If you don't own a fire pit, you can still offer campfire-style cuisine. Try making foil packets like these suggestions from Food Network. You can also make s'mores in the oven. Here's my recipe: Lay down graham crackers on a cookie sheet. Top each graham cracker with a chocolate bar or chocolate chips. Top with mini marshmallows. Bake in an oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 8 minutes. Watch the s'mores carefully; they are finished when the marshmallows are a golden brown.

Camp outside

For a completely authentic feel, pitch tents in your backyard and let the kids sleep outside overnight. Ghost stories are optional.

So, if summer camp isn't in the cards for your kids this summer, don't worry. They will still have a great time at your stay-at-home Camp Fun.

The post Camp Fun: Stay-at-home summer camp ideas appeared first on FamilyToday.

Not sure how to start? Here are some easy ways to begin practicing meditation. Try these tips and share them with your family so you can all enjoy the benefits.

Prayer

Prayer is one of the most well-known forms of meditation and an important part of many religions. Prayer is a way to communicate with God. It is a time when the supplicant considers the many blessings in his life and increases his feelings of gratitude. Often, people who pray put aside worldly concerns and focus on increasing their spirituality. It helps to put problems into perspective. You can pray alone, together with your spouse or with your family to strengthen your relationships.

• To begin praying, simply address God. Thank him for the blessings in your life, and then ask him for aid that you might need. Finish by saying Amen.

Deep breathing

Focused breathing is the most basic form of meditation. It is also one of the best ways to lower stress. When we get busy and stressed, our breathing becomes faster and shallow.

• Focus on your breathing. Try to make your breath deeper, slower and more rhythmic. If your mind starts to wander, gently return your attention to your breath.

• Breathe in while you slowly count to six. Then, breathe out while you slowly count to six. Continue as you feel yourself start to relax.

• Breathe in while you slowly count to six. Hold your breath and count to seven. Release your breath while you count to eight. By holding your breath and exhaling explosively, you can relieve tension.

Mantra meditation

With mantra meditation, you calmly repeat a word or phrase.

• I like to have a mantra with at least two syllables. That way, I can say one syllable with my inhale and the other with the exhale. One of my favorite mantras is simply I Am. When I focus on the thought "I am,"� it helps me to realize that I am an eternal being, and that this life is but one stop on my journey. It allows me to let go of small and insignificant problems.

• Another method of mantra meditation is to count each breath. Breathe deeply and count to 10, and then begin counting again at one. Alternatively, you can count to 10, and then count backwards from 10 to one. Remember, each time your mind starts to wander, bring it gently back to your breathing and counting. This is a great method for your children when they are feeling anxious or upset.

Guided imagery

Guided imagery is also called visualization. The Mayo Clinic says that Guided imagery means that you form mental images of places or situations you find relaxing. You may be led through the meditation by a teacher or a guide. When my husband is feeling stressful, many times I will guide him through some of these meditations to help him relax.

• Take an inventory of your body. With this method of meditation, you start at the top of your head and focus your attention on each part of your body individually.

• Try progressive relaxation. This method is similar to body inventory. Start at your feet and tense the muscles in your feet for 10 seconds. Then, release. Move up your body, tensing and releasing muscle groups as you go.

• Picture your body as being filled with fluid. Pretend that you have a leak in the bottom of your feet. As you breathe, imagine the fluid slowly seeping from your body, first from your head slowly to your feet. Alternatively, imagine that the liquid is all the negative energy from the day, and that you are expelling all the anger, frustration and worry that has accumulated.

• Focus on a group of related items, such as flowers or sea shells. Choose one item from the group and imagine every small detail of it. When you have exhausted the details of one item, move on to the next. For example, if you select flowers, you might start by imagining a daisy. Think of each petal, the center, the leaves and the stem. Once you have finished the daisy, you might choose a rose or a daffodil.

• Imagine achieving a goal. If there is something you would like to achieve, imagine yourself having already achieved it. Think about how you would feel and what would be different about your life. This is a great form of meditation for people in sports, the arts and business. This method can help children who are anxious about taking a test or facing other challenges.

Meditation is great for the body and soul. With these easy tips, you and your family can begin to enjoy the benefits of meditation yourself.

The post Meditation for beginners appeared first on FamilyToday.

Do you believe that you can make a difference in the world? Many of us want to, but we think that it takes someone like Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa or Albert Einstein to really change the world. However, each of us has been born with a purpose. We are meant to make a difference in our own unique way.

How can you begin to make a difference in the world?

Start at home

Mother Teresa said, "Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you."� The best place to begin to make a difference is within your own home.

• Embrace each child's individuality. Time magazine says that flexibility may be more important than consistency for raising a well-adjusted child.

• Read to your children.

• Kiss your children goodnight.

• Attend your kids' sporting events, concerts and recitals.

• Have regular family dinners. WebMD says that family dinners protect your children from obesity, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse. They also provide an opportunity for your kids to talk to you, so you find out about problems sooner than you otherwise would. Eating dinner together as a family reduces stress and tension at home.

• Enjoy one-on-one time with your children.

• Create family traditions.

• Support your spouse's dreams.

• Spend quality time with your spouse.

• Go on regular dates with your spouse.

• Learn good communication skills. Teach them to your children.

Donate money

As Albert Lexie, the shoe shiner who donated his tips to a children's hospital, shows us, you don't need a million dollars to help others. You give what you can, when you can. It will add up. Here are some ways to find money to donate to charity.

• Save your coins in a jar, and then donate the money when the jar is full.

• Hold a garage sale and donate the proceeds to a charity of your choice.

• Have a bake sale or a lemonade stand.

• Choose one luxury to skip this month. Donate the money you save.

• Have a "cursing" jar. Every time someone in the family curses, have him pay a quarter to the jar. When the jar is full, give the money to charity. If your family doesn't have a problem with cursing, make it a "fighting with your siblings" or a "skipped your chores" jar.

• Donate your tax return money.

• Next time you get a raise, donate the additional amount to charity.

Donate time

There are many ways to give of your time. Volunteer Match lets you find opportunities in your area. You can search by keywords for your interests and talents or abilities.

• Volunteer at a library.

• Offer your services to a hospice.

• Help at a local animal shelter.

• Serve food at a homeless shelter.

• Join the random acts of kindness revolution.

• Visit the elderly in a rest home.

• Clean up your neighborhood or local parks.

You can make a difference in the world, regardless of your talents or income. Share with us some of your stories of how you have helped others in need.

The post The power of one: 25 ways you can make a difference [VIDEO] appeared first on FamilyToday.

I surveyed several of the men I know to try to find out what they really wanted for Father's Day. Here are some of their suggestions.

Dads work hard

Most men work hard to provide for their families. They may be stuck in an unfulfilling job because they need to keep a roof over their kids' heads and put food on the table. They might have long and strenuous hours or work with demanding clients. When they come home, they just want to relax.

Dads would love to have a throne of their own. They'd like a big, comfy La-Z Boy chair that reclines so they can put their feet up. It needs to be big enough for children and grandchildren to climb onto their lap for snuggles and stories.

Dads enjoy spending time with their families

Many men said they would love to have a new barbecue grill. It would let them get outside, relax and enjoy the fresh air while cooking up a mean meal. It would give them a good excuse to spend more time with their family.

Dads would love to receive a gift that they can enjoy with the whole family. Camping gear, passes to an amusement park or tickets to a sporting event would let your dad know that you want to spend time with him.

Dads want love and respect

Show your dad that you love and appreciate him. Dads love acts of service. You could mow the lawn or wash his car. Bring him breakfast in bed. Give him a heart-felt card with a coupon book for hugs, kisses, making his bed, bringing his slippers and more. Make something handmade using your talents.

Buy him a gift that reflects his interests. A new fishing reel or lures would be great for the fishing fanatic. You could buy him tools if he loves working on old cars or woodwork. Perhaps you could get him tickets to an auto show or a concert with his favorite band.

My husband loves music, and he passed his passion on to our oldest daughter. Last year, she made him a compilation CD of all the groups that they both liked. He loved her gift because of the thought and effort that she put into it.

Dads are more than just dads

Our husbands want to be reminded that they are more than just the father of our children. Give your husband a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant, movie tickets for the two of you, or a DVD of his favorite movie for a nice night staying home. Give him a back rub. Make him his favorite dinner, but save dessert with a glass of sparkling cider until after the kids go to bed.

This Father's Day, give dads the gift that they really want. They deserve it. Don't worry if you've already bought your father a gift. The dads I spoke with said they still like an occasional tie - as long as it's not ugly.

The post What dads really want: A Father’s Day gift guide appeared first on FamilyToday.