Reading with the little ones is so much fun, except for one thing – it gets pretty boring reading the same books over and over. Of course, young children never get tired of the repetition, but a little variety would be nice for grown-ups.
We could go to Wally World (Walmart) or order new books online every few months. However, that gets expensive, and over time the collection of books engulfs a lot of living space. Plus, what do you do with the reading materials your child outgrows?
Borrowing books from the public library offers one way to ease the literary dilemma. Your friendly librarians welcome one and all to browse the hundreds or even thousands of titles they have amassed. The only drawbacks are making sure the crayons remain in a different room and remembering to return the books on time.
Another alternative solution can supplement your kid's library, give you the variety you desire, come directly to your home, and expand your child's world – magazines.
As a child, I remember how thrilled I was to get my monthly Highlights Magazine. Believe it or not, Highlights is still around, along with a host of other quality magazines. When I say host, I do mean a bunch, covering everything from archaeology to zoology.
Children's magazines are no longer just a collection of short stories with a few fun facts mixed in. Instead, they're geared for specific age groups and delve into subjects that'll fascinate young minds and teen minds alike.
Here are a few of the better-known publications to give you an idea of what's out there:
Cricket Media has nine magazines for ages six months to 14 years old. The subjects range from stories and activities to history, culture, science, and discovery.
Highlights offers four magazines for ages 0 – 12 years old. The magazines have age-related stories and activities that satisfy children's curiosity, inspire imagination, and help them to grow into their best selves.
US Kids features two magazines, Humpty Dumpty (ages 2-6) and Jack and Jill (ages 6-12) that promote young children's healthy physical, educational, and creative growth through interactive activities and stories.
Nickelodeon (Ages 6-14) is filled with colorful comics from your kids' favorite shows, games, and puzzles. You can also find new books for them to read.
National Geographic is an iconic publication known worldwide for its photography and subject matter. Their Little Kids (ages 3-6) and Kids (ages 6-14) magazines spark the same type of curiosity about our natural world and science in the minds of the next generation.
Ranger Rick from the National Wildlife Federation has been around for eons and is now joined by five other magazines for ages 0 to 99. The stories and photography of wild critters, from frogs and bunnies to elephants and tigers, are informative and fascinating.
If you were a Boy Scout and remember Boy's Life Magazine, it's still around but has been renamed Scout Life. Different name but the same type of content spotlighting scouts' accomplishments and service projects and offering practical advice, facts, DIY projects, and fun.
American Girl magazine went out of print a couple of years ago, but it lives on as an interactive website for girls 8 – 12 years old with characters, games, videos, and quizzes.
If cooking is your family's thing and you want to train your young chef in the fine art of enjoying food, then Chop Chop is a magazine dedicated to just that. It's filled with delicious recipes, essential how-tos, STEAM activities, fun food facts, interactive games, and more.
Sports Illustrated Jr. (Ages 7-15) is perfect for any kid (boy or girl) who enjoys watching or playing sports.
We could go to Wally World (Walmart) or order new books online every few months. However, that gets expensive, and over time the collection of books engulfs a lot of living space. Plus, what do you do with the reading materials your child outgrows?
Borrowing books from the public library offers one way to ease the literary dilemma. Your friendly librarians welcome one and all to browse the hundreds or even thousands of titles they have amassed. The only drawbacks are making sure the crayons remain in a different room and remembering to return the books on time.
Another alternative solution can supplement your kid's library, give you the variety you desire, come directly to your home, and expand your child's world – magazines.
As a child, I remember how thrilled I was to get my monthly Highlights Magazine. Believe it or not, Highlights is still around, along with a host of other quality magazines. When I say host, I do mean a bunch, covering everything from archaeology to zoology.
Children's magazines are no longer just a collection of short stories with a few fun facts mixed in. Instead, they're geared for specific age groups and delve into subjects that'll fascinate young minds and teen minds alike.
Here are a few of the better-known publications to give you an idea of what's out there:
Cricket Media has nine magazines for ages six months to 14 years old. The subjects range from stories and activities to history, culture, science, and discovery.
Highlights offers four magazines for ages 0 – 12 years old. The magazines have age-related stories and activities that satisfy children's curiosity, inspire imagination, and help them to grow into their best selves.
US Kids features two magazines, Humpty Dumpty (ages 2-6) and Jack and Jill (ages 6-12) that promote young children's healthy physical, educational, and creative growth through interactive activities and stories.
Nickelodeon (Ages 6-14) is filled with colorful comics from your kids' favorite shows, games, and puzzles. You can also find new books for them to read.
National Geographic is an iconic publication known worldwide for its photography and subject matter. Their Little Kids (ages 3-6) and Kids (ages 6-14) magazines spark the same type of curiosity about our natural world and science in the minds of the next generation.
Ranger Rick from the National Wildlife Federation has been around for eons and is now joined by five other magazines for ages 0 to 99. The stories and photography of wild critters, from frogs and bunnies to elephants and tigers, are informative and fascinating.
If you were a Boy Scout and remember Boy's Life Magazine, it's still around but has been renamed Scout Life. Different name but the same type of content spotlighting scouts' accomplishments and service projects and offering practical advice, facts, DIY projects, and fun.
American Girl magazine went out of print a couple of years ago, but it lives on as an interactive website for girls 8 – 12 years old with characters, games, videos, and quizzes.
If cooking is your family's thing and you want to train your young chef in the fine art of enjoying food, then Chop Chop is a magazine dedicated to just that. It's filled with delicious recipes, essential how-tos, STEAM activities, fun food facts, interactive games, and more.
Sports Illustrated Jr. (Ages 7-15) is perfect for any kid (boy or girl) who enjoys watching or playing sports.
This short list is just the tip of the iceberg. Conduct a computer search for children's magazines, and you'll find pages of monthly and quarterly publications displayed on your screen.
Are there any magazines you recall reading as a child or teen? Any you’d recommend to others?
Be sure to subscribe to the Sweet & Sassy blog, so you never miss out on any of our posts!
Are there any magazines you recall reading as a child or teen? Any you’d recommend to others?
Be sure to subscribe to the Sweet & Sassy blog, so you never miss out on any of our posts!
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