Summer activities mean time spent outdoors. And you know spending time outdoors means the possibility of bug bites.

You want to protect your child from bugs, but you don’t want to use sprays that could be dangerous. What are your options?

Even if your child is outside wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, there are no guarantees mosquitoes won’t bite.

In fact, mosquitoes can bite right through clothing. It’s important to teach your children not to swat at insects that sting or bite.

Bug sprays have used DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) for years. This chemical compound, approved and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is effective for repelling insects.

However, there has been some concern about using DEET on children. DEET-based products provide protection for two to ten hours. Continue reading →

When it comes to cheap vacation ideas for the summer, camping has to be the most popular. Just about all of us have a memory of camping with our families when we were young, enjoying the outdoors and living among the wildlife. Maybe this summer is the time to share that experience with your own kids?

Planning Your Camping Trip

First things first, you’re going to have to start planning the trip. Although camping is already one of the most cheap vacation ideas, you can make it even cheaper if you plan it in advance and think carefully about what you’re going to do.

For example, start by planning whether you’re going to stay in a tent, a camper van or any other kind of accommodation. Then look for campsites that suit those plans. Continue reading →