Summer is here, and many working parents are trying to figure out what to do with kids while school is out, but their jobs are not. Some parents opt for summer camps; while others arrange for university students to act as childcare providers to fill in until September. Yet, for others, the seemingly perfect solution is to have an older sibling take care of younger sibling(s). This may seem to be an ideal situation as there are no transportation concerns; you don’t have to bring a stranger into your home; the sitter will never be late; and parents may feel they can save a bit on financial compensation.

With Mattel’s release of “Totally Stylin’ Tattoos” Barbie (complete with tattoo gun) body art is being promoted for the tween market. According to a 2001 special report on Youth by Youth Culture, 8 per cent of teens, between the ages of 12 and 19, have tattoos. The report says tattoos are visual cues suggesting that a teen wants to be associated with the experimental, risk-taking community.

During the spring and summer months, garage sales pop up like dandelions. Whether you consider them a bargain hunter’s dream or eyesore, garage sales can be a great place to furnish your home with treasures at a fraction of the new retail price. However, parents should be smart consumers when it comes to buying children’s products at garage sales. Getting a $10 retro bar stool is a steal; saving $50 on an infant seat is a major risk.