RESOURCES TO HELP FAMLIES THRIVE

A Division of Winmark Communications 

"Providing BOOKS and RESOURCES to Help Your FAMILY  Thrive"

PARENTING AND FAMILY ACTIVITY BOOKS

Mother Lode

The Ultimate Collection of Ideas

for Keeping Kids Busy^™

FAMILY BOOKS  ▪  FAMILY RESOURCES

Find OVER 5,000 Ideas for Children in ONE Book!!

If you use just one idea per day it will take you almost 15 years to use them ALL!

Are you are a busy parent? Would you like ideas to keep your kids busy, help them learn and develop into successful and happy adults? Here are over 5,000 solutions for you!

Thousands of easy activities in Mother Lode will keep you well supplied as your child grows from toddler through teen. (If you use just one a day, there are enough ideas to get you through almost 15 years!) Choose those that work best for your family and use them over and over, focusing on special interests as each child grows and develops.

Discover ideas that are simple; ones that won't add stress on days when you are tired already.  Activities are designed to fit into hectic schedules of parents who need to make the most of the time they have with their child or children. You might even find yourself getting the giggles!

Help your child develop Self-Reliance and build skills that will carry through a lifetime. Build Self-Esteem by helping a child accomplish one simple skill after another and experience a series of successes. Even small achievements inspire Self-Confidence. When a child feels good about himself or herself it is easier to make positive choices in life.

Enjoy family fun that is affordable. Use materials that are free or inexpensive and readily available. Ideas often use recycled items such as empty boxes, cardboard tubes and similar materials.

Cherish watching your child light up with delight as they "get it" and show understanding. Jumpstart your child's imagination by creating an atmosphere that fosters the development of  imagination. Encourage them to imagine, envision and create.

Explore science, history, math and more as you find ways to create an atmosphere of discovery that makes learning an adventure. Children can have so much fun with activities, they don't realize they are learning! Find activities that will do just that without wearing you out at the same time.

Make fond memories with your family. Play together. Work together. Learn how to reach out to others and make a difference as a family. Give your children memories that will create a foundation for adult life.

Find out how to use simple activities such as playing games, taking a walk or working a puzzle to build relationships. Open the lines of communication and learn how to keep them open for children of all ages.

Adapt Mother Lode ideas for family Celebrations to create special times for your special family.  

ACTIVE FUN

A Nugget from the Mother Lode

This book is a chapter excerpt from Mother Lode which contains only the active fun activities and is less expensive.

About the author

Kas Winters

"Mother of Family Ideas"

Kas Winters has written and illustrated several family books. She lives in her beloved Arizona with her husband, Roger, and a house full of active children. MOTHER LODE, inspired by her international newsletter, "The Troubadour," is the latest addition to her list of accomplishments. Kas mentors scouts, celebrates holidays (which her family calls "Cecil B. de Kas productions") and takes photos non-stop. She sings Broadway tunes, cooks from scratch, and camps in the woods. A graduate of Arizona State University, she insists that writing is like eating and breathing, an essential part of living, and dreams that her work will make a positive difference to families.

What people are saying about Mother Lode:

"ROFL -- I have to share this with you!! I can't remember if I told you that I have a large family and homeschool as well. Additionally, one of our college sons came home this weekend for fall break. I went to look at something in your Mother Lode book and realized that the book has disappeared off my desk. Thinking my 5 or 6 year olds were the culprits, I started there. Indeed, they HAD it -- but said an older (age 10) brother had taken it to look at something for science. I tracked him down and he shared that his 13 year old sibling had taken it from him when he was asking a question. I went to that child and he shared that the 16 year old and college student (age 20) were trying some of the suggestions downstairs!! LOL Sheesh--well at least you know it is getting some use AND I could recommend it for part of an exercise regime!

Missy Jaramillo

Community Manager

Pregnancy.org

"Kas Winters has created the ultimate guide to keeping kids busy with fun, creative and safe activities. Mother Lode should be on the shelf of every parent and grandparent, to be used again and again."

Portia Little

Panntree Press

Grandmother

"This should be a gift to every new parent. It is a phenomenal resource, impeccably organized by age and activity to give parents, teachers, scout leaders and caregivers (for baby through high school) joyful play with a wealth of creative ideas and activities. This is an encyclopedia of fun.

LuAnn Brentlinger

Mother of two children

"Wow!! Oh wow! As a mother of three young children, Mother Lode is exactly what I need."

Debi Collier

Homeschooler and Owner of a home-based business 

"The Mother Lode has something for kids of all ages. Every caregiver I know will enjoy the bountiful ideas."

Kim Bailey

Mother of three

"Mother Lode is loaded! Loaded with thousands of creative and educational ideas to keep any age child busy for hours on end. The format of this new treasure is ingeniously easy to read and opens the door to a lifetime of fun. 

    This book is the perfect gift for young mothers and fathers and will deliver years of creative ideas. It is also perfect for grandparents to help remind them of active ways to play with their grandchildren without using batteries or electricity. Anyone that works, plays or educates children need this book."

Linda Brittain

Great Brittain Creative Puppetry

Educator

Books by Kas Winters

■ Mother Lode

■ Nativity Activities

■ Fall Fun for Families

■ Autumn Activities

(for teachers and group leaders)

■ Your Wedding Your Way

■ Winter Fun for Families

■ Family Friendly Halloween Fun

■ The Little Book of Knots (Illustrator)

■ Tryin' Ryan (Illustrator)

■ Erika's Angels

(Co-Illustrator)

■ All Twelve of Them (Illustrator)

■ Missing Genetic Pieces (Illustrator)

■ Needleweaving (Illustrator)

■ Gertie's Christmas Magic (Illustrator)

■ The Teddy Bear Lady and the Five Christmas Teddy Bears (Illustrator)

■ Cinnamon the Sea Horse (Illustrator)