If you live in the Midwest, you know the region is already in the middle of a tough tornado season. Hurricane season, meanwhile, looks like it will be more intense than last year. Then there are earthquakes, which can happen at any time on the west coast (and hit the east coast just last month). With so many disasters coming at us, preparing for anything and everything is vital.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security strongly recommends preparing a disaster supply kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers so you and your family can survive on your own for several days should something happen. In addition to storing maps, sanitizer, medications, and pet food for your four-legged friends, you'll need these recommended essentials, should disaster strike. 

Water

An emergency may leave you without clean water for a few days. It is recommended that you keep one gallon of water for each person in your household for several days. To ensure you have enough clean water, pick up this collection of six emergency water storage tanks. Each holds five gallons and comes with two spigots and a water purification kit. 

Non-perishable food

Even in a disaster, you have to eat, so why not eat well? This entree kit contains 10 different freeze-dried entrees that last a quarter of a century, including chili mac and mashed potatoes. Altogether, 120 servings of food are inside this rugged flood-safe container that you can store practically anywhere.

Ready Hour Emergency Meal Entrées, Real Non-Perishable Meals

$119.95 at Amazon

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$119.95 at Amazon

Hand crank radio and flashlight

They say nobody listens to the radio anymore, but it's your lifeline for staying updated on weather-related catastrophes. This emergency AM/FM/NOAA weather radio is a versatile tool that can be powered by a hand crank, solar power, or USB cable. It also includes a flashlight and an SOS Alarm, giving you multiple modes to stay informed and safe. Most importantly, it can charge your phone, ensuring you stay connected when it matters most.

First aid kit

Cuts, bruises, burns, and fevers: this 160-piece first aid kit takes care of everything. It includes all the essentials: cleansing wipes, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch-stopping cream, acetaminophen caplets, an instant cold pack, and even gloves to reduce the risk of infection.

Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact Emergency First Aid Kit, 160 pc

$17.38 at Amazon

$24.47 Save $7.09

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$17.38 at Amazon

$24.47 Save $7.09

Extra batteries

Yes, even nowadays, when everything is rechargeable, you'll need some AAs, AAAs, and even some 9V batteries to ensure everything is up and running in your home during an emergency. Instead of keeping them in that drawer in your kitchen (you know which one), organize them in the Battery Daddy. My family has had one for years, and it's always come in handy for testing the batteries we already have and keeping new ones together when we need them most (like Christmas morning). 

Whistle

This emergency whistle can be heard from a mile away if you want to get someone's attention or signal for help. It is also plastic, so there's no danger of it sticking to your lips when the weather gets cold. 

Dust mask

In an emergency, the air may be contaminated, so wearing a mask approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to filter out anything harmful will protect your respiratory system and keep you safe. This 10-pack of disposable masks will do the job comfortably and at the right price. 

3M Aura Particulate N95, Lightweight, Three Panel Designed Respirator Helps Provide Comfortable And Convenient Respiratory Protection

$8.99 at Amazon

$20.99 Save $12.00

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$8.99 at Amazon

$20.99 Save $12.00

Plastic sheeting

If your home is damaged, you will need to put something together quickly to protect it and your family from the elements. Plastic sheeting and duct tape can help you in a pinch, and this dense, heavy-duty product is easy to apply and will cover any area and protect it from the cold, rain, or high winds. 

Sanitation

If using the toilet isn't an option, this toilet in a bag will capture your numbers one and two and turn it into something you can dispose of safely without worrying about the smell or attracting disease-spreading insects. Remember to pick up cleaning wipes, which you can purchase as compressed towelettes.

Tools

After a disaster like an earthquake or fire, you may need to turn off your gas or water lines quickly. However, if the power is out or part of your home is flooded, you might be unable to reach your wrench set. This lightweight, aluminum four-in-one tool can do the job without charging your power tools. In addition to shutting off your utilities, it can also pry open doors so you can get to family members in other parts of your home. 

On Duty Emergency Gas Shut Off Tool

$22.99 at Amazon

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$22.99 at Amazon

Manual can opener

Your fancy electric can opener may not work if you need to open a can of food. Be sure to add this sturdy rust-resistant device to your kit to open that tin of peaches or pop open that bottle of beer you'll need when that storm finally blows over.

Charger for your cell phone

It's hard to stay in touch with family and friends if your smartphone battery is dead. With this durable, waterproof, shockproof, and dust-proof solar charger, you can keep all your devices up and running. It also has a bright LED flashlight, so you don't have to fumble in the dark for your charging cord. 

Summer vacation is fast approaching, meaning your child's screen time will most likely increase exponentially. That doesn't mean, however, that their moments glued to their tablet can't offer some value. There are plenty of apps available at no cost that you can feel good about and, in some cases, even help them avoid the summer slide.

PBS KIDS Games

A favorite of both of my children, the game app boasts over 250 educational and entertaining games for toddlers and older kids from various PBS KIDS properties, including Wild Kratts, Sesame Street, and Odd Squad. My youngest is a fan of the Scribbles and Ink drawing game, which brings his art to life. 

iOS/Android

Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame

This app was created to help children find ways to become calm and mindful when their feelings start to become overwhelming. It features five activities involving a monster who must settle down to help them think of solutions to seemingly enormous problems. Parents can personalize the app with supportive phrases to encourage children to step back and peacefully find a resolution, along with a section to help caregivers reiterate the lessons the app teaches in their child's life. 

iOS/Android

GoNoodle

My family watched many GoNoodle videos during the pandemic to get the kids moving around, and we would catch each other singing catchy songs like "Banana, Banana, Meatball" constantly. When my kids returned to school, their teachers would play the videos in class, only for them to come home belting out "Purple Stew." These videos are about physical activity and having fun, and they never seem to get old. It's nice to have GoNoodle's library of over 300 songs and exercises in one place so my kids can discover their next favorite or find a classic like "Clap It Out."

iOS/Android

NASA

This app will quench your kid's curiosity about space with updates from ongoing space missions and the International Space Station. It also offers free access to podcasts, NASA+ videos, interactive augmented reality experiences, galaxy tours with actual astronauts, and over 20,000 images direct from the space agency.

iOS/Android

Aardman Animator

While my family eagerly awaits the arrival of the next Wallace and Gromit movie, we're hoping to learn more about the process used to bring the beloved duo to life with this easy-to-use app from their studio. There are plenty of tutorials to get kids started, and the easy-to-use tools, including a dialogue and sound effects recorder, will have them unleashing their creativity and crafting stop-motion animation masterpieces in no time. 

iOS/Android

Duolingo

Learning a new language doesn't have to be boring and repetitive, as evidenced by how this popular app has gamified the process of studying and understanding Spanish, French, and German. Duolingo has some drawbacks—it draws most of its revenue from advertisements. Still, its little lessons are a good jumping-off point for children (and adults) just beginning to communicate in a different tongue.

iOS/Android

ScratchJr 

Designed by Tufts University, the MIT Media Lab, and PBS Kids, this app will not teach your five- to seven-year-old code. Instead, like its counterpart developed for those eight years old and above, it will introduce and reinforce programming concepts to create stories using drag-and-drop puzzle pieces that control their characters. Parents who've used the app say parents should work with their children when they first start building their narratives, but once they catch on, they'll have a ton of creative fun.

iOS/Android

Sushi Monster

If players don't want the titular monster to get angry, then they must feed it the numbered sushi plates to reach the creature's assigned number. It takes someone with excellent math skills to reach the next level in this addictive game, but children can always ask for a hint if they get stuck. 

iOS

Khan Academy Kids: Learning!

Are you a parent who wants to give your toddler a head start on their education? Or maybe you're looking for a fun way to reiterate the reading and math lessons your first- or second-grader is learning in school. If so, many consider this the standard in educational apps. A bear named Kodi and her friends guide users through over 5,000 games and activities that teach reading, writing, and numbers. There is also a library of books about dinosaurs, vehicles, and other kid-friendly topics, all without ads or subscriptions.

iOS/Android

Pick Your Plate!

Developed by the Smithsonian, users travel with a magical plate around the world to learn about food and create healthy meals. While planning their breakfast, lunch, and dinner, children can discover baobab fruit or how the Finnish prepare reindeer. They'll also learn about the music and monetary systems of countries like Cambodia and Argentina. 

iOS/Android

It wasn't how I wanted to spend an entire Sunday, but seeing how devastated my oldest son was when he realized he had lost one of his favorite toys, I had to do something. As we spent hours combing every corner of his room, searching for the elusive plaything, I came to an epiphany: My kids have too much stuff.

Studies have shown that an excess of toys can overwhelm children, leading to less creativity, learning, and skill growth during playtime. However, by implementing a toy rotation system, you can reduce clutter and ensure your children have a variety of toys to play with, while also promoting the development of their cognitive and motor skills development.

If you want to cut down on the clutter but aren't ready to throw out your child's toys just yet, you can try a toy rotation. According to Parents, you should divide toys into groups based on their type, age-appropriateness, or interest level, and children can access one group at a time. Groups are switched after a certain period, helping previously stashed toys feel new and exciting again while keeping children engaged and interested. 

Speaking of overwhelming, starting a toy rotation can be a formidable task that can be frustrating for both parents and children. Below are some simple steps to help you get started so your children can have a tidy room and you can regain some sanity.

Gather all your child's toys (and throw out the broken ones)

That's right. Search every corner of your home, check out those storage bins in your garage, and look under the deep, dark recesses under your child's bed. You might get your children to help you, but if they are anything like mine, they will protest this process every step of the way.

Gather every toy your children have in one spot. Once you see that ginormous pile, you might wonder what you've gotten yourself into, but this will lead to better organization in the long run.

While gathering things, toss out any toys that have missing or broken pieces. See all the small gifts they got at that birthday party and those Happy Meal toys that take up valuable space on your child's end table? Throw them out. There's also a good chance your kids have outgrown many of the toys you've gathered. If your 8-year-old is still hanging on to that Tickle-Me Elmo you gave them for Christmas when they were 2, it's time to give it away. 

Start sorting

Now that your child's toys are down to a (hopefully) reasonable number, it's time to start sorting them into categories. You can categorize them based on type (e.g., dolls, action figures, building blocks), age-appropriateness (e.g., for toddlers, for school-age children), or interest level (e.g., educational toys, outdoor toys). It doesn't matter how you categorize them as long as you can make sense of it all. 

Divide and conquer into sets (and make some exceptions)

The next step is to put several toys from each category into rotation sets. The secret to success in this step is to think like your child. For example, suppose you include a dinosaur jigsaw puzzle in a set. In that case, incorporate some action figures from Jurassic World that they might enjoy. If you're including some dolls in a set, encourage some cross-play by including a tea party toy. Then, label the box and put it away.

If you want to get a project done as soon as possible, this blogger swears by this system: Take 10 toys and put them into a storage container. Then, put the container away.

You can (and should) be flexible about the toys your kids play with every day. For example, my youngest son plays with his Magna-Tiles daily. Storing them away seems counterintuitive to promoting the cognitive and imagination skills that this particular building toy encourages. They also work well with any of the toys he has in rotation.

Create a schedule

Remember, the toy rotation system is flexible. You can rotate toys monthly, weekly, or whenever your children feel they need a change. Now that the hard part is done, a rotation schedule can be adapted to your family's needs.

How do I add new toys to the rotation?

Around the holiday season or your child's birthday, chances are some new toys will be added to the rotation. You can integrate them into their current rotation or insert them in a set where they best fit. You can even ask your child to donate some older toys so their new ones fit into their current set. This system keeps down clutter and promotes sharing and gratitude, which is why you created a toy rotation system in the first place. 

There are plenty of reasons to love Dolly Parton. In addition to being one of the best singer-songwriters of all time, she is a fashion icon, a feminist, and a philanthropist. Her charitable contributions even helped fund the discovery of the COVID-19 vaccine. All this and she sends free books to kids?

Yes, the country star and namesake of the Dollywood theme park is also the founder of the non-profit Imagination Library. The program, which aims to provide free books to children ages five and under, was inspired by Parton's father, who was unable to read or write she was growing up—fueling the singer's own commitment to literacy. 

Once you register your eligible child for the program, you will begin receiving one free book each month, shipped to your home, through their fifth birthday (up to 60 books total). According to the organization's website, since 1995 it has donated nearly 227 million books to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and Australia, with over 29 million given out last year alone.

Signing your kids up for this service is a relative breeze. There are no complicated requirements, other than meeting the age criteria and residing in an area served by the program. Read on to discover how your family can participate.

How to sign up for the Imagination Library

To get free books from Dolly Parton (or rather, her charitable foundation), you'll first have to see if the Imagination Library is in your community. Start by visiting the organization's availability page. Once there, choose your country and enter your zip code. 

If the program is available in your area, you'll have to submit your mailing address and some personal information (name and age) about your child on the next page. If online isn't your thing, contact your local affiliate to sign them up directly. (If a program isn't available where you live, the website will prompt you to join a mailing list so you know if and when that changes.)

As noted, income is not a factor in participating in Dolly Parton's book club program, so every child can participate, regardless of a family's financial situation. As long as an affiliate is in your area, you can enroll your child.

What books will I get?

Enrolling your child in the Imagination Library from birth means you'll receive up to 60 different books—one for each month of your child's life, from birth through their fifth birthday. The books selected will change monthly, but the first and last books are always the same: Each child begins the program with the classic The Little Engine That Could and wraps up with Kindergarten, Here I Come!

According to the organization, the books you'll receive will be age-appropriate and promote diversity, self-confidence, and the importance of the arts. They are also available in audio and braille formats for children with hearing or visual impairments. Past selections have included Last Stop At Market Street, Peter Rabbit, and The Big Book.

What if there isn't an Imagination Library affiliate in my area?

If there's no Imagination Library in your area, you can do the work to establish an Imagination Library affiliate.

To begin, you will need to find ways to financially cover the wholesale cost of the books, as well as the cost of mailing them, which you can do through fundraising or seeking partnerships. The books are mailed at special non-profit mailing rates, so you will also need to find a non-profit partner, such as a school district or charitable foundation, to qualify for these rates.

If you're ready to get started, click here for more tips on getting your Imagination Library affiliate off the ground and more books into the hands of kids.