One of the wisest things you can do for your children is to help them expand their minds. Here is a list of ideas for helping kids of any age sharpen their thinking and grow intellectually:

• Read a newspaper or visit a news site every day.
• Read magazines like National Geographic.
• Observe wildlife in your own back yard, from birds above to bugs in the grass.
• Log on to the local library.
• Research your family history.
• Write a story, poem, or song.
• Learn how to play chess or other strategic board games.
• Learn how to play an instrument.