That last school bell has rung and the kids are back home, enjoying all the pleasures that summer vacation offers. But there's got to be more to life than sleeping until noon and sipping lemonade by the pool. Here are some more ideas to make sure your kids stay happy and healthy this summer.

For pool owners, achieving optimal water quality can be a time consuming and frustrating process. It usually involves a daily water test, which is accompanied by the use of chemicals to keep the water clean and clear. A better option might be salt chlorination.

The back-to-school shopping season can be hectic for many parents. It's no wonder that online shopping has become so popular when you can shop from home, work, and now - thanks to Blackberries and cell phones - even on the go. Here are some smart tips for saving money online that will leave cash in your wallet and a smile on your face.

The haggling over school snacks and lunches is as old as, well, school lunches. Here are some ideas on how to provide kids with healthy foods they'll want to eat.

Keeping kids busy not only makes the summer special, it makes educational sense. Activities encourage imagination and exploration, while keeping kids' brains working and ready to learn during the next school year. Here are some ideas for activities and crafts to keep kids of all ages busy over the summer.

Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to illness. Here's a simple way to help kids stay healthy.

You're about to head out to a picnic or other outdoor gathering and you know that dog of yours loves going to the park. It can be difficult to leave a beloved pet at home. However, before you melt and reach for the leash when the dog looks at you with pleading eyes, here are some points to consider.