This page of links is by no means exhaustive. See also Lakewood Public Library's Parenting Resources on the Web.

 

Local Resources

• ClevelandMOM.com -- A brand-new (and still working-the-bugs-out) site with calendars of events (just click a day to find out what's going on); lists of favorite local retailers, products and recommended reading; health articles and local gyms for you and your child/ren; things to do (in categories of classes, organizations, party ideas, fun day and rainy day); and a moms on the go section (with quick-meal recipes, night-out ideas, and pampering plans). While the site doesn't list who is behind it, two clevelandMOMs are listed with email addresses -- and a Lakewood post office box.
• Family and Pets -- Brought to you by Cleveland Live, the Plain Dealer's presence on the Web.

 

General Parenting Sites

These sites have Q&A with experts, features, libraries, bulletin boards, etc. Each has its own style and flavor, as much from the regular posters (that's you, the cybersurfer), as from the site's editors and designers. The right fit can feel like your own neighborhood on the Web.

• BabyCenter.com -- this site sends you free weekly updates on your unborn baby's development, as well as his/her development after birth (physical, mental, emotional), plus you can search their libraries for topics you need guidance on
• Parents Magazine -- online version of the magazine
• iParenting.com -- this site, which accompanies a print magazine and a radio program, has a network of over 40 websites on families -- from preconception to teenagers -- as well as information about adopting, traveling with children, family finances, being a grandparent, product recalls, and more
• Today's Parent Magazine -- online version of the Canadian magazine; also sends weekly/monthly updates on your child's development -- a very nice change from the more commercialized American magazines; very down-to-earth advice
• Zero to Three -- promoting healthy development of children from birth to age three, this searchable site has information on a baby's social, emotional, and intellectual development, and sections for parents and professionals -- Brainworks explores how the brain develops in the context of relationships; Parent Information has excerpts from the bimonthly bulletin Zero to Three, which includes rhymes and fingerplays in English and Spanish, books and young children, social skills, and others -- also information about choosing child care, developmental milestones, and many helpful tips
• SpiritualParenting.com -- information and support in raising kind, honorable children who remain connected to their spirits and their families, with ideas to create a more soulful connection with your family and a life that honors your values and most treasured priorities -- founded by Mimi Doe, author of the award winning book 10 Principles For Spiritual Parenting, and the highly acclaimed Busy But Balanced -- you can sign up for a free monthly e-newsletter, find out about or start a spiritual parenting group (to meet in person), plus information on books, programs and resources
• BeliefNet.com -- a multi-faith e-community designed to help you meet your own religious and spiritual needs -- in an interesting, captivating and engaging way -- "Fundamental to our mission is a deep respect for a wide variety of faiths and traditions" -- the site offers information, inspiration, articles from experts and scholars, spiritual tools, and discussion groups
• Boot Camp for New Dads -- advice and information from "veteran" fathers on topics such as birth and bonding, crying babies, caring for new moms, breastfeeding, post-partum depression, and much more
• Dads & Daughters -- a national, nonprofit organization focusing on a father’s role in promoting a positive self-image for girls and advocating change in popular culture -- resources include articles, surveys, self-help ideas, links to related sites, and research information
• Fatherhood Resources on the Web -- collection of links to resources for fathers, from the Fatherhood Project -- a national research and education program that is examining the future of fatherhood and developing ways to support men's involvement in childrearing
• Slowlane.com: The Online Resource for Stay-at-Home Dads -- to help support, advocate for, and inform fathers, with particular attention given to stay-at-home dads
• Responsible Single Fathers -- nonprofit group dedicated to changing society's perception of single fathers, this well-organized site includes articles, links to other sites, message boards, contacts and volunteer opportunities listed by state, and a newsletter
• MomAlone.com -- celebrates single motherhood and offers tools, resources, and support -- whether divorced, widowed, or single-by-choice, mothers can find information and inspiration through articles on relationships, parenting, health, safety, and finances
• Working Moms' Refuge -- for working mothers, single moms, sports moms, new moms, work-at-home moms, dads, juggling a career and family, child-rearing tips from prenatal to teens, children's health information, free e-mail lists for support, recipes for busy moms, Internet resources
• Working Mother -- features and articles to help women juggle career and family roles -- includes lists of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" and "Best Companies for Women of Color," with links to the companies' web sites -- this version of the print magazine has a selection of current articles and an archive of some past material
• Mothers and More: The Network for Sequencing Women -- nonprofit organization provides services for "mothers who are -- by choice or circumstance -- altering their participation in the paid workplace over the course of their active parenting years" -- information about the organization's support and advocacy activities, as well as research and statistics relating to mothers
• Mocha Moms -- support and encouragement for at-home mothers of color "whose decision to not work full-time outside the home puts them at odds with the majority of women in their culture" -- provides a list of chapters around the U.S., links, and message boards about child rearing and other family topics
• Gay Parent Magazine -- online version of the magazine, featuring personal stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parents from across the country and around the world; includes resources on schools, camps, vacation ideas, and family building
• Proud Parenting Magazine -- an online portal for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender parents and their families worldwide -- formerly a glossy national magazine (Alternative Family) founded in 1998; still edited and site maintained by Kelly Taylor, a lesbian Mom, activist and entrepreneur
• National Organization of Mothers of Twins (or more) Clubs -- founded in 1960, the NOMTC provides information, advice and moral support for parents of multiples -- includes an extensive library of factual information and a nursery section on preparing for, tips about, and feeding of multiples
• Twinstuff.com -- provides essays, discussion forums, and data on subjects such as expecting twins, breastfeeding, famous twins, conjoined twins, and more -- includes links to related sites (maintained by twin brothers and their twin wives)
• ParentsPlace.com -- from iVillage, mostly about pregnancy and newborn care information
• ParentSoup.com -- from iVillage, on parenting and children (babies and toddlers to teens) -- includes over 4,000 archived articles on all aspects of parenting, a baby name finder, and a directory of parenting organizations
• Internet for Women -- the main iVillage site, for women and mothers

 

Information Sites

These sites have documents, newsletters, and other "less entertainment, more information" options.

• The Whole Family Center -- this site is a virtual therapist center; with sections lending advice, support and guidance on parent issues, seniors, marriage, teens, and family relationships
• Facts for Families -- a collection of over 80 brief fact sheets developed by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry on various issues of childhood and adolescence. Some of topics included are child abuse, child and adolescent development, medical health and disease, mental health and disorders, media issues, parenting and family problems, and sexuality issues
• CYFERNet: Children, Youth and Families Education and Research Network -- with sections on early childhood, school-age, teens, parents/family, and community
• The Informed Parent -- an online magazine by pediatricians with free weekly articles for parents of infants through teens, covering everything from head lice to autism, ADD, immunization, food allergies and chicken pox; also has archives
• National Association for the Education of Young Children -- promoting excellence in early childhood education
• Dr. Toy's Guide -- the first site to provide the latest information on the best toys, educational products, plus articles, resources, and links
• Family Information Center -- from Indiana University, dedicated to providing educational materials and services to parents who take an active role in their children's education
• Children's Literature Web Guide -- from the University of Calgary, internet resources on books for children and young adults.
• Career Parent Magazine -- a unique site with articles and activities by professional career counselors that "gives you tools to help your kids develop skills and knowledge about themselves, career alternatives, career and life planning, personal management and contributing to their community" -- geared for age ranges of 8-12, 13-17, and 18 and older.
• Blue Web'N -- from PacBell, a library of "blue ribbon" learning sites on the web.
• Scholastic -- with games, activities, information and advice.

 

Resources for Activities, Fun and Games

• Disney Online -- Disney's Family site, with arts & crafts, parties, games, decorating, recipes, parenting and travel sections
• FamilyPlay.com -- topics include playground equipment, kids books, crafts, kids art, bicycles, happy birthday, balloons, online/fun/interactive/puzzle games, and children/educational/learning toys
• Recipe Collection for Kids -- recipes that preschoolers will love to help prepare and eat
• PBS Kids -- your kid's favorite PBS show has a website with lots of activities
• Highlights for Children -- your favorite magazine as a child is now online with hidden pictures, games, puzzles and stories
• Wee Ones Magazine -- online monthly fun from the Reed family -- with stories, puzzles, craft ideas, riddles, poems, and Emma's Bookcase (where fourth-grader Emma reviews books) -- beautifully done, especially for a non-commercial site! You or your child can submit pictures for the "cover" and kids can submit writings.
• DimDima Kids Magazine -- a well-done site from India, with stories, games, jokes, cartoons, puzzles, complete-the-story, quiz, crafts, and activities,
  plus a "fun highway to science, sports, history, travel and ecology," and some school project ideas. MY PAGE features children's contributions and Discussion Forum gives kids a forum to express themselves.
• Scout Songs -- lyrics for all the songs you vaguely remember from camp, brought to you by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
• YMCA Camp Loowit Campfire Songs -- more campfire songs you'll remember
• Scouting Web Songs -- a definitive list of songs, and links to other websites with songs -- including holiday songs