So you are in the mall, dragging your little one along behind you. She clearly doesn't want to be there. But what if she did?

Retailer Pottery Barn kids is sponsoring a host of kid-friendly events this summer that may provide enough incentive for your little one to happily join you on your next shopping excursion. They include a Father's Day Craft (in partnership with craft subscription service Kiwi Crate), a series of activities with National Geographic celebrating World Oceans Day and a book club every Tuesday morning. In addition, the store is sponsoring a Summer Reading Challenge for both older and younger readers. Read all the books on the list, and your little one can win lots of great prizes.

Does your preschooler like to go shopping with you?

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What are you doing on Saturday? Why not take your preschooler to a park?

Tomorrow, Saturday May 19, 2012 is the Second Annual Kids to Parks Day, sponsored by the National Park Trust. Over 200 cities and towns across the United States are planning events at national, state and local parks (our local park is hosting an anti-bullying rally).

If your park isn't hosting an event, there is still time. Visit the National Park Trust website for a free toolbox with fun park ideas. Even if you go and play on the playground, you are participating in the day and taking adventure of an important resource.

Will you participate in Kids to Parks Day?

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Image: Victoria Snowber

Monsters seem scary on the surface, but they really are just like you and me (and your preschooler). In Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters (compare prices) by Jane Yolen and illustrator Kelly Murphy tell the tale of two monsters who love to go to school and play and all sorts of other fun things. There's just one thing they aren't too happy about and that's going to bed. (See, they really are like your preschooler!)

Through Yolen's fun, rhyming text and Murphy's hilarious illustrations, we see the bedtime routine of the not-so-scary pair. A relatable story for both kids and adults, and a great one to pull off the shelf at bedtime. (Just be warned, all that laughing may keep you awake!)

Does your preschooler give you a hard time about going to bed?

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Image: Candlewick Press

When I first heard about the concept of monthly toy subscription services, I was doubtful, especially about the rentals. We have so many toys in our house, I was afraid of lost pieces, lost toys and a child who wouldn't want to give anything back! And as for toys your purchase through a subscription, I was concerned about someone else picking out toys for my little guy. But after researching a story about all the different toy subscription services (rental and purchase), I realized I had nothing to worry about.

Have you ever tried using a subscription toy service? What did you like about it? What didn't you like?

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Image: Amanda Rock