Guest Author - Michele Thomas

What is it about this time of year that people gather closely, huddle together, laugh more, play easier, and simply enjoy life? It could be that even if you live in the warmest of climates you can still tell that there is Autumn in the air. It seems that we come alive in this weather. Maybe it’s getting away from the oppressive heat or maybe it’s the excitement about the coming holidays.
This is the season for:
Football games. Have you made time to watch your son at his game? Is he playing football or soccer? Is he in the band? Have you cleared your schedule to get to see him? Does he have a favorite sports team? Ask him how they are doing, pick up a magazine about them as a surprise gift.
Leaves, leaves, leaves. How about making a tree fort? Or make a giant leaf pile to run and jump in to like you were ten. Instead of sending your son outside to rake leaves, join him for a little bit. If you are too busy, stop for a moment and bring him a snack and something to drink. Don’t forget to compliment him on his great job.
The fresh smell of apples. No son is too old to learn how to make a homemade apple pie. There are so many wonderful recipes on the web. Even if you are used to baking, there are simple, easy apple pie recipes. I will put one at the bottom of this page for you. Or how about making some caramel apples?
Popcorn balls. You have to love popcorn balls! Please make sure that when working with hot sugar, that you take the lead. After the sugar has cooled a little bit but still soft, then you can let your son form the balls.
Art. How about gathering up some leaves from different trees, placing them between two sheets of wax paper and ironing them, melting the wax to form a very pretty picture? You can add crayon shavings to the leaf for extra color and design. *Hint: Make sure you put the wax side of the paper together!

These are just a few suggestions that you and your son can do, no matter what age. When it comes to food and the kitchen, a son is never too young or too old.
While you are wandering around the internet take a look at recipes. There are so many recipes that can be made with young people in mind. In fact there are many sites devoted to just young people in the kitchen.
Please remember not to leave you son alone with the stove on, hot sugar or corn syrup, caramel, or for that matter, anything with a grease or sugar content.
Here are some helpful sites:
http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/kids/
http://www.childrensrecipes.com/
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/kidscooking.htm
http://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/ABCs-of-Apples/?WT.mc_id=paid_search_phase2_08&WT.srch=1&esrc=335
Here are some sites for some Fall activities:
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/fall/index.html
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/fall/kids-crafts/
http://www.theideabox.com/ib.php?web=special&id=fall
Here is a site that can help you learn and understand the game of football so that you can have that conversation with your son.
http://football.about.com/cs/football101/a/bl_football101.htm
How about soccer?
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/soccer/soccer.html
Basketball?
http://www.momsguide.com/basketball/bb1.html
And of course we have our own sports specialist right here on Bellaonline.com
http://www.bellaonline.com/Channel/c14.asp
I hope that you enjoy your Autumn with your son. He is a ball of energy this time of year. There are so many things to explore and discover this time of year…Have a great time!