Not-So-Perfect Parent has researched tons of websites on a broad range of topics related to parenting. The best ones we found have been grouped into sites specifically for parents and for kids. Using non-scientific mommy-methods, we evaluated these websites using the following criteria:

• Website Usability – can you navigate through the content without having to leave breadcrumbs? Is the information well organized and user friendly?
• Content – I’m not expecting Pulitzer Prize material – but, is the content well-written? Is it easy to understand and does it apply?
• Design – Is the design pleasing and the colors attractive? Or, do you feel like you need to take a Dramamine while your eyes adjust to the flashing content and obnoxious pop-ups?
• Bells and Whistles – Are there features that provide unexpected, yet helpful information in a creative way? Or, do the added features simply clutter the website and include information that is not pertinent – such as accessing your horoscope while researching baby names.

I hope this resource guide will provide you with one more gizmo in your toolbox of resources needed to survive and celebrate the joys and challenges of parenting. I would also welcome your feedback! If you find a site that provides helpful information, please send a link along with your comments to paige@notsoperfectparent.com.

Just remember, when it comes to kids, it is not about being perfect, it is about being real.

Best of Luck!
Paige

Parents

www.parents.com

This is the online home of American Baby, Parents, and Family Circle. It is easily navigated and contains information for parents every step of the way. There are tips for parents of children at any age including pregnancy to teenage years. The site also incorporates family games, recipes, health information and relationship advice.
www.parents.com

www.myfamily.com

This site gives your family a way to connect with others through your own personal site. It is free to join and allows you to store your family’s photos and videos and even create a family tree. You can connect to other families, but are in complete control of who can view your site. It is a fun way to interact with your kids or family members who may live elsewhere to stay updated on the lives of your kids.
www.myfamily.com

www.familyeducation.com

This site is organized with information for children by age and has parenting blogs, crafts and recipes. Activities are updated for holidays and historical dates. There is even a section for moms who need a break to play some games of their own. It is very easily navigated and if you can’t find what you are looking for, there is a search bar at the top to help you get exactly where you need to go.
www.familyeducation.com

www.iparenting.com

This site has a wealth of information concerning preconception, pregnancy, children of all ages and adoption. There is information on safety recalls, message boards and articles to guide parents every step of the way. It also includes information on food, health and fitness, home and travel and entertainment. There is also a Spanish section.
www.iparenting.com

Kids

www.pbskids.com

This site provides an excellent opportunity for kids to learn and explore while learning to use a computer. There is music, videos, games, coloring and access to all of the PBS children’s programming. The design of the site is extremely inviting for younger kids and will provide hours of entertainment.
www.pbskids.com

www.disney.go.com

There are endless activities offered from Disney on this page. It may require some initial direction from a parent but will allow kids to learn for themselves as well. There are sections for families to come to the site together and there are sections dedicated to videos, music, games, characters, TV, movies and even an area to create your own page.
www.disney.go.com

www.funology.com

This site has an endless abundance of activities. If you can’t find what you are looking for right off the bat, you can do an activity search and find just about anything. There are jokes and riddles, recipes, science experiments, magic tricks, new toy and game reviews, fun facts and games.
www.funology.com

www.yucky.com

This site is perfect for the curious. It explains the “yucky” and even takes things like roaches and worms and makes them into games. You can send in questions about your own yucky dilemmas. There is a section on the body that explains some of the yuckier parts of being human in a way that children can understand. This is definitely off the beaten track, but worth a look.
www.yucky.com