One common parenting struggle is dealing with tantrums, moody teenagers, or just feeling at a loss on how to help sensitive kids through big emotions. Starting at a young age and extending through the teenage years, there are a number of books that you can read to kids that will help them strengthen their emotional intelligence and develop stronger emotion coping skills. This list recommends five books to have on hand in your home library to help kids to navigate their feelings, develop empathy, and increase their emotion coping skills.

Popsicle bookmarks are a great afternoon project for older toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners that will leave your home nearly mess-free. Of course, I’m not counting the other hundred ways your kids will leave a mess in their wake (let’s be realistic here), but I can assure you that this craft, at least, isn’t likely to make things worse.

You know an easy way to raise your stress level? Try to keep a hyper kid busy on a truly soggy rainy day! It’s on these days that I loved rainy day books and activities that helped focus my boys’ energy and fill the hours!