Now that the kids are back to school, back to books and back to that pesky old homework, it’s time to limit the number of hours they spend on Webkinz and get some good use out of that family computer! Check out these links for fun ways to get your kids the homework help they need. And, don’t forget–your child should always be closely monitored when working online!

• Laugh, play and learn to type along the way! Check out the BBC’s Dance Mat Typing for step by step touch typing instructions complete with silly cartoons (like this goat!), fun music and entertaining lessons.

• Explore Ancient Egypt with your kids on NOVA’s Mysteries of the Nile.

• Time for Kids’ Homework Helper offers step-by-step instructions for writing an A+ book report

• Are your favorite students struggling with math? Help them find the tutoring they need at Math.com, but be sure you stick around to explain anything they might not understand–math can be tricky!

• Encourage your kids’ interest in science and the environment by letting them play at the EPA Environmental Kids Club.

Kids and TV have a long history together–from the early days of “Sesame Street” to the modern era of “Baby Einstein,” television shows and kids movies have served as both educational instructors and entertaining babysitters for years.

But, as mentioned in an interesting article from BabyCenter, many believe that even background television can be harmful to children’s mental and emotional development. I know some grandparents who are so anti-TV that they are offering a $1,000 donation to their grandkids’ college funds for every year that parents can keep the little ones from watching it. And yet, nearly a third of participants in a related BabyCenter survey said that their kids not only watch television, but have them in their bedrooms.

What’s your take on kids and TV? Are television shows parenting tools, or potential addictions? You tell us!

With the 2008 Summer Olympics beginning next week, now is the perfect time to teach your kids all about the cherished tradition, the history of the games and all the fun sports they may not already know about. You could even find Beijing on a world map together, look up kid-friendly articles about the Olympics in National Geographic Kids or create some homemade flags and streamers to wave while you watch the games at home.

To really get in the spirit of the games, throw a Summer Olympics Party! You can easily transform these patriotic summer party invitations to reflect your Olympic theme. Then, set up fun relay races for kids and parents alike, and hand out ribbons and homemade medals to all the participants. Head over to the park and try pairing classic games like three-legged races, marshmallow eating contests and limbo with traditional track and field contests like the long jump, a Frisbee shot put toss and a team relay race.

By highlighting the fun of Olympic sports, the history of the games and the amazing way that athletes from all over the world come together for one spectacular event, you might just inspire your little ones to run, jump or shot put for the stars!