When it comes to raising well-rounded children, extracurricular activities play a huge role in keeping your kids in line. According to one education consultant, participation in school activities, sports and community clubs and organizations during the middle school years has a positive effect on at-risk teens who might drop out…
The halls are decked, and the holiday season is upon us. For the majority of us that means family gatherings — and plenty of them. Sadly, nothing can suck the life out of a party like contending with difficult relatives. In some instances, it can be enough to make anybody…
It’s a hard habit to break, but it can be done. We’re talking about the dreaded thumbsucking. Parents – take heart. Eventually, the time is going to come, probably just not soon enough. Research shows that 30 percent of preschool children still suck their thumbs, although most outgrow it by…
Chicken nuggets, pizza, the all-white diet – it’s what kids clamor for every night, while you fight to get something green down their gullets. Whole-grain white breads make it easy to give your kids healthful bread while giving them the idea that they’re still eating that Wonder bread they love….
Leaving your child with a new babysitter so that you can enjoy a little adult time can be a daunting task. Of course you worry about how the sitter might handle an emergency, how much to pay her and how the kids will act while you’re gone – but do…
Many expectant mothers have seen their due date come and go, only to still be pregnant and miserable. The only upside to going past that date is freaking out strangers when they ask when you’re due. Aside from being admitted to the hospital and undergoing an induction — a process…
“But Mom, I don’t want to wear that!” It’s the dreaded wardrobe discussion. For some, it might happen once in a blue moon, but other not-so-lucky parents might find themselves in engaged in the clothing power struggle on a daily basis. Whether your child is 2 or 12, there is…
Looking for an inexpensive fun way to get your family into the holiday spirit? Read between the lines. In addition to creating a family tradition that will provide your children with a lifetime of memories, you’ll also be benefitting your child. Experts say that reading to your children aloud is…
At about the time she starts attending school and making some real friends, your child will probably ask if she can spend the night at another child’s home. But the age at which kids are ready to spend the night away from home can vary – a 5-year-old might be…
We’ve all heard the old wives’ tale that if food dropped on the ground or other surface is picked up within five seconds that it’s safe to eat. If you have small kids who drop food on a regular basis and stuff it right into their little mouths, then a…