From potty training to breaking curfew, kids always find a way to challenge and sometimes completely frustrate their parents. As a mom, how can you cope with the curveballs kids will inevitably throw at you during their 18 years – or more – under your roof? First, gauge yours and…
Do your kids know the value of a dollar? In an age when parents whip out the plastic to pay for things, or the ATM seemingly spits money into your lap with no repercussions, it’s hard to teach kids about managing money. But in today’s economic times, it’s important, and…
For every action there is a reaction. We’re talking about consequences, and it’s an important lesson kids should learn in life sooner rather than later. It goes without saying that you want children to learn the consequences for their actions, especially when those actions aren’t appropriate. Ann Douglas, author of…
When it heats up outside, the siren song of the ice-cream man’s truck may be the only thing that gets the kids out of the air-conditioned house on the double. But if you’re worried about the fat, calories and sugar of those tasty treats, then the ice-cream man might be…
Whether you had a Caesarean section or a natural birth, it’s important to take care of your own body after giving birth. While a C-section, which is major abdominal surgery, is the more invasive and traumatic procedure, women who deliver naturally still need to care for themselves postpartum. Expect to…
Summer means it’s time to enjoy fresh, locally grown fruits, veggies and other homegrown goodies. Take advantage of the season and make a visit to the farmer’s market fun and educational for the kids. As they have a choice in the foods they’re served, they’ll be more encouraged to get…
Does your child have the write stuff? When it comes to rearing good writers, the secret lies in journaling. That’s right. Diaries may seem like a thing of the past, but there’s no denying the benefits of having you child keep a journal. For starters, journaling is a great way…
In the age of texting, e-mail, Facebook and other forms of communication that teens have available, it can be hard for parents to keep up with all those cryptic abbreviations. But your child’s life might depend on you deciphering them. Would you know what “robotripping on DXM” would mean? Or…
It’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning, then it’s the last thing you do at night. No, it’s not brushing your teeth. For many moms, it’s checking their e-mail, social networking pages, blogs, message boards or all of the above. The Internet can be…
Do you struggle with getting your children to wind down? Well, caffeine could be the culprit that’s keeping your child wired. Although the United States hasn’t issued recommendations on how much caffeine kids should consume, health officials in Canada recommend the children of preschool age do not exceed 45 milligrams…