When new moms-to-be are filling out their baby registry or shopping for everyday infant must-haves, they often overlook a very important item: the portable playpen. It’s hard to look at a helpless, wrinkled newborn and understand that within a matter of a few months, she’ll start to roll over, which…
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…
If you’re ready to do some spring cleaning or just tired of a potential avalanche every time you open the hall closet, it may be time to consider a yard sale. You don’t need to invest a huge amount of time and effort, just a few hours for the actual…
The tax man cometh. But are you taking advantage of all the credits to which you’re entitled? The cost of child-rearing is mind-blowing, which is why Uncle Sam feels inclined to cut you a break — literally. Before you complete your taxes this year, make sure you’ve taken advantage of…
Most people think of acid reflux as a condition that only affects adults. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), affects children of all ages, including newborns. Symptoms of GERD include burning in the throat, gagging or choking, sore throats,…
A great babysitter is a precious resource – and one that’s highly coveted by other families. When date night comes along, or if you have to go out for any reason, making decisions about with whom you can entrust your kids is important. Of course, leaving the kids with a…
When it comes to the holidays and the children, there’s no greater gift than good manners. And there’s no time like the present to teach your children to be grateful for anything… and everything. While it’s nice that they appreciate toys, clothes and all the other offerings they may receive…
Imagine you run into a high school friend whom you haven’t seen in 20 years; you hug, you quickly play catch-up and she says; “You haven’t changed a bit!” It’s easy to take that as a compliment, particularly if you were prom queen and head of the cheerleading squad, but…
The mother-child bond is critical to healthy development. Love between the two is even biochemically hard-wired. We need to take note as society moves in a direction that assumes that so long as children’s basic needs are met all is well. It isn’t. Scientific studies conclude something mothers everywhere have…
Do you know the difference between discipline and punishment with their Latin roots? Punishment implies inflicting pain, while discipline means to teach. Parents who use punishment are missing important opportunities to teach their children better behaviors and help them self-discipline. Children can actually be taught responsible behaviors to help them…