Can playing music to your baby or young child make her smarter? That was the claim of the much-hyped “Mozart Effect” several years ago, but the truth isn’t exactly black and white. Certainly, music is a great complement for stimulating babies’ brains and teaching toddlers vocabulary, but the jury’s out…
Quick food is a big part of modern life these days, making it terribly laborious to show a child how he or she ought to eat healthy. The most cost effective and best foods are those that are normally the least healthy. If you offer your kid the choice between…
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, candy seems like the go-to gift for adults and kids alike. From a box of chocolates to conversation hearts to jelly beans, there’s no shortage of sugar. Lots of parents don’t exactly love the idea of loading their kids up with candy, especially when…
Your kids are clamoring for an allowance, and what better way to allow them to earn one than with regular chores? Contributing to the workload around the house benefits the entire family. Completing chores boosts children’s self esteem by making them feel like a valued part of the team. Chores…
Parents today want toys that are both fun and educational for their children. Toy manufacturers want toys that are big hits with both kids and parents. Enter in the Toy Awards. There are several awards given each year for Best of Breed toys, but they all judge toys on different…
Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus — or is there? It’s the question that no parents want to address, especially when it’s coming from an inquisitive little one. Like the birds and the bees conversation, this is likely one of those conversations you want to be prepared for well…
Spring is the time of year when high school juniors are learning about different colleges and high school seniors are receiving their acceptance letters. Yes, and a great many high school seniors will receive those other kinds of letters as well: You’ve been waitlisted, or even worse, the rejection letter….
Words can open up a world of knowledge and adventure for your children, and reading to them is so important in their development. Here are 5 ways to make reading to your child a habit. Read your child’s favorite book over and over… and over… (you know the drill). Choose…
There’s nothing cuter than watching your children engage in play with man’s best friend. Unfortunately, it’s not always fun and games with your four-legged friends. There are an estimated 1 to 2 million dog bites every year. At the end of the day, animals are still animals, so you want…
You’ll be surprised what your kids will eat on a stick. Have the butcher help you out for easy meal prep. Poultry can be cubed for easy threading. If you aren’t that creative w/ the entree and just want to stick to low-fat turkey burgers, go for it but change…