It used to be that parents were skeptical when it came to their kids using cell phones. The technology seemed too grown up for kids and teens, and the possibilities of them having instant secret communication with their friends sparked concerns about all kinds of trouble. Today, all that is…
Snow days are no excuse for slow days. Cold weather may seem like the ultimate “get out of exercise free” card, but it shouldn’t be. Regardless of the outside temperatures, your children need to stay active. It’s the foundation for a healthy lifestyle for kids and adults alike. The Centers…
You know the kids should eat a healthful breakfast before they head to the bus stop, right? But sometimes in the hustle and bustle of the morning scramble to get everyone out the door, breakfast can be an afterthought for some families. And while something is better than nothing, there…
Having a bored child around the house is no fun for anyone. Kids have so much to entertain them these days that boredom doesn’t have to last for long, but it’s wise to look closely at what kinds of entertainment children are consuming. The most popular diversion for children is…
None of us want “spoiled” kids – kids who are bratty, self-centered, demanding, inconsiderate. So, what spoils children and what doesn’t? When I was raising my children, I was often told that I would spoil them if I didn’t let them cry – if I held them a lot. Fortunately,…
With such scrutiny on childhood obesity, you may be wondering if your child should be lifting weights in order to stay fit. Some kids who are involved in athletics and team sports might feel pressured to start lifting weights in order to improve performance. But it’s important to make the…
Just because you’re trying to keep the family on a sensible budget doesn’t mean you have to do without everything fun. Likewise, an economical evening with the family isn’t limited to a night of shadow puppets, though in the right context, even that can be a blast! Instead of dwelling…
It may seem like the ultimate invasion of privacy. We’re talking about putting a tracking device on your child. Although it may seem creepy and over the top for some parents, others feel a sense of security knowing they can keep tabs on their children at all times. A child…
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…
They say that breaking up is hard to do — and for good reason. The emotional pain of a split can last for years, and if you have mutual friends, children or live in the same area, those lasting wounds can be opened time and time again. While the thought…