When it comes to our children’s happiness, less is more. That’s the surprising perspective of one Chicago psychologist concerned about the rising rates of youth depression and anxiety. “Millions of well-intentioned parents have made life harder for their children by shielding the kids from every kind of unhappiness,” according to…
Summer is a great time for children. School is out for most of them and it’s time to play. Running, climbing, building sand castles, swimming… Sweating, sunburns, complaining. It isn’t necessarily all that easy to keep the kids busy all summer long, especially on particularly hot days, the days when…
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. We’re talking about back over injuries. According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, at least one child a week dies as a result of being accidentally backed over by a family vehicle. Even more tragic is that it’s often a family member who is…
What’s in a name? A whole lot. Just ask Dweezil Zappa, Bronx Mowgli, Suri Cruise and other celebrity offspring who’ve been the unlucky recipients of some mindless monikers. Naming your children is a responsibility that one shouldn’t take lightly. What you decide in an instant will stay with your child…
We’ve all seen the dreaded skull and crossbones. It’s the symbol for danger ahead. We’re talking about the risks of poisoning. For parents, especially those with small children, it’s a very real threat. Take a close look around your house, and you’ll find risks just about everywhere you look. There…
There are an array of dizzying options for how you might deliver your new baby, so how can you figure out what’s right for you and your new bundle of joy? Many hospitals and birthing centers offer doulas — a strange word that describes a birth helper. But with midwives,…
If your child is around the age of 3, then you might contemplate whether or not it’s time to get him into preschool. There are a lot of variables that go into a child’s – and parent’s! – readiness for school. If you’re a stay-at-home mom who’s ready for a…
Whether you have a child who’s entering a school environment for the first time or you have a seasoned preschooler or older child, the elementary school experience can be daunting for both child and parents. Here’s a grade-by-grade guide to what elementary school has in store for kids. Before school…
When it comes to what’s going on in your child’s school, does it feel like you don’t out those important nuggets of news until it’s too late? Whether it’s picture day, book fair, food drive or other events, you’re probably familiar with the feeling of finding out about it after…
If you’re a mom who dreads taking the kids when you run errands, then there are ways to keep them occupied and perhaps make those mundane trips learning experiences for them. For example, a grocery store excursion could become a way for them to learn about nutrition. Make comparisons among…