As shows such as MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16” showcase the growing trend of over-the-top and extravagant parties for children and teens, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember the days of simple gatherings where Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Musical Chairs were considered prime entertainment. Kids and parents…
No matter how your household is run or who is working outside the home, dividing up the chores can be a way to make the running of the home fair and balanced. Today’s families are made up of unique situations. In some homes, both parents work and in other homes,…
With a new set of video game systems coming out every few years it can be tough to decide the best system for your family’s needs. Unfortunately, because this is technology we’re talking about, “hand-me-downs” are mostly out of the question when it comes to game systems. Luckily, consoles are…
Remember the days when there was no TV? Well plenty of us don’t. Today television is the norm for all families and it’s really cut into ‘family time’ in a big way. Talk is to a minimum as everyone stares at the screen. Set up a few rules and regulations…
“It’s hot!” “I’m bored!” “There’s nothing to do!” Ah, the familiar refrains of summer… The dog days of summer leave many parents and caretakers desperate to find something — anything! — to keep the kids busy. Take a break from those monotonous moans and help yourself to this guide to…
Halloween may be a holiday for children, but for parents, trick-or-treat time can be a little troublesome. Nearly 40 years ago when I was younger, I remember some of my parent’s concerns like razor blades in apples or treats from Ex lax made to look like chocolate candy, and avoiding…
Most moms notice that their kids enjoy repetition. From watching the same video over and over to requesting a favorite book every night at bedtime, children crave the security and reassurance that a consistent routine provides. One way to enhance this sense of comfort derived from repetition is to create…
As women, we’re inundated by ads for skincare products every day. They’re pitched to us on TV, in magazines, online and at the mall. Most of us have made a few unwise expenditures of alleged miracle creams, and came out of it wiser, more savvy shoppers. Now, as moms, we’re…
Before cliques, dating, break-ups and office politics, comes that first and developmentally vital tradition in a human being’s life: play dates. Play dates are a child’s first foray into the world of friends and social rules. Kids can learn a great deal about social interaction during play dates, which is…
So, a friend and her husband are expecting a new baby. You’re overjoyed for them, but you have no idea what kind of gift to buy. You know they’ll need some basic baby gear, but you don’t want to arrive bearing the same-old baby gifts you’ve seen at other showers…