Many potential parents feel they’re ready to take on the responsibility of raising a child, but the majority of new parents vastly underestimate the real costs associated with bringing up baby. A Redbook survey says up to 41 percent of new parents believed that in hindsight, they weren’t as financially…
When it comes to keeping tabs on socks, are you constantly at a loss? It may seem like the washer and dryer are consuming random socks, even if that isn’t the case. The good news is that there are steps you can take to put your best foot forward in…
Summer means it’s time to enjoy fresh, locally grown fruits, veggies and other homegrown goodies. Take advantage of the season and make a visit to the farmer’s market fun and educational for the kids. As they have a choice in the foods they’re served, they’ll be more encouraged to get…
If you’re used to primping and polishing your skin, hair and body in order to look your best, then you may wonder if you can keep up all that maintenance when you’re pregnant. And even more important, whether or not certain beauty treatments are safe. The good news is that…
Which way do you swing when your child behaves? What’s best – spanking or time outs? Before you even get to the point where discipline is needed, experts say that kids need clear-cut boundaries so that you can head off discipline problems before they even happen. Certainly, those boundaries need…
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…
All moms know that the most precious cargo they shuttle around each day in the car is the kids. So keep them safe, whatever age they may be, by getting the right car seat and securing it properly. Full-term newborns can sit in rear-facing convertible or infant car seats. You’ll…
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…
When it comes to building a library for your children, read between the lines. You can put together a collection without breaking your bank. It’s simply a matter of getting creative. While many parents are inclined to hit the local Barnes & Noble or Borders, it’s important to keep in…
The first thing your pediatrician will do, starting with your very first well-baby visit, is measure your child’s height and weight, plus his head circumference through infancy. It’s to ensure that he’s being nourished enough to thrive and grow, plus to check for developmental delays or other health problems. Your…