When it comes time to celebrate your kids’ birthdays, do you simply run to the grocery store to get the latest cartoon character immortalized on a giant sheet of processed sugar? Would you like another option? Well, if you’ve never tried baking your own birthday cake, then maybe this is…
For many people, traveling during the holidays has become a way of life. With family members spread out everywhere, you’re bound to have to travel. During the holiday season, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But there are things you can do to ease the pain and make…
When it comes to raising well-rounded children, extracurricular activities play a huge role in keeping your kids in line. According to one education consultant, participation in school activities, sports and community clubs and organizations during the middle school years has a positive effect on at-risk teens who might drop out…
With so many kids engaging in television, video games, and computer activity, it seems what most children are in dire need of is some time outdoors. Playing outside gives your child a chance to blow off some steam while getting their daily dose of physical activity. And yes, we all…
Do your kids know the value of a dollar? In an age when parents whip out the plastic to pay for things, or the ATM seemingly spits money into your lap with no repercussions, it’s hard to teach kids about managing money. But in today’s economic times, it’s important, and…
It’s not their party, but they can cry if they want to. We’re talking the dreaded odd man out experience where your child isn’t invited to a party or gathering. It can happen to the best of us, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Being left out is never…
When it comes to their education, you want to know that your children are in good hands. That means having an open line of communication with his or her teacher that goes beyond the annual parent-teacher conference. We’re not saying you should assume the role of a helicopter parent, hovering…
Will he or won’t he? That is the question. February 2 marks Groundhog Day. Should Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow, we can expect another six weeks of winter. Provided he doesn’t see his shadow, pack up those jackets and prepare to welcome the warm weather of spring. Although it’s not…
With the holidays winding down and the kids still on Christmas break, there’s no time like the present to get your children to work on those ever-important thank you notes. Far too many parents don’t appreciate the true value of having their kids write out thank-you cards to generous friends…
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…