Getting the kids to bed at around the same time each night not only minimizes tantrums, but also can make your child smarter, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. In a recent study, the AASM found that toddlers and preschoolers whose parents enforced a pre-bedtime routine and the…
Taking a vacation with little ones can seem like anything but when kids are pulled out of a familiar environment and familiar rituals. But with a little planning and flexibility, you and your family can have a good time and keep everyone happy and well-rested. The first thing to consider…
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare — the incessant crying that just doesn’t seem to cease. For new — and old — parents, those crying jags can feel like they go on forever. Fits of screams that don’t stop…no matter what you do. But have you really tried everything? There are…
It’s the end of an era — or at least a year. The biggest party night is upon you, but celebrating just isn’t the same now that you’re a parent. In fact, the only ball you’re going to see dropping is your head on the pillow. Before you go chalking…
For many parents, the family holiday picture is the nightmare before Christmas. But with a few smart strategies, it’s not impossible to get that perfect shot for gifts or cards. Digital cameras have made getting the perfect shot super-simple, especially if you’re a do-it-yourselfer. Consider using a good candid shot…
Does it ever feel like time isn’t on your side, especially when you’ve got hungry mouths to feed? Between rushing from school to work to extracurricular activities, satisfying those big appetites can seem nearly impossible. In fact, it often feels like the drive-thru is the only place where you’ll achieve…
For the bargain shopper, it can feel like Christmas actually falls on December 26. After all, what better way to wrap up the Christmas holiday than putting your new-found gains (i.e. money, gift cards) to good use or taking advantage of clearance sales? It’s almost a guarantee that you’ll find…
Pop Pop. Mom Mom. Papa. Nana. Grandpa. Grandma. They go by many different names, but their role is always the same – to spoil their grandchildren with hugs, kisses and everything in between. Every year, Grandparents Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day. When Marian McQuade founded National…
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…
When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing quite like getting your kids in on the act, especially if they’re finicky eaters. Your child will have even more incentive to polish off his meal when he’s the one to prepare it. In addition to getting a helping hand in the kitchen,…