No means no, even when you’re saying it to your child. For many parents, no quickly turns to maybe or even yes once they’re bombarded by cries, whines and pouts. At the time it might seem easier to give up and give in than deal with the fallout, but in…
The tax man cometh. But are you taking advantage of all the credits to which you’re entitled? The cost of child-rearing is mind-blowing, which is why Uncle Sam feels inclined to cut you a break — literally. Before you complete your taxes this year, make sure you’ve taken advantage of…
As the weather gets warmer, you may start to think about all the household projects that need doing. One is rotating the winter clothes out of the closet and replacing them with spring clothing. But don’t just take the winter stuff, throw it in a box and grab all of…
You wouldn’t give someone the death penalty for running a red light, and the same rule of thumb should apply to your children’s wrongdoings. At the end of the day, you want to make sure the crime fits the punishment. For example, you don’t want to ground your 5-year-old child…
At about the time she starts attending school and making some real friends, your child will probably ask if she can spend the night at another child’s home. But the age at which kids are ready to spend the night away from home can vary – a 5-year-old might be…
Parents know that kids love to dip, whether it’s chicken nuggets, fries, veggies, chips or pretty much anything else. And if you serve a dip as an appetizer, it might get challenging to get the kids to eat their meals. So why not serve the dips as the main dish?…
The safety of the entire family usually seems to fall on Mom, but it’s important for even the smallest family members to know what to do if disaster strikes. Whether it’s an injury, crime or natural disaster, you can teach your children how to take control and get help when…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, yet some people can’t help but get down in the dumps around the holidays. It’s ironic that although the season is supposed to be chock-full of cheer, it’s often just the opposite. According to the National Mental Health Association, there are many…
Buying those little jars of food at the grocery store may seem like a rite of passage as your baby grows, but it doesn’t have to be. You can save money and be sure of the nutrients your baby is getting by making your own baby food at home. Even…
The shopping bug bites pregnant or adopting women at different times, and it’s tough to know how to guide the sweet friends and family who want to celebrate the baby’s arrival with a gift. But it’s important to set up a baby registry, especially if you anticipate having a shower…