Saying one thing and doing another, melting down over seemingly nothing, refusing to use the bathroom — kids are contradictory little things sometimes. But before you throw your hands up and take your little one to a shrink, try to get to the bottom of those tumultuous thoughts. Maybe your…
Ever feel like you’re a few sandwiches short of a picnic? While you may have plenty of food, you might be lacking the proper gear to make your picnic a success. In reality, a picnic is whatever you make it. So you can fly by the seat of your pants……
Vampires may be all the latest rage, but what’s a parent to do when she discovers she’s rearing her own little Edward Cullen? We’re talking about the dreaded biters. Getting a call from the school that little Bobby has bitten one of his classmates can be among a parent’s worst…
Ready or not, here it comes – the time for kids to leave the nest and board a bus for school. But how do you know if your child is ready? Age is the first consideration to take into account. In most public schools and many private schools, children must…
Oww! A scraped knee, a bad bruise, bug bite, splinter or other minor injury can send a child into hysterics. But moms can take quick action to stem the tears and reduce scarring by taking the right measures fast. For the inevitable cuts and scrapes, hold a clean cloth or…
For every action there is a reaction. We’re talking about consequences, and it’s an important lesson kids should learn in life sooner rather than later. It goes without saying that you want children to learn the consequences for their actions, especially when those actions aren’t appropriate. Ann Douglas, author of…
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…
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…
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…
All families should have a first-aid kit – or two – on hand for emergencies. Gathering supplies ahead of time and educating your whole family on how to use the items in your kit is essential to handling emergencies. Treating minor injuries that happen around the home or while traveling…