The idea of owning a cell phone appeals to most kids, especially tweens, who are forming social groups and getting involved in after-school activities. But how do you know when it’s time to let them phone home with their very own phone? The first thing to investigate is whether or…
Daycare can put a major dent in your wallet. Are those weekly checks breaking your bank? While childcare is a necessary evil for working and non-working parents, there are ways that you can save some cash. For starters, shop around. Do your research and find out which facilities give you…
We all know that charity begins at home. However, how many parents really know how to get their children involved in volunteering? Although there are some opportunities that are more age-appropriate than others, your child is never too young to lend a helping hand. There are plenty of reasons to…
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…
Sometimes it is better to receive than to give, and Christmas cards is one of those instances. While some people have everything ready for their Christmas cards months in advance, others find that same old box of cards going untouched year after year. The good news is that the task…
There are those people who have their kids’ Halloween costumes planned out months in advance, and then there are those who wait until the very last minute. If you’re still searching for a costume this close to the Halloween, you probably fall into the latter category. The good news is…
Computers are an indispensable tool for older children, but when should parents start teaching their children computer skills? Many experts say that age two isn’t too early. At age two, educators say that kids have the hand-eye coordination and attention span to enjoy supervised computer time. There are programs online…
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…
About half of expectant moms experience lower back pain from having to support all that extra weight up front, but what happens when the baby is born and needs to be carried around? For many women, the pain simply shifts around — or just gets worse. A few factors can…
If you have daughters, then you might be tired of all things Disney princess, pink, girly and so on. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact the girly-girl culture might have later on in life? Peggy Orenstein has, and she’s written the new book, Cinderella Ate My…