A penny for your thoughts… and a dollar for your efforts. It’s the old allowance conundrum. We’re talking chore charts, compensation rates and more. For an allowance novice, it can feel like a real handful. The dilemma goes beyond what to give and what not to give to your children….
February is Responsible Pet Owners’ Month, and what better way to train your kids than to put them in charge of man’s best friend? While one of the main goals of this month is to encourage pet owners to spay or neuter their pets, the general theme is to encourage…
Your child is ready to reach out and touch someone with his or her very own cell phone, which begs the question “how young is too young?” There’s no denying that we’re living in the age of technology where it seems like everyone is connected. Seeing a grade-school child with…
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…
When it comes to building a library for your children, read between the lines. You can put together a collection without breaking your bank. It’s simply a matter of getting creative. While many parents are inclined to hit the local Barnes & Noble or Borders, it’s important to keep in…
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…
Do you earn an ‘F’ when it comes to shopping for school supplies? This year, get more for your money and send them to school with everything they need. First, take an inventory of the items that you have lying around in playrooms, bedrooms or offices. You may have enough…
Planning a memorable, fun party for your child and her friends might seem like a major chore, but with a little foresight and preparation, it can be a breeze. The first thing to consider is your budget – and a commitment to sticking to it, no matter what. If your…
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare — you’re at a family gathering or birthday party when your young child drops the “S” bomb, or even worse, the “F” bomb. Your face is on fire, and you’re absolutely mortified. Surely everybody knows that they heard the expletive from you, which means you’re…
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…