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…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 500 people a year – including about 30 kids – die of carbon monoxide poisoning, and even more are sickened. This odorless, colorless gas is given off when gas, oil, kerosene or wood are burned, and it’s the most common…
With so much to worry about when it comes to kids, it’s hard to decide which health concerns are valid and which are less serious. For example, many parents freak out when their child gets clocked in the noggin, but much of the time, a bump on the head will…
Sick and tired of having kids who are sick and tired? Face it, all of the hand sanitizer in the world isn’t going to protect your child from the big bad germs out there all the time. There’s nothing more frustrating than sending your child on a playdate only to…
Regardless of whether they’re stuck inside, on a play date or just feeling artistic, painting is just plain fun for kids. So if you hear the dreaded complaints of “I’m bored!” this summer, then just don some smocks and go to town to create some artistic masterpieces. Even the youngest…
From Facebook to MySpace, it seems the users are getting smaller and the problems are getting bigger. Although many social networking sites have a minimum age requirement of 13, children often disregard the age limitations altogether. Or they seek out sites that are geared more toward their demographics, but are…
What’s not to love about Valentine’s Day? Plenty, if you don’t get your act together for this favorite pastime. For kids, there’s nothing grander than exchanging those traditional Valentines with classmates, friends and family. And face it, you don’t really have an excuse for not being prepared. From card stores…
It’s a hard habit to break, but it can be done. We’re talking about the dreaded thumbsucking. Parents – take heart. Eventually, the time is going to come, probably just not soon enough. Research shows that 30 percent of preschool children still suck their thumbs, although most outgrow it by…
You’ve got the house babyproofed with all the gadgets and preventive tools that should keep young kids out of the dangerous areas of your home. No worries, right? Wrong. There are hidden hazards in the home that can do serious damage to a child. Be extra-careful and warn children of…
Nothing whets you child’s appetite for adventure quite like a picnic. As the temperatures warm up, it’s time to spring into action and plan the outdoor experience for your kids. The best part about picnicking is that you don’t need a reason. While it doesn’t take much to make your…