The second week of January is Folic Acid Awareness week, and for many women of childbearing age, they may not be getting enough. This particular nutrient is important because it prevents many birth defects, particularly neural tube disorders. The neural tube eventually develops into the baby’s spinal cord and brain,…
Trying to get your children to eat their vegetables can be an exercise in futility. Does every meal feel like a power struggle as you work desperately to get your kids to polish off a simple serving of greens? Relax, you’re not alone. Plenty of parents are in the same…
Whether it’s thumb-sucking, nose-picking, picky eating, bad manners or other annoying habit, many kids drive their parents crazy. But there are ways to break your kids of bothersome rituals. First of all, harping on them to quit doesn’t work. Punishment probably won’t, either. When you want to break your child…
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and while most parents don’t abuse their children, there are risk factors that lead some to do so. Learn to recognize those signs in your friends and family to prevent it. First, be sure to report your suspicions if there are obvious signs…
You think your children are ready to play ball (or any other sport for that matter), but are they really properly prepared? When it comes to playing the field, it’s a matter of safety first. Parents have an obligation to take all of the steps necessary to ensure that their…
It may seem like the ultimate invasion of privacy. We’re talking about putting a tracking device on your child. Although it may seem creepy and over the top for some parents, others feel a sense of security knowing they can keep tabs on their children at all times. A child…
With Christmas just a couple of days away, you’re all set to receive. But have you had the opportunity to give? One of the most rewarding things about the holidays is having the chance to help others. In the current economic climate, there is no shortage of families in need….
For many moms and dads, giving kids medicine is a daunting idea. From questions about cold medicine to allergic reactions, parents may balk at the prospect. But the good news is that kids don’t have to suffer. Even babies can benefit from some natural remedies that many of us keep…
It may sound like a myth, or just an ’80s sitcom. But growing pains are no laughing matter to the kids who experience them and know that they’re real. If you’ve ever noticed that your child seems to grow those long, gangly limbs seemingly overnight, then you’re not alone. Children…
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…