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…
There’s plenty to do inside on rainy summer days, and if you have a child who’s not a big reader, then there’s no time like summer to get him interested in books. They’re great to take along on road trips and airplanes, too, and it does today’s kids good to…
Are you ready for it to be game over for your kids when it comes to the Xbox, Playstation and other video technology? You’re probably not alone. There are plenty of reasons to be concerned if your child is a major gamer. Studies show that adolescent girls spent an average…
April marks Alcohol Awareness Month. It’s a great opportunity to discuss the topic of alcohol abuse and its consequences with your children. Unfortunately, a child’s first exposure to alcohol – and alcohol abuse – can be at home. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to lead by example. In other…
This is a time of year when kids are called upon to give thanks, but many don’t truly know how to express gratitude. Thanksgiving is a great time to teach children why it’s important to give of themselves and to say thank you, regardless of the time of year. Incorporating…
Much has been said about the health benefits of soy. Soy is a complete protein — the only non-animal product to boast that claim — and it benefits cholesterol, lowering levels of LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, and raising HDL, or “good” cholesterol. Its high calcium levels contribute to bone health,…
When you think you might be pregnant, you want to know as soon as possible. So you may do what many women do and run out to the drugstore a few days after the alleged conception to pick up a pregnancy test. But how do you know you’re getting accurate…
Hot tubs may seem like small pools that are perfectly safe for children, but that’s not the case. Kids and spas, whirlpools and hot tubs don’t make for a good mix. The dangers of hot tubs range from drowning to entrapment to overheating. So before you allow your kids to…
Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids, but choose the wrong one, and you’ll hear about it for years to come. It’s important to decide whether your child is ready for sleepaway camp or if day camp is the way to go. Kids as young as 6…
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…