Can playing music to your baby or young child make her smarter? That was the claim of the much-hyped “Mozart Effect” several years ago, but the truth isn’t exactly black and white. Certainly, music is a great complement for stimulating babies’ brains and teaching toddlers vocabulary, but the jury’s out…
Sometimes it seems that babies cry for absolutely no reason. You’ve fed, burped, changed and clothed the baby properly. You’ve ruled out illness. And if you have to play that Barney song one more time to get the baby to calm down, then you’re the one who’ll be crying. What…
Are your kids getting more than the vitamins and minerals they need in their food? Likely so, if they eat a lot of processed, packaged food. Some of the most common food additives can have some pretty unsavory side effects, so it’s a good idea to check labels before buying…
Still thinking of resolutions to make in the new year? Many adults resolve to lose weight, get more organized or make other promises. But why not make resolutions that benefit you and your family? If a resolution will make you a better parent, then there are a few you might…
When you hear your child’s daycare classmates or friends speaking up more often than she does, then you may wonder why she’s not a Chatty Cathy. There are myriad explanations for speech delays. Here’s what you need to know. By age 2, experts say children should say at least 50…
As if you needed even more tension between you and the in-laws…When kids come along, so does the advice – many times, unwanted – from in-laws and other relatives. How do you keep the peace and adhere to your own child-rearing principles when your pushy relatives have their own ideas…
Kids are normally ravenous when they come off the bus and running through the door in the afternoon. Satisfying their appetites without serving junk and spoiling dinner can be a challenge. But you don’t have to get fancy or expensive when it comes to unique, tasty and healthful noshes.Sometimes the…
The holidays can be a real ruff time for your pampered pet if you don’t take the proper precautions. ‘Tis the season to deck the halls. Unfortunately, those decorations can often mean danger ahead for your dog or cat. It’s important to be alert and keep pet safety at the…
If you’re used to primping and polishing your skin, hair and body in order to look your best, then you may wonder if you can keep up all that maintenance when you’re pregnant. And even more important, whether or not certain beauty treatments are safe. The good news is that…
For many people, traveling during the holidays has become a way of life. With family members spread out everywhere, you’re bound to have to travel. During the holiday season, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But there are things you can do to ease the pain and make…