There are an array of dizzying options for how you might deliver your new baby, so how can you figure out what’s right for you and your new bundle of joy? Many hospitals and birthing centers offer doulas — a strange word that describes a birth helper. But with midwives,…
Many potential parents feel they’re ready to take on the responsibility of raising a child, but the majority of new parents vastly underestimate the real costs associated with bringing up baby. A Redbook survey says up to 41 percent of new parents believed that in hindsight, they weren’t as financially…
Sometimes it is better to receive than to give, and Christmas cards is one of those instances. While some people have everything ready for their Christmas cards months in advance, others find that same old box of cards going untouched year after year. The good news is that the task…
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…
When the last school bell rings, the cries of “I’m bored!” and “There’s nothing to do!” seem to start almost immediately. And while summer should be a time for the whole family to relax and slow down, that process can be frustrating when you want your kids to enjoy themselves…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, yet some people can’t help but get down in the dumps around the holidays. It’s ironic that although the season is supposed to be chock-full of cheer, it’s often just the opposite. According to the National Mental Health Association, there are many…
It may start with your 2-year-old clandestinely pinching his newborn sister…but sibling rivalry can last for years when it goes unchecked. When they’re small, squabbles about toys, personal space and competitions for affection seem to spark rivalry. When a toy dispute arises, resist the urge to intervene every time. Siblings…
A great babysitter is a precious resource – and one that’s highly coveted by other families. When date night comes along, or if you have to go out for any reason, making decisions about with whom you can entrust your kids is important. Of course, leaving the kids with a…
You may have seen scrapbooks created by grandparents, other parents or simply crafty types that are works of art, or you may have heard of scrapbooking “parties,” where moms learn how to create these works of art for themselves and their families. If the idea of this kind of memory…
If you’re thinking about doing all your holiday shopping on Black Friday, Cyber Monday or any other time this weekend, then you may be wondering if you’re getting the absolute best deal on the things you need or the things you’d like to give for the upcoming holidays. If you’re…