You can’t stand the suggestive lyrics in your tween’s favorite music, but your preschooler’s Wiggles obsession drives you batty. It’s tough to explain to a child terms like “sexy,” “booty” and “hooking up,” but it seems like that (and worse) is all over the airwaves. And if you catch yourself…
A penny for your thoughts… and a dollar for your efforts. It’s the old allowance conundrum. We’re talking chore charts, compensation rates and more. For an allowance novice, it can feel like a real handful. The dilemma goes beyond what to give and what not to give to your children….
At about the time she starts attending school and making some real friends, your child will probably ask if she can spend the night at another child’s home. But the age at which kids are ready to spend the night away from home can vary – a 5-year-old might be…
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…
It may be the hardest thing for toddlers and preschoolers to do. No, we’re not talking about potty-training. The dreaded s-word – sharing – can incite tantrums like no other. But the earlier you start teaching and modeling sharing, the better your child will become at sharing. Start helping your…
Vampires may be all the latest rage, but what’s a parent to do when she discovers she’s rearing her own little Edward Cullen? We’re talking about the dreaded biters. Getting a call from the school that little Bobby has bitten one of his classmates can be among a parent’s worst…
Whether you travel away from home, or you’re the one who hosts family and friends for the yearly Thanksgiving meal, think about keeping your kids safe and occupied during the holiday. The stove may be putting out delicious smells and tastes, but be sure you’ve got an eye on it…
Your child is ready to reach out and touch someone with his or her very own cell phone, which begs the question “how young is too young?” There’s no denying that we’re living in the age of technology where it seems like everyone is connected. Seeing a grade-school child with…
If you’re a mom who dreads taking the kids when you run errands, then there are ways to keep them occupied and perhaps make those mundane trips learning experiences for them. For example, a grocery store excursion could become a way for them to learn about nutrition. Make comparisons among…
Sure, it’s nice to get all those lovely crayon-scribbled notes that say “I love you,” along with a soggy bowl of fruit loops and vase of dandelions in bed. But it’s OK to want a little more out of Mother’s Day. After all, consider what you do for your family…