No means no, even when you’re saying it to your child. For many parents, no quickly turns to maybe or even yes once they’re bombarded by cries, whines and pouts. At the time it might seem easier to give up and give in than deal with the fallout, but in…
Kids are getting played when it comes to taking a break at school. Yes, they’re there to learn reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic – but what about that fourth “R,” recess? Many schools are doing away with kids’ sole opportunity to give their brains a break during the day in favor…
Jeepers, creepers, are you keeping an eye on those peepers? Making sure your kids have healthy eyes is extremely important. That means you need to take action now… and not wait until eye issues arise. Newborn babies should be examined to make sure eyes are functioning properly. After one year,…
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…
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…
If your extended family is strewn from coast to coast – or even in different countries — then it might be hard to keep them in the loop about what’s going on in you and your kids’ lives. We all get busy and lose touch with family members once in…
As much as we want to teach kids to be colorblind and oblivious to other people’s differences, kids are wired to notice when people don’t look, act or live the same way they do. Even babies can recognize physical differences in people when they’re shown pictures. But what they’re not…
“Your hair is a mess.” “Why can’t you do better in school?” “Do you ever watch where you’re going? Are you constantly criticizing your children to the point where even you’re beginning to wonder if you’re too hard on them? By now you’ve likely heard the notion of choosing your…
When it comes to their education, you want to know that your children are in good hands. That means having an open line of communication with his or her teacher that goes beyond the annual parent-teacher conference. We’re not saying you should assume the role of a helicopter parent, hovering…
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…