No one is perfect, and that fact becomes even more obvious when you become a parent. It’s tough not to hold yourself up to traditional mom role models, like June Cleaver, but even June Cleaver wasn’t that perfect. She just didn’t have “experts” like Dr. Phil and Oprah telling her…
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…
Whether it’s thumb-sucking, nose-picking, picky eating, bad manners or other annoying habit, many kids drive their parents crazy. But there are ways to break your kids of bothersome rituals. First of all, harping on them to quit doesn’t work. Punishment probably won’t, either. When you want to break your child…
Parents and their children establish their relationship and love in a variety of ways, and one of the first ways to begin that process is bonding with baby. Bonding establishes trust between parent and child, and it prepares the child for learning what the world is all about. Starting the…
When it comes to patience, do you feel like you’re always running on empty? When York University conducted a study in 1999, respondents listed patience as the most important parenting skill. Of course, patience is fleeting. Even if you have it, it’s easy to lose once you’re under the pressure…
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to teach your child responsibility. You want to raise your children with good values, and instilling in them the importance of being responsible is a strong foundation upon which to build. Realistically, a younger child won’t learn about real responsibilities until that child hits…
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…
For many moms and dads, giving kids medicine is a daunting idea. From questions about cold medicine to allergic reactions, parents may balk at the prospect. But the good news is that kids don’t have to suffer. Even babies can benefit from some natural remedies that many of us keep…
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…
Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus — or is there? It’s the question that no parents want to address, especially when it’s coming from an inquisitive little one. Like the birds and the bees conversation, this is likely one of those conversations you want to be prepared for well…