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….
Families today more than ever are looking for ways to be entertained without breaking the bank. A night out at the local movie theater can cost $10 or more per person, not to mention breaking the bank – and the belly – at the snack bar. Luckily, movies can be…
This is the time of year when many children enroll in school or leave the home for college. And with those enrollments come vaccinations, in many cases. The next few months will see doctors’ offices stocking up on flu shots in anticipation for the winter season. The National Institutes of…
You’ve got the house babyproofed with all the gadgets and preventive tools that should keep young kids out of the dangerous areas of your home. No worries, right? Wrong. There are hidden hazards in the home that can do serious damage to a child. Be extra-careful and warn children of…
Perhaps one of the most confusing and embarrassing times of a person’s life is when they begin undergoing puberty. The best way to handle it with your kids is to be prepared. Don’t expect your kids to feel comfortable asking you any and all questions about the changes their bodies…
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…
Do your kids know the value of a dollar? In an age when parents whip out the plastic to pay for things, or the ATM seemingly spits money into your lap with no repercussions, it’s hard to teach kids about managing money. But in today’s economic times, it’s important, and…
Summer means it’s time to enjoy fresh, locally grown fruits, veggies and other homegrown goodies. Take advantage of the season and make a visit to the farmer’s market fun and educational for the kids. As they have a choice in the foods they’re served, they’ll be more encouraged to get…
The script for what’s healthy eating for kids is constantly being rewritten. Kids today are exposed to more diverse foods than ever, and inevitably, some of the healthiest are being overlooked. Sure, you know to serve those “superfoods” like blueberries, sweet potatoes and yogurt. But there are a few superfoods…
Ready or not, here it comes – the time for kids to leave the nest and board a bus for school. But how do you know if your child is ready? Age is the first consideration to take into account. In most public schools and many private schools, children must…