The halls are decked, and the holiday season is upon us. For the majority of us that means family gatherings — and plenty of them. Sadly, nothing can suck the life out of a party like contending with difficult relatives. In some instances, it can be enough to make anybody…
The tax man cometh. But are you taking advantage of all the credits to which you’re entitled? The cost of child-rearing is mind-blowing, which is why Uncle Sam feels inclined to cut you a break — literally. Before you complete your taxes this year, make sure you’ve taken advantage of…
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…
Whether you had a Caesarean section or a natural birth, it’s important to take care of your own body after giving birth. While a C-section, which is major abdominal surgery, is the more invasive and traumatic procedure, women who deliver naturally still need to care for themselves postpartum. Expect to…
Hot tubs may seem like small pools that are perfectly safe for children, but that’s not the case. Kids and spas, whirlpools and hot tubs don’t make for a good mix. The dangers of hot tubs range from drowning to entrapment to overheating. So before you allow your kids to…
It may seem like the ultimate invasion of privacy. We’re talking about putting a tracking device on your child. Although it may seem creepy and over the top for some parents, others feel a sense of security knowing they can keep tabs on their children at all times. A child…
“I’m telling!” may be the most annoying phrase that your child emits, particularly around the preschool age. But tattling usually boils down to one motivation: getting attention. Excessive tattling usually happens when kids aren’t mature enough to settle conflicts among themselves, and that’s normal for younger children. They look to…
When it comes to building a library for your children, read between the lines. You can put together a collection without breaking your bank. It’s simply a matter of getting creative. While many parents are inclined to hit the local Barnes & Noble or Borders, it’s important to keep in…
Whether it’s your coworker, sister or whoever might be expecting a bundle of joy, it can be tough to choose gifts for a new baby or baby shower. It may seem impersonal to choose something from a registry, but remember, the parents-to-be took a lot of time and care to…
As a new parent, the thought of your young child being exposed to germs can be downright frightening. While there are no guarantees that your little one won’t get sick, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. It’s all about investing in the right protection. For example,…