Can playing music to your baby or young child make her smarter? That was the claim of the much-hyped “Mozart Effect” several years ago, but the truth isn’t exactly black and white. Certainly, music is a great complement for stimulating babies’ brains and teaching toddlers vocabulary, but the jury’s out…
Perhaps little Johnny is going over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house this summer. Or maybe he’s visiting another relative or family friend. Either way, it might mean your child flying by himself. And that’s OK – as long as you review your airline’s policies and get…
Does the thought of bacteria give you the creepy crawlies? Well, you can be harboring this hazardous element in bath toys, toothbrushes, sippy cups and other places. Believe it or not, bacteria can be hiding in places you never thought it would be. Think your bathtub is in the clear?…
With so many kids engaging in television, video games, and computer activity, it seems what most children are in dire need of is some time outdoors. Playing outside gives your child a chance to blow off some steam while getting their daily dose of physical activity. And yes, we all…
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…
Let’s face it: Kids in close quarters like classrooms are going to spread all kinds of germs to one another, right? Probably, but when you encourage healthful habits, kids tend to miss less school because of illnesses they’ve passed on to one another. The top illnesses that keep kids home…
Most of us already know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Beginning your day without breakfast is like trying to fly a kite without any wind. It’s hard to get started and even harder to keep going. Breakfast is the first chance your child’s developing body…
When your children are crying their hearts out, the first things that will shut them up are their toys. If you give them their toys while they are having their tantrums, they forget about where they are and just do what they do best: play. This piece of information proves…
Most moms notice that their kids enjoy repetition. From watching the same video over and over to requesting a favorite book every night at bedtime, children crave the security and reassurance that a consistent routine provides. One way to enhance this sense of comfort derived from repetition is to create…
Every parent has been there. Your usually angelic (or at least moderately well behaved) child is suddenly intractable, full of rage, or even engaged in a full-blown temper tantrum. Worse, your usual discipline measures don’t even make a dent in the attitude or anger. What to do? First of all…