Once your child begins walking, he will become more and more independent. Toddlers and preschoolers want to try to do a number of things on their own and parents have a tremendous opportunity to instill good, healthy habits as they teach self-care skills during this stage of development. Your child…
When it heats up outside, the siren song of the ice-cream man’s truck may be the only thing that gets the kids out of the air-conditioned house on the double. But if you’re worried about the fat, calories and sugar of those tasty treats, then the ice-cream man might be…
Just because you aren’t Jewish doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of lights. Many people now celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas, even if they don’t practice Judaism. Hanukkah is a great opportunity for you to expose your children to other religions. More than just a learning experience, it…
What’s not to love about Valentine’s Day? Plenty, if you don’t get your act together for this favorite pastime. For kids, there’s nothing grander than exchanging those traditional Valentines with classmates, friends and family. And face it, you don’t really have an excuse for not being prepared. From card stores…
Childhood years are the best times to learn. Somehow, a person’s comprehension is at its peak during childhood. Parents should take advantage of these learning years to ingrain the values of life in their children. If you’re a parent, teach them positive habits so that they will know and see…
Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids, but choose the wrong one, and you’ll hear about it for years to come. It’s important to decide whether your child is ready for sleepaway camp or if day camp is the way to go. Kids as young as 6…
Have you ever tried to get your child to drink a V8? It’s a lost cause. But if you hide the vegetables in smoothies, desserts and entrées, then you can get your kid to gulp down a serving of veggies before you finish cleaning up the kitchen. Super Smoothie (Adapted…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 500 people a year – including about 30 kids – die of carbon monoxide poisoning, and even more are sickened. This odorless, colorless gas is given off when gas, oil, kerosene or wood are burned, and it’s the most common…
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…
You think your children are ready to play ball (or any other sport for that matter), but are they really properly prepared? When it comes to playing the field, it’s a matter of safety first. Parents have an obligation to take all of the steps necessary to ensure that their…