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…
If you’re ready to do some spring cleaning or just tired of a potential avalanche every time you open the hall closet, it may be time to consider a yard sale. You don’t need to invest a huge amount of time and effort, just a few hours for the actual…
We all know the feeling…the moment of pride when someone notices how outspoken or articulate our child is. We bask in the knowledge that our child is smart, has a great sense of self-esteem and succeeds at virtually everything they attempt to do. There is a fine line between confidence…
Kids don’t come with an instruction manual, and there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. You can read as many books as possible, talk to all the moms on the playground and pay for weekly therapy sessions, and you still might feel like you don’t know what you are…
It may start with your 2-year-old clandestinely pinching his newborn sister…but sibling rivalry can last for years when it goes unchecked. When they’re small, squabbles about toys, personal space and competitions for affection seem to spark rivalry. When a toy dispute arises, resist the urge to intervene every time. Siblings…
When you were growing up, did you ever wish that your parents were happy? Did you feel safe when they were happy and peaceful? My mother was rarely a happy person. Most of the time she was anxious, angry and felt overburdened, even though I was her only child. She…
Cooped-up kids who can’t go outside on a stormy day can make for a miserable time. But they don’t have to. Help them burn that pent-up energy in productive ways, instead of lying around watching TV or playing video games. Rainy days are a perfect time to focus on fitness;…
During the summer, the familiar refrain of “I’m bored!” might waft through the house every so often, especially when it’s too hot or rainy to go outside. But aside from catering to your child’s every whim and becoming his or her entertainer, what can you do to help them keep…
With a new set of video game systems coming out every few years it can be tough to decide the best system for your family’s needs. Unfortunately, because this is technology we’re talking about, “hand-me-downs” are mostly out of the question when it comes to game systems. Luckily, consoles are…
Admit it – there’s nothing fun about rainy days, especially when there are kids in the picture. Within a few hours, it feels like everybody has come down with a serious case of cabin fever. There are ways to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Arm yourself with these techniques…