Preschoolers
The Pitfalls and Dangers of Common Vaccines
In the 1980s, the U.S. government decided to change the Mandatory Childhood Vaccine Schedule by intensely increasing the number of vaccines an infant and toddler should receive before the age of three. Back then, no one fully understood the implications of this until autism cases began springing up in large numbers.
Checking Babysitter References: Approaches, Questions, and Answers
Even if you're considering a babysitter who is applying for her first sitting job, you should ask each candidate for references before you turn over your house keys and precious little handfuls.
Creative Kids Make Gifts
Give kids just basic craft supplies and they discover, all by themselves, an endless joy of creating something new out of almost nothing. Creativity is such an important pleasure for children and for all of us. Read "Creative Kids Make Gifts" to learn more.
Sleeping Arrangements
As hard as it may be to imagine, there exists a rather basic parenting issue that regularly generates even more controversy than circumcision or the disposable-versus-cloth diapers-debate: whether or not to have your child sleep in the same bed as you and your partner. Read "Sleeping Arrangements" to learn more.
Potty Trained or Parent Trained?
Children consistently prove to us that ultimately their bodies are within their control. We can lead them to a potty but we really can't make them go. Read "Potty Trained or Parent Trained?" to learn more.
Bedtime Routines
Most parents know the basic "5 B's" of bedtime routines: bath, brush teeth, bathroom, books, and bed. To prevent bedtime struggles and delays, it is always helpful to offer choices about these basic steps. Read "Bedtime Routines" to learn more.
Coping With a Demanding Child
Occasionally children test limits in their attempts to separate from their parents as individuals, with preferences and ideas of their own. Parents should not, however, excuse such behavior as only a passing stage. Read "Coping With a Demanding Child" to learn more.
Coping With a Demanding Child
Demanding behavior -- from the time a child is about two to four a parent can usually expect to experience it. Parents should not, however, excuse such behavior as only a passing stage. A parent's response to such bossiness may determine how long and how intense these battles last. How should you respond?
Bedtime Routines
Most parents know the basic "5 B's" of bedtime routines: bath, brush teeth, bathroom, books, and bed. Our family, however, has invented many other fun (but not too physical) games that we've added to these basics. Because we frequently make bedtime fun, our children don't resist bedtime. Here are just a few games we've made up:
Praise for Parents
Parenting advice usually focuses on the challenges parents face, mistakes to avoid and effective skills we can use. But every parent and parenting "partner" deserves a pat on the back for doing something positive, even on a small scale, that means a lot to a child. I want to make sure we do that here, now and then.
Ten Things Your Preschooler Needs
Of course, the number one thing every child needs is love. But let's assume you adore your preschooler. What's the top ten list to help him thrive? Kids this age need guidance and limits, but remember that their brains are still developing. They get flooded with emotion very easily.
Spring Fun!
Join Kas Winters, our "Family Ideas" expert, will focus on "Spring Fun with Kids" on Tuesday, April 14th @ 1 pm Eastern / 10 am Pacific. Kas will share with us fun gardening and other spring tips for little to no budget. See you there!
Ten Ways to Say "I Love You" to Your Child on Valentine's Day
Looking for a special way to say "I Love You" to your child this Valentine's Day? Here are some ideas!
Twenty-first Century Sneeze
Recently, a friend mentioned that schools are encouraging children to sneeze on their arm sleeve instead of their hand. The old adage "cover your mouth when you sneeze" takes on a new perspective. Now to demonstrate, instead of using a cupped hand, one would need to sweep your entire arm across your face. The 21st century sneeze.
Creative Kids Make Gifts
Give kids just basic craft supplies and they discover, all by themselves, an endless joy of creating something new out of almost nothing. Creativity is such an important pleasure for children and for all of us. Read "Creative Kids Make Gifts" to learn more.
The Art of Friendship
We spend a lot of time teaching our children practical skills, like how to tie their shoes and how to ride a bike. Sometimes, however, we neglect to help them to master an even more important skill: the art of being a friend.
Building Baby's Brain: Parenting from Conception through Infancy
"From the journey down the birth canal to afternoons at the park, a child will register every experience in the circuitry of his or her brain. Whenever a mother strokes her baby, whenever a father plays with his daughter or son...
Avoiding Barriers
Do you create any of the following barriers regularly with someone you love? Do you believe that if you worked at it you could use them less often? Let's look at an example as a means of understanding the barriers and builders.
Raising a Reader
Raising readers is not about teaching young children to read. It is about helping children to enjoy reading and language by exposing them to colorful, wonderful books. Want to find out how to raise a reader? Check out these steps and you'll find you are on your way!
Healthy Habits: Juice and Kids
It may surprise you to hear that over consumption of juice can contribute to obesity. A recent study of small children found that those who consumed more than 12 ounces a day were more overweight than other children. While this study is not conclusive evidence, it is worthy of mention.
- 10 Bite Prevention Tips for Kids: Rules to Live By
- 10 Tips to Prepare Your Child for a New Sibling
- 3 1/2 year old Anxiety and Other Issues
- 30 Ways to Help Prevent Your Child from Being Abducted
- A Job That Is Easy to Love
- A Lack of Sleep or ADHD?
- A Recipe for Sanity: The Working Mother's Survival Guide
- Applause Please, Kids Can Make Gifts!
- Are Kids Getting in the Way of Your Sexuality?
- Avoid Burns! Turn That Handle In!
- Avoid Kids' Blood Sugar "Spike and Crash", Recipes
- Avoiding Barriers
- Avoiding Power Struggles
- Baby Gates
- Becoming a Mommy Sandwich
- Bedtime Routines
- Bedtime Routines
- Best Known Cat Breeds for Kids
- Boys
- Breaking Down Myths About Autism
