Parenting

The case of abused child Mary Ellen Wilson captured the nation's attention because the President of the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was instrumental in securing her rescue from the abusive home.

The success of reality television rests primarily upon young women who behave badly. Teaching girls social skills and proper behavior will help to increase positive self-image and future success.

Most people have heard of the “dive reflex,” which apparently means that babies are born able to swim. But there is more to the dive reflex than most of us assume, and some of its effects may not be what you would want for your baby. If you are thinking about teaching a young baby to swim read this article first.

Gina and her husband Aaron adopted their son Maddox and spent over a decade looking for a proper diagnosis and trying to heal his violence, anxiety, and anger. They now have an inspirational success story!

Toddler Behavior: Struggle with toddler nap times? Have a picky eater? Need help with toddler potty training? This article helps parents navigate through this important stage of life. Tips included!

"ParaNorman" is a beautiful zombie animation movie that you can watch with the entire family. This really is a zombie movie suitable for all.

With the right programming, a television can provide entertainment and education for children. However, as we all know, it contains a significant amount of negative images. Learn more about its influence and how to counteract it.

Learning how to discipline is one of the most important parts of raising your child. Many default to spanking, but there are many other ways to discipline that does not involve physical force.

Speech and language delays are a concern for many parents, who wonder if their child is simply a "late talker"or if there is a true language disorder present. Learn the signs of a language delay: early intervention is vital to successful treatment.

Children with autism spectrum disorder can have more trouble sleeping than other children—and that affects the whole family. In this article, I present strategies that helped my son with autism sleep better.

Toddlers and children may experience a speech delay for a variety of reasons. Use these strategies at home to encourage kids to talk.

When you're getting ready for a new baby, deciding what you need now and what you may never use can be pretty overwhelming. Here's my personal list of must-haves and naaaaahhhhs.

Parenting a child takes commitment and backbone. A parent must give guidelines and discipline, with a lot of love to make a difference in a child's life. Find out the foundations of good parenting.

Hair tourniquets occur when a baby gets a hair or thread wrapped around their toe. This can be serious if not detected early. Find out how to remove the hair at home and when to head to the doctor.

Today's dads are, on the whole, much more involved than fathers have been in the past. Still, all fathers need encouragement to be present to their developing children.

My cousins and I grew up with single mothers. These five assets helped us survive the odds predicted for fatherless children. They offer hope, not despair, to single mothers and fatherless children.

Don't be bored this summer! Here are 101 fun hobbies for teenage girls; everything from playing on your phone to hanging out with friends! You're sure to find something fun to do!

Our silent habits (good or bad) prove to be more effective teachers than our instructions. Let's silently inspire happy, healthy living in these five areas by installing wholesome habits in our home.

The lessons we learn in life become the tools we carry with us everywhere. Here are 6 life lessons I've learned being a stepmom...

Here are the best books for children ages 2-6 that cover Chinese culture and feature children with Chinese heritage.

It's a common belief that bribes are a bad idea, used only by desperate parents. But used correctly in the form of positive reinforcement, this parenting strategy can help children learn what's expected of them and become compliant with parental instructions.

Modern cell phones can be great things for kids to have but they present a number of risks as well. Find out what a parent can do to protect their kids or monitor their activity.

You spend hours each week planning menus, shopping for food, and preparing home cooked meals for your family, only to have your child look at it and say "Gross!" Let's end that habit for good!

I am sharing with you the things I've learned being a parent to an 11-year-old boy. Topics include independence, girls, setting rules, friends, and the importance of family time.

This is the story of how I was affected by my controlling mother, and how I overcame the psychological consequences of overbearing parents.

Exposing your child to more than one language early on can benefit them in the future.

Avoid the mistake of overindulgent parenting that could create self-centered, narcissistic children. Set limits with love and increase your chances of raising children who become healthy adults.

For many parents, the argument for whether or not to let their new baby suck his or her thumb after birth is a big one. I'll discuss the pros and cons, as well as tips to stop thumb sucking.

Are kids these days being pushed too far with sports, after school activities, clubs, and all the things their parents wished they had as children? Is over scheduling crushing little spirits and minds?

Want to buy infant formula that's hypoallergenic, dairy-free or lactose-free? They're useful when baby has dairy or soy allergy or intolerance, suffers with colic. stomach ache, gas or spit up. Maybe you're vegan or Jewish or Muslim and need a specialist formula for lifestyle reasons...

So you think you have what it takes to be a stepmom? Ask yourself these questions first...

I review products based on Harvey Karp's 5 S's that were basically lifesavers for our family. I give you the options of splurging, getting a deal, or getting for free.

Fevers are a body's natural method for fighting of viral or bacterial infections. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to lower a fever—a combination of fever-reducing medications and natural fever reducers may be used to comfort a sick child.

Even natural toothpastes aimed at toddlers can contain ingredients that you would not want your child to swallow. This article reviews several natural toothpastes, taking a close look at ingredients as well as taste.

Ways to teach your children empathy (caring for other people and caring for animals), and why that is so important. Being empathetic is essential to success in all areas of a person's life. Empathy begins at home.

If you grew up with an emotionally absent mom, it negatively impacted your life and your ability to connect with your inner world. Understanding your journey can help you celebrate your feelings, not hide from them.

Should children have the right to participate in decisions or should they be protected from decision making? This hub discusses the options and pros and cons of each.

Here are the top ten tips for young mothers and first-time parents for creating a healthy and happy relationship with your newborn baby.

If your child is a picky eater and you don’t know how to get them to eat, here are some ways to combat their resistance without nagging or losing your cool.

When my teenage son came out, family and friends seemed fine with it at first. As time passed, though, their polite acceptance devolved into the same old annoying questions and comments.

While occasionally spanking your kids when they really mess up probably isn't going to do any lasting harm, routine spanking isn't a very good idea. Here are some reasons why.

Being a parent to a newborn is hard enough. See how this solution helped me regain my sanity and helped my little one and me get a break from the sleepless nights.

Researchers have discovered that over-the-top praise is not only meaningless to kids but can actually hurt them. Find ways to build your child's resilience by offering meaningful feedback.

Tips and suggestions for making playing with toy cars fun for your kids as well as helping their development.

In my previous article, 5 Lessons My Child With Autism Taught Me, I discussed five of the most important lessons I've learned since my son on the autism spectrum came into my life. In this article, I'd like to follow up by mentioning a few of the things we autism moms wish you knew.

All symptoms of ODD and bipolar disorder have resolved in my son since we started using non-flushing niacin (vitamin B3). He has been 95% symptom-free of his conditions for 11 months now. There is hope. Here's my story.

This article explains why it's so common for teens to lack confidence and gives suggestions to boost your self-esteem.

Reading the statistics on what happens as a premature baby grows up can frighten parents. But statistics only paint half the picture. Read this article to see how to look behind them.

If your child is beginning to read chapter books and likes funny books, here is a list of kids' all-time favorites.

Helping children cope with death is one of the hardest things you will encounter. But the most important thing is to let them deal with death in their own terms.

The article discusses how young children use the internet and provides strategies for keeping children safe when they are online.

What is the difference between picky eating and a feeding problem? Learn the top ten signs that signal the need for medical investigation of picky eating in children.

Why growing up as a military brat is a unique experience. My childhood as a Navy Junior, daughter of a career Naval officer and Annapolis grad shaped me more than I ever knew

A natural playground contains elements from nature, such as trees, grass, rocks, sand, and water. It's a great place for both active play and creative play.

The beauty industry is a very influential part of our young girls' lives. How does this impact their self-esteem and self-worth and how can we help?

This advice is relevant in recovering from ANY abusive relationship, not just at the hands of narcissistic parents, but also spouses/lovers, siblings, bosses, etc.

Recycle toilet paper rolls into binoculars, a kazoo, race tracks, marble runs, and other fun toys for toddlers. These inexpensive crafts will inspire a lot of imaginative play!

Parents give lip service to boosting their children's self-esteem, often thinking that over-loading them with praise is the answer. In reality, though, it takes time, effort, empathy, and being present: validating their feelings, celebrating their uniqueness, and listening, not lecturing.

Why not make the conversation around the dinner table a little more animated by playing a clean game of family "Never Have I Ever"!

We recently ran across a picture for Matilda's Activity Tower on Pinterest. We immediately saw the usefulness and made one for ourselves. Learn why we love this tower and see a few changes we made.

Help your baby sleep through the night as kindly and gently as possible. Use these 7 Top tips to help your baby fall into a deep and peaceful sleep...

If you think it might be time to get your child a cell phone, there are a few things to consider. Here is some info to help you make your decision.

Three ways to get a baby to take a bottle that up until now will only drink milk by breastfeeding.

Anxiety and depression are skyrocketing among our kids. While genetics plays a major role, moms and dads can also make an impact with the three E's: experiences, environment, and engagement.

Self-absorption, bitching and moaning, extreme negativity, an inability to plan ahead...these are characteristics of teens that drive us parents nutty. But, if we appreciate that their brains are still developing and their behavior is normal, we can relax, stop worrying, and enjoy their teen years.

My son Leo was diagnosed with autism and my life was forever changed. Here's how our family coped with the realities of my son's autism.

Many children have sensory processing problems that influence behavior. Children may not like being touched, may have unusual preferences in clothing, or may have limited food choices. Understanding these issues may make it easier for parents and teachers to deal with children’s problem behaviors.

Many women in today's society suffer from Superwoman Syndrome. These women feel the pressure that they have to do it all and do it all well. Some even turn to pill-popping to help keep them going.

What you need to buy for breastfeeding at the start, and some things you think you might need that you don’t. Avoid falling in the trap of buying things you don’t need.

"Curious George" is a cute show geared towards kids that doesn't send the right messages to very impressionable minds.

Be prepared with necessary supplies for your baby or young children as well in the event of an emergency or disaster. The article includes extra items to consider for your baby or young child(ren).

How being too overprotective with our children impacts them.

Free resources for parents of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Free advocacy training, distance education courses, and magazines are available to families of young children diagnosed with hearing loss.

A summary of rides at Disneyland California Adventures theme park that are suitable for toddlers and preschoolers.

Car insurance for teen drivers cost more since accidents by teenage drivers are the number one cause of death among teens. Tips to help decide if your teenager is ready to drive are given.

Family game nights are always a great way to bond as a family, even more so if you switch it up and play truth or dare together! Try out this list of 100+ truths and dares for kids!

Concentrate on what's important when talking with teenagers, not things they don't need to know. Common mistakes parents make with their teens.

If you are a parent travelling solo with a baby or small children, learn from my mistakes and make your trip go smoothly. I’ve run of nappies/diapers while stranded overnight so you don’t have to, I’ve left the toddler’s favourite blanket in a suitcase that went astray so you don’t have to…

How parental neglect in childhood effected me into adulthood. This article also includes research on how this type of neglect may affect others with similar experiences.

It's important to understand the positive and negative effects of technology on kids so that you can make the best decisions possible for your children and what they are exposed to. Technology isn't all bad—it has some great positives—but you need to truly understand the scary side of it.

How many children can one woman give birth to in a lifetime? How many children can one man father? Who is the oldest and youngest mother, father, and grand parent on record? How big was the world's heaviest infant? Perplexing questions with startling answer, all right here, along with many other reproductive records.

Here are six rounds of Family Feud questions for kids. It's a great game for encouraging kids to build reasoning and recollection skills, imagine how others think, and have fun with each other.

Though the paisley diaper bag is stocked with supplies, some fathers may feel awkward carrying it while they are on baby duty. Check out these alternatives for manly diaper bags for dads.

Patterns are all around us and they help children to understand the natural order of every day life. Patterns build math vocabulary and concepts.

If your child is considering serving in the Military, read this article.

Do you know the difference between punishment and discipline? The proper use of discipline is the best way to manage your child's behavior.

Having a black-sounding name can subject a person to prejudice and employment discrimination. Parents should be aware of this when naming their children.

What you should know if CPS becomes involved in your family, based on my years of experience as a CPS worker.

Deciding when to have kids can be a complicated process, but deciding when to close the book on the baby-making chapter can be even more so. Here's my top reasons for not having any more kids.

It is important to have cell phone rules for kids. Your family cell phone policy should include limits on cell phones at night and at school, and you should monitor cell phone contacts for young kids.

Children in the US are exposed to thousands of hours of television, internet content, billboards, magazines, and other forms of media. What effect does it have on young minds and what can parents do to counteract any negative influence? Find out more here.

This article describes narcissistic mothers and their impact on children and blended families.

Be prepared for your newborn with this list of baby essentials. Learn what you need for the baby and how you can save money buying items for your new baby.

All 11-, 12-, 13-, and 14-year-olds should have ways to make money, and they should also have the opportunity to start their own business should they want to. Learn how!

Looking to jazz up your youth group? Starting a new group at your church? Here are more than 50 ideas that will make your weekly youth meetings the place to be!

Are you looking for some great autism-friendly apps for your little one? Here's a review of five of them.

The Green Machine Big Wheel is a bike that allows for spins and slides and offers a great deal of fun for kids (and even adults)!

This article provide tips and ideas for getting your kids to eat more vegetables while avoiding mealtime power struggles.

Some people are impressed when a teenage girl proclaims, "my mother is my best friend!" Is being your child's buddy and play mate, though, really a good and healthy thing or just something that satisfies your ego? Find out from experts whether it's better to parent your child or befriend her.

Most of us experienced some degree of name-calling when we were kids from our siblings or classmates. What happens to a person's psyche, though, when those hurtful names came from a parent?