Parenting Articles
Parenting Article Categories:
Scroll down to browse all articles, or click a link below to jump to a
list of parenting articles on the following topics:
Momscape's Favorite Things
Mother/Daughter Aprons
Baby Care Articles
Everything from baby shower tips and ideas to nursery decorating and
soothing a colicky baby.
How to Save Money on Baby: Finding Discounted and Free Baby
Stuff
Links to baby freebies, free baby magazines, savings on diapers and
formula, discount baby furniture and gear and baby-related coupon codes.
Baby Parenting "Quick Tips"
Nuggets of must-have info, from Momscape's Blog.
Momscape Product Reviews: Baby Care
Reviews from moms like you.
Toddler Articles
Taming toddler temper tantrums, plus lots of ideas for making the
most of this adorable stage in your child's life.
Joyful Parenting Articles
Inspiration and ideas for soulful, balanced, centered parenting.
Practical Parenting Articles
Budgeting, sibling rivalry, organizing the kids' rooms. Here's advice
for all the things we do each day. '
Birthday Party Articles
Planning a princess party? Need a good theme? Check here first for ideas
on inexpensive goodie bags, theme parties, and more.
Family Travel Articles
Family travel tips, deals, and promotions to make your family travels a
true "vacation" - and not just a "trip."
More Family Fun "Quick Tips" From Our Blog
Nice little nuggets of fun ideas.
Parenting Tips for Parents of Teens
Ideas, tips, and tricks for teens and tweens.
Parenting Tips for Parents of Middle Schoolers
Pregnancy Articles
Recipes:
Perfect Pesto
Low in saturated fats and high in healthy, unsaturated fats, pesto is a
wonderful healthy choice for its satisfying flavor and incredible
versatility. Here is author Elizabeth Yarnell's favorite pesto recipe,
along with two ways to make a healthy one-dish meal with delicious
end-of-summer vegetables.
Celebrate Autumn Vegetables
Try this infused one-pot meal that
includes summer squash, bell peppers and tomatoes in a savory Italian
recipe.
Healthier Halloween
Easy tips, ideas and recipes for healthy Halloween treats your whole
family will love.
Quick & Easy Family Meals
Time with the Kids versus a home-cooked meal? You can have both!
Elizabeth Yarnell has some tips, as well as a delicious and healthy
recipe.
What’s for Dinner? Quick & Healthy One-Pot Meals
Consider an infused one-pot meal for a healthy, quick and easy way to
feed your busy family. Here's a great recipe to get you started.
Eat
Soup!
Ten new and delicious soup recipes. From to
Chicken Wild Grass Soup with Lemongrass to
Garlic Lentil, you are sure to find something to please your palate
(and warm your belly.)
Blueberries for the Family
Blueberry nutrition facts, recipes, and ideas to help you and your
family eat more beautiful blueberries, all year round.
Easter Recipes
Build your Easter Family Traditions with these yummy, kid-friendly
Easter recipes:
Coconut Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Creamy Homemade Au Gratin Ootatoes
Orange Glazed Ham
Roast Leg of Lamb
Roasted Red Potatoes
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Honey and Lime Carrots
Honey Sweet Potato Mash
Easter Brownie Cupcakes
Easter Ice Cream Nests (A perfect kid-friendly desert - guaranteed
to be a hit!)
Emeril Lagasse Recipes:
My-Oh-My Spaghetti Pie
Emeril's Favorite French Toast
Big Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Crispy-Crunchy Granola Munchies
Browse all Parenting Articles:
Joyful Parenting
From the Momscape
Moments blog
Your Never-ending Vacation Adventure
A Whole New Aperture on Life
Dosha Dosha Bo Bosha
For the Love of Morning
How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty
Do you find it difficult to say no? Do you have a fear of displeasing
others? Do you have trouble expressing your true feelings? You're not
alone. Author Amber Rosenberg has some tips to help you set personal
boundaries.
Maslow for Mamas: Slowing Down and Finding Your Pace
"There are those friends in life (if we make time for them) whose very
presence slows us down. Just being with them says, 'You can't get it all
done. You are already enough just the way you are, so let us set a pace
in this life that we can enjoy.'" Here's to being that kind of friend to
our children.
Fantastic
Fathers: Seven Traits of a Great Dad
"Here are seven common traits found in fathers committed to raising
responsible children with grace, dignity and love. Use the list as
encouragement and direction in your sacred role of fatherhood." From
Thomas Haller and Chick Moorman, authors of The 10 Commitments:
Parenting with Purpose.
Where Did All Our Happy Feet Go?
"You are entrusted with your child’s hopes, dreams and beliefs. Are you
fostering their growth?" By psychologist and author Erik Fisher.
Seeds: An Essay
When I have so much to do, and it all gets overwhelming, I try to think
of parenting as just planting seeds, If I plant enough, some of them,
somewhere, are bound to stick. It is this thought alone that gets me
through, some days…
Help
Wanted: Mother
Classified ads for all you do...
Here’s a sampling of the job postings that would be needed to cover all
you do. Maybe it's time to update your resume.
What Did You Do on Your Summer Vacation?
Creating experiences and reflecting on them adds meaning and builds a lasting, significant memory.
Debrief with your children as summer draws to a close. Here's how.
Reflections on a Simple Life
"No matter what your income, it's infinitely inspiring to slow
down and see if you can recognize true abundance and prosperity, not in
six and seven figure incomes, but in the physical, mental, and spiritual
experience of having plenty: plenty of time and plenty of peace of
mind."
Raising
Children in an Email World
"Kids long for connection, and technology is fulfilling that desire by allowing
them access to worlds beyond their own neighborhoods. But with this vast
expansion of opportunity comes a need for balance and consciousness...Try at least one of the following tips sometime in the next week. You will begin
to see a shift in everyone's attitude." By award-winning author Mimi Doe.
Teaching Children to Manifest a Better World
Help your children embrace the responsibility of creating a better
world. Authors Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller tell us how.
Toddler
Time into the Terrific Twos: Nine Tips for Maintaining Your Sanity
Important reminders about this magical (but trying) stage of your
child's life, from Dr. Joanne Baum.
Four Ways
to Complement Your Child's Nature Discoveries Indoors
Getting outside with your children can be a vital part of a happy family
life. You can use indoor activities to expand on your outdoor
discoveries and round off the experience.
Mark Stevens gives us some ideas.
Families
in Nature: Connecting School Children with Nature
Creating a Balanced Inner World for Our Children
Help your child to love and accept all parts of themselves, so that they
may achieve, wholeness, love and a lifelong connection to themselves and
the world.
A new article by Sally Sacks, psychotherapist and author of How to
Raise the Next President.
What's Your Parenting Style?
Author and clinical psychologist Maryann Rosenthal outlines the 4
primary parenting styles - and discusses how each of them can affect our
kids.
20 Simple Ways to Celebrate Life with Children in October
With leaves crunching underfoot and gorgeous colors overhead, October is
one of the most beautiful times of the year. Here are more than 20
simple ways you can celebrate the simple life with your children this
month.
The River
"Everything is connected. Everything changes. Pay attention." A poignant
essay and meditation for parents, excerpted from
Momfulness: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion and Grace.
Five
Strategies That Help Kids Want to Behave:
Positive Discipline using Connection Parenting
"Ultimately, love is the only leverage we have with our children,"
Author Laura Markham writes. "Even if they worked, fear and power (from
spanking to timeouts) only last for as long as they can be physically
enforced. Every parent knows how fast children grow; fear works for a
very short time. Love, on the other hand, becomes a more effective
motivator over time."
Here, Markham explains how to put positive discipline to work in your
home.
10 Tips
for Helping Your Child Adjust to School
Advice from Dr. Laura Markham
Seven Things You Can Do to Save Recess
At the beginning of every new school year, more and more parents
discover that recess is disappearing from the landscape of their
children’s school days. If this is the case for you – and you’ve seen
the impact it has on your child – following are seven steps you can take
to fight this trend.
How to be a
Super Dad without Having to be SuperDad
Being a loving and caring father and husband plays a big role in raising
healthy, happy children. But even if your heart is with your family,
there are always ways to improve – to go above and beyond for your kids.
Here are eight helpful tips to become a Super Dad.
Jim Burns' Confident Parenting: Seven Steps to Confident Parenting
Advice from Jim Burns, author of
Confident Parenting - including
The A.W.E.
(Affection, Warmth, and Encouragement) To-Do List for Confident
Parents.
5 Ways to Raise Joyful Kids
Foster your children's love of life. Tips by Mimi Doe, author of
10
Principles for Spiritual Parenting and
Busy but Balanced.
Simple
Secrets that Create Happy Family Memories
Research has found that doing simple rituals enhances our feelings of
togetherness and family belonging by almost 20 percent. And those home
traditions and customs also increase our kids’ social skills and
development. Here are nine simple, no-cost secrets moms are using to
create happy memories. By Dr. Michele Borba.
It DOES Get Easier: A Message to Moms with (Very) Young Children
"I suppose I feel compelled to say all of this because when we can see a
light at the end of the tunnel, it makes it easier to settle into our
days and to enjoy them, just the way they are..."
Curtains, Pancakes and Broom Hockey: 12 Ways to Build Self Esteem in
Kids
Few things are as rewarding as seeing your child glow from the inside
out. And it happens when children have a high self esteem: when they
know themselves to be unconditionally accepted, when they feel both
loved and lovable, and when they feel a sense of belonging and self
worth. Here are twelve simple activities that have really made a
difference in our family. These are the rituals that I find especially
important to staying connected and to communicating my love and
appreciation for each child.
7 Secrets to Staying Positive in the Face of Negativity
" Whether your child or spouse has an occasional negative day or you
deal with a family member, friend or co-worker that is chronically
negative, there are things you can do to remain positive in the face of
negativity..."
A Parent's Guide to Raising Successful, Happy Children
Successful parenting means taking the time to understand what our
children need to be fulfilled, confident, and happy. Of course, that’s
no small task. Here are 14 guiding principles.
Family Fun: Five Ways to Celebrate Everyday Life with your Family
Those of us who invest our time, energy, and money into raising a family
know it better than anyone: there is no substitute for quality family
time. Here are ideas for fostering the closeness of your family.
Journaling for Kids
Encouraging your children to keep their own personal journals.
When Is It Okay to Argue in Front of the Children?
The answer may surprise you.
Attaboy!
Encouraging Phrases that Build Confidence in Kids
15 encouraging words and phrases that build confidence in your children.
Frustrated
with violent movies and sarcastic TV?
Join the
Spiritual Cinema Circle.
Top 50 Mom
Quotations
50 inspiring and truthful quotations about your mother and about being a
mom yourself. Perfect for scrapbooking, cardmaking - or simple
reflection.
How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids
Nine ways to get better behavior from your children - without yelling.
Five Principles for Spiritual Parenting
by Mimi Doe
Storytelling Techniques: 10 Ways to Make Up Great Child Stories for Your
Kids
It's fun to read child stories to your kids, but it's even more fun to
make up your own. You don't need to be a creative genius to do so. All
it takes is a little imagination and patience (with yourself). Follow
these 10 suggestions, and you'll find that making up entertaining child
stories is as easy as talking with a good friend.
The "Busy Mom": Is it Your Choice? We live in a fast paced world,
and being busy is a way of life. Discover how the hectic lifestyle
affects moms and their families. Is the busy life a choice you are happy
with?
How Busy Parents Can Stay Involved
"Whether you work outside of the home, run a home office, or take care
of other children, you too can be a part of your child's school life
that they will remember for a lifetime." By Amanda Formaro.
20 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids
"When it's raining, snowing, or just plain too cold to play outside,
your household can fall victim to the 'I'm Bored Blues.' With a little
creativity and imagination, you can turn the tables and find fun things
to do without running to the store or turning on the television."
Developing Self-Esteem in Children
by Stephanie Marston, MFT.
Old-Fashioned Ways to Inspire Children
Simple, low-cost ways to spark your child's imagination.
Funny Mom Quotes
Sixteen funny quotations to celebrate motherhood.
Top 50
Father Quotes
The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Children
In her last 25 years of working with people in her therapy practice and
as a parent educator, Stephanie Marston has discovered one single most
important fact that determines whether children grow up to be happy and
successful...
How Are Your Family Rituals?
Why they're important - and some ideas for making them happen. By Mark
Brandenburg, MA, CPCC
My Kids Are Driving Me Crazy!
Mark Brandenburg shares advice on three universal problems of
parenthood.
Supporting Your Child's Personality
"Giving your child room to become the flower that was intended," by
Jackie Woods.
Top Ten Ways to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids
A high IQ is nice, but a high "EQ" is better. Make these ten ideas
daily habits and give your kids the best chance to be happy, productive,
and responsible adults.
Overscheduled Children
Is a super-busy kid today's status symbol?
When Mom Has a Temper Tantrum
"It's because we love our children so dearly that they are able to
provoke such strong feelings of anger in us." Nine strategies you can
use immediately when you feel anger coming on.
Ten Ways to Get Your Kids To Talk To You
Encourage openness and honesty with these tips, by Mark Brandenburg.
Do You Worry Too Much?
Ten tips to help you stop.
Seeing the Souls of Your Children
Margaret Paul, Ph.D., on how to be a more peaceful parent by connecting
with the essence of our children.
The Smallest Things Mean Everything
An important reminder from WomanLink's Catie Gosselin.
Parenting Difficult Children
An article "in praise of Black Sheep." A Momscape favorite.
Creative Parenting
Use your creativity and insight to be a more effective mom.
Attention
"My child calls me back to the present moment. He can be a strict
teacher who points out all my weak points and shows me the art of being
in the here and now—the most important art of all." An excerpt from
Piero Ferrucci's charming book,
What Our Children Teach Us: Lessons in Joy, Love, and Awareness
Giving Our Children What They Need
A reminder that what our kids need most isn't found on any store shelf.
A Book of Blessings
Create a treasure for yourself--and your kids.
Get Down (on the Floor!) and Play with Your Children
Ah, the joys of floortime! Here, fun tips for spontaneous play.
Full Circle: The Evolution of Mother-Child Relationships
How have your relationships changed since you had children? Here, we
examine these relationships...and applaud the mothers who taught us how
to do the most important job in the world.
Family Travel
Tips
Car Games: 23
Games to Play in the Car (or Anywhere!)
Learn how to transform boring trips into magical memories with these 23
games to play in the car – no supplies required!
Last Minute Travel Deals
Direct links to last minute discounts for your spontaneous getaways.
Top 10 Florida Beaches
We shine the spotlight on 10 best Florida beaches - and what you can
expect to find there. Plus, how to save money on your Florida vacation
with discount hotels, travel coupons and online booking.
California's Best Beaches
When it comes to fun in the sun, southern California has it all. Here is
a guide to six of California best beaches.
Disney Travel Tips and Coupons
With a little know how (and the help of the Internet and some online
coupon codes), you can plan the trip of a lifetime for a lot less than
you might think.
Best Winter Vacations
Top 10 Winter Getaways
Secrets to Discount Family Travel
Ten tricks you can use now to save big on your next vacation.
Family Travel Tips: 18 Ways to Enjoy a Road Trip
Whenever one of my friends returns from some time away, I ask: "Was it a
vacation - or was it just a trip?" When traveling with kids, true
vacations are pretty hard to come by. Here are eighteen tips to help you
enjoy road trip traveling with your kids.
Insider Travel Tips for Mexico: Beyond Cancun
The last time I was in Mexico, so was everyone else - or so it seemed.
But it is possible to travel to Mexico and enjoy a white sandy beach and
some peace and quiet at the same time. All you need to know is where
(and, in some cases, when) to go.
Budget Travel to Cancun
Tips for visiting Cancun on the cheap.
Mexico Travel Deals
Escape with your mate (or your entire family.) Check Momscape's special
page of Mexico Travel Deals.
All Inclusive Resort Packages
Is an all-inclusive resort right for you and your family. Here are some
important considerations.
How to Get a US Passport
It's a good idea to apply for a passport even if you don't need it
immediately, so that you'll always have the option of going abroad at
short notice. Here's a quick guide to getting the process started.
Family Travel
Discounts
All Travel Articles
Birthday Party Ideas
Preschool Birthday Parties: 12 Tips for Kids Ages 5 and Under
Preschool birthday parties are joyous, but, the truth is, when my kids
were younger, I tended to lose sight of what a successful birthday party
really is: a memorable event that makes your child feel treasured. Now
that my kids are a little older, and I have a few more parties under my
belt, I do it differently. Here are some tips for throwing a birthday
party for children ages 5 and under.
Birthday
Party Theme Ideas
Check out this website for all kinds of party themes.
Practical Matters
The Wisdom of
Grief: Understanding Your Kids When Someone Close Passes On
Dr. Erik Fisher shares guidance for parents who are facing a loss.
8
Quick Tips to Raising an Adventurous Eater
From Nancy Piho, author of My Two-Year-Old Eats Octopus: Raising
Children Who Love to Eat Everything.
Six Tips
to Get Your Teen Talking
Try these tips from author and counselor Erin Munroe to see if you can
better connect with your teen.
Do You
Need More Hours in Your Day?
Seven strategies for balancing your life, from Mia Redrick, author of
Time for Mom-Me: 5 Essential Strategies for a Mother's Self Care
How to Raise Happy Kids
Successful parenting means taking the time to understand what our
children need to be fulfilled, confident, and happy. Of course, that’s
no small task. Here are 14 guiding principles.
Homework -
Whose Responsibility is it?
The transition from elementary school with one teacher and one classroom
to middle school, with multiple classes and expectations, creates
increased pressure to stay organized. Author Joe Bruzzese provides
strategies for you to help your kids stay ahead of the middle school
homework game.
Healthy Breakfasts: How Much Does Your Child Need?
We know a Healthy Breakfast = protein + fruits or vegetables +
grains + calcium. Here's a quick guide to how much your children
need for the healthiest start to their day.
7 Tips for Raising Confident Kids
We want our kids to look to the future with more excitement than
apprehension; more exhilaration than nervousness. Here are few everyday
tips and tools to help you raise your child’s level of confidence.
Ten Ways to Tell if YOU Need a Time Out
Strategies from authors and parenting experts Chick Moorman and Thomas
Haller.
Kid Friendly Breakfasts
Healthy Breakfast = protein + fruits or vegetables + whole grains +
calcium. Here are some ideas and recipes your kids will love.
Blah Blah
Blog: Advice for Parents of Kids Who Blog
"As a preteen or teenager going through life’s normal growth stages,
blogging can be very helpful indeed – fostering a social network (even
if it is virtual), or providing an outlet for everyday frustrations. But
as with any internet enterprise, blogs do raise some parental concerns."
Family therapist Dr. Erik Fisher has some advice for parents.
Teaching Children How to Make Friends at School
Parent educator Dyan Eybergen on how parents can help their kids to make
friends.
Talking to Your Kids
An age-by-age guide to starting conversations and communicating
effectively with your children.
5 Things Parents Can Do to Help Their Children Succeed in School - and Life
Help your children take healthy, productive steps toward their 21st
century adult lives this school year. Here are five things you can do to
help your children learn and succeed in their new classes and beyond, by
Maria Chesley Fisk, Ph.D.
Getting
Children to Sleep and Stay in Bed - Without Fears or Power Struggles
The latest from Jody Johnston Pawel.
A Father's Thoughts on Bullies
Is there a point at which a child can actually stand up for himself when the other avenues have failed?
What are Multiple Intelligences?
Dr. Maria Chesley Fisk, author of Teach Your Kids to Think:
Simple Tools You Can Use Every Day on the importance of helping
children develop multiple intelligences: analytical, creative,
social/emotional and practical.
Conflict Resolution for Families
Author Erik Fisher takes a look the sources of conflict inside a family and offers tips for resolving these struggles so you can have a more peaceful family life.
From Momscape's Favorite Things:
Fleurville Sling Tote Diaper Bag
It's a messenger bag, tote, and stroller bag in one.
Is it Puppy
Love? What to Say About Your Child's First Crush
A helpful list of do's and don'ts from Jody Johnston Pawel.
"Dad Can't
Play Right Now; He Has to Work"
Don Harrold on the importance of taking the time to play with
your kids.
Mean What You Say, and Say What You Mean
How do you communicate with your kids, and how does it affect their
emotions and communication styles? Dr. Erik Fisher offers an education
in the semantics of emotion.
7 Tips
for Building Better Relationships with Your Children
by Dyan Eybergen
Eliminating
Empathy Deficit Disorder?
A new column by parenting experts Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller
Halting Homework Hassles
The top 10 reasons kids have trouble with homework - and how to help (without helping too much). A new article by parenting expert Jody Johnston Pawel.
5 Steps to a Calm Evening
Whether you work outside the house or stay at home full-time,
the toughest part of the day is the same: those frantic early evening
hours when there are mouths to feed, homework to do, and cranky kids to
handle. The trick is to streamline your to-do's so you can feel calmer
and focus on what counts - spending time with your family. Here's how.
Best Breakfasts for Kids
What's the healthiest way to start your day? Linda Miner has the answer.
Solving Sibling Strife
New from Jody Johnston Pawel.
Toward a More Fun Family Dinner
Reconnect with your kids each night with help from Dr. Lynne Kenney.
Includes creative "theme ideas" for every day of the week.
The Best Insurance for Raising Safe and Happy Kids
by Paula Statman
Teaching Empathy to Your Children
Dr. Annye Rothenberg shares six strategies for helping your kids become
more empathetic.
Five
Things You Need to Know When Your Parents Retire
You can do a lot to help your folks retire well. Here are five important
things to consider. By Mary Lloyd, author of
Supercharged Retirement.
Getting Your Kids to Write Thank You Notes
Sometimes, it's not easy to get your kids to sit down and write their
thank yous. Here are some tips from parenting experts and authors Chick
Moorman and Thomas Haller.
I Told
You So
“We, as parents, have to realize our power that we have in the eyes of
our children.” Dr. Erik Fisher on how to encourage your child to engage
in the world.
How to
Make Homemade Bread
Don't be scared! Here are useful tips and recipes (including a favorite
recipe for cinnamon bread. Yum!)
The
Benefits of Music for Both Children and Family Relationships
By Marc Herstein.
Medicine
and Kids: The Do's and Don'ts
What do you do if your child refuses to take his medicine? Here's help
from parenting experts Thomas Haller and Chick Moorman.
Extra-Curricular Activities Can Pose Extra Stress on Families
Is your child overscheduled?
Sexting
101: What You Need to Know as a Parent
Six things you can you do to decrease the chance of your child engaging
in this dangerous activity, by Dr. Erik Fisher.
Of Course
I'm Listening!
...What Did You Say?
"Tweens and teens constantly say their parents “don’t listen.” Parents
tell me the same thing about teens." Here's useful advice from Annie
Fox, M. Ed.
The Fine
Art of Disciplining Other People's Kids
What to do and how to do it - from Dr. Michele Borba, author of
The Big Book of Parenting Solutions
The Ten
Best Things to Say to Your Child During Homework Time
Parenting experts Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller share ways to make
your child's homework experience productive and stress-free.
The Bully in Pigtails: Girls & Bullying
As we are teaching girls "girl power," let's also teach them healthy
ways to find it. Important words from Dr. Erik Fisher.
Use Fall
Sports to Teach Healthy Competition
Useful gudelines from Jody Johnston Pawel, author of
The Parent's Toolshop.
Mother's Intuition: Trust Your Intuition when Raising Children
Author Dyan Eybergen helps us parent from a place of intuition.
Ten Ways to Save Big on Baby
Gear
A typical middle-income family with one child in the U.S. will spend an
average of $13,590 on baby’s first year alone. But you get better value,
and still buy high-quality, safe products without spending a bundle.
Here's what you need to know, from Sandra Gordon, author of
Consumer Reports Best Baby Products.
"You
Aren't Allowed to Play with Him Anymore"
While you may lose the ability to control your children's
choice of friends by the age of eight or nine, you do not lose your
ability to influence these choices. Here are some helpful ways
to talk to your kids about their choice of friends, from Thomas Haller
and Chick Moorman, authors of
Teaching the Attraction Principle to Children.
Playing Your Kids' Way
Kids are often more receptive to learning in casual environments. Here,
Dr. Erik Fisher discusses the power of playing your kids' way.
Now
Aren't Your the Prettiest Thing: Helping Your Children Find Beauty from
the Inside Out
"I want my child (and every child) to feel absolutely beautiful,
but from the inside out, not the outside in. I also want her to believe
in who she is, not what she wears or what she does to her body." Dr.
Erik Fisher on helping your children find their inner beauty.
10
Tips for Kindergarten Preparation
Ease your child into this new transition by following these ten simple
tips. By Jody Pawel
Back to
School Readiness
Once you've checked all the items off the back to school list, check in
with yourself and your kids. Here, authors Thomas Haller and Chick
Moorman tell us how to "give your kids what they really need to be
prepared for this school year: structure, energy, enthusiasm, and a
positive attitude."
“Survival
Tips” for Leaving Your House with a Baby (or Babies!) in Tow
Ever feel like you're under house arrest? Here are some
strategies for how a mom of one or many can get herself and her babies
out of the house.
Teaching
Your Children Values Through Volunteerism
"When we contribute our time and effort, it helps us to feel better
about ourselves, teaches a stronger work ethic, contributes to learning
about the world around us, results in us meeting different people and
forming different relationships, and provides confidence-building
experiences in a variety of different job tasks." Dr. Erik Fisher on the
great beneifts of family volunteerism.
Don't Say "Don't"
"In all the years I have taught parenting classes, one skill has stood
out as a four-star skill for gaining cooperation from children and
preventing problems like power struggles and tantrums. I call it 'Don't
say Don't.'" Great advice from Jody Johnston Pawel, LSW, CFLE
Working Mommy Guilt
As a working mom, you get all kinds of benefits, from feeling a sense of
contribution, to retaining your identity, to supporting your family. But
a feeling of guilt is inevitable, especially if your kids are very
young. Here are some tips for helping you work through the rough
patches.
Save Your
Stars: Fostering Internal Motivation and Avoiding Reward Junkies
"External motivators produce children and adults who expect rewards for
every little accomplishment. By shifting our focus from external rewards
to internal motivation, we can help our children become self-motivated
and develop cooperative, helpful attitudes." Here's how, By Jody
Johnston Pawel, LSW, CFLE.
The ABC's of Sideline Etiquette
Your behavior on the sidelines is as important as your child’s behavior
between the lines. Here's how to model good sportsmanship from the
sidelines.
Grandparents Make a Big Difference in Today's Challenging World
Author Nancy Carlsson-Paige on the tremendous pressures that kids face
today- and how a strong relationship with grandparents can help.
Setting Limits
Boundaries are essential for raising well-behaved and emotionally
balanced kids. Armin Brott, aka Mr. Dad, provides tips on setting limits
that are right for your family.
Where Does Your Pretty Come From?
"Here are some stats to consider: about 42% of first, second, and third
grade girls want to be thinner, 81% of ten year olds are afraid of
becoming fat, and 51% of nine and ten year-old girls feel 'better' if
they are on a diet, than if they are not." Dr. Erik Fisher shares some
insight on helping a child to develop a healthy body image.
Masters of the Airbrush
Dr. Erik Fisher on helping kids build a better body image.
Retool Your
Parenting
Consider for a moment how the concept of reinventing oneself can also be
applied to parenting. Here are things to keep in mind as you look to
retool your parenting, from authors and parenting experts Thomas Haller
and Chick Moorman.
Sweet Dreams: No
Sugar Added
How to cut down the sugar in your child's diet. Ten tips that work, from
Dr. Erik Fisher.
How to
Offer Children Choices Within Limits
Offering choices is the best tool for preventing and stopping power
struggles and rebellion, but there are a few ways that parents can run
into problems. Here, author Jody Johnston Pawel gives us guidelines for
using choices effectively.
The Art
of Allowing: Parent Control From the Inside Out
"If you are not enamored with the results of attempting to
control your children, you might want to examine a shared control style
that often leaves the parent with more control than they had to begin
with. Consider the art of allowing." Here's how, from
authors Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller.
Allowance
and Household Chores
Should you pay your child to do household chores? Armin Brott (aka Mr.
Dad) weighs in on the debate.
Mirror,
Mirror on the Wall:
Unattainable Perfection for both Mothers and Daughters
The Dangers
of Over Parenting
by Dr. Carl Pickhardt
Make Yourself Dispensable
Are you over-functioning in your role as a parent? Here is important
advice to help you raise children who eventually grow into independent,
autonomous and fully-functioning adults. From authors Thomas Haller and
Chick Moorman.
Managing
Anger Between Parent and Child
Author Nancy Carlsson-Paige provides anger management techniques for
parents.
CellPhones; Should I Say Yes?
"Dear Mr. Dad: My daughter turns ten next week and has made it known
that she expects, needs, yearns for, and won’t be able to live without a
cell phone. “Everybody has one,” she says. Is she too young? I’m not
even sure I know what the issues are, but it seems like opening a huge
can of worms"
Mr. Dad, aka Armin Brott, has some advice.
Fundraising Ideas: Fast and Easy Programs
5 Ways to
Develop More Patience with Your Children
As moms, we all have a "patience meter," which goes up and down
depending on our moods, our various triggers, and whether we forgot to
eat breakfast. Here are five tips for being more patient wth your kids,
from Lori Radun.
Why You Can't Get Anything Done
"You’re not incompetent, and you don’t have ADHD. You have children!" A
must-read from Melissa Stanton, author of
The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide.
Postpartum Depression: Three
Simple Questions to Ask Yourself
A simple new 3-question test has proven very reliable at detecting
postpartum depression. Dr. Alan Greene shares the test here.
Bail Out Plan for Parents:
Teaching Accountability
Do you bail out your children? Are you inadvertently teaching them they
do not have to act responsibly because they will not be held accountable
for their choices? Here are some things to consider, from parenting
experts Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller.
Six Tips for Getting Through to Your Preschooler
Tips for parenting preschoolers, by author Annye Rothenberg
My Baby Hates
Me
"I’m a new dad and I can’t help but feel like my 2-week old
girl hates me. it seems that no matter what I do with her—or even if I
come near her—she screams and cries and flails her arms like she’s
trying to push me away or like she’s frightened of me." Author Armin
Brott helps this new father bond with his newborn.
New
Dad Gifts
Give dad something that's useful and meaningful. Here
are our favorite gift ideas for new dads.
Top Three
Back to School Tips
There are a million back-to-school tips out there and if you try to
follow them all, you’ll run yourself ragged before the first day of
school. Here, author Paula Statman narrows it down to the three most
important.
School is
in Session and the Bully is Back
Bullying expert and author Derek Randel shares six important steps to
follow whenever approaching the school about bullying.
Use Nature
to Boost Your Child's Learning
Author Mark Stevens shares ways for children to expand their minds and
learn about life through the wonder of nature.
Top 8
Parenting Dos and Don'ts
From pediatrician and author Dr. Alan Greene
BPA-Free Baby
Bottles: What You Need to Know
As a parent of young children, it seems as though every time I turn on
the news or pick up a paper, there's something new to worry about. Now
it seems researchers are linking BPA to everything from ADHD to cancer.
Meanwhile, more than 95 percent of the bottles currently on the market
contain the chemical, which can leech into the contents of the bottle
and into a child's digestive system. Do you need to be concerned about
BPA - and what can you do to protect your baby's health?
Eight Fun
Ways to Keep Your Kids Learning All Summer
Most kids look forward to three months of nothing but fun and games,
but, as a parent, you know that learning should take place year round.
Here are eight fun ways to keep them learning all summer long, including
some educational websites your kids will love.
The Old
Schoolhouse Magazine
Homeschooling resources and encouragement
Preschool
at Home: Six Tips for Homeschooling a Preschooler
By starting homeschooling activities at this age you'll be able to
enrich your child's life and help them grow on a variety of different
levels. Here are eight tips to get you started on your child's lifelong
learning adventure.
A Perfect
Mother is Not an Ideal Mother at All
How to accept being a "perfectly imperfect mother" and to develop better
relationships with your daughters as they reach adulthood.
Coping with a New StepDad
"Six months ago, my wife and I divorced because she was having
an affair. After our divorce, she remarried and my 3-year old son
has become attached to her new husband, who showers him with expensive
presents. I know my son loves me, but it isn’t easy for me not to
feel hurt by their relationship. I don’t want to harm my son’s
relationship with his stepfather, so how can I deal with these
feelings?" Mr. Dad (Armin Brott) tackles this tough situation.
Preparing Your Child for Today’s World
10 tips for teaching and protecting your child, by award-winning author and educator Paula Statman
Back Up Your
Child's Diet
"You know that it's wise to back up your computer’s hard drive; I
recommend backing up your child’s food drive with a daily
multivitamin/mineral supplement. This simple habit could improve your
child’s health and even intelligence." Dr. Alan Greene, Professor of
Pediatrics and author of
Raising Baby Green, explains why he feels so strongly about this.
Ten Rules
for Talking to Your Children About Grades
Advice from parenting experts and authors Chick Moorman and
Thomas Haller.
Helping My Child When I Was Diagnosed with Cancer
How do you help children understand when their parent has cancer? Here
are nine tips that got one mother and son through this painful journey.
When Your Child is the Bully
Bullying expert Derek Randel shares five important
considerations if you suspect your child may be a bully.
7 Tips
for Hiring a Babysitter
If concern about quality babysitting is on your heart and mind, the
following tips can help you in your search as well as relieve anxiety
while you’re out.
When
Parents Disagree on Discipline
As parents, we’re influenced by the disciplinary approaches we
experienced growing up, and we tend to apply them to our children —
often without first talking them through with our partner. Here, Armin
Brott (also known as Mr. Dad) gives some strategies for getting on the
same page.
Invasive In-laws
Dear Mr. Dad: My fiancée and I recently had a baby. I'm thrilled
with everything, but I can't help but feel like I'm taking a backseat to
her parents. It's almost as if their opinions matter more than mine. Is
there anything I can do or say? Read the response from author Armin
Brott (aka Mr. Dad).
Working
with Nature to Stimulate Your Child's Senses
Inspire and develop your child's senses every day. Here's a guide, from
Mark J. Stevens.
Beyond the Blues: Kids and Depression
Researchers believe depression affects 3 percent to 5 percent of
preteens and up to 15 percent of adolescents, with girls suffering from
depression at twice the rate of boys.
Here, clinical psychologist and author Dr. Maryann Rosenthal tells us
what to look for - and what to do if you depression is affecting your
family.
Healthy Meals (and Snacks) for Kids
It can be tough to feed kids, especially if they are finicky. Here are
some creative tips to help you make sure your kids get a dose of
nutrition in each meal.
School's
Out, I Thought It Would Stop: Bullying at Summer Camp
Signs something might be wrong as well as tips for counselors. Plus,
what to look for in a summer camp.
Crying Baby, Upset Dog
Dogs can become stressed when a baby is crying. Colleen Pelar, author of
Living with Kids and Dogs...without Losing Your Mind gives us
ideas for helping the family dog cope with the changes in your family.
Fresh Baby Food On-the-Go
Families are always on the go, whether it’s off to daycare everyday or
to visit friends and family once in a while. Here are some strategies to
help you prepare for your baby’s meals on the go.
The
Environmentally Friendly Laundry Room
Eco friendly laundry tips from Dr. Alan Green, author of
Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy,
Childbirth and Baby Care
Is Your Child
Being Bullied?
Derek Randel, author of Stopping School Violence, highlights specific
ways parents can help their children deal with bullies.
My Child was Bullied by Another Parent - What Can I Do?
Bullying expert and author Derek Randel shares three solutions that can
make a difference for both you and your child in this difficult
situation.
Shy Kids: How to Help Kids Make Friends
Author and syndicated columnist Armin Brott (also known as Mr. Dad)
answers a parent's concern for his shy child. What can a parent to do to
help a child reach out and feel more comfortable?
The Discipline Quiz
The discipline techniques that parents use today are often filled with
myths and misinterpretations. This nine-question true/false quiz will
challenge you to examine your understanding of discipline and the
beliefs upon which you base your discipline decisions.
How to Help Kids Really Know Their Grandparents—Regardless of Where They
Live
Three tips for building a strong bond between children and grandparents.
No Child Left Inside
How can parents make it more interesting for kids to get outside and get
active? Author Mark Stevens has some great ideas you can start using
today.
Six Tips for Less-Stress Parenting
Nobody ever said parenting was easy, but here are some practical tips
for how to worry less and enjoy parenting more, from award-winning
author and educator Paula Statman.
Helping Children Succeed in School: Ten Mistakes Parents Make
Helping children to be successful in school and to enjoy life-long
learning can be a difficult task for parents. Often, with the best of
intentions, we end up making these common mistakes. Learn how to avoid
them - and bring the love of learning back into your child's life.
Causes of Sibling Rivalries
Are you inadvertently fueling sibling rivalry? Authors and
parenting experts Thomas Haller and Chick Moorman give us 10 surefire
ways to cause sibling rivalry. See if you're doing any of these in your
home.
Tips for
Avoiding Cyber Bullying
Bullying has gone wireless. What is 'Cyber Bullying' and what can you do
to stop it? School violence expert Derek Randel has some tips you and
your kids can use today.
Cool
School Lunches
Tips and ideas for better school lunches, including three simple and
healthy recipes your kids will love.
Getting
Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth
"Dear Mr. Dad: Our five-year old refuses to brush his teeth - almost
every night my wife and I end up screaming at him (and each other) and
he ends up in tears...What can we do to make the process a little less
miserable for all of us?" Read Armin Brott's ideas.
Avoiding the
Morning Rush
Seven strategies for bringing peace to your morning routine.
Dog Basics for Children: Three Steps to Meeting a Dog
Instructions for parents.
A Parent's Guide to Dog Bite Prevention
Each year nearly 2.8 million children are bitten by a dog. Half of these
bites come from the family’s own dog, and another 40 percent come from a
friend or neighbor’s dog. Here's what you can do to help prevent it from
happening to your kids.
A
New Dog with Old Kids
Tips for helping a new dog adapt to your busy household, from Colleen
Pelar, author of Living with Kids and Dogs...Without Losing Your
Mind.
Saving Money on Groceries
Nine simple strategies you need to know before you go to the grocery
store this week.
Lower Monthly Bills
Simple things you can do each today to reduce your monthly bills.
Family Movies: A Guide to Finding Family-Friendly Films
You never know what you’re going to find when you take the kids to the
movies – or turn on the TV in the evening. Here are four useful online
resources to help you avoid surprises and find the best family-friendly
movies.
How to Help Your Picky Eater
Are you worried that your child won’t get enough nutrients because she’s
a picky eater? The good news is that the American food supply is
super-fortified, therefore nutrient deficiencies are rare. Kids will
often grow out of picky eating if it isn’t given too much attention, so
while you wait for that day, here are some options to try.
Living on One Income
Tips for reducing your expenses.
Sibling Rivalry: Lose the Fighting, Not the Love
Are you longing for just one day of peace between your children? Here
are ten practical suggestions for minimizing the sibling rivalry in your
family.
Create a Web Site or Blog for Your Family
You don't have to know much about technology to create your own family
web site or blog--it's easier than you think.
Educational Toys Coupon Codes
These are toys you'll feel good about giving. Find out what toys we love
the most, as well as special coupon codes to help you save on your
entire order.
KBToys Coupons
Educational Toys.com Coupons
Children's Place Coupons
Listening Skills
10 simple ways to improve your listening skills.
Organizing Kids Rooms
Seven quick little things you can do.
Time Management
A Dozen Guaranteed Time Savers, by Suzanne Falter-Barns.
More Sibling Rivalry Tips
"Contrary to what many parents believe, sibling rivalry is a sign of
mental health in a family. While there may be times when it's difficult
to deal with, there are some simple things you can do to limit fighting
and make it tolerable."
7 Little Things You Can Do to Organize Kids' Rooms
Karen Fritscher-Porter shares some ideas you can implement today.
Frugal, Nutritious Snacks for Children
Easy and delicious recipes your kids will love.
A Dozen Guaranteed Time-Savers
Practical time management advice for everyday tasks.
Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas
It’s not easy juggling our busy lives while trying to feed our families
a hot, nutritious dinner every day. Here are seven quick and easy dinner
ideas will help take the stress out of family meal times.
How to Get Kids to Eat Vegetables: 6 Easy Tips
Here's a common struggle that most moms face at one time or another:
getting kids to eat vegetables. Here are some fun and easy ways to get
your kids to eat their veggies.
Discount
Parenting Magazines
When Parents Can't Agree on Discipline
What to do when you don't see eye-to-eye.
The Summertime Parent
Special help for non-custodial parents. From Ron Huxley, LMFT
And the Two Shall Become as One
Family fun on a budget.
Five Secrets for Parents to Help Encourage Responsible Use of the
Internet
Are your kids safe online? Make sure your children are prepared to
handle the content available to them...
Tending the Fire Within
T.W. Winslow on the importance of self-care.
Surviving as a Single Parent
Seven Suggestions to Make Your Life Easier
Dealing with Isolation
Special help for stay-at-home moms.
"I've Got to Be Me"
One supermom shares her secret for getting everything done and staying
sane.
Desperately Seeking Support
A support network of other mothers can help you share ideas, vent
frustration, and compare notes. Learn how to build a support network of
your own.
Escaping the Guilt Trap
Mothers know all about guilt. Here are a few tips for identifying
the guilt that is only dragging you down...and what to do about it.
Help for Chronic Worriers
Does excessive worry eat away at you? Learn what sort of worry can help
you, and what can only make life more difficult. Then, find out
what to do about it.
Banishing the Burnout Blues
Mothers are prime targets for physical and emotional burnout. Learn how
to prevent and treat mommy burnout before it develops into a more
serious problem
Time is Flying By
Jenny Wanderscheid from Childfun.com shares her secret for making every
minute count.
The Secret Life of a Stay-at-Home Mom
"You must love the free time you have..." Every SAHM has heard this
one. Christine Clark serves up a slice of her life...and quashes some of
those stay-at-home mom myths that refuse to go away.
How to Turn Your Stay-at-Home Mom Dreams Into a Reality
New ideas for making it work.
Weighing the Costs of a Career
The old adage is true: It takes money to make money. Maybe more than
you think. Find out if going to work each day is costing you.
Alternatives to Full-Time Work
Studies show the majority of us wish we could spend more time with
the family. Here's a guide to making it work.
How to Make One Income Stretch Twice as Far
If you stay at home with your children, part of your job might be to
stretch those two ends until they meet. Here are some time-tested tricks
to help you do just that.
Helping Your Kids Build a Better Body Image
What you can do to help your kids love their bodies...
Why a Mother's Happiness Matters
Studies show that happiness creates higher incomes, stronger
relationships, more friends, greater self-confidence, better physical
health and a longer life. That sounds like what we want for our
children. But where do they learn how to be happy? From us. Our children
model our behavior. Being happy is one of the greatest gifts we can give
our children
Applause for Stay-at-Home Moms
We have seen a lot of articles applauding mothers who go to work each
day. Rarely do we see an article that celebrates those who stay-at-home.
Here are just a few of the reminders of the fact that your selflessness
and sacrifices make a difference.
Family Game Night
A simple tradition that fosters communication, togetherness, and family
fun.
How to Archive Your Memories on the Web
It has never been easier to organize and share your family photos. Here,
find tips and tricks to preserve your family’s heritage, with a little
help from modern technology.
Family Traditions
Family traditions are the glue that binds one generation to another.
Here is a collection of favorite family traditions, as well as a chance
for you to share your own.
The Organized Home
Special help for organizing and decluttering your world.
Eating
Strategically to Save the Planet
"By eating strategically, we can reclaim our streams, our food, and our
future. Here’s my take on the top five organic food choices a pregnant
woman can make for the sake of her baby and the health of the planet."by
Dr. Alan Greene, author of
Raising Baby Green.
Holidays/Special Events
Back to School Time
Getting Your Children School Ready
You may have already bought the backpack and the school supplies. Now authors Thomas Haller and Chick Moorman help us to give our kids what they really need to begin this school year: structure, energy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.
Back to School Savings
Six ways to save money during back-to-school time.
shoes.com Kid's
Shoes
Do you have questions about kids' shoes? You call the shoes new kids'
phone line, and a Kids Shoe Specialist will answer your questions about
kids shoes. Details at the kids' shoes link above. Upddated
shoes.com coupons are here.
Celebrating Life with Children in September
Ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your children this month.
Back to School, Back to You
As the kids go back to school, you can go back to you...your schedule,
your friends, your goals. Here are ten simple indulgences to celebrate
this season.
"It's Elementary My Dear": Helping Your Child Look Forward to School
Steps for a smooth transition.
Dear Diary: Confessions Of A Back-to-School Fool
Already planning your days of freedom? Read this.
Back-to-School Shopping: Stop and Smell the Sale Racks Humor
columnist Linda Sharp makes that dreaded trip to the mall...
More Back to School Ideas
Holidays and Special Occasions
Homemade Halloween Costumes
Unique costumes you can create yourself - for less. Baby and toddler
halloween costumes, too.
Christmas
Twelve Winter Blah-Busters
Feeling stuck in a never-ending winter? Declare an early spring with
these quick ideas.
Wants and Wishes How to acknowledge your children's wants this
season without giving in to their demands.
New Year's
Time Capsule of Family Memories
Family fun for the New Year
A NEW New Year's Resolution
"This is the time of year when it's most difficult to stay on track with
our goals. It's also the time of year when we're all in a rush to make
new ones..." Tips on burying your "shoulds."
Halloween Ideas
Valentine's Day
Valentine Party Games Kids Love
Here are 11 ideas, perfect for classroom parties, that will get your
kids giggling.
Fun Things to Do With Your Kids for Valentine's Day Crafts, games,
and recipes.
Valentine's Recipes
Valentine Party Punch
Valentine Pancakes
Valentine Cake
Sweetheart Cake
Quick Chocolate Cherry Pie
Poached Pears in Red Wine
Heart Shaped Cookies
Cherry Cheese "Cake"
Easy Cheeecake Cups
Berry Parfait
Easter
11 Fun Easter Activities for Kids
Easy, fun, and affordable family activities for Eastertime.
Easter Family Traditions
Seven ways to add meaning to your family celebration this Easter.
Decorating Easter Eggs
Instructions for traditional easter egg decorating, as well as glitter
eggs, crepe paper eggs, decoupage eggs, spotted eggs, and waxed eggs.
Mother's Day
How to Make
Paper Flowers
Three easy paper flower crafting projects, just right for young kids and
customizable for older kids and adults.
Mother's Day Traditions
10 Memorable Ways to Celebrate Mom this
Mother's Day
Unique Mother's Day Gift Ideas
As moms, we know that the most endearing Mother's Day gifts are those
with a personal, sentimental touch. This Mother's Day, we've compiled
six suggestions for those gifts we'd most like to receive ourselves.
(Free free to share this article with your spouse.) ;)
Mother's Day Gifts: Top 10 Gifts for Mom
Pamela Swingley offers ideas and inspiration for choosing the perfect
gifts for Mother's Day.
Mother's Day Gift Baskets
Great theme ideas to get you started on quick, inexpensive gift baskets
for the moms in your life.
The History of Mother's Day
All across the world, more than 46 countries honor mothers with a
special day, but not all nations celebrate on the same day. Read how
Mother's Day became a national holiday in the United States.
Mother's Day vs. Pickle Week A tribute to mommies from humor
columnist Linda Sharp.
It's Spring Break Alright, But Just WHO is Getting the Break? Humor
columnist Linda M. Sharp wishes for some quiet time of her own during
the kids' spring break.
