http://www.sheknows.com/authors/abbi-perets/articles Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:51:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834849/8-ways-to-make-cleaning-fun-for-your-kids Who couldn't use a hand with all the cleaning that needs to be done around the house? And why do we have children, if not to make them do the tasks we don't want to do ourselves? Even if your motives weren't quite so self-interested, it's still a good idea to get kids used to the idea of pitching in around the house. These are skills that will serve them well throughout their lives -- and if it makes your own a life a little easier, so much the better. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834849/8-ways-to-make-cleaning-fun-for-your-kids Abbi Perets Sat, 10 Sep 2011 17:55:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816673/5-questions-to-ask-at-your-child-s-next-checkup-1 It's hard to think straight when your child is sick. So at your next well-child checkup, take the time to talk to your pediatrician and get answers to a few important questions. Take our cheat sheet with you to your next appointment so you don't forget anything! http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816673/5-questions-to-ask-at-your-child-s-next-checkup-1 Abbi Perets Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:07:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816627/5-things-to-do-before-school-starts-1 We're heading into the last few weeks of summer. The start of the school year looms just ahead. But before you send the kinds on the bus, take the time to wrap up summer properly. Check out our "must-do" list to be sure your student is ready! http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816627/5-things-to-do-before-school-starts-1 Abbi Perets Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:27:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816543/4-ways-parenting-makes-you-a-better-person-1 As a parent, you probably do more before 10 a.m. than many people do all day. But it's not just the fact that you get up early or get more done -- it's who you become as a parent. Give yourself a little credit for who you are and what you do. Here's how parenting makes you a better person. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816543/4-ways-parenting-makes-you-a-better-person-1 Abbi Perets Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816519/keep-your-kids-entertained-for-free-1 Running out of ideas — and money — to keep your kids entertained? Try a free kids activity! SheKnows has four great free activities for kids that you can easily do to entertain your family. The best part: The free activities often inspire more creativity — and are more fun — than those that cost money. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816519/keep-your-kids-entertained-for-free-1 Abbi Perets Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:35:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816424/do-you-play-favorites-with-your-kids-1 If you've never been asked by your offspring which of them is your favorite, it's only a matter of time. And though most of us are loathe to admit it, the truth is that many of us do have a favorite child -- and our kids know it. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816424/do-you-play-favorites-with-your-kids-1 Abbi Perets Mon, 05 Sep 2011 02:18:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816351/tips-for-a-stress-free-back-to-school-season-1 Want back to school to be a calmer experience this year than last? We've come up with plenty of ways to take stress out of the equation. With a little homework and some careful planning, you can send your kids off to school with smiles on their faces. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816351/tips-for-a-stress-free-back-to-school-season-1 Abbi Perets Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:11:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816350/back-to-school-shopping-tips-for-moms-1 If the back to school displays seem less like a siren call and more like a blaring alarm, you may be suffering from shopper's stress. After all, you're probably juggling multiple lists -- often a different one for each child -- along with trying to replenish uniforms and other outgrown clothes and shoes. Here's a cheat sheet that will help you ace your back to school shopping! http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816350/back-to-school-shopping-tips-for-moms-1 Abbi Perets Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:50:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816349/5-school-supplies-you-didn-t-think-you-needed-1 You already know you need to stock up on composition books, binders, pencils and note cards. You have cases full of erasers and protractors. You scoured the Internet for the best deal on a scientific calculator. But you still don't have everything you need for your kids to have a successful year. Check out our list of supplies you may have missed. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816349/5-school-supplies-you-didn-t-think-you-needed-1 Abbi Perets Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:25:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816319/4-reasons-your-family-should-drop-cable-1 What could you do with an extra $40 to $100 every month? That's probably what you're paying for cable or satellite television, and it's money you really don't have to be spending. If you've never considered cutting cable, maybe it's time to think about it. Take a look at the benefits for families. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816319/4-reasons-your-family-should-drop-cable-1 Abbi Perets Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:01:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/816308/steal-the-look-hollywood-s-freshest-faces-1 Remember the glory days of blue eyeshadow and green mascara? Good times -- and good that they're behind us. These days, one of the hottest looks in Hollywood is makeup so fresh it looks like you're not wearing anything. Take a look at these beauties, and learn how you can get the look. http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/816308/steal-the-look-hollywood-s-freshest-faces-1 Abbi Perets Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:15:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/816300/our-best-makeup-removal-tips-1 Makeup removal is one of those things we often assume -- incorrectly -- that we know how to do. Get the scoop from our skin care experts on how to take off your makeup right -- and treat your skin well while you do it. http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/816300/our-best-makeup-removal-tips-1 Abbi Perets Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:28:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/816299/skincare-get-it-right-every-night-1 We know, we know: Your days are busy, and by the time bedtime rolls around, you don't have the energy to treat your skin with the care it deserves. So we've streamlined your routine down to five simple steps that will keep your skin glowing. http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/816299/skincare-get-it-right-every-night-1 Abbi Perets Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:45:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816255/routines-to-help-special-needs-kids-thrive-1 Have you resigned yourself to chaotic mornings, afternoon tantrums, and evening meltdowns? Do you plan your life knowing you're going to be late every time you need to leave the house with your kids? Routines can help streamline your home -- and keep your special needs child calm and focused. Here's how to put routines to work for you. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816255/routines-to-help-special-needs-kids-thrive-1 Abbi Perets Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:34:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816188/10-blogs-for-parents-of-kids-with-special-needs-1 Connecting with other parents is a great way to feel less alone and more connected. And if you’re the parent of a child with special needs, the internet can be an amazing tool for finding other parents sharing your special journey. Here's a roundup of some of the best blogs for special needs parents. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816188/10-blogs-for-parents-of-kids-with-special-needs-1 Abbi Perets Sat, 10 Jul 2010 09:33:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816159/4-ways-to-help-your-homesick-camper-1 Even if this isn't your child's first summer at sleepaway camp, homesickness can still surface. If you've noticed extra phone calls, an anxious tone in letters or other signs that your child misses you, don't panic. Homesickness is a normal rite of passage -- and it will pass. Here's how to help. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/816159/4-ways-to-help-your-homesick-camper-1 Abbi Perets Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:27:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/sheknows-plus/articles/816079/baby-friendly-date-night-ideas-1 Three of my five children are away for the summer for the first time ever. With only two small children at home, my husband and I feel like we've gone back to the days of being young parents -- it's been a long time since our family could fit in a sedan. http://www.sheknows.com/sheknows-plus/articles/816079/baby-friendly-date-night-ideas-1 Abbi Perets Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:18:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/sheknows-plus/articles/816077/5-things-happy-couples-know-1 Ever seen a couple and think, "What's their secret?" Some couples just seem to have all the answers on how to be happy. We went to the experts to find out exactly what it is those couples know -- and now you can be in on the secret, too. http://www.sheknows.com/sheknows-plus/articles/816077/5-things-happy-couples-know-1 Abbi Perets Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:55:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/sheknows-plus/articles/816076/fight-right-how-to-argue-with-your-spouse-without-getting-nasty-1 Arguing is a normal part of a healthy relationship. You're two different people, and it's only natural that you sometimes have different opinions. What's important is that you learn to express your positions respectfully so that your arguments don't turn into knock-down, drag-out fights. http://www.sheknows.com/sheknows-plus/articles/816076/fight-right-how-to-argue-with-your-spouse-without-getting-nasty-1 Abbi Perets Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:36:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/sheknows-plus/articles/816075/5-things-you-should-never-say-to-your-spouse-1 Ever hear something come out of your mouth and instantly wished you could take it back? Once spoken, words can't ever be taken back completely. It's a terrible feeling to realize you've said something that hurts someone else -- especially if that someone is the man you married. So here are five things you should never say to that man. http://www.sheknows.com/sheknows-plus/articles/816075/5-things-you-should-never-say-to-your-spouse-1 Abbi Perets