http://www.sheknows.com/authors/elaina-verhoff/articles Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:13:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/972997/building-esteem-as-a-family You want to raise kids with the self-confidence they need to live their best life. But how? Thanks to recent research, we have a better understanding of how specific family relationships directly impact adolescents' self-esteem. Here are some practical tips to help build self-esteem within your own family. http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/972997/building-esteem-as-a-family Elaina Verhoff Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:08:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/972993/how-to-discover-your-strengths Do you ever wonder if you're doing what you're supposed to be doing with your life? What if you have talents that could lead you down a new path and change everything for the better? Stop wondering and start doing. Uncover your strengths, light your inner spark and live life like you mean it! http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/972993/how-to-discover-your-strengths Elaina Verhoff Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:49:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/972991/esteem-boosting-mantras Here are some suggestions — and warnings — on how to use esteem-boosting mantras to live our best lives. http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/972991/esteem-boosting-mantras Elaina Verhoff Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:18:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972425/family-gifts-top-toys-everyone-will-love Looking for a gift the whole family will enjoy? Check out this assortment of toys and games that will get families talking, laughing and playing. You know what they say... A family that plays together stays together! http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972425/family-gifts-top-toys-everyone-will-love Elaina Verhoff Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:34:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972419/top-10-stocking-stuffers-under-10 Need some fun ideas to fill the kids' stockings? Look no further! From pencils to pillows and bandages to bracelets, we've rounded up this year's best stocking stuffers. Go ahead and stuff away -- each item is under $10! http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972419/top-10-stocking-stuffers-under-10 Elaina Verhoff Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:43:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972411/dont-forget-the-batteries-tips-for-better-holiday-gift-giving Want to up your gift-giving game this year? From budget to batteries, planning to packaging, there are a lot of factors involved if you want to get it right. Here are some tips to help you give gifts your loved ones will be thrilled to receive. http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972411/dont-forget-the-batteries-tips-for-better-holiday-gift-giving Elaina Verhoff Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:55:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972405/top-innovations-for-keeping-toys-charged Your son's new remote control helicopter is the most "awesome toy ever" -- until he runs outside to play with it and the battery is dead. Keep the fun going strong with the right batteries! Find out how innovations in these powerful cylinders can keep the fun going... and going... and going. http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972405/top-innovations-for-keeping-toys-charged Elaina Verhoff Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:14:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972391/holiday-travel-tips-for-keeping-kids-occupied What's the secret to enjoying holiday travel with kids? Keep them busy! Whether you're hopping on a plane or buckling in for a long holiday road trip, busy kids are happy kids. http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972391/holiday-travel-tips-for-keeping-kids-occupied Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:20:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972133/fun-halloween-party-invitations Halloween is the perfect holiday to host a party! Whether you're throwing kid-friendly affair or an adult soiree, we've got you covered. From tricks and treats to costumes and cocktails, here's a selection of fun Halloween party invitations. http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972133/fun-halloween-party-invitations Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:03:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972129/choosing-age-appropriate-halloween-activities We know you'd never hand a carving knife and a pumpkin to your toddler or dress your teen in a superhero outfit. But if you're looking for some fun ideas on what to make, eat or do with the kids this year, check out our age-specific guide to Halloween activities. http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972129/choosing-age-appropriate-halloween-activities Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:20:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972123/healthy-alternatives-to-trick-or-treat-candy Instead of contributing to the sugarfest known as Halloween, surprise the neighborhood kids with some fun and healthy alternatives to candy. Here are our top picks for non-candy treats to hand out on Halloween. http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/972123/healthy-alternatives-to-trick-or-treat-candy Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:06:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/972063/music-lessons-could-mean-a-smarter-child With all the extracurricular activities available for kids today, it can be hard to decide where to spend your time and money. If you're debating whether or not to sign up for piano lessons, you might be swayed by the multiple studies showing a correlation between music lessons and intelligence. http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/972063/music-lessons-could-mean-a-smarter-child Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:52:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/972061/10-pop-songs-little-kids-can-dance-to-oh-and-parents-can-hang-too Ever wish your kids had an off switch? The next time the little ones are bursting with energy, crank up the tunes and have yourself a family dance party! Not only is it a great release for the kids, but you'll have a blast too. With these adult-friendly song selections, you'll all enjoy the music! http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/972061/10-pop-songs-little-kids-can-dance-to-oh-and-parents-can-hang-too Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:40:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/972059/10-pop-songs-for-kids-that-dont-involve-sex-drugs-or-lady-gaga Do you ever listened closely to the lyrics from today's pop hits -- that is, if you can even understand them? More often than not they're filled with tales of unhealthy relationships, violence and yes -- sex, drugs and rock and roll If you'd prefer to expose your kids to more appropriate music, here are 10 great pop songs perfect for young listeners. http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/972059/10-pop-songs-for-kids-that-dont-involve-sex-drugs-or-lady-gaga Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:54:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/972057/these-songs-always-get-my-kids-to-simmer-down-in-the-car Is there anything better than glancing in the rearview mirror and seeing your adorable angels slumbering peacefully in their car seats? Now picture those sweet little faces screaming, fighting or having a total meltdown. We've all been there. So what's a stressed out mom to do? You've probably tried screaming and threatening without much success. Good news -- there's a better way. Music. Here are some songs I've used to calm my kids so we can all relax and survive the drive. http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/972057/these-songs-always-get-my-kids-to-simmer-down-in-the-car Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:21:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/972049/the-cool-moms-mix-er-ipod-playlist So maybe you don't know what movies are playing and the last concert you went to starred a dinosaur and pirate with a feather sword. That doesn't mean you can't be a cool mom. Load up your iPod with these great tunes and crank it up, mama! http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/972049/the-cool-moms-mix-er-ipod-playlist Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:50:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971773/how-to-start-an-education-fund-for-your-kids Have you been meaning to start a college savings plan for your kids? It's easy to get overwhelmed by the choices and put it off for a later date. If you wait too long, however, you might fall short on funds when your kids reach college age. Here's a simple guide to college savings plans that will help you make sense of your options and start saving right away. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971773/how-to-start-an-education-fund-for-your-kids Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:34:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971769/top-10-fun-piggy-banks-for-kids What better way to teach your kids about money management than by giving them a piggy bank? Here are 10 fun piggy banks your kids will love. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971769/top-10-fun-piggy-banks-for-kids Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:23:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/971767/10-tips-for-living-within-your-means Are your expenses getting out of control? If so, it's time to create a budget and rein in your spending. It's not as hard as you might think. Here are 10 tips to help you trim the fat and live within your means. http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/971767/10-tips-for-living-within-your-means Elaina Verhoff Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:56:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971765/lemonade-stands-and-youtube-fun-ways-to-encourage-young-entrepreneurs Whether you're a business owner or wish you were, you've gotta admit -- there are obvious advantages to following your passion and being your own boss. If your kids have mastered the lemonade stand and are ready to move on to big business, here are some fun ways to encourage their entrepreneurial spirit. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971765/lemonade-stands-and-youtube-fun-ways-to-encourage-young-entrepreneurs Elaina Verhoff