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DIY teacher gifts

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Regardless of the occasion, homemade teacher gifts have been given new life thanks to Pinterest. From DIY gifts like personalized drink cups to clipboards, discover how to create DIY teacher gifts that are an A+.

Why I chose to become a foster parent

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

On the heels of Kelli Higgins' "newborn" photo shoot of her 13-year-old son going viral, it's important to understand how many women choose to become a foster mom — and the reasons they choose to open their hearts and homes to foster babies and children may surprise you.

Homemade Mother's Day mug crafts

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Whether you're dropping hints to your kids or helping your youngster create a Mother's Day craft for grandma, practical yet personalized gifts make the perfect present. From monogram coffee mugs to thumbprint tea cups, we've got step-by-step instructions and ideas for homemade Mother's Day mug crafts.

4 Cinco de Mayo crafts for kids

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Fire up the Cinco de Mayo festivities with crafts for kids that will put the fiesta in your fun. From DIY paper bag piñatas to homemade maracas, crack open these four Cinco de Mayo crafts for kids and let the festivities begin!

Signs of food allergies in kids

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

With up to 6 percent of children under age 3 reported to have food allergies, it's important to know how to spot an allergic reaction on the fly. From itchy red bumps to shortness of breath, discover these signs of food allergies in kids along with tips from Loyola pediatric allergist Joyce Rabbat, MD.

Wedding activities to keep kids entertained

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:00:00 -0700

Weddings can be a snooze fest for youngsters, but keeping kids entertained during the big event can be a piece of cake with the right kids' activities. From I Spy scavenger hunts to photo booths filled with props, discover nine wedding activities for children that will please kiddos and brides alike.

4 Recycling crafts for kids

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Crafts can keep your youngster busy for hours, but using recycled materials to make these masterpieces will also teach kids the value of being green while saving you some dough, too. From plastic bottle bird feeders to toilet paper tube rockets, reduce, reuse and recycle with these four recycling crafts for kids.

4 Glitter crafts for kids

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0700

Glitter and kids go hand in hand, but you can add a little sparkle to parenthood also, with the right DIY glitter ideas! From reusable drink cup glitter crafts to sparkly DIY glitter keys, shake things up with these four glitter crafts for parents and kids to create together.

DIY canvas crafts

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Give your abode a spring update with these easy DIY canvas crafts that won't break the bank! From monotone canvas decor to scrapbook paper canvas art, you'll love how easy canvas art is to make with your kids.

6 Ways to offset Social Security taxes

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0700

With increases in Social Security taxes this year, families are doing without an average of $20 per week in their pocket; but the good news is that a little penny pinching can go a long way. From saving money on clothes to family savings on insurance, find out six ways your family can offset Social Security taxes with tips from consumer savings expert Jeanette Pavini.

4 Recipes to make your own slime

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0700

When it comes to Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards, the slime gets its fair share of the limelight, especially when it's pouring down the star-studded lineup of A-listers! But, you don't need to be nominated for a Kids' Choice Award to have your own Nickelodeon slime time with these four recipes to make your own slime at home!

5 Ideas for Big Help projects

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Taylor Swift may have scored The Big Help Award at last year's Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, but with a little inspiration, your kiddos can also give back to the community. From organizing kids' community service projects like food drives to helping pick up litter in your neighborhood, discover five ideas for Big Help projects that kids can do, even on their own.

4 St. Patrick's Day classroom treats

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Bring a little magic into your child's classroom with treats for kids made especially for this lucky day. From rainbow crispy rice treats to green-hued chocolate chip cookies, check out four St. Patrick's Day classroom treats they'll love more than a pot of gold.

Are you emotionally neglecting your kids?

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0800

You know you love your kids, but are you being emotionally neglectful and causing damage that will last long into your children's adult life? Before you turn yourself in to CPS, discover tips on how to meet their emotional needs to raise happy, healthy kids.

How to teach your teen to be a good loser

Michelle Maffei — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:00:00 -0800

Being a teenager is tough enough, but throw some healthy competition in the mix and it's easy for your adolescent to have unsportsmanlike conduct. Whether your teenager is on the sidelines or smack dab in the middle of the game, find out how to teach your teen to be a good loser by being a good sport.

Is your water poisoning your child?

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:00:00 -0800

You grew up drinking from the hose and turned out just fine, but today's water options may have you wondering: Is your water poisoning your child? From tap water to the bottled brands, discover the differences in the types of water out there and find out what pediatricians say is the healthiest source for hydrating your kids.

10 Children's books that teach diversity

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:00 -0800

We live in a world where children are increasingly exposed to hatred and intolerance of cultural diversity, so it's up to us as parents to teach kids about the value of the acceptance of others. Before you lose your youngsters to prejudice, discover 10 children's books that teach diversity.

Caught red-handed: Your teen's a thief

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:00:00 -0800

When your teenager has been caught stealing, is it simply rebellious behavior or a cry for help? Before you risk pushing your youngster into shutting you out completely, review these parenting tips on how to deal with teen behavior when your child has been caught red-handed: Your teen's a thief.

DIY games for family game night

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:00:00 -0800

You don't have to drop a bundle on board games when you use what you have around the house to stir up some family fun. From homemade dominoes to do-it-yourself checker board blankets, discover four DIY games for family game night.

6 Handmade Valentine's Day gifts for kids

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:02:00 -0800

On Valentine's Day, let your kiddos know they hold a special place in your heart. From making heart-shaped crayons to stuffing balloons with sweet treats, discover six handmade Valentine's Day gifts for kids.