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Spring egg crafts

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:09:00 -0700

Bring springtime indoors with egg-cellent egg crafts for kids. From hard boiled egg bunnies to embroidery floss eggs, discover egg craft ideas that you and your little ones can hatch in time for Easter!

4 Spring animal crafts

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:00:00 -0700

From plants to animals, spring is synonymous with renewal -- as well as rain. So, when spring showers strike, crafts will encourage your youngster to be creative while busting indoor boredom. For a craft that pulls double duty, teach your youngster about spring animals.

Organic Easter basket ideas for babies and toddlers

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Easter is a great time to celebrate Mother Nature, so skip the plastic grass and sugar-shocking candy and opt for organic treats and eco-friendly gifts for your tiny tots instead. Check out these organic Easter basket ideas for babies and toddlers and treat your baby and the planet at the same time.

Prom queen and king: Should your teen run for prom court?

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:55:00 -0700

When it comes to running for prom queen or king, this teen prom popularity contest can have two sides. From dealing with disappointment to costs and parental involvement, here are five questions you'll want to ask your teen -- and yourself -- before making the decision whether to let your child participate in this high school highlight. After talking to your teen, you can decide: Should your teen run for prom court?

How to help your teen become prom queen

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:38:00 -0700

The coveted role of prom queen is a dream for many teens, but it takes a lot of support and teamwork. Although it's your job as a parent to help children achieve their goals, are you sure you're not to stepping on her teen toes? From campaign ideas to supporting your daughter behind the scenes, discover how to help your teen become prom queen without stealing the scene.

7 affordable nursery updates for spring

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:20:00 -0700

You've nested, you've delivered, and you've adjusted to life with the newest member of your family. And, now that you finally feel like you can relax, you may be surprised by a twinge of yearning to feather your nest again. Before you break out the sledge hammer and revamp the entire house, check out seven affordable nursery updates for spring that may quench your thirst to redecorate.

How to handle kids' crushes

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 19 May 2011 06:39:00 -0700

Whether it’s a secret crush on a cute kid from class or a crush on a teen pop star, chances are that your child’s first crush will occur before your youngster’s teen years. Concepts of first love, first kisses and interest in the opposite sex usually are reserved for teen years, yet grade school yards are filled with boys chasing girls, girls kissing boys and love for tween idols. From cooties to crushes, find out how to deal with your child when he or she enters the boy crazy and girl crazy phase of childhood.

7 Ways to update your home for spring

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0700

Spring fever has you feeling the urge to spruce up your home for the season, yet home renovations often come with a hefty price tag. Instead of living with the same décor all year long, affordable spring decorating tips -- like fresh white accents and new accent pillows -- will make your friends think you're living in luxury. Learn how to decorate for the season on a budget, with seven affordable ways to update your home for spring.

Organize the way your family communicates

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:00:00 -0700

Whether you're a family of six or are enjoying the time being just two, it seems that communication often falls to the wayside. From hectic family schedules to questions about what's for dinner, changing the way your family exchanges information can save you time, energy and, let's face it -- your sanity. Looking for ways to use technology when communicating with your child or spouse? Find out how to organize the way your family communicates.

13 Low-cost garden tools

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:28:00 -0700

You know that recycling can save the planet, but did you know that it can save you some cash, too? From milk jugs to old blankets, you can grow some green while saving some green when you discover these 13 low-cost garden tools recycled from everyday items.

How to garden on a budget

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 06:00:00 -0700

Spring has sprung, and gardening season is upon us. But even as you itch to dig deep into your garden, digging deep into your wallet may not be in the budget. Instead of looking longingly out your window at the garden that could be, discover how to garden on a budget, from purchasing self-seeding plants to growing plants from clippings.

5 Spring handprint crafts for kids

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:03:00 -0700

Spring has sprung, reminding sentimental mommies that your youngster is seemingly growing overnight! Want to capture a moment in your child's growth with a fun and easy crafts for kids? From handprint butterflies to handprint photo blossoms, these five spring handprint crafts for kids are so cute you'll want to keep them forever!

Doctor or midwife: Which should you choose?

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:01:00 -0700

Now that you know that you are pregnant, you may begin to think about the type of prenatal care and labor and delivery you desire. With so many questions that pregnant mothers have, it may be hard to decide between an OB GYN and midwives or doulas. Discover the differences between each, what they offer during prenatal care, and how to decide when it comes to the big question of doctor or midwife: which should you choose?

How to throw a kid-friendly St. Patrick's Day party

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:13:00 -0800

The holidays are always more fun when kids are involved, including St. Patrick's Day. But a green-themed party doesn't have to revolve around green beer and corned beef and cabbage. From shamrock invitations to Leprechaun trap crafts, you won't need the luck of the Irish when you discover how to throw a kid-friendly St. Patrick's Day party!

3 educational outdoor games

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:30:00 -0700

A recent study by The Kaiser Family Foundation found that today's eight to 18-year-olds spend an average of 7-1/2 hours each day using entertainment media, leaving learning and outdoor play last on their list of priorities. Looking for educational games that are so fun your kids won't know they're learning? Get your family's minds and bodies moving with these three educational outdoor games.

5 Spring outdoor family activities

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:16:00 -0700

Spring has sprung and the warm weather is begging for your brood to head outdoors for some family fun. Looking for kids activities that celebrate spring? From outdoor games to spring challenges, discover five spring outdoor family activities that will get your family moving.

How to grow a garden without a yard

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:30:00 -0700

Gardening is a rewarding experience, offering fresh, organic options to pile on your family's plate. But having no yard space doesn’t mean you can’t satisfy the farmer in you. Also known as a container garden, you can learn how to grow your own bounty by planting produce on your patio, balcony or even your windowsill. So grab your kids, your gardening gloves and these tips on how to grow a garden without a yard.

5 Spring bug crafts for kids

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 05:06:00 -0700

From butterfly snacks to button bugs, spring bug crafts are a great way to spotlight spring. Whether you're looking for crafts for kids to celebrate the season of renewal, or looking for indoor activities for the kids when spring showers strike, discover these five spring bug crafts for kids.

What to expect when labor is induced

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:52:00 -0700

You’ve created a birth plan -- only to find that your doctor has other plans in the home stretch. Whether you’re past your due date or experiencing fetal distress, your doctor may choose to induce labor. Wondering what your labor may be like if your OB/GYN or midwife chooses medication versus a drug-free way to induce labor? Find out what to expect when labor is induced.

How to keep your kids safe on the playground

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:44:00 -0700

The weather outside is begging for kids to head to the playground, but is it safe? Luckily, covering them in bubble wrap isn't your only option when you head to the park to play. From inspecting playground equipment to detecting unsafe playground behavior, discover these playground safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and keep your kids safe.