http://www.sheknows.com/authors/michelle-maffei/articles Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:00:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/980599/injuries-on-the-rise-from-bounce-houses Bounce houses and kids' birthday parties are synonymous, but are they getting more dangerous? The AAP's recent study found that inflatable bouncer-related injuries are continuing to happen, but you may not have to ban your brood from the jumper when you understand how to avoid the bounce house blues, despite the fact that injuries are on the rise. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/980599/injuries-on-the-rise-from-bounce-houses Michelle Maffei Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:00:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/979441/military-moms-share-their-childs-story-this-holiday The holidays can be tough when you have a child serving in the military; but these military moms share that their pride can outshine their heartache, even when the distance between them and their soldiers span oceans. However, this time of year is the perfect time for those of us back home to share your appreciation to the soldiers and their military parents, so take a moment to read their stories and send some thanks of your own. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/979441/military-moms-share-their-childs-story-this-holiday Michelle Maffei Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:00:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/978701/holiday-classroom-treats Holidays and sweets go hand-in-hand, but with ideas that are so easy that your kids can pitch in you'll be inspired to whip up a whole batch of Christmas treats for your youngster's fellow school mates! From reindeer noses to Santa strawberries, bring the festivities to your kiddo's classroom with these four holiday classroom treats. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/978701/holiday-classroom-treats Michelle Maffei Tue, 25 Dec 2012 10:00:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/978029/is-organic-food-better-for-kids Despite assertions that organic food is best for your kiddos, you may want to uncover the American Academy of Pediatrics' findings before you dish out the extra cash. From the benefits of avoiding pesticides to the evident health benefits of varieties of cuisine, are you wasting money on organic food for kids? http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/978029/is-organic-food-better-for-kids Michelle Maffei Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:00:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/977731/is-caffeine-dangerous-for-kids You know you wouldn't hand your preschooler a mug of coffee, but is it OK to let your teen chug down caffeine-filled energy drinks? In a recent lawsuit, parents of a deceased teen are blaming Monster Energy Drink for the death of their daughter, but you may not need to ban your brood from guzzling these energy-boosting beverages just yet. From details of this latest lawsuit involving a teen to the effects of caffeine on kids, get the scoop on whether or not you should forbid your youngsters from sipping these pick-me-ups to avoid death by energy drink. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/977731/is-caffeine-dangerous-for-kids Michelle Maffei Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971269/should-you-let-your-child-sleep-in You and your kids are up-and-at-em all week long, so when it comes to weekends and holidays, should you let your children sleep in? Studies show that sleep deprivation in children can lead to a string of potential health problems, so before you rouse your kiddos early on a day off from school, discover the benefits of letting them indulge in some extra Zs. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971269/should-you-let-your-child-sleep-in Michelle Maffei Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/970947/showing-affection-in-front-of-your-kids Some parents share a peck in the presence of their kiddos, but how much affection between parents is OK for your kids to really see? Although you shouldn't make out in front of your little ones, a G-rated smooch that elicits a chorus of "ews" from your youngsters won't exactly scar them for life. From the benefits of setting a good example for a healthy, loving relationship to examples of appropriate PDA when your kids are around, learn how showing affection in front of your kids can do more good than harm — so long as you don't cross the line. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/970947/showing-affection-in-front-of-your-kids Michelle Maffei Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/970849/blended-families-in-conflict While it's a given that blended families come with baggage, what are you to do when the members of your household just can't seem to get along? From smoothing conflict between stepsiblings to how to settle your stepparenting issues, learn how to help encourage harmony when it comes to blended families at war. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/970849/blended-families-in-conflict Michelle Maffei Tue, 11 Sep 2012 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/970283/wine-cork-crafts-for-kids Motherhood and wine often go hand in hand, but unwinding after the kids are in bed isn't the only reason to uncork your favorite bottle of vino. From kids crafts like cork mice to cork stamps, discover four wine cork crafts for kids that will give you a good reason to pop open another bottle. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/970283/wine-cork-crafts-for-kids Michelle Maffei Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/969823/what-is-a-lotus-birth You want your baby's grand entrance into the world to be smooth and stress free, but is opting to cut the cord doing more harm than good? The practice of leaving the cord and placenta attached after birth is gaining popularity with parents looking for a gentler approach to childbirth, but extended-delayed cord severance may not be the best choice for those with a delicate constitution. So before you decide whether or not umbilical nonseverance is for you, find out: What is a lotus birth? http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/969823/what-is-a-lotus-birth Michelle Maffei Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/969797/childproof-your-phone Your child isn't ready to have free reign over your mobile phone, but telling your kiddo to keep his paws off your device isn't your only option when you learn how to childproof your phone. From restricting access with passwords to parental control apps that help you manage and monitor your phone, pick up these tips for making your smartphone safe to hand over to your youngsters. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/969797/childproof-your-phone Michelle Maffei Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/968987/labor-day-recipes Summer holidays and barbeques go hand in hand, so turn on the grill with Labor Day food that will please even the youngest of palates! From finger-licking, kid-friendly recipes to family-friendly frozen treats, uncover these recipes for a mouth-watering Labor Day spread that will have you putting your old BBQ recipes on the back burner. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/968987/labor-day-recipes Michelle Maffei Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/968183/why-kids-should-use-a-bento-lunchbox Bento lunch boxes are showing up everywhere from Pinterest to your favorite mommy blogs, but are you still confused as to why bento boxes for school lunches are all the rage? From getting your picky eater to eat more of his lunch at school to making Mother Nature proud, discover the most popular bento lunch boxes for kids and learn why your kids should use a bento lunch box this year. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/968183/why-kids-should-use-a-bento-lunchbox Michelle Maffei Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/967837/when-to-take-your-toddler-to-the-dentist You are all for establishing good oral health habits with your toddler, but what are you to do when your pediatric dentist recommends expensive dental work on your little one's pearly whites? From toddler cavities to the average age of some of the most common pediatric dental procedures, understand how to cut through the bull and figure out: Is your dentist jumping the gun with your toddler? http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/967837/when-to-take-your-toddler-to-the-dentist Michelle Maffei Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/967831/10-active-video-games-for-the-family Instead of joining the kids-and-video-game debate, pour your energy into getting in on the fun with exergames — family video games that you and your kids will love playing while being active, too! From exercise video games to video games for kids that will get your youngsters moving, get your game on with these 10 active video games for the family. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/967831/10-active-video-games-for-the-family Michelle Maffei Thu, 09 Aug 2012 08:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/966933/ways-to-trick-your-family-into-exercising While the words "family fitness" can be dirty words to kids, getting your family moving without the resistance can be fun -- especially when they don't realize you're sneaking in exercise! From finding fun exercises for children disguised in play, to breaking a sweat and exercising with your kids, discover six ways to trick your family into exercising. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/966933/ways-to-trick-your-family-into-exercising Michelle Maffei Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/966831/green-back-to-school-tips-for-every-age When heading back to school, teaching your little learners to be eco-friendly kids is a snap with the right green family tips. From turning off lights in the classroom to riding your bike or walking to school, discover green back-to-school tips for every age. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/966831/green-back-to-school-tips-for-every-age Michelle Maffei Thu, 26 Jul 2012 12:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/966411/is-your-sand-box-sand-safe The play sand you picked up from your local store may be meant for your kids' sandbox, but it doesn't guarantee that it's safe for your kids to play in. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/966411/is-your-sand-box-sand-safe Michelle Maffei Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/966235/craft-supplies-you-can-make-at-home You're beating summer boredom with tons of crafts for kids, but when you whip up your own craft supplies at home, you won't have to run through your summer fun budget too! From learning how to make your own playdough to finding tried-and-true finger paint recipes, your kids will not only love creating their own masterpieces when you're done, they'll love helping to prepare these crafts supplies you can make at home! http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/966235/craft-supplies-you-can-make-at-home Michelle Maffei Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/965755/summer-vacations-for-families Fighting the crowds at Disneyland isn't the only way to experience princesses, parades and fireworks on your family vacation. When traveling with kids, go beyond the mouse with these creative summer vacation ideas that'll make you realize you don't have to go to Walt Disney World to have some family-friendly fun. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/965755/summer-vacations-for-families Michelle Maffei