http://www.sheknows.com/authors/michelle-maffei/articles Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/837059/differences-between-potty-training-and-poopy-training The potty training journey is something all youngsters embark upon, but for many kiddos, toilet training is a two-part endeavor. While some master the art of potty, conquering number two is a separate challenge. From the ideal time to begin to potty train to the difference between controlling urine versus bowels, discover the differences between potty training and poopy training. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/837059/differences-between-potty-training-and-poopy-training Michelle Maffei Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:30:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/836935/6-tips-for-getting-your-household-ready-for-back-to-school-time Late nights and family vacations make summer fun, but they can also make it hard for kids when it's time to go back to school. As summer winds down, taking the time now to begin preparing for school can make the new school year easier on your entire family. From starting on a school sleep schedule to cleaning up your computer, discover six tips for getting your household back to school ready. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/836935/6-tips-for-getting-your-household-ready-for-back-to-school-time Michelle Maffei Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:30:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/pregnancy-and-baby/articles/836895/7-ways-to-feel-sexy-after-having-a-baby Even when you're physically not ready for sex postpartum, you may have the urge to tap into your inner sex kitten. Although your body may not be back to its pre-pregnancy form after giving birth, you can still boost your self-confidence and ignite your inner spark. From sporting a new 'do to taking a break from nursing, discover seven tips on ways to feel sexy after having a baby. http://www.sheknows.com/pregnancy-and-baby/articles/836895/7-ways-to-feel-sexy-after-having-a-baby Michelle Maffei Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/836737/7-ways-to-sneak-in-exercise-with-your-newborn When you have a newborn, getting yourself into the shower by noon is considered a successful day. So, fitting in exercise for mom is likely the last thing on your priority list. Although making time for an exercise routine when you bring home your bundle of joy can be tricky, it is possible with the right tips. From taking the baby for a stroll to doing lunges to lull your baby off to dreamland, discover four ways to sneak in exercise with your newborn baby in your life. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/836737/7-ways-to-sneak-in-exercise-with-your-newborn Michelle Maffei Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:10:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/pregnancy-and-baby/articles/836735/12-baby-items-that-pull-double-duty Raising a baby can be a costly affair, but when you purchase nursery products that can be used in more ways than one, you can stretch your dollar when your kiddo goes from infant to elementary school. From a changing table that doubles as a dresser to nursery decorating tricks that will go the distance, check out 12 baby items that can pull double duty. http://www.sheknows.com/pregnancy-and-baby/articles/836735/12-baby-items-that-pull-double-duty Michelle Maffei Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:30:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/836733/can-you-really-lose-weight-eating-baby-food Whether you're wondering how to lose weight postpartum or are looking for the latest diet trend to hit the celebrity circuit, The Baby Food Diet is making headlines. Developed by celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson and based on the foods that are good for your little one, too, this pureed food plan has celebs like Lady Gaga, Jennifer Aniston and Madonna sing its praises. Although the diet sounds like an easy weight loss plan, can you really lose weight eating baby food? http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/836733/can-you-really-lose-weight-eating-baby-food Michelle Maffei Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/836709/5-ways-to-ditch-the-baby-weight-without-exercise Although exercise is an essential part of your overall health, finding time to exercise with a newborn in tow can be a challenge. Before you toss the weight loss out with the bath water, discover five ways to ditch the baby weight without exercise, from breastfeeding to cutting out soft drinks and alcohol -- completely. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/836709/5-ways-to-ditch-the-baby-weight-without-exercise Michelle Maffei Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:04:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835065/ivs-during-labor As routine as hearing "push!" in the delivery room, IVs are being administered to laboring women as a precautionary measure. If you're scared of needles, you may be wondering what to expect when IVs are used during labor and delivery. From the benefits of having an IV to intravenous line alternatives, we've shined some light on the use of IVs during labor. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835065/ivs-during-labor Michelle Maffei Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:59:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835063/how-to-recognize-preterm-labor You feel what you think are contractions, but is it Braxton-Hicks or is your baby making an early appearance? From recognizing signs of preterm labor to reducing your likelihood of preterm delivery, discover how to know that it's time to call your OB and let them know your baby may be on his way. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835063/how-to-recognize-preterm-labor Michelle Maffei Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835061/7-things-your-kids-shouldnt-share-online In an age of social media, online gaming, and apps like Foursquare, sharing information about yourself can be as easy as a few clicks of the mouse or cell phone. So, when it comes to letting your kids online, are they sharing too much? Before the next time your kiddo surfs the Internet, make sure your kids know the seven things they shouldn't share online. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835061/7-things-your-kids-shouldnt-share-online Michelle Maffei Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:40:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835059/6-reasons-your-kid-should-blog Moms aren't the only ones blogging up a storm. Kids as young as elementary school are hitting the blog scene -- and it's a good thing! Should you let your child learn how to blog and post his personal perspective for all to see? From teaching technology to providing a creative outlet, discover the six reasons your kid should start a blog of his very own. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835059/6-reasons-your-kid-should-blog Michelle Maffei Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:22:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835057/10-gadgets-that-make-family-vacation-easier It seems like a game of "I Spy" just doesn't go as far as it did when you were a kid on the open road with your family. Instead of resigning to a trip filled with sibling bickering and "are we there yet?" questions, discover ten gadgets that make family vacation easier by keeping kids entertained for the whole round trip! http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835057/10-gadgets-that-make-family-vacation-easier Michelle Maffei Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:06:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835053/tech-gadgets-for-kids Parenting in the 21st century means keeping up with technology -- especially when it comes to the gadgets your kids are using. From the coolest gadgets like the iPad to smart cell phones that give your youngster access to the world, discover the tech gadgets for kids that your adolescent may using. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835053/tech-gadgets-for-kids Michelle Maffei Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:54:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835047/free-online-games-your-kids-will-love-but-will-actually-teach-them-to-read Whether you're looking to fight summer brain drain or are just looking for a way to sneak in learning when you give your kids screen time, these online reading games tackle phonics, sharpen vocabulary use and encourage reading. From free online games from well-known sources of education like PBS Kids to games featuring your child's favorite Looney Tunes characters, check out these free online games your kids will love ! http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/835047/free-online-games-your-kids-will-love-but-will-actually-teach-them-to-read Michelle Maffei Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:16:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834971/stages-of-labor Like your pregnancy, your labor is broke into three stages: the first, the second, and the third stage. However, each stage of labor is different, leaving first time moms nervous about the unknown. So, from signs of labor to what to expect, we've shed some light on each of the three stages of labor. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834971/stages-of-labor Michelle Maffei Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834969/tips-for-the-first-stage-of-labor Do the mysteries of what to expect during labor and delivery have you feeling anxious? You can relax a little bit when you have insider tips from the pros — and the moms who've been there. From signs of labor to coping with early labor, here are tips for the first stage of labor. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834969/tips-for-the-first-stage-of-labor Michelle Maffei Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:48:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834967/why-weaning-sucks Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding time between you and your baby, but like all good things, it must eventually come to an end. Although you get your body back and the freedom to eat and drink what you want when you stop breastfeeding, the experience of weaning isn't all good. From depression to irritated vagina syndrome, discover the side effects of weaning from breastfeeding. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834967/why-weaning-sucks Michelle Maffei Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:00:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834697/forceps-during-delivery You dream of the perfect delivery and birth of your baby, but your bun in the oven may have plans of his own. Although forceps are used less often nowadays, it is still a possibility your baby will need a little help from these obstetrical instruments. Before you make your way into the delivery room, give yourself a little peace of mind by learning when and how forceps are used during the delivery of your baby, including common concerns and possible risks. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834697/forceps-during-delivery Michelle Maffei Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834695/how-to-handle-an-unexpected-home-birth You're looking forward to delivering in the comforts of the hospital delivery room, only to find that your bun in the oven is making an appearance earlier than expected -- at home! Although not intended as a guide for giving birth at home, learn the higher points of how to handle an unexpected home birth, from the supplies you'll need to how to handle your body's natural instincts. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/834695/how-to-handle-an-unexpected-home-birth Michelle Maffei Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/834669/bangin-backyard-makeovers-for-summer Whether you're planning a summer bash or just hoping to unwind with your favorite summer cocktail in your garden, get your backyard summer-ready with outdoor ideas that will make your neighbors green with envy. From stringing year-round decorations that foster a festive feeling to breezy outdoor curtains that give your patio a relaxing resort ambiance, these seven bangin' backyard makeovers for summer will have all your friends eager for your next outdoor soirée! http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/834669/bangin-backyard-makeovers-for-summer Michelle Maffei