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Parent arrested for child's art work

Tiernan McKay — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0800

A father of four in Canada was arrested and strip searched after his 4-year-old daughter drew a picture of a gun in kindergarten.

Legendary children’s author, Jan Berenstain, dies

Tiernan McKay — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:17:00 -0800

Beloved children’s book author, Jan Berenstain, died at the age of 88 on Friday after suffering a stroke the day before. As the literary world mourns one of its best, adults and children everywhere celebrate the legacy Berenstain and her husband, Stan, have left behind.

The real Sleeping Beauty

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:36:00 -0800

Many parents of teens can tell you tales of fifteen hour stretches of sleeping, ravenous eating and dramatic mood swings, but takes these typically-teen behaviors to an extreme and you’ll understand some of the symptoms of a rare disorder called Kleine-Levin Syndrome.

A party game that can kill

Tiernan McKay — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:15:00 -0800

The death of an Oregon teenager after inhaling helium at a party sheds light on yet another potential risk that parents need to address.

Anxiety is no (birthday) party

Tiernan McKay — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:00:00 -0800

Birthday parties are supposed to be fun celebrations full of laughter, smiles and memories. But for some children, the very sight of a colorful invitation evokes feelings of apprehension, anxiety and even fear. If your child is hesitant to attend a birthday party, what can you do to ease their concerns?

Do mothers have a sixth sense?

Tiernan McKay — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:00:00 -0800

As parents, we’re always looking for legitimate devices to add to our child-rearing tool box. While we spend hours pouring over the latest books and blogs, the most natural parenting tool available may be closer than you think. We hear a lot about “mother’s intuition” but is there really something to listening to your gut?

Could your family live in a teeny tiny house?

Tiernan McKay — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

In the past few decades, family homes have become bigger and bigger. Many of us have areas in our homes that we hardly ever use and kids sometimes have their very own rooms, bathrooms and rec rooms. While we all appreciate some space to stretch, the struggling economy is encouraging many families to do some serious downsizing.

Could your child’s lack of sleep lead to drug addiction?

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0800

Battling through sleepless nights is a rite of passage for most parents. While a little bit of sleeplessness is harmless, prolonged lack of sleep can actually lead to adulthood addiction, according to a recent study.

Would your 4-year-old say no to drugs?

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0800

Would your child know how to respond if he was offered pot? After all, not many of us think about talking to our preschoolers about identifying and saying no to drugs.

School registration leaves parents in a frenzy

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:45:00 -0800

Today’s parents actively seek out the best educational opportunities in their areas and often do whatever it takes to secure a spot, even if that means sleeping on the sidewalk.

5 Historical non-fiction reads

Tiernan McKay — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:45:00 -0800

If all of the naps you stole during high school history classes have left you with big knowledge gaps, make this President's Day, and this year, the year you catch up. Fortunately, you don’t need to go back to school fill in the blanks . Take a trip back in time with a historic read.

Understanding your teen’s slang

Tiernan McKay — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 -0800

Parents of teens know that the vernacular changes quicker than the seasons. It’s difficult to keep up, let alone actually communicate with your teenager. Apparently, KPC stand for “keep parents clueless,” but that’s exactly what we parents want to prevent.

Sex Facts: Clueless teens are getting pregnant

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:25:00 -0800

Would you believe that a significant number of teenage mothers say they didn’t know they could get pregnant? Could teens really be this clueless? Are we failing to educate our teens on basic sex facts?

Should my kids be counting on their fingers?

Tiernan McKay — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Plenty of children learn to count by using their fingers . Is this a harmless habit or one that they should eventually break?

Teaching kids history through a family tree

Tiernan McKay — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 -0800

Creating a family tree with your children not only provides an opportunity for communication and quality time, but also teaches them to appreciate history.

Finding the right therapist for your child

Tiernan McKay — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Whether your child is experiencing overwhelming anxiety, suffering with an eating disorder or struggling to “fit in” in school, a professional child therapist may be able to help.

5 Socially responsible family New Year's resolutions

Tiernan McKay — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 10:00:00 -0800

It’s pretty easy to come up with New Year’s resolutions that target your wallet or your waistline. Resolving to give back can sometimes be more difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.

Review: You're (Not) the One, by Alexandra Potter

Tiernan McKay — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:06:00 -0800

Sometimes love can make you do crazy things like obsess over an outfit, change your lifestyle, take a risk or believe in legends. That's exactly what happens to Lucy Hemingway in Alexandra Potter's recent release called You're the One.

Top 5 New Year's resolutions to improve family communication

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:00:00 -0800

Take a glimpse inside of most American households and you’ll find busy schedules, bustling kids, stressed out parents and a general lack of successful family communication. With your long list of commitments, it can be difficult to actually talk to your kids, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider adding improved family communication to your list of New Year’s resolutions in 2012.

Creating holiday traditions around food

Tiernan McKay — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:00:00 -0800

For many families, the holidays are synonymous with good times, laughter and food. A festive holiday meal is the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories that your family will cherish.