Parenting Tips

What siblings without Down syndrome are thinking

Maureen Wallace — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:00:00 -0800

Dr. Brian G. Skotko has all the character traits I look for in an advocate. His family encouraged banter as a sport. He earned a medical degree from Harvard. He has a family member with Down syndrome and a mother whose teaching career taught him the more important things in life should be laminated. As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, I give thanks that he’s “one of us,” or as he put it, “in the club.”

5 Unique chore reward ideas

Laura Moriarity — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Keeping little ones on top of their daily responsibilities can be a challenge. With these unique chore reward ideas, you won’t have to work so hard to get them working!

10 Things you think your kids aren't paying attention to...
but they are

Katie Kavulla — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:00:00 -0800

What's that expression? Little pitchers have big ears? While we're not exactly sure where that funny little saying came from, we certainly know what it means! Every parent has experienced a time when we think our kids aren't listening to our conversations, but, come to find out, they certainly were. Keep your own ears out for these topics of discussions which are better reserved for nap times, when you can gab about them more openly.

Valentine's Day when you don't have a babysitter

Maria Mora — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:01:00 -0800

No babysitter? No problem. From romantic lunch breaks to quiet quickies after bedtime, discover exciting ways you and your partner can celebrate Valentine's Day.

Build family bonds and raise confident children

Jennifer Chidester — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:00:00 -0800

In Playful Parenting, author and psychologist Lawrence J. Cohen shows parents how connecting with kids in their world helps build bonds, boost confidence and fulfill children's needs for attachment, affection, love, security and closeness.

Facing the challenge of being a student parent

Monica Beyer — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:00:00 -0800

Raising kids while you are going to college is a unique challenge — it’s unlike working outside the home in many ways, and it can be extremely difficult to manage and prioritize your time. However, there are strategies that parents can employ, and ways to work around your kids’ schedules.

Moms: Put the camera down and get in the moment

Katie Kavulla — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Is it just us, or does every mom seem to be obsessed with her camera lately? Moms are watching their children grow through the backside of a screen rather than right before their eyes. Your goal is to capture every precious moment on film, but are you really missing the moments that are most important?

How to follow through so the kids don't play you

Lisa Steinke — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:00:00 -0800

Sometimes you think you’re more of a violin than a mom. Your kids work your strings to make you sing whatever tune they want to hear. But you’re worried, it seems to be getting out of control — their demands are getting more demanding and you’ve become a broken record of empty threats. So how can you start following through?

What my kids taught me about business

Jennifer Chidester — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 10:00:00 -0800

A 15-year career, two degrees and a world of experience could never prepare me for the lessons my kids have taught me about business — from the true value of my time to the importance of patience, perspective and perseverance.

Parenting tips we can all learn from Twilight

Sherri Kuhn — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:00:00 -0800

Unless you spent the past few years living in seclusion, chances are you know a little something about the Twilight series of books and movies. The tumultuous romantic tale of Bella and Edward has woven itself into popular culture. Sure, we totally understand the allure of romantic angst and lust — but what about the awesome parenting tips?

How to parent sensitive kids

Kori Ellis — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 06:37:00 -0700

Every child is different, and parenting a highly sensitive child isn't easy. If your child is especially sensitive, you need to learn to parent a little bit differently to make life easier on her and yourself.

Raising a daughter with high self-esteem

SheKnows Parenting Editors — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:29:00 -0700

Often it's the simple day-to-day routine that plays a pivotal role in shaping a girl's view of herself and the world around her. As parents, we want to surround our daughters with enough meaning in their lives that they can develop a strong sense of self and have confidence in their abilities.

The keys to good self-esteem

Cait Braeden — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:31:00 -0700

If children believe in themselves and feels good about themselves, they can do most anything. One of the most important things you can do as a parent is help boost your child's self-esteem and confidence.

Playground disputes: When should you get involved?

Amy Vowles — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 10:00:00 -0700

Kids will be kids and disputes between playmates are bound to erupt. When is it good for a parent to intervene and when is it better to let kids work things out for themselves?

How to keep toys and playrooms organized

Debbie Williams — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:30:00 -0700

Organizing your home -- especially when you have kids -- can be a real challenge. A professional organizer offers these proven ideas to get it together!

How to start a reading routine

Kori Ellis — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 06:23:00 -0700

Now that school is back is session, your kids will probably be reading more than they were in the summertime, but continuing to read books outside of school is important too. Establishing a reading routine at home is great for your child's vocabulary and comprehension, plus it can promote bonding with parents.

How to become more patient with toddlers

Kori Ellis — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 07:02:00 -0700

Though kids are wonderful little blessings, toddlers and preschoolers do things every day that make you want to pull your hair out. If you are having trouble dealing with your little one's behavior, follow these tips to become a more patient parent.

What’s your child's destiny?

Phil Cooke — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 01:00:00 -0700

Childhood is about creativity, and the more young people encounter new experiences, the better off they’ll be as adults. But on the other hand, every parent fears for a child who gets lost in the options, and simply ambles through life with no direction or purpose.

Raise a truly happy child

Mary Fetzer — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:00:00 -0700

Our lives are centered on our children, and we would do anything to make them happy. Can we give them what they need to find true happiness?

Discovering what makes your child unique

Naomi de la Torre — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 01:32:00 -0700

Every child is special and extraordinary. Discover your child’s interests, gifts, talents and abilities and nurture their unique individuality as they grow and develop.

Peer pressure and parenting

Naomi de la Torre — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 01:30:00 -0700

Under the shadow of the mommy wars and sensationalized media campaigns, it’s easy for moms to fall into the “Are You Mom Enough?” trap. But peer pressure and parenting is no joke. It’s time to cast away the judgment and embrace our differences. You are more than enough. We all are.