Siblings

Is it safe to have back-to-back babies?

Kim Grundy — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

What is the ideal spacing between children? Jessica Simpson and Tori Spelling are just a few celebrities who are having back-to-back babies. Having babies close in age comes with benefits , but are there risks? We chat with doctors about what you should be aware of when having back-to-back babies.

Survey: Moms stress most with third child

Maureen Wallace — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:30:00 -0700

On Sunday afternoon, the Husband and I revealed to the Facebook world that we’re expecting our third child. On Monday morning, TODAYMoms.com released a survey that says moms reach optimum levels of insanity upon having… three children.

Mom story: I started SuperSibs!

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Melanie Goldish of Duluth, Minnesota, knows what it’s like to worry about a child battling cancer — and she knows what it’s like to worry about a sibling waiting in the wings while the family focuses on the sick child. Fortunately for many families today, Goldish found a way to help the siblings of kids with cancer.

The art of tandem breastfeeding

Monica Beyer — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:00:00 -0700

Breastfeeding one baby is a beautiful feat in and of itself, but some moms make nursing two kids look easy. When you’re still nursing a baby or toddler and become pregnant again, sometimes the older one isn’t interested in weaning, and so begins a nursing relationship that develops not only between Mom and Baby, but also Baby and Sibling.

6 Ways to ensure siblings aren’t overshadowed

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Children with special needs sometimes demand more of their parents’ time. So, how do you make sure their siblings don’t feel overlooked? Here are six ways to make sure your children who are developing typically have their own time to feel special.

An ode to the birthday girl through the eyes of autism

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:00:00 -0800

It can't be easy being the sibling of a child with autism. But this little girl not only copes, she thrives. She's the light of her brother's life and for that, he's so very thankful.

Is your only child a lonely child?

Sherri Kuhn — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:30:00 -0800

We have all heard the accusations — only children are spoiled, self-centered, difficult socially or even just plain lonely. For various reasons, many families opt to have just one child. Are they setting their child up for a life where he expects to be center stage, or are "onlies" just as adjusted as kids with siblings? We dug up the latest on the continuing debate about the role siblings play in our lives.

Practicing Gratitude: Tantrums at Target

Nichole Beaudry — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:00:00 -0800

My husband and I were certain that all of the reading we did while I was pregnant prepared us to be great parents. Our daughter came along and was a shining example of our excellent parenting. Then, our son arrived and blew that theory apart.

Practicing Gratitude: Name that tune

Nichole Beaudry — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Letting my daughter go off to kindergarten was one of the most difficult things I've had to do since becoming a parent. I had no idea that sending her off would help me to better appreciate a precious gift that was here with me all along.

Does birth order affect personality?

Amy Vowles — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:00:00 -0700

We have all heard of “middle child syndrome,” and maybe you have made note of the personality differences between the oldest and youngest in the family, but it turns out that there is more science behind birth order than you may have suspected. Have you ever considered how your birth order within your family has impacted your personality?

Building esteem as a family

Elaina Verhoff — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:13:00 -0700

You want to raise kids with the self-confidence they need to live their best life. But how? Thanks to recent research, we have a better understanding of how specific family relationships directly impact adolescents' self-esteem. Here are some practical tips to help build self-esteem within your own family.

Bridging the sibling age gap during playtime

Vicki Clinebell — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 01:31:00 -0700

Need ideas to encourage siblings with an age gap to play nicely together? Patience and praise help bridge the gap.

Siblings sharing a room has benefits

Jen Klein — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:00:00 -0700

Of course we want to give the best to our kids. The best start in life, the best nutrition, the best education, the best opportunities, the best parenting. How does that play into sleeping arrangements at home? If you have more than one child, does that translate to each child having his or her own room?

Coping with sibling rivalry

Nichole Beaudry — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Sibling rivalry can be a tough family dynamic to work through, but there's an upside to those sibling struggles. Sibling rivalry is actually an important and healthy part of child development. Here are 5 ways to ease the strife and help create peace.

Sibling rivalry

Kat Hobza — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:00:00 -0700

Sibling rivalry is as old as, well, the existence of siblings. While the strife between children can make parents want to jump from a second-story window, this very strife is quite possibly one of the most valuable opportunities for growth your child will encounter. As annoying as sibling rivalry can be,remember that it's a learning experience -- just take a deep breath and remember that good can come of it.

Helping older siblings include preschoolers in their playtime

Molly Cerreta Smith — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:21:00 -0700

If there's more than just a year or two age difference between siblings, the disparity in interests and developmental skills may have older kids saying their younger siblings are too "babyish" to play with. What can you do to get your older siblings to include preschoolers in their playtime? Check out these tips from SheKnows.

4 Things to expect while raising two toddlers

Elizabeth Lyons — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:13:00 -0700

Got toddlers? Then you know that these little people, while only 2 or 3 years old, are thoroughly convinced they rule the roost. That's the bad news. The good news -- you're not alone! There are many common challenges parents encounter while raising multiple toddlers. A little mental preparation goes a long way toward long-term sanity. Here’s what to expect.

Bridging the sibling gap

Julie Bielenberg — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:09:00 -0700

While your kids might be of very different ages, they don’t have to be of very different mindset. Follow some of the wise tips and ideas to help your family function as a cohesive unit.

Sibling appreciation parties

Julie Bielenberg — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:26:00 -0700

Creating a bond and fondness for your children of different ages can be a struggle. Sibling rivalry is undeniable. However, celebrating children in unique ways can form a loving family unit where each member appreciates the different talents and personalities of their siblings.

Favoritism and sibling rivalry

Jen Klein — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:11:00 -0800

How many times have you heard it? “It’s not fair!” Or “You let her do it. Why won’t you let me?!” Or the atom bomb of sibling relationship management, “You love him more that you love me!” It is enough make even the calmest, most even tempered, fairest mom run for the bubble bath and a glass of Chardonnay. Favoritism may not actually exist in your household, but the allegation of it can send even the strongest household dynamic spinning.

Sibling rivalry/revelry

Geralyn Broder Murray — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:01:00 -0800

Listen to Your Mothers is a space to come together with the ones who understand the maternal struggle and joy best -- in the hopes of turning motherhood into one, strong sisterhood. In this installment of Listen to Your Mothers, Geralyn Broder Murray ponders the power of two.