Sports

Keep your tech safe: Avoid a poolside disaster this summer

Maria Mora — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 -0700

With tablets becoming more portable and smart phones doubling as MP3 players, it’s more common than ever to take electronics everywhere you go. Learn how to keep your favorite gadgets safe from water damage as you enjoy them outdoors.

Saturday in the park with autism

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

When Birth to Three first came to our home to assess my son at 18 months, they asked my husband and I what specific goals they thought he should work on. Our response was seemingly simple, if not selfish and self-serving. “We’d love Ethan to greet us at the door, and say ‘I love you.’” After a period of time — a long period of time — Ethan ran to the door whenever we arrived and said, “How was your day? I love you.” Mission accomplished.

Baby boy names from the NHL

Maria Mora — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

As the Stanley Cup Finals heat up, get inspired by these baby boy names from NHL greats. Hockey's most beloved players offer exciting inspiration on and off the ice.

How to prevent common childhood sports injuries

Alicia DiFabio — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0700

April is National Sports Safety Month — a time for parents and kids to become more aware of the risks associated with playing sports. Sports and recreational activities account for 21 percent of traumatic brain injuries in children. In addition, 3.5 million children visit the emergency room with sports-related injuries annually.

Should students with disabilities have equal access to sports?

Maureen Wallace — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0700

This year, the U.S. Department of Education issued clarifying guidelines to help schools provide students with disabilities equal access to sports and extracurricular activities.

What March Madness champs are eating

Chris Perrin — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:30:00 -0700

A college athlete's body is a finely-tuned engine that needs the right fuel to make it go. It's up to sports nutritionists to give those bodies the right foods for peak performance, but everyone can learn something from their advice.

Youth sports: Good for their muscles and their brains

Sherri Kuhn — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:00:00 -0800

With parents encouraging their kids to compete with more intensity than ever before, youth sports sometimes get a bad reputation. Is there more to sports than just winning a trophy? Research hints that exercise and sports activity may be good for your child’s brain, too.

Overuse injuries in youth sports

Sherri Kuhn — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 03:49:00 -0800

The world of youth sports has become way more competitive in recent years. Many kids have played 10 years of competitive sports by the time they enter high school. Overuse injuries are a real concern — especially in a few sports — and staying on top of your child's physical condition is key.

Maria Menounos shoots, scores and stays in shape

Kristen Fischer — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:00:00 -0800

What’s a former beauty queen doing on the basketball court? Getting in enviable shape, that's what! Extra host and our Girl Crush for February Maria Menounos likes to have fun and score while torching mega-calories. Sounds like a win-win to us. Here’s why you should be playing some hoop to get fit.

Holiday gifts for the sports fanatic mom

Kori Ellis — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 12:00:00 -0800

Guys aren't the only one who love sports. If Mom is a sports fanatic, give her a holiday gift of tickets, memorabilia, team gear and other sports-related merchandise.

San Francisco Giants-inspired nail design

Kara Endres — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 06:30:00 -0700

In honor of the San Francisco Giants winning the 2012 World Series, here is a fun nail design to celebrate with the winning team! These nails are inspired by the team's official uniform — complete with pinstripes and the black and orange stripes from the socks. How fitting that their colors also coordinate nicely with Halloween.

Girls' guide to football

Heather Barnett — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0700

It's a common scene in many an American living room — the guys staring intently at the TV, only moving for the occasional high-five or to grab another beer. There's some banter about what the next play will be and some expletives about the ref's decision — all while you listen quietly pretending you knew tight-end was a position and not a compliment on the player's derriere. Don't despair! Get into the action using this handy guide to football.

Favorite Chicago athletes, past and present

Maggie Marton — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 03:33:00 -0700

Chicago plays home to major sports teams: the Bears, the Cubs, the White Sox, the Blackhawks and the Bulls. Some of the best and most notable athletes in their respective sports have come from Chicago sports teams. These 10 are among the favorite Chicago athletes.

Best apps for the iPhone: Apps for sports fans

Kori Ellis — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 05:53:00 -0700

Sports fans can follow their favorite teams and players with these apps for the iPhone. Whether you are a fantasy sports junkie or just a fan of your local team, these apps will bring you all the latest sports news, injury reports and other updates in real time.

How to help your kid hone an extracurricular activity

Molly Cerreta Smith — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:00:00 -0700

No doubt your community and neighborhood school offer lots of fun activities for kids. Check out ways to foster your kids' interest and get them involved in an activity that's right for them.

Six movies to induce Olympic fever

Shanee Edwards — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:12:00 -0700

The 2012 London Summer Olympics are starting in just a couple of days. If you're not quite prepped for the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, here are six movies to help you get your game-face on!

Parenting Guru: How to prevent sports injuries

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 -0700

If you're thinking your children practice sports with a different intensity than you ever did as a kid, you're not alone. Young athletes are playing longer and harder today. Plus, the pressure to win puts emotional stress on kids. Many parents push winning rather than focusing on effort, sportsmanship and hard work, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

5 Holiday gift ideas for the sports nut dad

Kori Ellis — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:30:00 -0800

If your dad, husband or any other guy in your life is a diehard sports fan, give him a gift that reflects his favorite team, player or sport. Check out these fun holiday gift ideas for the sports nut.

Birthday party themes for boys

Selena Dehne — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:03:00 -0700

Planning a birthday party for your son can be a blast, but trying to pick out a theme can be difficult. With kids changing their likes and dislikes as often as they change their clothes, how can you possibly pick a theme you know your son and his friends won’t grow out of by the time the party starts?

How many activities should my child have?

Sarah W. Caron — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:23:00 -0700

Here's a quick guide to activities for kids of all ages, including recommendations on what different age groups can handle.

Monday Mom challenge: Are you a good sport?

Jen Klein — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 06:44:00 -0700

You talk a good game. At soccer, hockey and even Monopoly, you talk to your kids about being a good sport. You comfort and counsel your kids when they loose and cheer when they win. You are doing all the right things in teaching your kids about sportsmanship. But are you a good sport? Are you really?