QuickTips Index
Can We Talk? Tips on How to Talk to Kids & Get Them Talking Too
Seemingly overnight, your kids who previously were NEVER quiet suddenly have nothing to say. Consider these parenting tips on how to talk to kids to keep the lines of communication open and to know what's going on in your child's world.
Child Behavior and Discipline - Calming Sibling Anxiety
It's no surprise that a previously only child may start acting out and sometimes downright ugly to parents who are expecting or have just brough home a new baby. The key is to stop those behaviors with some strong child discipline and lay the anxiety to rest.
Child health and safety: What you should know about silent concussions
If your child hits her head but doesn't lose consciousness and seems okay, is she? Maybe or maybe not. Here's what else to watch for.
Should you tell your kids how much you make?
Children shouldn't be sheltered from the reality of money, family incomes and bills, and how economic times (good or bad) affect choices about what your family can afford to do. Frugal living provides the opportunity to teach kids about the value of saving money, budgeting, and spending money wisely. Those who are more fortunate can use those financial successes to instill the virtue of giving to others less fortunate and are struggling to make ends meet.
Child Hunger: More Than 17 Percent of Young Children at Risk of Hunger
More than 17 percent of children under the age of 5 are at risk of hunger in the United States, according to an anti-hunger group. And, even more disturbing is the knowledge that poor nutrition can result in developmental and cognitive damage.
Hands-Free Cellphone Zones Are Increasing
An incrasing number of traffic accidents are being attributed to driver distraction--often due to the driver texting or talking on the cell phone. So, why not just hang up the cell phone and drive?
Child Health - Kids Are Watching Whether You Are Washing Your Hands!
Fewer Americans are washing their hands than even two years ago. If that's not bad enough, keep in mind that kids are watching their parent's hand-washing techniques and typically modeling their behaviors in a similar fashion. So, if you're not washing your hands properly, chances are your kids aren't either!
Child Discipline - Is Spanking a Child Ever Okay?
You either favor it, or are very strenuously against it. Deciding whether to spank a child as a form of child discipline creates strong emotional response, with little to no common ground. Your age, whether your parents spanked you, and your sense of control over your kids may factor into your belief system as well.
Child Discipline - Do Time-Outs Really Work with Toddlers?
Giving your toddler a "time-out" as a form of discipline seems easy enough. Remove your toddler from the situation where he is acting out, sit him in a chair or in another room, and tell him he is in "time-out" from the activity. Or, at least that's the theory. But do child discipline time-outs actually work? It often depends on who you ask and how you apply the discipline.
Child Health - Less Kids Have High Lead Levels According to New Report
Exposure to lead can interfere with the developing nervous system and cause permanent problems with learning, memory and behavior. That is why efforts continue to get the lead out of toys and other products to keep our kids safe. Here are tips parents should remember in preventing a child's exposure to lead.
Child Discipline - The Bad News About Using Bribes
What parent hasn't bribed a child to stay quiet, do something he doesn't want to do, or to try a new food. While bribes typically do get the desired action in the short-term, parents may be unwittingly setting up a power struggle and a kid who won't do something without expecting something in return.
Career in Child Care - Loving Kids Isn't Enough for This Hard Job
Tough economic times often lead to an increase in the number of people opting to become child care providers. Sometimes, it is due to a parent losing a job; othertimes, it is because the cost of daycare is too much on an already-stretched household budget. But a career in child care involves much more than simply loving kids!
Child Discipline - Pulling the Plug on a Child's Backtalk
How do you put a stop to talking back? Here are some child discipline do's to consider!
Child Behavior - Why is Your Baby Crying and How Can You Stop It?
Of course your baby, or the one you are caring for, cries occasionally. But why is she crying and what can you do about a crying baby?
Can You Afford a Baby in This Economy?
With the economy in the doldrums and no short-term solution in sight, many couples are postponing starting a family or placing the addition of siblings on hold. Having a baby is expensive enough on the family budget, but add in child care costs coupled with concerns about job security, and delays are inevitable.
Child Discipline - How to Stop Your Child from Hitting
Disciplining a toddler is no easy matter. But certain behaviors have to be stopped at once. Hitting is one such behavior. What can you do to put a stop to a child's hitting before someone gets hurt?
Kid Movies: Is This Movie Appropriate for Your Child?
Before parents or child care providers take children to a movie or pop a video in for afternoon viewing, they might want to read reviews first. Here are some ways to learn more about what your children might watch.
Child Care Providers Should Practice Tummy Time Too
Is recommended tummy time for babies going belly up when they are in child care? Babies who spend eight six to eight hours a day at daycare may not be getting the proper amount of daily tummy time that is needed for proper development.
Cold Germs Linger for Days
Watch out for shared toys, especially those in waiting rooms of doctor's offices. Those cold germs can linger for days, a medical study shows.
It's Germ Warfare in Kid Classrooms
It comes as no surprise that schools and daycares are far from clean. But what lurks at the microscophic level may be more dangerous than we realize. Put lots of kids in a classroom or daycare environment together and germ warfare is inevitable. But there are defenses that can help your kid stay healthy.
Teach Kids Drug Awareness Early
National Red Ribbon Week is always celebrated October 23-31 with the simple message of "Say NO to drugs!" Kids pre-school age and up can benefit from learnign about having a drug-free lifestyle.
Kids Younger Than 4 Should Not Be Given Cold Medicines
Giving over-the-counter cold medicine to children younger than age 4 is now a no-no, according to new industry advice.
Six Ways to Help a Child Care Program Manage Your Child's Food Allergies
Child care providers especially could benefit from these six tips for helping to manage food allergies of kids in their care.
Brat Attack: Stopping Tantrums
Nothing makes a parent cringe more than toddler meltdowns--especially when they occur in public or at the most opportune times (is there ever a good time?). Here are ways to combat and minimize brat attacks in their tracks.
Is Your Child Happy At Day Care?
Don't just wait to see if your child is happy and content at daycare...plan a visit and see for yourself!