Articles Categorized: Parenting

Black Friday may serve as the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season, but that's not necessarily when you'll find the best prices. In fact, experts say you're better off waiting until closer to the December holidays for some products. To be sure, there'll be bargains to be found on Black Friday, but your best option on that day might be "doorbusters" — items with super-low prices that retailers dangle to convince you to shop with them — and products that could sell out, such as popular toys. This year may prove to be a particular challenge for shoppers given ... More

We live in a world where anything we want can be ordered online, and if that item is too expensive cheaper, knock-off versions of all kinds of everyday products are just a scroll away. A counterfeit purse or a cheaply made pair of shoes probably isn't going to hurt the end user, but a fake car seat absolutely could, and unfortunately, they're ending up in the back seats of parents' cars. After KTVB-TV in Idaho reported car seat technicians with St. Luke's Children's Hospital had come across two families in possession of brand-new car seats that were missing vital safety ... More

Teaching our kids to say "thank you" is important, but truly instilling a sense of gratitude in them is another matter entirely. Gratitude goes beyond good manners -- it's a mindset and a lifestyle. A recent Wall Street Journal article about raising kids with gratitude acknowledged a growing interest in the area of gratitude in the younger generation. The piece cited studies showing that kids who count their blessings reap concrete benefits, including greater life satisfaction and a better attitude about school. Sounds good, right? But before we get to the how, let's explore the why. What's the big deal ... More

If you have a brand-new kindergartner, you may be wondering — or worrying about — school readiness. Many parents of this age spend the weeks leading up to the first day of school practicing academic basics like counting and prereading. And while those are certainly important, most kindergarten teachers will tell you that soft skills like cooperation, empathy, self-awareness, and focused attention are just as essential for a successful transition to school. Fortunately, several high-quality apps are available to help kindergartners start the year off right. Best of all, each has the approval of the teacher community on our site ... More

For health-conscious parents, Halloween can be tricky. Do you set limits? Do you let kids decide how much to eat? There isn't just one right answer. Instead, use your best judgment based on your child's personality and eating habits. Kids who generally eat just a couple of pieces and save the rest might be trusted to decide how much to eat. But if your child tends to overdo it, consider setting limits. Here are some more tips for handling the Halloween treats: Before kids go trick-or-treating, try to serve a healthy meal so they're not hungry when the candy starts coming in. Know how ... More