You can still have a fun, even productive, rainy day at home. Use these practical suggestions to encourage your tweens and teens to get active when the weather has them stuck inside. If you don’t have a gym membership, ask about day passes or see if you can accompany a friend who is a member. Your local YMCA almost always has day passes available, as well as financial assistance for family memberships....
The moment our 6-year-old laid eyes on the RoboShooter Robot, his excitement level soared off the charts. And who could blame him? With its armored exterior, laser gun, and buttons, the gleaming android is certainly stimulating at first glance. However, any parent knows that a child’s initial interest in a toy can fade quickly, so we wanted to see whether this robot would remain a favorite or be forgotten in a few days....
At the same time, you gain peace of mind knowing that your kids are being loved and well cared-for. Whether grandparents babysit occasionally or supply full-time care, here are things to consider when having grandparents watch your children. Discuss Payment It can be a blessing to have grandparents who are able and willing to watch your kids while you’re away. Letting them know how much you appreciate their time and efforts is important....
While researchers are still exploring the cause of dyscalculia, it is believed to be a brain-based condition. What Is Dyscalculia? Children and teens with dyscalculia struggle to understand numbers and how to do math. Their struggles may lead them to avoid math and develop math anxiety. Math is included in many parts of life, even for young children. However, with proper identification and educational strategies, people who experience dyscalculia can go on to be successful in school and in their personal lives....
Throughout the school year, it’s easy for parents and their seniors to get wrapped up in the process of filling out applications, visiting college campuses, doing college interviews and discussing college essay questions, that they forget to ask themselves the most critical question of all: Is my high school senior truly ready for college? Unfortunately, the majority of parents just assume that the logical next step after accepting a diploma is to attend college in the fall....
Developmental Differences Always remember that different aspects of your child’s development flourish at different times. For example, your child may intellectually be ready to build things with blocks, but still lack the fine motor skills needed to do so. Sometimes it’s easy for parents to forget that their gifted toddler or preschooler is still only their biological age. Parents of a gifted 3-year-old who is reading at a third-grade level, for example, can “forget” that their child has only been alive for three years....
But do you really need dozens of different pills and powders to have a healthy pregnancy? After our research (and talking with top prenatal dietitians), we’re happy to report that a few well-selected prenatal supplements will meet your needs. The first place to start is a prenatal multivitamin, which is recommended by healthcare professionals for anyone who is pregnant or trying to conceive. Prenatal multivitamins can differ in their formulation but typically contain key nutrients including vitamin D, vitamins A and C, iodine, choline, and B vitamins, including folic acid to prevent fetal neural tube defects....
If your child gets into a fight at recess or says something unkind to another student or the teacher, don’t panic. The first step is to work with school administrators and teachers to determine the underlying cause of your child’s behavior. Then, you’ll be able to involve them in the process of developing a behavior plan that addresses their needs. Establish Regular Communication If your child’s misbehavior is an isolated incident, monitor their progress for a few days to make sure it gets better....
There are two types of styes: external hordeolum (which form along your eyelashes and are more common) and internal hordeolum (which grow from the oil-producing glands inside your eyelid and are relatively rare). Though styes are not a strictly pediatric condition—they can affect people of all ages—they are common in children. Stye Symptoms The diagnosis of a stye is usually based on the way it looks or feels. Symptoms of a stye include:...
Foster a Sustainability Mindset Most scientists suggest parents take a less alarmist approach with kids when discussing climate change and the risks associated with it. Instead, they urge parents to focus on getting kids to fall in love with nature and helping them recognize that they need to be good stewards of the earth. Additional research has shown that more and more kids are developing “eco-anxiety” due to the messages they’ve heard in the media, and sometimes in schools....
Infants and children younger than age 10 are at an increased risk for retinal sunlight injury because their eyes permit greater amounts of damaging UV light to enter, but a quality pair of sunglasses can protect your child’s eyes from damaging rays. When reviewing products, we looked carefully at lens and frame types, material, age recommendations, and UV protection. Here are the best sunglasses for kids based on your child’s style and activity level....
“Playing with trains helps children with emotional regulation, creativity, and future planning,” says Nicole Clelland, a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered play therapist. “[When playing with trains] children are able to figure out how to set up tracks, which side of the magnetic trains match, and practice thinking about possibilities before making a choice.” When choosing a train set, caregivers should pay attention to the manufacturer’s age recommendation as some trains (such as model trains) are meant for older kids....
Gifts for kids in this age group should be safe, help them meet milestones, and encourage them to use their bodies. “They will climb anything in their way. They love to use push and pull objects like a shopping cart or a pull train,” says Dyan Hes, MD, a pediatrician and medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City. “They are just beginning to enjoy pretend play and will often serve you tea or bake you a cake....
Supplementing with magnesium may help to decrease the occurrence of pregnancy complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, placental dysfunction, premature labor, growth restriction, and gestational diabetes especially in pregnant people from disadvantaged backgrounds. As with most vitamins and minerals, there are various forms of magnesium in supplements. Some forms of magnesium can be easier to absorb, and other forms may have a side effect of diarrhea. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any magnesium supplement and for individual guidance what form of magnesium best suits your needs....
When you’re shopping for a burp cloth, you’ll want to consider the type of material to ensure it will catch anything baby spits up. Also, double check the size and quality so you’ll know it’ll fit perfectly over your shoulder while still keeping your clothes as safe as possible. We carefully considered design, material, value, washing instructions, ease of cleaning, and absorbency when reviewing products. Here are the best burp cloths on the market....
Look for toys that will add educational value to your child’s playtime and hone in on any of their interests to keep it entertaining. We carefully considered toy safety, design, ease of use, ease of cleaning, value, and age recommendations when reviewing products. Here are the best educational toys for toddlers on the market. The top criteria for a good set of blocks are durability, a safe and fun size, and the ability to be disinfected....
