FAMILY LIFE Many kids love the sugary sweet taste of soda, sports drinks and energy drinks. And, many of these drinks also contain various amounts of caffeine. Is it okay for your child to consume these drinks? No, says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Because these drinks can actually be harmful, the AAP says […]
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FAMILY LIFE It’s not easy parenting a teen. Your teen’s brain is still developing until about age 25, according to the National Institutes of Health. These are areas that control judgment, decision making, and impulse control. What’s a frustrated parent to do? NIH News in Health suggests these actions: * Respect your teen’s opinions. Nonjudgmental
HEALTHY EATING Is dinner time a war zone at your house? Do you fight battles with your kids over vegetables and mac and cheese? Picky eating is as normal as potty-training. Even the best of parents can have a difficult time getting their child to eat. In fact, picky eating is one of the most
FAMILY LIFE Make the hour before bed a no-electronics zone, said Dr. Jill Creighton, pediatrician at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Powering down makes bedtime easier because kids need to relax before going to sleep. Most school-age kids (ages 6 to 17) have at least one device; a smartphone, video games, iPad or computer in their
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FAMILY LIFE Today’s families are busier than ever. Parents’ jobs, kids’ activities, social events, and homework seem to leave little time for anything else. Research shows that sitting down as a family for dinner is good for everyone at the table. The Family Dinner Project says sharing a family meal is good for the brains
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FAMILY LIFE Chores are a part of daily life for families. And, the way they are divided can have a big impact on your family relationships. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that sharing household chores was among the top three things that make a marriage work. This can be easier said than
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WELL-BEING Although children will lose many of their first teeth as they are replaced with permanent adult teeth, the “baby” teeth are still important. Cavities and decay, even in those first teeth, can lead to speech and eating problems and crooked adult teeth, says the American Dental Association (ADA). Follow these tips to keep your
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FAMILY LIFE Students are back in school, and now is the time for parents to develop routines to help their children succeed academically. Kimberly Greder, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialist, says parental involvement, more than income or social status, is a predictor of student achievement. * Create a home environment that
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FAMILY LIFE Start talking about the upcoming school year. Listen closely for fears or concerns, advises Dr. Amie Duncan of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. “It is important that parents listen to and respond to their child’s potential anxieties about the new school year, especially if they are making a big transition such as from an elementary
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FAMILY LIFE Although learning may be easier for some children than others, any child can find success at school with some extra help from their family. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends these tips to help your child get a great education. Make reading a priority. Reading to your child helps them become a better
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