There’s nothing like hearing your child curse to make you cringe in horror. The first time I heard my daughter utter a four-letter word, I was in shock. Where did she learn this? It didn’t take long for me to… read more
Olivia Pitkenthly
How to Promote a Healthy Body Image for Your Teen
In 2010, the Obama administration launched the Let’s Move! campaign and a task force on childhood obesity to bring awareness to unhealthy patterns of eating and sedentary lifestyles. Since then, schools have provided healthier food choices, started growing fruits and… read more
Decisions, Decisions: The importance of Giving Your Toddler a Choice
You are probably already noticing your toddler’s desire for independence. He may be pushing boundaries (and your buttons!) when he refuses to eat breakfast or put on his shoes. Parents can promote this newfound independence within acceptable boundaries by providing… read more
Beyond Little Outbursts: How to cope with an aggressive child
Children express their emotions in physical ways before they learn how to verbalize them. I have a video of my 6-month-old daughter in a high chair, slamming her pudgy hand on the tray when she thought her brother was going… read more
Is My Kid Abusing His ADHD Medication?
More children and teens are being prescribed stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, to improve focus and enhance academic progress. Unfortunately, with the rise in prescriptions comes also the rise in abuse. According to the American Association of Poison Control’s… read more
“But Mommy said I could!” Managing Parenting Differences
Take a look around your neighborhood, playground or child’s school, and you will see a variety of parenting styles. The “helicopter” parent who monitors every step the child makes, not only knows the names of her friends, but also her… read more
Make Mealtime With Picky Eaters a Little Easier
When we start our families, we imagine dinnertime being a relaxing experience with pleasant conversation. If you are the parent of a picky eater, though, it is anything but. In the book “Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating,” authors… read more
Avoid Being “Unfriended” During Election Season
My husband and I learned early on how to protect our marriage: we avoid politics. As two opinionated people on opposite sides of the spectrum, we became frustrated with each other during our first presidential election as a dating couple. Had we been on Facebook at… read more
How Do You Talk to Your Teen About Depression?
Warning: The following content talks about depression, suicidal thoughts, teenage suicide and the importance of talking to your teen about depression. Imagine getting a phone call from the high school guidance counselor, informing you that your son or daughter was… read more
Top 10 Must-Have Instructions for Your Babysitter
Every parent knows a good babysitter is hard to find. We’ve compiled a list of must-have instructions for your babysitter to ensure a good experience for everyone. Top 10 Babysitter Instructions 1. Give the babysitter your cell phone numbers and… read more
