Childhood obesity has become a highly discussed topic in recent decades, as its prevalence has increased at a worrisome rate. According to the CDC, about 17 percent of children aged 2–19 are considered obese. Obesity in children can be defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile in gender-specific, BMI-for-age growth
How to Deal with Stretch Marks in Pregnancy
“Tiger stripes.” “Battle scars.” “Striae.” Whatever you call them — and whether you talk about them with pride or annoyance — stretch marks can be an unavoidable effect of pregnancy for some women. The bad news is there isn’t a way to entirely avoid getting them or a magic remedy that will remove them completely
How to Balance Allergies with Pet Ownership
“Mom! When are we getting a dog?” If just hearing that phrase makes your sinuses hurt, your eyes water and your throat swell, you are not alone. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as much as 10 percent of the U.S. population is allergic to dogs and has to balance allergies.
How To Help Your Baby With Their Infant Ailments
There are countless words we use to describe newborn babies: cute, precious, angelic, beautiful ... I could go on forever. Yet there are other adjectives we’ve all thought of but never said aloud: gross, yucky, smelly. When your baby has a first aid need, it’s our job to take care of the problem, no matter
Complete Your Family Tree With These Tips
Who are you? For most people, this is an easy question. They classify themselves as mothers or fathers, sons or daughters, painters, teachers or doctors. But for others, it raises a burning question that runs deeper than occupation or social position. It raises a question of the past, of roots and ancestry. And questions are
How to Cope With Being An Older Grandparent
Many women are waiting until their late 20s to have their first child, according to The National Center for Health Statistics, and we are seeing more and more parents having children in their 30s and 40s. With older parents comes older grandparents, and those few years in age really make an impact. “I was 69
How To Help Children With Anxiety
Children today seem to be experiencing anxiety at higher levels than ever before. In response to this trend, the State of Florida has become the first in the nation to require mental health education for students in grades six through 12. Parents do all we can to help our anxious kids, but typical parenting approaches
The Potential Risks of Thumb-Sucking and How to Break the Habit
When you notice your baby putting her thumb in her mouth for the first time, you pause. “Oh no, should I pull her thumb out?” “Is this going to become a habit?” “What am I freaking out about, she’s only a baby! They grow out of this … right?” Those are probably a few thoughts you’ve
DIY Hanging Planter Pails
Calling all green-thumbed gardeners! Have you been looking for a fun way to brighten up your entryway? Well look no further! These quick do-it-yourself hanging planter pails are the perfect way to complete your garden. Supplies needed 2 metal pails, about 8 inches in diameter 2 coco liners, sized to fit in your pail Mini
What To Do When Your Kiddo Has Pinworms
“You’ll get worms!” Is this just something moms like to use as a scare tactic, or is it something to really be concerned about? My mom swears she used to buy sterilized sand for my sandbox when I was a kid because she was afraid I would eat it and get worms. Was this necessary