If there’s one guarantee for the coming holiday season, it’s that the latest electronics will be at the top of nearly every child’s wish list. Last year’s most-requested item was the Apple iPad, and with the long-awaited iPhone 5 scheduled to land sometime this fall, it’s likely that Apple will have another lucrative mid-winter gift season. Other manufacturers of popular electronics — Samsung, Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, Motorola, HTC, Nikon, Canon, etc. — will not be far behind. But parents thinking about microchip-laden presents need to do some homework... (Read More ...)

On Thanksgiving, many Americans are preoccupied with turkeys, parades, football games, and even Black Friday sales. It seems that over time, this holiday has become more about getting things—whether that’s food, entertainment, or bargains—than about giving thanks for what we already have. (And really, that’s just a reflection of our society’s general gimme-gimme-gimme attitude.) If you’re like most parents, you don’t want your kids to grow up focused solely on themselves, concerned only with the latest video game or with how they can get their way. You want them to feel genuine gratitude... (Read More ...)

This Thanksgiving, help your children to follow in the footsteps of the holiday’s 
original Pilgrim and Native American celebrants by giving generously to others. 
Todd Patkin offers actionable ideas to help your whole family get started. On Thanksgiving, many Americans are preoccupied with turkeys, parades, football games, and even Black Friday sales. It seems that over time, this holiday has become more about getting things—whether that’s food, entertainment, or bargains—than about giving thanks for what we already have. (And really, that’s just a reflection of our society’s general... (Read More ...)

Think baby showers are just for moms? Not anymore! The “Daddy Shower” is the latest trend hitting the scene, allowing the daddy-to-be to be “showered” with gifts and fun as well.
 
The first decision is “who is going to throw” the BSFD. For the mommy it is usually the best friend, mother, or mother in-law, or combination of the above. For the Daddy, this role has not yet been established and quite often it is simply put together by a pro-active daddy for his friends, but here are some thoughts if you are the “best Dad friend” and want to put the party together. Robert Nickell,... (Read More ...)

Millions of children were deeply affected by the tragedies of 9/11 and, ten years later, the grief and fear often associated with this day still resonates. Childhood grief expert Dr. David J. Schonfeld provides teachers with helpful tips for supporting students during the anniversary of 9/11. Dr. Schonfeld, one of the nation’s leading experts on childhood bereavement and school crisis, is a veteran consultant to school crisis teams and has trained thousands of professionals in the wake of devastating events such as 9/11, hurricane Katrina and, most recently, the Joplin, MO tornado. In his book,... (Read More ...)

 by Eric Clark Making delicious, fun, nutritious, and satisfying school lunches every day for your children may seem like a daunting task, but there are some simple ways to pack a meal that encourages a healthier lifestyle. Good habits begin at home: If your children eat fresh, non-processed food for breakfast, dinner and snacks, they won’t be surprised by what’s in their lunch bags. Packed lunches have many advantages over cafeteria fare. You can adjust the menu to meet special dietary needs, for instance. Or you can pack healthy foods you know your children enjoy or ones that work well... (Read More ...)

I’m the first to admit having teens in the house can be challenging as a parent. It’s confusing. The experts tell us it’s dangerous and unhealthy to be their friend (“They have to see you as an authority!”), yet there are plenty of moments it feels natural to do so—to laugh, shop, share music, and learn new things together. Instead of simply trying to “survive” this developmental chapter, it helps to become more intentional about savoring our teens. Savoring? Sure. Appreciating the goodness of this particular stage. Otherwise, we may see only the pitfalls... (Read More ...)

Why would anyone like fried bologna sandwiches, you might ask. But if you are a Southerner, you understand. In fact, if you are a Southerner, you are probably within five miles of a sign on a biscuit restaurant marquee that is proclaiming “Fried bologna biscuits are back!” I am. Anyway, a fried bologna sandwich follows this column, if you are interested, and I will get to the task of telling you about the time I lost my appetite for them. For many years I had loved them with their delectable curled-up edges and creamy, melted Velveeta cheese slipped between two soft slices of white... (Read More ...)

A few years back when my oldest grandchildren were little they often stayed with me when their mommy and daddy had errands to do or work to be finished at the house. Many ‘mother’ memories always surface when my grandchildren visit. It is as though in their little ways they open up the treasures I have hidden away near my heart. As soon as the boys came running into the house they exclaimed how hungry they were. My daughter looked at me, somewhat bewildered since they didn’t state they were hungry before she left the house. Silly young mother, it doesn’t matter if they had... (Read More ...)

Homework is a child’s responsibility, so we need to be careful how much we help. We want to be aware of what our children are doing and be involved in helpful ways, but not do too much for them. One thing we can do is to avoid the word “we,” since it implies that homework is our responsibility. Instead, say, “When are you going to do your homework?” If children are having problems, figure out why and try to resolve the root cause: If children have difficulty focusing, plan homework time based on your child’s needs. If your child needs to burn off steam before... (Read More ...)