It’s not impossible By N. Caliendo

In a world with cable television, video games, computers, and fast food, it is crucial that children engage in some type of physical activity. Not only will it increase a child's stamina, strength, and agility, but it will also help prevent childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes, an epidemic that is at an all time record high in the United States.

Kiddie Workout

A child doesn't need a regimented workout. Any outdoor activity lasting 30 minutes or more could be a workout. The trick is to find out what the child enjoys doing, then have him or her do it. Better yet, get out there and do it with them. A child learns by example, so what better way to bond with your child than by spending some quality time doing an activity you both enjoy and will benefit from. There are so many things that your ...

Babybin

It’s not impossible By N. Caliendo

In a world with cable television, video games, computers, and fast food, it is crucial that children engage in some type of physical activity. Not only will it increase a child's stamina, strength, and agility, but it will also help prevent childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes, an epidemic that is at an all time record high in the United States.

Kiddie Workout

A child doesn't need a regimented workout. Any outdoor activity lasting 30 minutes or more could be a workout. The trick is to find out what the child enjoys doing, then have him or her do it. Better yet, get out there and do it with them. A child learns by example, so what better way to bond with your child than by spending some quality time doing an activity you both enjoy and will benefit from. There are so many things that your ...

Keeping kids active By Angela La Fon

Want to get your kids up, out, and active? Use these ideas to send them out the door more and more. MISSIONS MOTIVATE

Give kids a purpose for their steps. Whether a stroll down the block or a hike in the woods, motivate kids with a mission. Offer young kids a special nature collection bag or a disposable camera. A plastic magnifying glass will really enlarge their fun. Entrust older walkers with cameras or binoculars to increase not only their view but their steps too. GARDEN PARTY

Involve kids in gardening. Give kids a space whether a patch for planting something they enjoy like strawberries or pumpkins, a bed to plant a flower garden or a container garden with friendly herbs like mint. Let kids choose plants to increase motivation. Have them be responsible for planting, watering and weeding. Give them an end of the season incentive like ...

Not a little girl anymore By Cierna Ritts

It's best to start preparing your daughter for her menstrual cycle when she's little and begins asking those first uncomfortable questions. Make it a habit to meet them with direct answers from the beginning.

The Talk

Mothers will have the most opportunities to prepare their daughters for menstruation. If you suffer from PMS or cramping during your cycle, share this information. Making simple comments, statements, even mild complaints, will reinforce that menstruation is normal. If you are a single father, there are still opportunities to help prepare your daughter for her period. Television commercials for feminine products are good conversation starters. Try not to betray any nervousness that your daughter may pick up on and interpret negatively.

Outside Resources

Take your daughter to the pediatrician for a yearly physical. Use this opportunity to discuss her development and find out what to expect as she continues to grow. Ask the ...

Babybin

When things can get awkward By Olivia B If you are parents of a teenager it is best that you expect the unexpected. A day that seems ordinary will suddenly take a turn, when with your teen, a surge of hormones comes running in the door. Bringing an unexpected outburst related to a sudden feeling, it has a way of throwing stability out the door. It may be because a best friend failed to meet an expectation, or the sudden dislike of a once favorite outfit. The teen years are full of triumphs and tears. Stresses For teens beginning to find themselves, the trouble is, they don't know where to look. We remember the need to be part of the "in group" among them and how important it was to dress alike to identify to others, that "you" have arrived. The conflict for teens is the wedge that exists between what you have been taught ...

Kid chic By Carisa Silvesan

Creating a bedroom your child will love is not hard to do and can be very fun as their imagination really comes out and you see what kind of world they envision. There are several key elements in creating a dream bedroom. There are the walls and the ceiling, the floors and the window coverings, the furniture and, last but not least, the blankets, pillows, and sheets, along with any extras that will make it special.

Get Creative

You could just slather a certain color of paint on the walls or add some borders and wall decorations. There are posters and photos with frames. Or you could have someone come out and paint a mural on the wall and ceiling. You could paint it like a checkerboard and create a little girl's room like Alice In Wonderland. You could paint the ceiling with storm clouds and do a pirate ...

Sneaky ways to store stuff By Angela Gibson

Smart moms know that the difference between a well-organized, "pottery barn" perfect playroom and a disaster area scattered with all sorts of kiddie clutter hinges on on thing: storage and plenty of it!

The majority of playrooms today just are not equipped with the necessary storage to create order from chaos and to make it easy for our kids to keep it that way. Most of us are resigned to a couple of floor baskets, a top shelf in the closet, and an occasional, modestly-sized bookcase for storing our children's collections. Both you and I know, that's just not going to cut it! So how do we reorganize and provide a place for everything in an attractive yet budget-wise manner?

Getting Started

First of all, you must UP the quantity of storage receptacles. The best way to streamline clutter is to have a designated (labeled) ...

Help for moms and dads

By Cynthia Albillar

There is a time between the ages of one and three when a child shows an interest in using the bathroom. They will often follow a parent of older sibling into the bathroom, flush the toilet, etc. This is the ideal time to start potty training.

Where to Start

Begin by buying and setting up the potty chair. Although there are many seats for on the toilet, I feel that this adds another degree of anxiety to the potty experience. Most children find it difficult to get on the toilet by themselves and many have a fear (reasonably I might add, it does happen) of falling into the toilet and getting stuck. I feel using the adult toilet is best saved for after the child gets used to the potty theory.

To help the child notice when they have to go to the ...