» "A simple cure for ""Nature Deficit Disorder"" "

"Make it a point to spend some unstructured time outdoors with your kids as often as possible. Time outdoors may help prevent ""Nature Deficit Disorder,"" a problem identified by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods. "

» "I'm the parent, that's why "

"One approach, recognized as an effective way to raise children, is to be authoritative (not to be confused with authoritarian). "

» "Kids, cars, and beyond - Stay with me, please "

"Use the phrase ""Parking Lot Rules"" and teach your kids not to race ahead or trail behind you when they get out of the car in a parking lot. Make sure they know to walk next to you or hold your hand so they can get back and forth to the car safely. "

» "Mom, I'm bored "

"When school ends for the summer, kids everywhere look for fun things to do. Although ""the busier, the better"" isn't necessarily a good idea (kids do need down time); neither is sitting in front of a screen all summer long. "

» "Parenting with ""style!"" "

Parenting style can affect your child's behavior -- now and well into the future. Parenting style is the overall pattern of parental actions.

» "Running with kids - How to keep it ""fun"" "

Training for and participating in fun runs and walks (usually a distance of five kilometers or approximately three miles) can be a great family fitness activity.

» "Talk less, do more "

Pressuring overweight teens to diet can actually backfire. Most teens are very sensitive and will often interpret well-meaning advice to change their eating habits as criticism.

» "Underage drinking - How to convince your teens that staying sober is ""awesome"" and ""cool"" "

1. It's easy to gain weight if you drink too much. A glass of beer has about 150 calories. It doesn't take long to consume almost half your daily calories if you combine drinking with snacking on pizza or chips.

» 5 ways to help kids build character and confidence

"Communicate openly with children. Compliment children on accomplishments. Be active in your children's school and social life. Don't speak negatively about your own weight, body shape, or size. Limit TV time. "

» 6 internet safety tips for parents

1. Learn what social networking sites your kids use. Do they have a blog? What kind of information is on it? 2. Talk to your child about the risks of communicating online with someone they don't know face to face.

» Are not! Are too! MOM!

"Tattling, tackling, teasing, and taking one another's toys -- sibling rivalry can be frustrating for parents, but it's totally normal (if that's any comfort). The jealousy and friction between brothers and sisters is just part of growing up. "

» Are your kids overscheduled?

"Sports, after-school clubs, and volunteer programs are great ways for kids to explore interests and build self-esteem. Doing too much, though, can build stress that creates physical and emotional problems. "

» Back to school - Avoid the first-day jitters

"If your teenager is starting a new middle school or high school, take him or her to the campus several days before classes start to explore the surroundings. "

» Backpack buying basics

Back to school means a trip down to school-bag aisle. Backpacks are best because they are carried with the body's strongest back and abdominal muscles.

» Be a good sport

"If you're a parent of young athletes, are you setting a good example of sportsmanship for your children? Here are some warning signs that you're getting too ramped up: "

» Be a kid again UPDATED!

Kids are always ready to play. Combining together time with play can add up to an awesome movement session for both of you. Five reasons to team up with a little one: It's a health challenge - good for body and soul.

» Beating the summer camp blues

"Soon millions of kids will head to summer camp. Here are a few steps to prepare for homesickness. Assure campers that they're not alone. Roughly 95% miss something about home, but very few suffer enough to be sent home early. "

» Boys to men

"The next time your little guy gets all upset and starts to cry about something, let him tell you what's bugging him and then ask him, ""What are we going to do about this?"" Let him get all his tears and fears out in the open. "

» Bullying is a big deal

"Teasing, name-calling, telling others not to be friends with someone, excluding someone on purpose, and spreading rumors are all forms of bullying. Unfortunately, the list of bullying examples goes on and on. "

» Clutter - A fun way to get kids to tidy up UPDATED!

"Instead of nagging kids to pick up their junk, try this: Tell them that every time someone leaves an item out of its place (backpacks, sneakers, cereal bowls, purses, whatever) the item will be tagged and the culprit will have to pay a cash penalty. "

» Creating happy memories

Small but meaningful rituals like making pizza on Saturday night or having a game night once a week give a sense of stability and predictability to kids' lives.

» Dangerous driving mistakes

"Never turn around to discipline kids if they're squabbling in the back seat. Get out of traffic, pull over, and then try to calm them down. "

» Divorce - How to help children cope UPDATED!

"Divorce is a difficult and challenging time for all members of a family. Respect for each other, and these coping skills, can help parents ease the transition for their kids. "

» Drivers education

Courses that allow teens to actually drive provide a better foundation than the classroom-only setting.

» Elementary math

"An easy lesson in fractions may be one way to teach kids about good nutrition. A healthy plate should include: 1/2 fruits and vegetables, 1/4 whole grains like brown rice or whole-wheat pasta, 1/4 lean protein like chicken, fish, or turkey. "

» Family matters

"A famous movie line may ease your child's fears. ""I'll be back"" is the catch phrase from the ""Terminator"" movies, but it may also help your child deal with separation anxiety. "

» Family time

Eating meals together frequently or just having fun as a family may help teens make healthier lifestyle choices.

» For busy moms and dads... 10 easy ways to exercise with your kids

Pack up the stroller and go for a brisk walk. Find a family 5k run or walk. Turn on some music and dance. Plan a Saturday bike trip. Gather your kids along with others. Visit a park and spend some time swinging. Organize a family work party.

» Getting your kids to cooperate

"Be specific about what you expect, like having your child make the bed and put away toys every day. Questions that start with ""Will you please?"" can make it sound like they have a choice. "

» Handwashing Awareness

"Teach your kids not to put their fingers in their eyes, nose, or mouth and wash their hands with soap and hot water several times a day, and always after using the bathroom and before eating. "

» Helping teenagers lose weight

"Don't minimize your teen's concern if he or she is overweight. Don't nag, preach, or try to coerce. Let your teen take the lead. Avoid judgmental comments like ""you've had enough,"" or ""you don't need that."" "

» Here's a heads-up

Experts from Children's Hospital in Boston recommend that safe headphone listening is one hour per day with the volume at no more than 60% of maximum.

» How to hide healthy foods in your kids' favorite meals

"It can be a battle to get kids to eat healthy foods, but there are ways to sneak in more nutrition. Start with gradual changes, and remember these four basics: 1. Similar colors and textures work well. "

» Infants & toddlers - Never too young to exercise

"Children develop their physical skills when they have the freedom to move around. Although strollers, playpens, and infant seats are convenient, children need time every day to explore their environment. "

» Keeping children's teeth healthy

"If you put your child to sleep with a bottle, make sure it only contains water -- not milk, juice, or other liquids that contain sugar. A common cause of early childhood cavities is prolonged exposure of a baby's teeth to liquids with sugar. "

» Kids & fevers - When to call your doctor UPDATED!

Infants under three months: fever of 100.4F or higher (rectal temperature) Three to six months: rectal temperature of 101F or higher or 99.5F for more than 24 hours.

» Kids' health sites

These kid-friendly Websites will help kids learn more about health and how the body works.

» Kids Require TLC

"Time, limits, and caring help build character in children. As for time, frequently eating dinner together and doing other activities as a whole family has been shown to reduce the risk for drug use and other problems among teens. "

» Leaving your children home alone

"Want an evening out - without the kids? Before leaving children home alone, here are points to consider. Is it time? Check with your state's Department of Social Services to see if your state has a minimum age for leaving children unsupervised. "

» Letting go: Dealing with kids headed to college

"As kids head to college for the first time, parents and students enter a period of emotional separation. It takes patience as the parent-child relationship transitions to an adult-adult connection. "

» Living with autism: A mom's perspective

"April is Autism Awareness Month. Autism affects entire families. Ange Hammer, of the greater St. Louis area, knows this all too well. Ange is a mother of two boys on the autism spectrum. Her boys - ages 11 and 7 - are both diagnosed with PDD-NOS. "

» Making it work: Work-life balance tips for moms

"Being a mom is a full-time, demanding job. Add in working outside of the home and it becomes even more challenging. It's all about balance. Create rituals/routines. A schedule lets everyone know when to be where, doing what. "

» Making the grade

Here are a few ways you can help children succeed in school: Understand and reinforce school rules and expectations at home. Know your children's academic strengths and weaknesses.

» Natural cold relief

"Use natural remedies like saline (salt-water) nose drops, vaporizers, and a half-teaspoon of honey to help relieve the symptoms of colds and coughs in toddlers. "

» Negotiating a teen driving contract

A concrete way to help teenagers understand the responsibilities that go along with driving is to have them sign a contract before you hand over the keys.

» New mothers - How to make a smooth return to work

"If you decide to go back to work after having a child, give yourself time to adjust. It's natural to miss your baby and even feel sad at times. Small steps like these can make it easier. "

» On the sidelines

"When your child plays sports, support his or her efforts by being a good sport yourself. Root for your team, but applaud good play no matter whose side it's on. Always praise your child's efforts. "

» Overweight kids & teens - 6 things a parent can do

"1. Focus on health concerns, not how your child looks. 2. Discourage fad diets and drastic attempts at calorie cutting. Serve a wide variety of healthy foods in proper portions for the entire family so an overweight child won't feel singled out. "

» Parenting -- 7 steps for positive discipline

"1. Talk it out. Instead of using bribes or threats, sit down with your kids and work out a solution together. 2. Ice your anger. Check your own state of mind. "

» Protect that innocent smile

" Although thumb sucking is generally harmless, it can lead to dental problems such as an overbite if children continue to do it after their permanent teeth come in. "

» Reading to Rover

"Kids who read to a pet may be able to improve their ability to read aloud and become more relaxed and confident in their reading abilities, recent studies show. "

» School's out- 10 ways to keep your kids moving

"1. Teach them the games you played as a kid: Hopscotch, jump rope, kickball, tag, Frisbee, and four square come to mind. 2. Fast-moving sports like soccer and volleyball build strength and teach teamwork. "

» Shaken baby syndrome

It's never OK to shake a baby to try to make it stop crying or for any other reason. Parents of child caregivers who feel overwhelmed need to get someone else to take over or place the baby in a safe place like a crib until they calm down.

» Should Johnny have a summer job? NEW!

"With summer months approaching, teens - and their parents - will be looking for ways to fill the youngsters' days until fall. "

» Simple secrets to being a super dad

"Being a good dad doesn't have to be complicated. Be a team. If you're married, keep your marriage strong. If you aren't married, respect and support your children's mother or other parent. "

» Something to smile about: Raising cavity-free kids

"Put only water in kids' sippy cups except for rare occasions. Dentists often describe juice and soda as ""liquid candy."" Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup with milk or juice in it. "

» Spring break - The best way to get your kids moving

"Make exercise a family activity and you'll have more success at getting your kids motivated to stay in shape, says children's exercise guru Len Saunders. "

» Talking to aging parents about their finances

"The discussion can be uncomfortable for both sides, but your parents need to understand that there may come a time when they'll need some help. "

» Teaching kids to care about others

"If you see your child doing something thoughtless or cruel, let them know right away that it's something that you don't want them to do. Be honest and firm and focus on the act, not the child. "

» The bank of Mom & Dad

"Grown children often look to their parents for financial assistance during early adult years. The goal should not be to support the children forever, but rather to get them through a tough time and help them to develop positive financial behavior. "

» The reality about TV

Health experts recommend that parents stand their ground when it comes to keeping television out of teens' bedrooms. Teens with a television in their bedroom watch four to five more hours a week compared to teens without.

» Thumb sucking

"Although thumb sucking in infants is generally harmless, it can cause problems such as an overbite if children continue to do it after most of their teeth come in. "

» Tips for sizing up a babysitter

"If you're calling a potential babysitter for the first time, start the conversation by explaining why you're calling. Provide the basics, ask about the sitter's experience, inquire about any first-aid training... "

» Toys and gifts... making safe choices for kids

"Misuse of toys is the number one cause of eye injuries to children. Read all warnings and instructions on toys, and avoid those with sharp edges, hard points, and spikes. "

» What anyone who takes care of a baby must know

To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Always put babies to sleep on their backs. Keep the baby's crib or sleep surface in your room for the first six months.

» What to do before you let your teen take the keys

"Having your teen sign a Driving Contract is a proven way to reduce the chance of a serious accident. A contract needs to have well-defined rules and the consequences for breaking them, such as losing driving privileges for a set amount of time. "

» What to do if your child is too scared to go to sleep

Talk to your child during the day about how he or she can be less frightened at night and explain how you deal with something when you are afraid. Read stories out loud about children who have fears but conquer them.

» You're never too old to have the heart of a kid

If you think like a kid you'll discover ways to pass meaningful values on to your children. Kids love to: be generous.