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Parenting

How to Let Go of Growing Kids

It's very important for your children to move from being teenagers to young adults in a way that is healthy for them—and for you. Read on for helpful advice.

Infant Nutrition

Choosing how to feed your baby is an important decision that has life-long effects for your baby and for you.

Finding the Best Daycare for Your Child

Finding good daycare for your child doesn't have to be difficult, if you follow this advice.

Trampoline Safety

Home trampolines are popular and seem like lots of fun, but they're also dangerous. They cause thousands of injuries every year in the U.S.

Urinary Incontinence (Enuresis) in Children

When wetting happens in a child who is old enough to control their bladder, it’s known as enuresis. Here's what you need to know.

How to Bathe Your Baby

As a new parent, you may find "tub time" a bit scary. Here are some suggestions on how to make it less stressful.

Helping Kids Get Over their Fears

Studies indicate that almost all children report having fears. Some of the most common fears are of bugs or ghosts, and studies have shown that kids are afraid of pretty much the same things no matter where they live in the world.

Parents-to-Be Must Communicate

Few parents-to-be receive training for the much more challenging and long-term tasks--becoming good parents and remaining close and loving partners in the face of new stresses and strains as their family grows.

Kids' Headaches: The Diagnosis Is Difficult

Most headaches in kids are caused by tension, not disease. Your pediatrician can determine what kind of headache your child has.

Is Your Teen Abusing Drugs or Alcohol?

Besides having trouble with school and relationships, teens taking drugs may display emotional extremes with irritability, anger, and changes in sleep patterns.

Raising Kids with Self-Esteem

Research shows that adolescents who grow up with high self-esteem are far less likely to abuse drugs or drink, compared with children who grow up without much sense of self-worth.

Talking with Your Teen About Sex

Studies show that about half of U.S. teens have had sex by age 18. Read on for helpful tips about educating your kids about sex.

A Safety Checklist for Parents

You can help keep your children safe by following these precautions.

Your Child’s Separation Anxiety and School

The prospect of new experiences away from parents or other loved ones can be quite frightening, especially for younger children. These worries are a normal part of development for all children.

Eye Protection Keeps Kids in the Game

The sports that cause the most injuries are basketball, baseball, pool sports, and racket sports. But any sport that involves something that is fired or thrown can be hazardous to the eyes.

Reading to Kids Helps Their Development

Research shows that reading regularly to young children, especially those between ages 6 months and 5 years, is central to their overall growth and development.

Teaching Kids to Wash Their Hands

How can you get your kids into the handwashing habit? We've got a few tips for you below.

Why Children Get Carsick—And What to Do

A look at why kids get carsick, with helpful tips for prevention—and what to do if it occurs.

Your 2-Year-Old Child

The "terrible twos" phase of a child's life also can be the "terrific twos." Read on to learn more about how to deal with your 2-year-old child.

How to Use a Pacifier

It seems everyone has an opinion about pacifiers. That's because there are both advantages and disadvantages to using them. Get the full facts so you can make the right choice for your baby.

Installing and Using Child Safety Seats and Booster Seats

As part of your preparation for your new baby, you probably got an infant safety seat for the car. But do you know how to make sure it’s installed correctly? And when do you switch to a child safety seat? Learn the ins and outs of safe car travel for your little one.

Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome

While being a new mom brings lots of joy, it also brings stress--something a crying baby can make worse. Having a better understanding of why your baby cries can help you deal with this stress in a healthy way and help you avoid the most common form of child abuse: Shaken baby syndrome.

Taking Baby's Temperature

For a parent who needs to take an infant's or child's temperature, there are now 5 digital thermometer choices.

Protect Kids from Lead Poisoning

Although lead poisoning is often associated with the paint of older homes, children may be exposed to lead if the soldering on water pipes is new. In fact, lead may be found in many parts of a home, including soil, food, or even the air.

Weight Room No Longer Off-Limits to Kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine now say that strength training is fine for kids, as long as they're supervised and don't try to lift too much weight. Read on

Eye Protection Critical in Sports

Sports is 1 of the leading causes of school-age children's eye injuries, but most of those injuries are preventable.

Street Hockey: Good Surface, Gear Are Critical

Street hockey is popular because it's cheaper than regular hockey and can be played anywhere there is a hard surface.

Guidelines for Raising Smoke-Free Kids

Read on for tips to help keep your children from smoking.

Helping Kids Cope with a Divorce

Anger, fear, separation anxiety, a sense of abandonment, self-blame, sadness, and embarrassment are common reactions to divorce for most children.

Binge Drinking Dangers for Young People

Binge drinkers are most likely found on college campuses, where many students consider a big game or fraternity party an excuse to drink all weekend.

Many Youngsters Suck Their Thumbs

Young children often suck on their thumbs. It's perfectly normal. But some parents worry about it.

When Can a Child Wear Contact Lenses

There are no set rules on when children can wear contact lenses. Much depends on the responsibility level of the child.

A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking your child by about 12 months at the latest. The dentist can provide or recommend preventative information regarding baby bottle tooth decay, infant feeding practices, mouth cleaning, teething, pacifier habits, and finger-sucking. habits.

Help Your Babysitter Prepare for Anything

When you're looking for a babysitter, give yourself enough time to be selective.

For Parents: Bicycle, In-Line Skating, Skateboard, and Scooter Safety

Detailed information on bicycle, inline skating, skateboarding, and scooter safety

Is It Time for Toilet Training?

Make a potty available, show your toddler how it works, then offer gentle encouragement.

Talking With Your Kids About Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco

Talking with your child about drugs, alcohol and tobacco is hard. But you can't afford to ignore these topics. Kids learn about these substances and feel pressure to use them at a very young age.

What You Can Do to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse can happen in any family and in any neighborhood. Studies have shown that child abuse crosses all boundaries of income, race, ethnic heritage, and religious faith. Read on for helpful tips for stopping child abuse.

Is Your Child at Risk for Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious, sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. It can possibly cause lifelong liver infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, and death.

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy for Children

A tonsillectomy may be recommended if your child has throat infections that keep coming back. Adenoidectomy is recommended if your child has a lot of trouble breathing through the nose. Often the tonsils and adenoids are removed at the same time.

Youth Suicide

Suicide is when a teen causes his or her own death on purpose. Before trying to take his or her own life, a teen may have thoughts of wanting to die. Read on to learn how to recognize the warning signs, and how to get your teen help.

Measles (Rubeola) in Children

Measles (rubeola) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It causes a red, blotchy rash. It’s a very contagious illness.

Earlier Is Better to Catch Hearing Loss in Children

For years, routine hearing tests took place only when children entered school. But hearing loss can cause serious problems much earlier.

When a Family Grieves

Learning about grief and how it affects your family can help you get through the difficult times together. It may even help your family grow stronger.

What Every Parent Should Know About Immunizations

Where can you as a parent turn to for the facts about vaccine safety? The first place to go is your child's healthcare provider.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year old. SIDS is sometimes called crib death because the death may happen when a baby is sleeping in a crib. It’s one of the leading causes of death in babies from ages 1 month to 1 year. Read on to learn more. 

All Family Time Is Quality Time

Quality time should be woven into our lives. As our children get older and slip away, we need to stop worrying about the extraordinary and think more about the ordinary."

The Dangers of Binge Drinking

On college campuses across the U.S., many students ages 18 to 24 are taking part in a dangerous activity called binge drinking. This means drinking alcohol to the point of getting drunk. Read on to learn more about the risks.

The Facts About Recreational Marijuana

Knowing about marijuana can help you tell if your child or someone else is using it, and help them to get treatment.

Unwrap the Gift of Toy Safety

Your challenge is to find toys that your children will enjoy and that you know are safe. Read on to learn important tips that can help.

Primer: A Parent's Guide to Inhalant Abuse

Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that produce mind-altering effects. Knowing the facts about inhalants can help you protect your children.

Glasses Can Help Even Young Children

Healthcare providers who specialize in children's eye care say children usually become nearsighted or farsighted between ages 6 and 12. But even infants can wear glasses if they need help to see well.

Major Depression in Teens

Major depression goes beyond the day's normal ups and downs. It involves a teen's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns.

Healthy Diets Overview

Eating healthy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and is something that should be taught to children at a young age.

Help for a Child with a Cold

You want to help a child with cold symptoms feel better, but choosing among countless over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can be daunting. Here are some guidelines that can help.

Put Peer Pressure in Its Place

During the teen years, peer pressure can be very strong. It can push kids to do things that they don't really want to do. This pressure can come from friends or other kids at school. But parents can counter it, if they're ready to help.

Protect Your Child from Medical Errors

A medical error can occur when something that was planned for medical care doesn't work, or when the wrong plan was used in the first place.

Cough Medicine Abuse by Teens

DXM is a common ingredient in many cough and cold remedies. It's also become a popular substance to abuse by teens searching for a cheap, easy high. Here's what you should know.

Your Child's Diabetes Care Team

Having a child with diabetes can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a team of experts can guide you now and in the years to come.

High Blood Pressure: Kids Can Have It, Too

High blood pressure, isn't limited to those 18 and older. Here's what you need to know about high blood pressure and your child.

Helping Teens Embrace Self-Care

Before your teens leave home, teach them to make their own healthcare decisions. One way is to provide information and include them in their own self-care from an early age.

How to Comfort a Crying Baby

Read on to learn about helpful methods to soothe your crying baby.

Basics About Your Newborn Baby's Body

Even the best-prepared parents may be surprised by a few things that are quite normal in newborns.

Primer- GHB, a Club Drug

Learn more about GHB, a dangerous and addictive illegal drug. GHB produces a feeling of euphoria and hallucinations. It is popular with teens who go to all-night dance parties.

Short Height in Children

Some children grow more slowly than others. Height in the low normal range is still normal, healthcare providers say.

Over-The-Counter Medicines for Infants and Children

Read on for helpful tips, information, and safety steps on giving OTC medicines to babies and children.

Toy Safety—Identifying High-Risk Situations

Small toys or toys with small removal parts are not appropriate for children ages 3 and younger.

Female Teen Athletes: At Risk for Injury?

Teen girls who are athletes face unique obstacles when it comes to their bodies and how well they perform.

Babies Need "Tummy Time"

Putting babies to sleep on their backs has dramatically reduced the incidence of SIDS. One unexpected side effect: Many infants now have a flattened head.

Keep Kids Safe During Yard Work

Power tools make yard work easier, from mowing the lawn to trimming the bushes. But these tools also pose a threat to children if precautions aren't taken. Read on for important safety steps.

Temper Tantrums

Temper tantrums are a normal part of childhood development. They often happen only with a parent. They are a way for the child to communicate their feelings. Read on to learn more.

Twins and Premature Birth

If you're pregnant with twins, you'll want to carefully consider this advice. It can help increase your chances for a full-term pregnancy.

Answers to Questions About Your Child's Mental Health

Children's mental health is as important as their physical health. Read on for helpful answers to common questions that can help you protect your child's mental health.

Safety for You and Your Child

You can help your child by being prepared and preventing injuries from happening. It is important to take charge of your child's health and follow a program designed to help you and your family stay healthy and safe.

Sleep and Your Child

Without enough shut-eye, children are more likely to struggle with their school studies, do poorly on the playing field, and suffer depression.

Stop Dating Abuse Before It Starts

Teen dating violence is worrisome. But it's not inevitable. Here's how you and your teen can prevent possibly unsafe situations and reduce the risk for problems.

What You Need to Know About Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can make you feel miserable. But it's important to remember that these are not diseases. Rather, they are symptoms of many illnesses.

Buying a Bike for Your Child

Learn helpful tips on what type and size of bike is right for your child, depending on their age, size, and ability.

Tinea Infection

Detailed information on the most common types of ringworm, including diagnosis and treatment

An Early Start to Good Nutrition

With childhood obesity on the rise, should parents worry about the weight of their babies?

Understanding the Teen Brain

Parents need to realize the rational part of a teen's brain isn't fully developed and won't be until they are 25 years old or so.

Rotavirus Infection in Children

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes nausea and diarrhea. It is the leading cause of severe infectious diarrhea in children.

Medicines to Treat ADHD in Children

Children who have ADHD are often given medicine as part of their treatment plan. The type of medicine most often chosen is a psychostimulant. Read on to learn more.

Treating Minor Injuries in Children

Scrapes and sprains are a fact of life for most children, so it's good to know what to do when they come home with a minor injury.

Symptoms of Possible Eye Problems in Children

Symptoms of eye problems in children include crossed eyes, redness in the eyes, squinting, and excessive tearing.

Child Health Emergencies

A good guideline to follow is that a medical emergency is any time your child has an injury or illness you believe threatens their health or may cause permanent harm.

Your Child's Asthma: First Office Visit

You may be wondering what questions the healthcare provider will ask, or what tests and exams your child will need. Read on to learn what you and your child can expect.

A Kids' Asthma Journal

Do you want to gain better control over your asthma? Put it in writing!

Teens and Prescription Drugs

Many young people take prescription medicines because they believe they are safer than street drugs. But they can be just as dangerous if taken improperly. Read on to learn more.

Watch That Backpack Load

Most children rely on backpacks to carry books and supplies to and from school and activities. But a backpack that's too heavy or doesn't fit right can cause harm.

Parents: Check Toys for Lead

You may have heard reports about lead paint causing recalls of children’s toys. While federal officials and health experts work to fix the problem, what can you do to keep your kids safe? First, you can check your child's toys against those listed as being recalled due to lead issues.

Bullies: Helping Your Child Cope

Bullying can happen in school, on the playground - and now even on the Internet through social networking sites. Here are some warning signs to watch for, and information on how to help your child.

When to Call Your Child's Healthcare Provider

For parents of a newborn, first-time parents, or any anxious mom or dad, it may be hard to tell a true health threat that needs a healthcare provider's attention from a frightening, yet simple, illness that doesn't need medical treatment. Most sniffles, sneezes, and stomachaches don't need medical attention. But how do you know when it's time to call the healthcare provider?

How to Control Your Temper

At least some anger is necessary for survival. Frequent or intense episodes of anger, however, aren't good for you or the people around you. If you find yourself boiling mad more often than not, try some of these tips to keep your temper in check.

Moving Your Toddler from Crib to Bed

Moving your child from the crib to a first bed is a milestone event. But more than the bittersweet emotional concerns, your priorities will be safety and a healthy sleep routine.

Finding the Right Rehab Program for Substance Abuse

Drug addiction and alcohol addiction are chronic diseases that can be treated as successfully as many other chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes.

Prevention of Heart Disease Starts in Childhood

You may think of heart disease as a problem for adults, not your young children. But diet and exercise habits started in childhood can begin a lifetime of heart health, or a lifetime of heart damage.

Sports and Music: Both Good for Kids

Organized sports for children offer obvious benefits such as physical fitness and sportsmanship, but did you know that a musical education program has many of the same benefits? Music education and participation in sports are both great ways to prepare your child for future success.

Teenagers and Summer Jobs

Parents often wonder whether their child is ready to get a job. One way to answer this question is to check on the labor laws that affect children and youths.

Job Safety Critical for Teens

The main threats to teens are often said to involve drugs, alcohol, or car crashes. But there’s another risk most parents might not think of: work. Tens of thousands of teens are badly hurt at work each year.

Making Family Fitness Fun

Activity can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and stroke. It can also lessen feelings of depression, and boost confidence. As children get older, they often reduce their physical activity. Because of this, making activity a family priority is key.

Concussion’s Effects Can Spread to the Classroom

Any blow to the head can cause a concussion. Some of the symptoms may fade quickly, but others can linger. Your child may have trouble sleeping or thinking.

Family Fun on a Budget

There are many fun, low-cost activities to help families make memories and enjoy each other's company on a budget.

In a Nutshell: Understanding Peanut Allergies

If your child is allergic to peanuts, here's what you need to know.

Vaping and E-Cigarettes

Major health concerns have been raised about e-cigarettes. Here's what you need to know.

Help for Raising Grandchildren

Many grandparents end up in a position they never expected: raising their grandchildren. Fortunately, state and federal programs are available to help you and your grandfamily.

How to Discipline Your Child with Love

All children need limits to feel safe. With the right methods, discipline can be a positive, loving, experience.

Parenting Déjà vu: Raising Your Grandchildren

About 4.9 million children live in households headed by grandparents. These are commonly called "grandfamilies" or "second families." Two out of three of your fellow grandparents handling this responsibility are older than 50, and the children are often under age 6.

Finding Support When You're a Single Parent

If you're a single parent, you may feel overwhelmed by everything you have to do each day. Here are some ideas on finding support.

Footprint Sailboat

With some paint, construction paper, and a few other supplies, you can make a sailboat using your own foot!

Five Great Lunches for Kids

If you’re low on lunch-box ideas, sink your teeth into these.

Cardboard-Roll Snowman

No snow? No problem. You can still build a wintry friend using a leftover cardboard tube from toilet paper or paper towels.

Kid-Friendly Meals

Spending time with your children is important, especially when you have the chance to teach them something new. When lunch and dinner roll around, why not have them help prepare some delicious and healthy meals?

Craft and Play: Princess Hat

Top off your Halloween costume or freshen up your play wardrobe with a princess hat that’s one of a kind, just like you!