Is Your Family Ready for a Pet?
Whether you’re considering a dog, cat, bird, goldfish or guinea pig, knowing when your family is truly ready to adopt a pet can be tricky.
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Huh? Ways to Sharpen Kids’ Listening Skills
Knowing that a lot of what we say to our kids goes in one ear and out the other is not a good feeling. In a perfect world, our little angels would take in every word we speak and understand exactly what we’re saying.
Read ArticleTime Flies! Easy Time-Savers for Parents
From making healthy meals for the family each day and running kids to practices, to paying bills and fitting in a little time for yourself, time is of the essence. Unfortunately, there just never seems to be enough of it to go around. The …
Read ArticleWhat Baby Needs to Thrive
How do we know we’re doing everything correctly? Is there a secret recipe?
Read ArticleFinding Quality Childcare
Finding the right caregiver for your little one can be a bit overwhelming, but with a little research and a lot of questions, you’ll be on the right track in no time.
Read ArticleTween-Approved Movies
Are you wanting a family movie night but aren’t quite sure what movies are appropriate for your tween?
Read ArticleThe Busy Parents’ Guide to Birthday Party Planning
Here are some wonderful tips for planning the event and choosing the perfect decorations, food and activities.
Read ArticleNine Lessons Teens Learn from Having a Job
Teenagers can get a job to start earning their own money.
Read ArticlePrivacy and Teens: How Much Is Too Much?
Although the desire to seclude themselves is a natural part of growing up, how much privacy should parents allow?
Read ArticleQ&A on Newborn Care
You may find some of your questions embarrassing to ask the pediatrician, but don’t worry. When it comes to your new baby, no question is silly.
Read ArticleWhen Family Dinners Don’t Work: More Ways to Connect
If you’re struggling to make it to the dinner table every night, take a look at some of these great ideas that just might work for your clan instead!
Read ArticleChoosing the Best Extracurricular Activities
How do you know which activity is best for your child?
Read ArticleHelping Kids Reset After a Bad Day
Here are some tips on healthy ways to help your kiddos reset their moods while still allowing them to feel their emotions along the way.
Read ArticleDo’s and Don’ts of Diaper Rash
Many remedies are out there, but what is the correct thing to do for Baby when diaper rash rears its painful bumps?
Read ArticleSpecial Ways to Celebrate Mom’s Day
Here are just a few fun ideas to consider when planning what to do for Mom this year.
Read ArticleGreat Families, Bad Habits
Busy schedules, growing children and even changes in lifestyle can create these habits. Although you can’t put a sudden halt on them, you can create changes with time.
Read ArticleThe Ins and Outs of a Hospital Delivery
As a new mom-to-be pushing through your final months of pregnancy, it isn’t uncommon to wonder what the labor and delivery process will really be like once you’re in the hospital.
Read ArticleHelp Kids Become Great Problem Solvers
Problem solving isn’t a skill our children just naturally acquire, yet it’s a superpower that will help them succeed throughout their entire life.
Read ArticleWays to Encourage Independence Every Day
The truth of the matter is this: When you encourage a child to do things for himself, his self-confidence improves.
Read ArticleChoosing Baby’s Name
Naming your baby is not always an easy task. In fact, it can be downright difficult, especially when you and your partner may not agree on what to name your new addition.
Read ArticleFamily Fire Safety
Do you have a fire-safety plan in place for your family? If not, you need one.
Read ArticleFinding Quality Childcare
The search for quality childcare can be tough, whether you’re looking for a part-time babysitter, full-time daycare or a full-time nanny.
Read ArticleMedicine Cabinet Must-Haves For Baby
You’ll want to keep the essentials on hand, so you’ll be ready for whatever ails your baby.
Read ArticleNew Moms’ Health: Post-Delivery Conditions to Watch for Once Home
Many new moms aren’t aware of the health problems, some life-threatening, that can happen in the weeks and months following birth. So, here are some warning signs and symptoms to be alert for.
Read ArticleFamily Travel Success
Here are some tips that will surely answer your questions and help make your family trip easier and more enjoyable.
Read ArticleFamily Rules to Break this Summer
Here are some helpful suggestions on what rules to ditch, along with some super fun ideas to replace them to make your summer one your kids will never forget!
Read ArticleFamily Podcasts
Where can you unearth these fabulous family-friendly podcasts? Listed below are some great kid-friendly podcasts to help get you and your family started.
Read ArticleEco-Friendly Every Day
From planting more trees and learning to compost, to changing our types of lightbulbs and reducing our use of plastics, being eco-friendly is something that deserves more than just one day of green thoughts.
Read ArticleOvernight Camp: Is Your Child Ready?
Before enrolling your child in any particular camp, look over the following ways to prepare yourself and your child for the overnight camp experience:
Read ArticleHow to Teach Children a Good Work Ethic
Here are some great tips on how to lead her into becoming a responsible, self-sufficient adult.
Read ArticleImportance of Baby Talk
Sometimes you may feel a bit awkward about the one-way, cartoony-sounding conversation you carry on with your little, nonverbal human, but talking to your baby is very natural and important.
Read ArticleThe Busy Parents’ Guide to Birthday Party Planning
Here are some wonderful tips for planning the event and choosing the perfect decorations, food and activities.
Read ArticleInspiring Tweens and Teens to Organize Their Rooms
Very few people are born with keen organizational skills. So, as a parent, you can’t expect children—at any age—to shift into full-force HGTV mode when you ask them to clean and organize their bedrooms.
Read ArticleChoosing the Best Pet for Your Family
Planning for a pet involves way more than just agreeing on what type of pet and who will feed it. Be sure to do your homework.
Read ArticleHelpful Tips on Parenting Teens
The trick as a parent is knowing which efforts are worth the struggle and which ones will backfire.
Read ArticleThe Grand Relationship
When your children grow up with a deep affinity for their grandparents, studies say you can expect any of the following:
Read ArticleStraight A Students: What’s Their Secret?
The smart kids. The straight A students. We all know who they are. They’re the ones with the highest grades in class and who always seem to know the answers to the questions that teachers ask.
Read ArticleDo’s and Don’ts of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is common, but it can be extremely painful and uncomfortable for your little one.
Read ArticleKansas City by the Numbers
135 Miles: Kansas City Parks manages more than 135 miles of boulevards and parkways that weave their way through the city, which is why we’re...
Read ArticleEnergy Drinks and Adolescents: Just Say No
The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness state that these drinks “are not appropriate for children and adolescents and should never be consumed.”
Read ArticleBest Vacay Ever!
A stress-free, fun vacation begins well before the trip, so here are some great tips to get you rolling the right way.
Read ArticleThe Hidden Power of Laughing
Studies have shown that laughter has numerous health benefits for us all and can be very healing. For instance, when we laugh, we are activating the body’s natural relaxation response.
Read ArticleTips to Savor Summer
Before the chaos begins, however, try this bucket list of family fun activities to savor the last days of summer freedom. It’s a great way to create some lasting memories!
Read ArticleMake Kindness a Family Activity
By teaching and modeling kindness to our children, we are gifting them a life skill they will carry with them forever.
Read ArticleHealth Benefits of Summer Camp
At summer camps, kids not only learn valuable life lessons, but also gain multiple health benefits.
Read ArticleOvernight Camp: Is Your Child Ready?
Soon we’ll be saying bye-bye to cabin fever and a welcoming hello to the warm sunshine, flip-flops, bomb pops, summer vacation … and for some of our children, overnight camp!
Read ArticleWhose “A” Is It?
Your child doesn’t understand his algebra homework, but you do. What do you do?
Read ArticleStarting Baby on Solids
A baby’s developmental readiness for solid foods cannot be determined by a calendar.
Read ArticlePregnancy Weight Gain: How Much Is Normal?
What exactly is a healthy weight gain during pregnancy, and how can you possibly maintain it?
Read ArticleNavigating the Popularity Trap
Is your tween or teen in the popular crowd at school? As a parent, do you consider being popular an important goal for your child?
Read ArticleFamily Rules to Break this Summer
Although maintaining some level of normalcy and sanity in your home throughout the summer is important, it’s also okay to break a few of your rules.
Read ArticleExercising During Pregnancy
Research shows that a simple walk around the block or session of yoga can improve mood, sleep and even recovery time.
Read ArticleBringing Back Family Game Night
Researchers today are finding that all of that lighthearted play years ago actually led to some serious child development benefits, because board games are rich in learning opportunities.
Read ArticleChoosing Baby’s Name
Naming your baby is not always an easy task. In fact, it can be downright difficult, especially when you and your partner may not agree on what to name your new addition.
Read ArticleAnger Management for Kids
To help your child avoid doing the wrong things when she’s feeling overwhelmed with anger, try teaching her some simple anger management skills.
Read ArticleWays to Encourage Independence Every Day
When you encourage a child to do things for himself, his self-confidence improves. Here are a few great tips to encourage independence at different stages in your child’s life.
Read ArticleFive Things to Say (and Not Say) to Your Child
Here are five things to say (and not say) to your child to be sure he hears you and understands what is being asked.
Read ArticleUnhelpful Things Parents Say
As much as we want to be helpful to our children, are our words of wisdom really helping?
Read ArticleSquash Sibling Squabbles
Can’t they all just get along? One minute, they’re playing nicely. The next, they’re arguing, calling names and bringing on tears. In homes with more than one child, sibling rivalry happens-and at all ages. However, just because it’s common…
Read ArticleSpoil Dad on His Special Day
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to celebrate our dads and all they do for us day in and day out. Dads are our everyday heroes, so it’s natural to want to spoil them rotten with gifts that keep on giving. If…
Read ArticleThe Terrific Twos
Here are some great tips on both avoiding and also getting through tantrums when they do happen.
Read ArticleFinding Balance is Bologna!
Here are some great strategies that might just help you get a little bit closer to that balance you never thought could exist.
Read ArticleThe Gift of Raising Girls
As a mom to two girls, I must say (and without sarcasm), “Raising girls is fun!” No, really.
Read ArticleHow to Teach Children a Good Work Ethic
Want to be sure your child will develop a good work ethic and the ability to tough it out when things get difficult? Here are some great tips on how to lead her into becoming a responsible, self-sufficient adult.
Read ArticleThe Importance of Consistency in Parenting
Remember the 3 Cs: calm, consistency and caring. Make them your daily mantra.
Read ArticleDiscovering and Nurturing Your Child’s Talents
Do you remember the day you first discovered that one thing you love doing most? Whether it’s swimming, gymnastics, public speaking, writing, computer programming or helping animals, it’s that one thing that drew you in so deeply that it’s …
Read ArticleA Playful Mom = A Happier Mom
Try infusing fun playtime and silliness into your life and parenting by taking advantage of everyday activities that you already do.
Read ArticleMom & Daughter Time: Great Ways to Build the Bond
It’s not easy being a ’tween or a teen girl; nor is it easy being the mother to one. We see our daughters spend more time in their bedrooms, on the phone, computer and hanging out with friends. Many don’t want us around because we embarrass…
Read ArticleQuestions to Ask When Looking for Overnight Camp
Summer camp? Already? It’ll be here before you know it, and believe it or not, it’s not too soon to begin researching what overnight camp(s) your child may want to participate in this year. It’s not as easy as just signing up, though. At le…
Read ArticleWhy Displaying Affection with Your Spouse Is Actually Good for Your Kids
The sparks and fireworks of marriage often come to a halt once children come into the picture. Newlywed snuggle time and the little kisses and hugs that once took place off and on throughout the day suddenly take a backseat to a new life of…
Read ArticleEncouraging Creativity at Home
Creativity. You either have it or you don’t, right? Wrong. While some assume creativity is something you’re born with, it’s actually more skill than inborn talent. What’s more, it’s a skill that parents can help their children develop.
Read ArticleEnjoy the Best of Kansas City’s Arts, Antiques and Boutiques
Looking for the perfect antique mall or boutique shop to spend an afternoon in Kansas City? How about an arts district unlike any other? If you’re in the greater Kansas City area, you’re in for a treat! You’ll definitely want to visit these…
Read ArticleTricks for Getting Rid of Those Treats
Our children bring home quite the haul of goodies once the big night of trick-or-treating comes to an end. And that’s in addition to the treats from any and all of the school parties and other celebrations they attend beforehand. Aye-yi-yi!…
Read ArticleTips to Savor Summer
As summer nears its end, the annual back-to-school craziness lurks just around the corner. Before the chaos begins, however, try this bucket list of family fun activities to savor the last days of summer freedom. It’s a great way to create…
Read ArticleSimplify Your Life
Are you feeling a bit scrambled these days? Are you hurried everywhere you go? Multitasking with every step to keep up? You’re not alone. In today’s world, finding a moment of peace can be tough, because we’re busy running our kids to multi…
Read ArticleWhy I Homeschool, and How I Make it Work
I remember the first time I learned about homeschooling. It was just a few years ago, in fact, and my first impression was, “I don’t know about that.” What exactly didn’t I know? Well, pretty much everything!
Read ArticleLong-Distance Holiday
Whether you just moved out of state (or country) or have lived a long distance from family for years, staying in touch over the holidays each year can prove to be tough. However, when you and your children take time to get creative, staying…
Read ArticleFive Surprisingly Unhealthy Foods
With the number of health foods on the market today, a lot of us are trying to make more health-conscious choices about what we put into our bodies. What many of us don’t know, however, is that words like “fat free” and “natural” don’t alwa…
Read ArticleTelevision in Their Bedrooms: Good or Bad?
Thinking of giving your child a television of his own soon? While many parents allow TV in the bedroom, others are dead set against it.
Read ArticleMaking a Smooth Move with Children
Are you thinking about or getting ready to move? Purchasing a new home can be an exciting time, albeit a bit stressful. When children are in the picture, they and we face additional stress.
Read ArticleHow Technology Is Changing Education
What we remember about our school days: chalkboards, cursive writing, heavy textbooks and the Dewey Decimal System. What our children will remember about their school days: computers, eBooks, cell phones and texting.
Read ArticleFour Difficult Talks to Have with Your Children
Oh, the questions that pop out of the mouths of babes. And as a parent, you must be prepared with the correct response, because changing the subject just won’t cut it these days.
Face it. The world you grew up in is much different than the …
When Pregnancy Is a Pain in the Neck … and Other Places
Got baby (in belly)? If so, congratulations! Pregnancy is truly a joy in its own way for every mother. It brings with it all sorts of ups and downs throughout each trimester. That’s right; there are downs. It’s not just about the cute, roun…
Read ArticleActivities and Toys YOU Love (Just as Much as Your Kids Do)!
It has been found that the average parent spends more than a month of his or her life playing solo with the children’s toys. Researchers found that 25% of parents admitted that their own boredom with their children’s toys triggered new purc…
Read ArticleEasing Doctor’s Office Anxieties
Let’s face it. Not many people really like going to the doctor’s or dentist’s office, but when it’s a fearful and anxious child, an appointment can be downright uncomfortable for everyone involved. A fear of the unknown can make your child …
Read ArticleKansas City’s 9 BEST Places for Leaf Peeping
There’s nothing better than autumn: the crispness in the air, the crunch beneath our feet ¦ and the vibrant fall colors everywhere! The season of pumpkins and apple cider calls forth the nature lover in everyone, drawing us to our favorite …
Read ArticleRaising Grateful Kids
Are you tired of your child’s begging and pleading for the most expensive toy on the store shelf only to play with it for a week and never pick it up again? Do your children forget to say “please” and “thank you” when they’re given somethin…
Read ArticleMemorable Museum Outings
Looking for something different’yet fun’to do with your children? How about taking them to an art museum? While it may seem crazy and a tad scary to imagine your small child in a museum, if you do your research and offer your little ones so…
Read ArticleNag No More!
Nobody likes a nag. Then again, no one likes to be a nag. However, it seems that nagging is just another one of the pitfalls of parenting: telling your child’at least 50 times’to brush his teeth in the morning before he responds; reminding …
Read ArticleTalking to Your Teen
The teenage years can be rough. Your babies no longer want to be seen at the mall with you; questions are answered with a simple “yes” or “no;” and instead of listening to you, your teenagers roll their eyes and walk away.
Read ArticleGeocaching: High-Tech Hide &Seek
Looking for new and exciting ways to spend family time? How about a high-tech treasure hunt around town? It’s called geocaching (pronounced jee-oh-cashing), and it’s the fun, new way families are getting out of the house to spend time toget…
Read ArticleAre You a “Germaphobe”?
We’ve all heard of terms such as arachnophobia (the fear of spiders), claustrophobia (the fear of small places) and acrophobia (the fear of heights). But what about “germaphobia,” more accurately called mysophobia (the fear of germs or dirt…
Read ArticleKansas City’s 10 BEST Places for Leaf Peeping
The season of pumpkins and apple cider calls forth the nature lover in everyone, drawing us to our favorite spots around Kansas City to see and celebrate this feel-good time of year. Discover the best places in KC for great views of autumn …
Read ArticleGeocaching: High-Tech Hide & Seek
Looking for new and exciting ways to spend family time? How about a high-tech treasure hunt around town? It’s called geocaching (pronounced jee-oh-cashing), and it’s the fun new way families are getting out of the house to spend time togeth…
Read ArticleTeens & Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
What? A morning without our cup of Joe? It’s a scary thought for many of us coffee-addicted parents. Even scarier, though, is the fact that our teens are now waking up to the caffeine habit. From sodas and energy drinks to coffee shops popp…
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