December 2010

The Nutcracker

Where to see the classic holiday ballet. Plus: meet-and-greets & tea times

By Stephanie Halinski

Toy Test 2010

The results are in! The top 20 Mom-approved toys of the holiday season.

By Stephanie Halinski

Celebrate the Season!

'Tis the season to be merry! Hundreds of local festivities: light displays, Santa sightings, holiday tours & more

By Stephanie Halinski

New This Month

Cirque du Soleil, princess fairy tales, a musical about parenthood & more

By Stephanie Halinski

The Nutcracker

Where to see the classic holiday ballet. Plus: meet-and-greets & tea times

By Stephanie Halinski

How To Build Writing Skills

You can help your child become a better writer by helping him overcome common writing problems.

by Susan Stopper

Why We Still Need Libraries

Despite online technology, visits have increased locally and nationally.

by Ann L. Rappoport, PhD

Toy Test 2010

The results are in! The top 20 Mom-approved toys of the holiday season.

By Stephanie Halinski

When Is It Okay To Delay Braces?

Most treatments can be delayed, but cross bites, buck teeth or incorrect positioning should be addressed, say orthodontists

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

Weatherproof Wear

When the weather outside is frightful, stay warm and dry with these Mom-approved accessories.

By Stephanie Halinski

Drop-Side Crib Sales Banned

Parents using cribs with drop rails are urged to check that the rail is functioning properly and that their crib has not been recalled.

Subpar Schools Show Little Progress

Low-performing schools, whether charter or district schools, showed little improvement during a five-year period monitored in a new study.

Should Infants Have Seats on Planes?

Two federal agencies disagree on whether parents should be required to buy an extra ticket when flying with a child younger than age 2.

10 Kids' Health Issues To Watch

KidsHealth.org, based in Wilmington, DE, has published its annual list of 10 Kids’ Health Issues to Watch in the coming year, compiled by its doctors and editors.

Day Care Ailments Have a Benefit

Toddlers who attend large group day cares before age 2½ tend to have more respiratory and ear infections at that age, but fewer such illnesses during elementary school, according to a new study.

Pets as Presents: Plan and Talk First

Surprising your children with a new pet is never a good idea. Instead, discuss the idea and answer these key questions.

Thumbsucking Past Age 4

If your child is still sucking his thumb at age 5, social consequences and dental problems become concerns.

by Myrna Beth Haskell

Teach Your Tween To Say 'I'm Sorry'

These 5 steps can help children learn the Art of the Apology.

by Michele Ranard

Holiday Parties without the Pounds

The indulgent delights of stuffing, pumpkin pie and eggnog can become the harsh reality of extra weight.

by Sandra Gordon

Choosing Toys for Special Needs

Here's how to choose gifts that promote lifelong motor, language, cognitive and social skills.

by Gail Kearns

The Holiday Gift of Summer Camp

Kids might not remember holiday toys, but they'll always remember their camp experiences.

How To Build Writing Skills

You can help your child become a better writer by helping him overcome common writing problems.

by Susan Stopper

When Is It Okay To Delay Braces?

Most treatments can be delayed, but cross bites, buck teeth or incorrect positioning should be addressed, say orthodontists

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

Holiday Parties without the Pounds

The indulgent delights of stuffing, pumpkin pie and eggnog can become the harsh reality of extra weight.

by Sandra Gordon

A Brilliant, Wacky Kids' Music Debut

Jamband darling Keller Williams jumps with both feet into family music with the release of his new CD, Kids.

by Kathy O'Connell

The Best Children's Books of 2010

The Horn Book Magazine, which has provide reviews of children’s books for more than 85 years, has released its Fanfare List of best children’s books published in the past year.

Eye-Popping Pop-Up Books for Kids

Master children's pop-up book creators like Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart craft new ways to tell classic stories.

by Frank Lipsius