January 2010

Destination Orlando: With Teenagers

A mom shares the best ways to experience Disney World and Universal Studios with teens.

By Carol Muse Evans

Babymoons: Pre-Pampers Pampering

Couples taking trips before their baby is born has become a 21st-century phenomenon.

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

Winter Sports: Gear Up and Go!

All you need to know for your first ski trip with the kids.

by Stephanie Halinski

The Evolving Art of the Play Date

There are no "official rules" for play dates. These tips will help parents form their own guidelines.

by Tracey Porpora

Scary Stuff

Here's how to manage scary movies, books and adventures, plus a list of top scary movies for kids.

by Jeannette Moninger

More than Just Horsing Around

Horseback riding offers kids exercise, balance & coordination and a 6-foot friend. Here's a listing of Delaware Valley horse riding and lesson providers.

Let's Get Moving!

In cold weather, many kids eat more and burn fewer calories. Here are ideas for active play.

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

What Are BPA and Phthalates?

Are these chemicals dangerous to children? How can you avoid them?

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

Former Food Villains Get 2nd Chance

Foods and ingredients once seen as unhealthy, including cheese, white bread and red meat, can fit into a healthy diet.

by Althea Zanecosky

Fiber Facts

In addition to its health benefits, fiber can help control kids’ weight.

by Althea Zanecosky

Tanning Beds: Just Say No

Increased use of tanning beds by teenagers has contributed to a sharp rise in melanoma rates in young people, often unaware of the long-term consequences of increased skin cancer risk and premature aging.

by Kathy Sena

Let’s Tackle Sports Injuries

Parents have an important role in making sure both students and their schools and sports clubs are following up-to-date safety and injury management practices.

by Ann L. Rappoport, PhD

Are Your Kids Begging for Braces?

Thanks to a variety of high-tech and trendy options now available, parents may be surprised to find their kids begging for braces.

by Karren L. Johnson

Tattoo or Not To

Why are some young people attracted to tattoos and piercings?

by Ann L. Rappoport, PhD

Very Re-useful!

Consignment stores can stretch your budget. Some also will sell your gently used clothes and other items.

by Pamela Barroway

Moms Clubs

Lack of support can leave a mom feeling lonely and isolated. Moms' support groups can fill this void.

Study: Menu Calorie Info Works

A new study links fast food menu nutrition information to lower-calorie selections.

The Santa Claus Dilemma

When the time comes, how will you handle your child’s questions about family myths?

by Lori Murray

Boiling Over

When your child frequently loses self-control, it's time to act. Here are tips to help parents and their kids to manage anger.

by Harriet P. Laveran

An Adoption Option: Foster Care

Thousands of foster kids, from infants to teens, need homes. About half become adopted.

by Michelle Kemper Brownlow

The Maternity Unit Dilemma

Maternity care across the Delaware Valley continues on a crisis course. The problem is particularly severe in Philadelphia and its four Pennsylvania suburban counties.

by Ann L. Rappoport, PhD

When Parents Can’t Conceive

Secondary infertility is a problem conceiving after a couple has at least one child. Here's what causes secondary infertility, how it's treated and when you should seek help.

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

A Partnership Plan Can Organize Household Chores

Before baby is born, creating a Partnership Plan can help any couple organize and divide household chores once the blessed event occurs.

by Tonia Tomlin

Happy? Sad? Chatty? Mad?

One of the toughest challenges for new parents is to learn to decipher their infant's cues. What's he really trying to tell you?

by Beth Kanter

Baby Budget Basics

These 10 tips will help to balance your family budget when you have a new baby.

Navigate Baby's Language Labyrinth

The maze-like experience of babies acquiring language can be puzzling. Here's how kids learn to speak and how to tell when there might be signs of speech delay.

by Eric Olive

Break Free of the Binky

When you decide the time's right, here's a strategy to break a toddler's pacifier habit.

by Elizabeth Verdick

The Evolving Art of the Play Date

There are no "official rules" for play dates. These tips will help parents form their own guidelines.

by Tracey Porpora

5 Ways To Outsmart Your Toddler

To get a toddler to do as you'd like, you often need creative thinking. Try these five tips

by Deborah Carpenter

Tattling Versus Telling

How can a parent discourage unnecessary tattling, yet encourage a child to "tell" when real harm can be done?

by June Portnoy

My Toddler Won’t Sleep!

Expert strategies help three families break bad toddler sleep habits.

by Sandra Gordon

Many Day Cares Aid Potty Training

Many day care centers work with parents on potty training. Typically, training begins at 33-36 months.

by Leah R. Troiano

Tickle Your Toddler’s Funny Bone

The first time your toddler responds to a funny moment with hearty chuckles is memorable. Here's how to make little ones laugh.

by Jeannette Moninger

Unlock Art Museum Wonders

A child’s first art museum visit can be very exciting and influence her feelings about art for years to come.

by Katy Rose Friedland

A Forgetful Child Strategy

Both parents and children can benefit from establishing consistent organization, planning and memory skills.

by Myrna Beth Haskell

Overcoming Shyness

With some support and encouragement from parents, shy kids can learn the skills they need to cope with their feelings. Here's how to help.

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

Tanning Beds: Just Say No

Increased use of tanning beds by teenagers has contributed to a sharp rise in melanoma rates in young people, often unaware of the long-term consequences of increased skin cancer risk and premature aging.

by Kathy Sena

Help Her Like Her Body

In today’s media climate, girls often need their parents’ help to feel good about themselves.

Take a Deep Breath and Plan!

Getting ready for a birthday party can be unnerving. Here’s how to organize a party, detail-by-detail.

by Katrina L. Cassel

Are Gift Requests Polite?

A sampling of parents finds that requesting gifts is impolite — unless the giver asks for ideas.

by Jeanne Sager

7 Successful Sleepover Strategies

Sleepovers can be overwhelming, but they can be a positive experience if you think things through before the first excited guest appears at your door.

by Myrna Beth Haskell

Tips for a Great Birthday Bash

Here’s what party professionals say works best, by age level.

by Stanley Thomas

Respite: You Deserve a Break Today

Caregivers of children with disabilities, chronic or terminal illnesses or the elderly need time away. Here's how to find it.

by Robert A. Naseef, PhD and Cindy N. Ariel, PhD

A New Special Needs IDEA: Inform, Document, Enjoy and Accept

For parents of kids with special needs, IDEA spells 4 keys to success.

by Melanie G. Snyder

The Best Activities for Special Needs

Experts in several special needs areas recommend especially beneficial extracurricular activities.

by Tom Livingston

Discipline and Disability

By law, schools can't expel students with disabilities if their behavior is the "manifestation of a disability" unless "special circumstances" are involved.

by Randy Chapman

Do You Understand the Doc?

Specialists treating kids with special needs can be difficult to understand. These tips can help improve communications.

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

Journey to Independence

Here's how to help children with autism become capable, self-confident adults.

by Ellen Notbohm

Put Sleep Issues To Rest

Children's sleep issues associated with autism and ADHD can be vexing. Here's how to put them to rest.

by Ellen Notbohm

Cerebral Palsy Research Update

Researchers, both in Delaware and nationally, are making strides in the prevention and treatment of cerebral palsy.

by Kara Beitzer

Does Your Child Have Dyslexia?

Here are warning signs that your child might have dyslexia, a reading disbility that affects 15-20 percent of the U.S. population.

from KidsHealth.org

Understanding Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome, characterized by repeated, involuntary movements and vocalization — tics — can be tough on kids. Yet well-known people have learned to cope with it.

by Marichelle Rocha

The Camp Melting Pot

At summer camp, kids and cultures from diverse backgrounds learn cooperation and respect.

by Ellen Warren

Let's Talk!

Before discussing camp with your child, set parameters and do some research, say experts.

by Tom Livingston

Camps Go Green

Summer camps, where every day is Earth Day, help children develop environmental awareness.

by Ellen Warren

Counselor Jobs Build Useful Skills

Summer camps continue to seek teens for counselor jobs, which build life skills, foster autonomy and teach responsibility.

by Ellen Warren

Camps Address Kids' Emotional Needs

Specialized camps offer fun and support to kids with emotional challenges, including grief, military servie and HIV/AIDS.

by Ellen Warren

Which Class Matches Your Child?

Here's how parents can find after-school and weekend classes that fit their child's temperament and inclinations.

by Stanley Thomas

The Best Activities for Special Needs

Experts in several special needs areas recommend especially beneficial extracurricular activities.

by Tom Livingston

More than Just Horsing Around

Horseback riding offers kids exercise, balance & coordination and a 6-foot friend. Here's a listing of Delaware Valley horse riding and lesson providers.

Head Start on a Second Language

You don’t need to wait until your child reaches middle school to begin world language instruction.

By Susan Stopper

Dance Trends: Hip-Hop and Modern

In many dance classes, kids are trading ballet shoes for sneakers.

by Kathleen Hebblewait

While Junior Takes a Class, Why Don't You?

A growing number of Delaware Valley activity providers are scheduling classes for adults to coincide with kids’ lessons.

by Stanley Thomas

The Littlest Learners

The infant and toddler brain is like a sponge. A well-run class can provide a first group learning experience and a chance to discover and explore.

by Amos Huron

Many Day Cares Aid Potty Training

Many day care centers work with parents on potty training. Typically, training begins at 33-36 months.

by Leah R. Troiano

How To Find Quality Child Care

Here's what to look for if you're seeking a quality child care program.

by Peg Szczurek

Web Expands In-Home Child Care Options — for a Price

The Web has opened new options for finding babysitters, nannies and au pairs.

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

It's Time for a Tutor!

Know the signs that outside help can benefit your child's education.

by Grace Catron

Great Homework Help Websites

These online resources can help your child with a paper, science project and many other types of homework.

by Karen Gardner

Science Put To the Test

Already faced with a science education crisis, schools must factor in standardized testing.

by Ann L. Rappoport, PhD

Ability Grouping: Beyond Labels

Schools districts are using a variety of grouping strategies, within and between classes, to improve student performance.

by Ann L. Rappoport, PhD

The Merits of Teacher Merit Pay

Five prominent Philadelphia-area educators discussed how to fairly measure teacher "merit" and what elements a valid merit pay system would contain.

by Ann L. Rappoport, PhD

School Cafeteria Trends

K-12 school cafeterias are balancing cost control with new efforts to serve healthy meals — and getting kids to eat them.

by Pamela Barroway

Why Preschool Matters

Finding the best option for your child takes time and research. To get you started, here are answers to some important questions.

by Beth Kanter

The Montessori Method: Follow the Child

The Montessori education method has become popular, but many people don't understand the concept. Here's how Montessori works.

by Harriet L. Laveran

The Littlest Learners

The infant and toddler brain is like a sponge. A well-run class can provide a first group learning experience and a chance to discover and explore.

by Amos Huron

How Schools Decide a Kid Is Gifted

Schools use IQ tests and a variety of other techniques to identify students as "gifted."

by David Palmer, PhD

Head Start on a Second Language

You don’t need to wait until your child reaches middle school to begin world language instruction.

By Susan Stopper

8 Tips for Elementary School Success

How can you most effectively nurture your budding young student? Here are educators’ tips for elementary school success.

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen and Susan Stopper

Let’s Tackle Sports Injuries

Parents have an important role in making sure both students and their schools and sports clubs are following up-to-date safety and injury management practices.

by Ann L. Rappoport, PhD

How To Take Great Notes

Taking good notes is a key school survival skill your child will need through high school and beyond.

by Linda Stream

Math Course Calculations

increasing number of high school students are applying to college with a year of calculus already under their belts. To do so, they must start algebra in 8th grade.

by Sharon Tully

Too Much Homework?

Before assuming the problem is excessive assignments, check out other possibilites, such as study habits or too little time.

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

Former Food Villains Get 2nd Chance

Foods and ingredients once seen as unhealthy, including cheese, white bread and red meat, can fit into a healthy diet.

by Althea Zanecosky

Fiber Facts

In addition to its health benefits, fiber can help control kids’ weight.

by Althea Zanecosky

Let’s Tackle Sports Injuries

Parents have an important role in making sure both students and their schools and sports clubs are following up-to-date safety and injury management practices.

by Ann L. Rappoport, PhD

'Bud' Earphones Are Dangerous!

These small earphones are a main culprit in the shocking increase in teen hearing loss, now estimated to affect 1 in 5 U.S. kids ages 12-19.

by Carolyn Jabs

Tanning Beds: Just Say No

Increased use of tanning beds by teenagers has contributed to a sharp rise in melanoma rates in young people, often unaware of the long-term consequences of increased skin cancer risk and premature aging.

by Kathy Sena

Are Your Kids Begging for Braces?

Thanks to a variety of high-tech and trendy options now available, parents may be surprised to find their kids begging for braces.

by Karren L. Johnson

Should you insist on a flu shot without mercury?

Pediatrician Robert W. Sears, MD, discusses the pros and cons of giving flu shots preserved with mercury compounds to young children.

By Robert W. Sears, MD

What Are BPA and Phthalates?

Are these chemicals dangerous to children? How can you avoid them?

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

A Spore To Abhor

Mold’s thousands of species can spell trouble for your family’s health and property.

by June Portnoy

Zap Varicose Veins

Two new approaches — sclerotherapy and laser therapy — have eliminated the need for invasive surgery to remove varicose veins.

by Kathy Sena

When You Exercise, Form Matters

Form counts when you’re exercising. To get the most from your workouts and avoid getting hurt, do it right.

by Sandra Gordon

'Bud' Earphones Are Dangerous!

These small earphones are a main culprit in the shocking increase in teen hearing loss, now estimated to affect 1 in 5 U.S. kids ages 12-19.

by Carolyn Jabs

Great Homework Help Websites

These online resources can help your child with a paper, science project and many other types of homework.

by Karen Gardner

Are You Adequately Insuring Your Home?

Here are six important factors to review when looking at your home insurance policy.

by Kitty Werner

7 Yard Sale Buying Tips

Here are seven tips to make your yard sale shopping trip fun and profitable.

by Nancy Twigg

How To Repair Your Credit Rating

Take charge of your credit report and you can fix mistakes and improve your score.

by Brette McWhorter Sember

Baby Budget Basics

These 10 tips will help to balance your family budget when you have a new baby.

A Winner from Yosi & the Superdads

Kathy O'Connell recommends kids' music from Yosi & the Superdads, Rocknocerous and The Hipwaders' CD Goodie Bag.

by Kathy O'Connell

Life and Science Lessons

Kathy O'Connell recommends kids' CDs by Mr. Ray and They Might Be Giants.

2009: A Great Year for Family Music

The year's top kids' CDs include new releases by several old favorites.

by Kathy O'COnnell

Zanes CD Transforms Show Tunes

Reviews include a stylish recasting of show tunes, rock for preschoolers and zydeco for kids.

by Kathy O'Connell

Los Lobos Reinvents Disney; Long-Awaited Bubboon’s Tunes Sparkles

Thumbs up for new kids' music from veteran performers Los Lobos and Bubboon's Tunes.

by Kathy O'Connell

Picture Book Wit and Wisdom

These entertaining illustrated kids' books are packed with facts.

by Frank Lipsius

Thrills, from Darwin to Cooked Kids

Halloween-appropriate kids' books feature creatures, from Darwin's discoveries to mummies and cooked children.

by Frank Lipsius

Art and Music Books Can Inspire

Kids' art and music book subjects include Manet, Gauguin, Picasso, Gilbert and Sullivan, Duke Ellington and a fictional recital.

by Frank Lipsius

Quirky Looks, from Stars to Atoms

Reviews of kids' books that look at history, important firsts, and nearly everything else.

by Frank Lipsius

Pop-Ups Target Diverse Interests

Many of 2009's top kids' pop-up books seem aimed at one gender, but they have value for all children.

by Frank Lipsius

Are You Adequately Insuring Your Home?

Here are six important factors to review when looking at your home insurance policy.

by Kitty Werner

A Play Space Tames the Toy Tangle

Here's a solution if kids’ toys have taken over your home.

by Lisa Melillo

A Spore To Abhor

Mold’s thousands of species can spell trouble for your family’s health and property.

by June Portnoy

Cleaning Magic with Common Items

Shaving foam, baking soda, dryer sheets and other common items can perform wonders in keeping your house clean.

by Joe Kahler

Check Your Fire Defenses

Well-maintained smoke alarms and a well-rehearsed escape plan are essential family fire defenses.

by Carol Anne Pagliotti

Tour & Explore Art Museums

Many museums and centers offer educational tours, activities and connections with curriculum.

By Stephanie Halinski

Action-Packed Education: Amusement Park Field Trips

Amid the thrills, an amusement park field trip can put classroom concepts into real-life perspective.

By Stephanie Halinski

Fall Fun Field Trips

Educators can take advantage of Delaware Valley fall festivals and outdoor fun to offer educational experiences.

By Stephanie Halinski

Music Assemblies Fill Many Needs

Musical enrichment ranges from instrument basics to curriculum tie-ins and themes such as anti-bullying.

By Terri Akman

Physical Education on Call

Mobile fitness programs and unusual sports activities fill gaps at area preschools and private schools.

By Susan Stopper

Artists Enrich Summer Programs

Kids in summer camps and programs learn creative skills and gain confidence through special art days and programs.

By Pippa Waldorf