January 2012

7 Parent-Child Workouts

When you exercise with your child you can have fun, burn calories and enjoy some quality time.

by Terri Akman

BIRTHMARK BASICS

One in 10 babies is born with or develops birthmarks. Here are the six most common kinds.

By Sandra Gordon

Overcome These 5 Exercise Hurdles

Here are common reasons why we balk at putting on walking shoes and stocking the fridge with fruits and veggies.

By Kathy Sena

'Dead End in Norvelt' Awarded 2012 Newbery Medal

"Achingly funny" novel of a New Deal town is named the past year's best children's book. "A Ball for Daisy" wins the Caldecott Medal.

Kids' Books: Poetry, Art & History

In January we look forward to better times, but these kids' books also look back, in different ways, at poetry, art and African American history.

By Frank Lipsius

Silly Hats

Keep your kids' noggins warm with these goofy hats.

By Stephanie Halinski

An All-Ages Hit for Dan Zanes

Dan Zanes' new CD, Little Nut Tree, is at home in both modern folk and the kids' music genre, with fine world rhythms thrown in.

By Kathy O'Connell

LIGHTBULB HAZARDS

CFLs, those curly new bulbs, contain mercury.

By Kristen Gillette

Winter Waterpark Adventures

Find respite from the cold at indoor waterparks that are only a short drive away.

By Stephanie Halinski

Homemade Is Where the Heart Is

Creating valentines gives you and your child a project to share, and special message to those you love.

By Allie C. Rosenstein

Kids' New Year's Eve Parties

Our top ways to ring in 2012 with the kids: noon countdowns, fireworks and more family celebrations

By Stephanie Halinski

Pushy Toddlers

Ask Momma takes a humorous look at the tendency of little ones to "shove, chop and mow their way through."

by Jeanne Martin

Tracy Rossi

Meet our January mom of the month.

MetroKids Super Camp Fair Photos

Photo gallery of the Jan. 29 fair in Conshohocken, PA. Hundreds of parents and prospective campers met with representatives from more than 60 camps and programs.

MetroKids Super Camp Fair Photos

Photo gallery of the Jan. 29 fair in Conshohocken, PA. Hundreds of parents and prospective campers met with representatives from more than 60 camps and programs.

Family Camps Are Fun for Everyone

Attending camp as a family offers an affordable mini-vacation that strengthens relationships in a safe environment.

By Ellen Warren

Camp fairs are for kids too

Here's how children can get the most out of visiting a regional camp fair.

by Suzanne Koup-Larsen

Does Your Child Need SAT Help?

How important are courses and tutoring for standardized college aptitude tests?

by Jo Rizzo

BIRTHMARK BASICS

One in 10 babies is born with or develops birthmarks. Here are the six most common kinds.

By Sandra Gordon

When Your Child Says 'I Hate You!'

The first time your toddler blurts the "h" word can be devastating. Here's how to handle it.

By Julie Hanahan

Independent Evaluation

Parents probably won't get reimbursed for an outside evaluation if they disagree with the school district's assessment.

By Dave Frankel and Josh Kershenbaum

New Autism Label Would Eliminate Asperger Syndrome and PDD-NOS

A single diagnosis — autism spectrum disorder — would incorporate all categories. Fewer individuals may qualify.

By Ann L. Rappoport, PhD