Listen, listen, listen. Use “I” statements to express your feelings and perspectives. Don’t interrupt. You can ask questions to clarify, but stay away from “why.” (“How” is a better choice.) Keep your arguments in the present, and stay specific. Don’t dig up old dirt from the past. Avoid “globalizing” the argument (by using words such as always, never, or should). Taboo subjects are taboo—there are certain nasty comments that are off-limits in all relationships....

Skills Being Practiced Phonemic awareness Rhyme recognition Sound manipulation What You Need Timer or a watch with a second hand How to Play Explain to your child that you’re going to play a game in which both of you will try to think of as many rhyming words you can in one minute. The catch is they all have to rhyme with the first word somebody says. 2. One of the things kids like best about this game is that there’s no turn taking and anybody can keep track of the time....

You will need: A big sheet of polystyrene foamPolystyrene adhesiveSilicone caulkA utility knifeFoil tapePaint, sequins, or stickers to decorate Start with a sheet of rigid polystyrene foam. The thickness you select is up to you — the thicker the insulator, the more it protects against energy transfers. The example shown uses 1 inch thick polystyrene foam. These suggested dimensions are for a container that won’t take up too much room in your locker: Base: 6"x10"Top: 6"x10"Long Sides: 4....

Risks of Staying Together Parenting experts point to a number of negative effects on children raised in a family characterized by frequent anger, frustration, and pain. At the top of the list is that kids learn dysfunctional parenting skills that they carry on to the next generation. Research also shows that children may lead less successful lives as adults when they are raised in a home with constant conflict, stress, and unhappiness....

Thomas Woodsum RMA is the Clinical Tech/Manager at Universal Pediatric Associates in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Woodsum does ear piercings on-site and has pierced the ears of numerous young patients and non-patients (meaning children who see a different pediatrician but were brought in by a parent solely for ear piercing.) He shares his thoughts about ear piercing. More: An Age-by-Age Guide to Setting Discipline Consequences for Kids Too busy to read now?...

If your toddler is suddenly struggling with all things sleep-related, you may be at a loss for what is happening. Unless your toddler is ill or has another medical condition, what you’re likely experiencing is a sleep regression, especially if they are between 18 months and 2 years old. Here, we’ll walk you through what a sleep regression is and what it isn’t. You also will find information on the signs of sleep regression and when to reach out to your pediatrician....

Very large sheet of newsprint or other paper Markers, crayons, or paint Directions

No matter how adorable (or ruggedly casual) your outfit is, you will look stupid if your attire is not appropriate to the slopes. Your clothing should not only keep you warm but also resist water and wind. The outfit must be snug while allowing you freedom of movement. Jeans are a bad idea because they don’t dry out easily. They stay wet and cold and heavy. Layering is essential. A cotton turtleneck, long underwear, sweater, ski pants, ski jacket, and a hat or cap are good choices....

As your pregnancy progresses, you may experience heartburn and a feeling of fullness making it common to need some adjustments to go-to meals and snacks. Smoothies can often be helpful. While discomforts like nausea can certainly create a need for something cold and easy to digest, like a smoothie, many pregnant people are also busy with all of their usual life stuff on top of prepping for your baby’s arrival....

Juggling freedom with responsibility can be tough going. You and your son agree on a curfew, then he “forgets” and comes home an hour late. Or your daughter has friends over and they leave soft drink cans all over the place. There are endless discussions about consequences. When will they understand that privileges have to be earned? A typical tenth grader is likely to bounce from one extreme to another, changing enthusiasms, attitudes, hair, clothes – you name it – with dizzying frequency....

“Spring cleaning is important because it designates a specific time for a fresh start,” says Julia M. Chamberlain, MS, INHC, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor. “It can also help an individual evaluate their needs and preferences by assessing which items they have used and need to hold onto versus those they need to let go of.” If you are wondering how to involve the entire family in spring cleaning your home after a long winter, check out our age-by-age guide to assigning chores below....

A general rule of thumb is to introduce only one new food at a time (over three to five days) to rule out food allergies and intolerances. If your baby tolerates a food, and you don’t notice any adverse reactions (skin rashes, wheezing, diarrhea, stomachaches), you can graduate on to the next food item. As your baby moves up in age and food variety, keep a watchful eye on items known to cause allergies such as wheat, egg white, nut butters, and cow’s milk....

It’s important to carry your baby correctly in order to keep them safe and both of you comfortable and happy. Knowing the rules of safe baby wearing will enable you to pick a baby carrier that best suits you and your child. What Is Baby Wearing? Baby wearing has been around as long as there have been babies. This is largely due to its practicality: The baby gets the comfort and safety of being held while the parent or caregiver has both hands free for other tasks....

Pacifiers Before government regulations were issued in 1977, pacifiers posed a serious choking hazard. The rules eliminated much of the problem by requiring pacifiers to be strong enough so that the parts don’t separate and to have shields large enough to prevent baby getting the whole pacifier in his mouth. Pacifiers can deteriorate with age, exposure to food, and sunlight, however, so check them regularly for wear. It’s best to replace them every few months....

Directions Place several colors of paint in a muffin pan with a separate paintbrush for each color. Stuff each cardboard tube full of newspaper to make it stronger. Wind the string around paper tubes, taping the ends into the end of the tube. Spread the paper on a flat surface and stabilize with tape. Paint the string on the tubes, and while still wet, roll the tube over the paper until paint is used up....

However, a new study provides further reassurance to pregnant people who are concerned about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. COVID-19 and Pregnancy Sherry Ross, MD, OB/GYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, welcomes the study findings. “Pregnant women are already immune-suppressed, so getting COVID-19 during pregnancy can be dangerous, and even deadly,” she says. Pregnant people with COVID-19 are more at risk for preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), preterm labor, and more advanced COVID-19 respiratory and other complicating symptoms....

This moment serves as a great opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your children about the importance of representation. Depending on their ages, this may have been the first inauguration they will remember, and they may not be privy to the longstanding systemic racism that the country has seen. They might not understand that, until recently, a Black or Brown person in the White House was unheard of. As a parent, you can inform them just how important this occasion is, and how they can view it as motivation for their own lives....