Effort: Quick and easy - no sewing required Materials: Sleeping mask Pajamas Silly slippers Robe Teddy bear Pillowcase Hair rollers (optional) Instructions: Put on pajamas, slippers, and robe. Wear sleeping mask like a headband. Put hair up in rollers (optional). Carry the teddy bear. For extra fun, use a pillowcase for a trick-or-treat bag. More Costume Ideas

Snoring and Cognitive Development Researchers and pediatricians are increasingly calling for more attention to be paid to snoring in children. In fact, scientists have found that older children who snore may be at greater risk for cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial disorders. A 2012 study of young children and persistent snoring found that children who snored loudly and regularly had more problem behaviors and were more likely to suffer from hyperactivity, depression, and attention issues....

What kids should already know History and geography begin to become distinct fields of study in the fourth grade, although they should be linked whenever possible to what is being studied in language arts and in science. By fourth grade children know how to use several different kinds of maps. Further, they are able to use primary sources – historical records, diaries, newspapers, and the like – to enlarge their understanding of other people and other time periods; and they have had some experience interviewing their parents and grandparents about other times....

This easy-to-make necklace can be worn to demonstrate pride in one’s heritage. Materials Yellow, blue, and white construction paper Pencil or marker Ruler Glue Scissors Directions

Only One Income You may wonder if it’s possible for your family to make due on only one income. Though your family would lose your income if you stayed at home, the truth is that you would also be free of a few extra expenses. Sit down and think of all the things you’d no longer have to pay for if you didn’t work. Some of these might include: Transportation: Whether your drive, carpool, or use public transportation, there are some fees involved....

Oatmeal is recommended for babies around 6 months of age. Since it isn’t a member of the wheat family, it’s a safe alternative for infants who have a gluten allergy or intolerance. It’s also easy on the digestive system in general, making it a nice option for developing tummies. Oatmeal is rich in fiber and acts as a natural laxative which is particularly helpful if your babe is struggling to go number two....

Traditionally, when babies were ready to start solids, parents would begin with purees and a spoon. But, now, more and more families are taking a different approach called baby-led weaning. Learn more about baby-led weaning, if it might be right for your family, and how to start. What Is Baby-Led Weaning? When a baby is ready to wean from breast milk or infant formula to solid foods, it doesn’t mean the baby is ready to stop taking the bottle or the breast....

Level: Moderately easy Time involved: One to two hours Materials: Wire cutters Gold berry garland (You can find these in the floral section of craft stores, especially during the holiday season.) Wire 3 yards of 1-inch-thick blue ribbon

And while it is important for parents to instill healthy habits surrounding social media use—including limiting and monitoring time online—it is also important to recognize that social media is not a bad thing. It only becomes a bad thing when people misuse it for bullying, public shaming, and rumor spreading. In fact, research shows there are numerous benefits to social media use. Benefits of Social Media for Youth While the overuse of electronics and social media can certainly be a problem, there are also numerous potential benefits of social media for youth, including the following:...

Under this kind of stress, I believe moms on the verge have a couple of choices. We get to choose the kind of mental patient we want to resemble: the congenial jester in the sanitarium, or the recluse snarling at herself. In the middle of the night, there isn’t much choice. When your baby is colicky or teething, the night stretches out the way the rugged land must have for pioneer women taking families west by wagon train....

Baby Swim Lessons Infant aquatic programs are often enjoyable for both parents and babies. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend actual swim lessons for babies younger than 1 because they haven’t developed the breathing skills required for swimming, which means they aren’t capable of swimming independently. Additionally, there is no evidence indicating that infant swim classes will reduce their risk of drowning. Nothing can substitute the need for parent supervision around the water....

Although it’s tempting to keep the news under wraps to spare your children worry and stress, kids can sense when something’s wrong. They’ll likely be even more upset when they discover that their trusted parents have been keeping a secret from them, and your kids may dream up worst-case scenarios if you don’t talk about what’s going on. So take a deep breath and call a family meeting to discuss job loss and what it means for the household....

Directions The purpose of this activity is to make your child more aware of the sense of taste. Gather a variety of foods in small amounts. If you like, your child can close her eyes while tasting each one. After each food, discuss the taste. Begin to distinguish between the main taste bud differentiation: sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Ask your child to say which are his favorite foods and why....

You can help your child get the things she wants in life by learning to save up. Unless your child was born with a miser gene, she’d probably prefer to spend, spend, spend. But there’s just as much satisfaction to be gained from saving as from spending, if she knows what the payoff will be. She needs to understand that she’ll never have financial maturity if she doesn’t have good savings habits....

April is National Autism Month, marking it the perfect opportunity to talk with your children about autism. In 2018, approximately 1 in 59 children were diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to the CDC. More: 6 Autism Awareness Activities for Kids But discussing autism and other mental or physical disorders with your children can be a tricky and confusing place if you aren’t sure how to start the conversation....

More: How Much Do You Know About College Admissions? This newsworthy college bribery scenario can be a teachable moment for your college-bound kid. Now is a crucial time for a heart-to-heart about privilege, and how your teen can navigate the collegiate world of the “haves” and the “have nots.” “Working their way through college teaches students extremely valuable skills that they will take with them into their professional careers, such as juggling multiple responsibilities at once, prioritization, time management, and being financially responsible,” says Kathleen Burnham LMSW, a Chatham, NJ-based therapist who works with many teens....

Teenagers can be fairly particular when it comes to presents, especially if you’re not sure exactly what to purchase. Luckily there are a few tried and true gift ideas that will wow even the most picky of teens. Read on for our top stocking stuffer ideas for the teen in your life: More: The Ultimate List of Christmas Gift Ideas for 13 Year Old Girls Don’t have time to read now?...