These classes educate parents on how to take care of their babies, toddlers, and teens. Parents come away from classes feeling more confident about and more supported in their parenting decisions. Additionally, there are many different types of parenting classes, so whatever your situation, there is likely a parenting class to fit your needs. Expecting Parents As a first time parent, it is normal to feel anxious about bringing a child into the world....

Here’s a look at several benefits to getting away by yourself or with your partner, how to get the most out of your child-free vacation, and how to strategize ahead of time so things go smoothly at home while you’re gone. Why Vacation Without Kids? Not sure if an adults-only trip is worth the effort? Consider the following reasons for getting time away. Personal Refreshment Leaving your kids for a few days may initially make you feel some pangs of guilt or selfishness....

Clear plastic bottle Clear tape Soil Lettuce or weeds Snails from the garden Your snail farm will be contained within the plastic bottle.

Is it dangerous for kids to “head” the ball while playing soccer? Get an expert opinion!Hooray for soccer! Find out why it’s popular and also a great game for kids.More and more girls are getting involved with sports in school. See why it hasn’t been an easy ride. Try these tips for keeping sibling rivalries in sports to a minimum in your family. From sportsmanship to fitness — help your kid get the most out of sports....

However, many states do limit how frequently they will review child support orders, so you’ll want to check the child support guidelines for your state to learn more about how to request a child support modification in your area. If your ex’s discipline techniques feel unsafe to you, speak with him or her about it or, for immediate concerns about your children’s safety, call 9-1-1. For safety concerns that don’t quite reach that level of alarm, yet still need to be addressed, speak with your lawyer....

Does a leprechaun visit your house and leave your child presents? You know the routine. After the kids go to bed, a “leprechaun” sneaks in searching for his pot of gold. Maybe his search leaves a mess behind, or he tracks green footprints and glitter around, and your children wake up to a treasure hunt with notes from the leprechaun and a pot of goodies at the end. Sure, it sounds fun, but this Easter-Bunny-meets-Elf-on-the-Shelf routine is a guaranteed sign that you’re doing too much....

The Many Faces of Soy Protein Decades ago, soy foods were one of the world’s best kept secrets. Finally out of the closet and raring to jump into just about any recipe, soy protein can boost the protein, calcium, and iron content of almost any dish. Go ahead and experiment by incorporating some of the following varieties into your meals, and remember that unflavored soy will take on any flavor you cook or marinate with:...

Assume Kids Will Hear According to Gayani DeSilva, M.D., Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and author of A Psychiatrist’s Guide: Helping Parents Reach Their Depressed Tween, it’s safe to assume that your child will hear about events in the news, either by overhearing conversations between adults or catching a clip on television. “Children hear everything, even when they look like they are not paying attention,” she says. So, don’t try to hide the news from them....

Try to avoid resorting to scare tactics. The reason you don’t want your child to climb to the top of the jungle gym is not “because you’ll fall down and break your neck and die.” It’s that “if you do fall, you’ll get hurt.” If you overexaggerate possible dangers, one (or both) of two things will happen: You will lose your credibility. Your child will dismiss your rule because at some level he recognizes the unlikelihood of what you’re saying....

Some tweens are afraid of using tampons, and if your child is one of them, try not to push the subject. They’ll decide if and when they want to use them. If they ask about using tampons, they might be ready to give them a try. Tampons vs. Other Period Products Tampons are cylinder-shaped or oblong and are made of compacted, soft, cotton-like material. Tampons are used internally and once inserted, the vaginal walls hold the tampon in place....

Many maternity coats and jackets are 3-in-1 styles, which means they convert from pregnancy to postpartum and often have a built-in extender for a belly or a baby in a carrier. Consider maternity coat extenders to find the most comfortable fit while keeping seasons and longevity in mind. We looked over design, material, ease of cleaning, value, size, adjustability, and longevity when reviewing products. The waterproof maternity jacket comes with a fully reversible, detachable panel designed to zip up and over your baby carrier or sling....

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, it is important to get your kids comfortable with the new norm of mask-wearing. The trick is to find a mask that your child feels comfortable wearing and that they like the look of. We carefully considered design, material, ease of cleaning, and value when reviewing products. Here, the best face masks for kids to help keep your family protected. With a replaceable filter system, the masks are reusable and you can buy a 10-pack of kid filters as an add-on so you don’t run out....

If you have the space for a swing set, your kids will enjoy it for years to come. Since it is an investment, you’ll want to make sure you are choosing one that will meet the needs of your family right now and in the future. Additionally, ensure that the unit you choose will fit in your backyard by measuring a designated spot. While reviewing products, we carefully considered, design, value, assembly instructions, product weight, and additional features....

Since young babies are likely to put toys in their mouths, it’s important to find toys that have smooth edges and no small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Other important features to look for include durability and ease of cleaning. You can also find toys that will help them learn colors, numbers, shapes, and other concepts as they grow. We researched popular toys from trusted brands with these features in mind....

To help motivate your child to use the potty, let them participate in the selection of their potty seat. “This is a nice and easy way to engage your child in the process of taking over care of their own poop and pee to achieve ‘toilet mastery,’” explains Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio. In addition to your child’s readiness, consider your family’s lifestyle when looking for a potty chair or seat....

When shopping for toys for 7-month-olds, keep in mind that they love to explore using their mouths, which means any small part poses a choking risk. We carefully considered toy safety, design, value, developmental milestones, and ease of cleaning when reviewing products. Here are the best toys for 7-month-olds on the market. Both of these toys are great for helping kids work on motor skills, further their cognitive development, and get familiar with colors, shapes, and cause and effect....

From DIY experiments to magnetic building blocks to bikes and more, there’s a toy out there perfect for every child. If you need help finding a toy that suits their interests ask friends and neighbors and look at trending items online. Other features to look for include durability, ease of cleaning, and budget. We researched popular toys with these helpful features in mind. Here are the best toys for 5-year-olds on the market....

Pick a book that will pique your child’s interest but still contains historically accurate and up-to-date information about Black culture and history. We carefully considered age recommendations, kids’ appeal, historical and cultural accuracy, and empowerment when reviewing products. Here are the best books to read with kids during Black History Month (and anytime you want to celebrate Black bravery, achievement, and innovation). Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $24...

Flourless Dense Chocolate Cake No flour needed for this decadent, melt-in-your-mouth cake recipe! Ingredients: 12 oz. bag of semisweet chocolate chips ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp. butter 4 eggs 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 9" greased cake pan 1 sheet of wax paper Directions: Recipe credit: Laura Richards Rich Chocolate Mousse Photo Credit: Pixaby You’ll want to dive right into a bowl of this smooth and creamy chocolate mousse....