Parenting

• Buying Gifts For Expectant Parents

  You’ve just received a baby shower invitation from your best friend or heard that your brother and sister-in-law are expecting and your mind turns to thoughts of miniature clothing and plush soft bears. But if you want to get them something they’d actually need, along with that adorable mini twin-set, complete with pearls, there’s a few things you can keep in mind.

• Using Music To Calm Your Baby

  Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and soothe your baby, especially during the first year. How many times have your heard parents say that there was nothing that they could do with their crying, fussing baby until they tried music. This is because music does indeed soothe the savage beast, or in this case, the baby.

• How To Choose A Car Seat That Meets The Needs Of Your Baby

  There are many types of car seats available on the market today. In order to be able to make an informed decision it is best to check out car seat manufacturers. You can also check any consumer guide for information on recalls, seats that have been crash tested, the best type of restraint systems for your child. Before that even starts be aware of the fact that there are many types of car seats. The choice you make will be based on your prior research and your child’s needs.

• Today’s Family Man – The 5 Commandments

  Quality time is what matters. Being focused on nothing but your kids for more than a couple of hours allows you to know them in a well-rounded fashion. So take a vacation, at least two solid weeks a year. And take occasional days off, maybe even once a month.

• Auditory Integration Training

  Some researchers feel that many children who are diagnosed with ADHD actually have a central auditory processing disorder. This condition is particularly common if the child has other sensory integration disorders, such as touch sensitivity. AIT seems to help improve attention span deficits, to correct poor auditory discrimination skills, and to improve the ability to follow directions, all of which are common problems in ADHD children.

• Holiday Tips For Stepfamilies: Let Go Of The “Brady Bunch” Fantasy!

  When Bill and I first formed our stepfamily, I had many fantasies about how our family would behave like the “Brady Bunch” over the holidays—a happy, harmonious unit. Then reality struck, and we couldn’t even agree on how to decorate the Christmas tree! Ultimately, we created a “his” side with multi-colored, blinking lights and tinsel-and a “hers” side with hand-painted eggs and popcorn strings. Seven years later, I can tell you that trying to create a “Brady Bunch” holiday sets stepfamilies up for failure. Instead, I suggest you follow these tips…

• When Things Go Wrong: Trauma And Our Youngest Children

  Traumatized children and adults alike may be unable to control their bodies. They may shake uncontrollably, weep, sweat, or feel nauseated and jumpy. Alternatively, and in exception to many people’s expectations, traumatized individuals may look as if they aren’t fazed by the horror or danger they have just experienced.

• Why Reading Is So Important For Children

  We’re always telling children that books and reading are good for them, but have we ever really thought about why that’s true ? Exactly what do older children get out of reading novels? What do younger kids get from being read to? Does reading matter?