Thumb-Sucking and Other Baby Soothing Techniques

Last updated on February 3rd, 2014 at 11:14 amThumb-sucking isn’t just a quirky behavior of babies and young children. It’s actually vital to healthy early childhood development. Here’s why it’s acceptable for your baby to do it. Why your baby sucks her thumb Sucking is an instinctive behavior for newborns. You may be tempted to discourage thumb-sucking to prevent your baby’s teeth from... 

Tips to Soothe Your Crying Baby

Last updated on March 2nd, 2018 at 02:42 pmOne of the toughest sounds to hear as a new mom is your baby crying. But consider this: Crying is the only way your baby can communicate at this stage. After all, he can’t yell out, “Mom, my diaper’s dirty!” or “I need a nap!” To soothe your crying baby, first look to see if there’s a problem: Is he hungry? Tired? Does he need his diaper changed?... 

Did You Know Creativity Enhances Your Child’s Developing Mind?

Last updated on October 28th, 2013 at 09:37 amChildren are naturally creative: Their napkins become hats, their drinks are magic potions, and ketchup turns into paint. But aside from being endlessly entertaining, creativity is also critical to their developing brains. Creative and artistic experiences help kids express their feelings and come up with new ideas and ways to solve problems. Studies show... 

5 Germ Hot Spots You Need to Clean for Family Health

Last updated on August 13th, 2015 at 06:20 pmHome is where the heart is – not to mention the dirt, dust, bacteria and mold. “Most people clean what they can see, but there’s a lot more to cleaning a home than just wiping down your bureau,” says Richard Symes of Clenz Philly, an eco-friendly home and commercial cleaning service in New Jersey and Philadelphia. The payoff to a more thorough... 

The Power of No – The Best Gift You’ll Give This Year

Last updated on March 2nd, 2018 at 04:47 pm’Tis the season for kids to plead, beg and whine for Barbies, Xboxes and iPods. But you don’t have to grant every wish — and more importantly, you shouldn’t. “Hearing ‘no’ helps kids learn to cope with the disappointment and frustrations that are part of everyday life,” says educational psychologist Michele Borba, author of The Big Book... 

Why Kids Really Lie – and How to Stop It

Last updated on September 13th, 2015 at 01:18 amKids tell little lies every day – about who spilled the juice and whether they brushed their teeth – but they don’t always mean to deceive. “Lying is a self-protective device that children learn to use at different ages and stages,” says education professor Sally Goldberg, developer of the blog Parenting Tips with Dr. Sally. “It’s...