Easter is only a few weeks away and now is a great time to start decorating all those eggs! Below are some fun and affordable ways to decorate that the whole family can join in on. Most items can be found in your pantry, local grocery store or craft store. Hard-Boiled Egg Basics: Place eggs in a pot and fill with water. Boil, reduce heat, add 3 tablespoons of vinegar, and let simmer for 20 minutes. Remove eggs from pot with tongs and let cool for about 40 minutes. DIY Dye: For each dye bath combine 1/2 cup boiling water with 1 tsp vinegar and 10 drops of food coloring in a bowl. Start with Read More

Many schools are out for Spring Break in the next few weeks and families are packing their bags for the beach, the campground, the theme park or even a low-key "stay-cation," at home. The following safety recommendations should be considered to ensure an accident-free week. Traveling to Your Location When driving long distances, plan for frequent breaks, stops and activities kids can play in their seats while buckled up. Before getting on the road, make sure children are buckled up properly and young children are securely fastened in an appropriate child safety seat. It's also important to Read More

What’s the most important trait you’d like to develop in your child? If you’re like most parents, intelligence is probably at the top of your list. We all want bright, smart children, which is why we spend so much time choosing the right schools and making sure teachers are exceeding expectations. But remember: as a parent, you have the power to boost your children's learning potential simply by making books an integral part of their lives. We all know reading to our kids is a good thing—but are you familiar with the specific advantages your toddler or preschool-age child can receive Read More

Do you want to learn CPR in a fun and informal way? Have a CPR Party! Invite your friends over for an afternoon or evening of refreshments while learning the valuable, life-saving techniques of CPR in the privacy of your own home. A CPR Instructor guides attendees through the appropriate hands-on techniques and process of saving a life in a more pleasant environment than in the traditional classroom setting. Attendees will learn Infant/Child CPR and the techniques to prevent choking. All attendees will also receive a ‘Friends & Family’ book, materials on earthquake preparedness, Read More

Making a Smooth Transition to a New Caregiver Occasionally a situation arises where a family will need to change caregivers after a loving relationship has been established between the person and the child. This change can often be very disturbing to the child, but it doesn’t have to be if the transition is handled compassionately. Once the decision has been made to make the change, it’s going to be imperative that you discuss the impending transition with your child. One of the things you can do to help mitigate some of the anxiety is to include your child in the process. Find out Read More

The Importance of CPR Training for Your Nanny Some parents hiring a nanny don’t think to inquire as to whether or not Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training is part of the package. However, all parents would do well to ask. Most likely there will never be a situation where this particular training is needed. With that being said, it is still much better to have a nanny with the training and not need it, than to have one without it and suffer the consequences in an emergency situation. In instances where the family has a swimming pool and/or hot tub, having a CPR trained nanny is Read More

Your baby’s age does not need to stop you from traveling wherever you’re destined to go. All you need to do is make sure you’re well prepared. Keep in mind that being well prepared is relative and varies from parent to parent. Where you are going and for how long will determine what you will need to bring for your baby. A jaunt over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house may only require a well-stocked diaper bag, but if this is going to be a long, overnight journey, then you will want to be more equipped. Short day trips will require the basics: a supply of diapers, Read More

Many car owners prefer to take their vehicles to one particular place to get it serviced. The reasoning is that the mechanics get to know the vehicle with all its peculiar quirks and idiosyncrasies. And just like finding the right mechanic for your car, you need to find the right pediatrician for your child. Children, like the rest of us, have quirks and idiosyncrasies that are unique to each individual. This pertains not just to personality, but also to health issues. Some kids may be more prone to tummy problems or earaches while others in the same household may seem incredibly healthy all the Read More

Commercial Valentine’s Day cards are a dime a dozen. Well, more like a couple of dollars for a dozen, but what they lack is that special touch that only comes from a hand crafted card. Creating cards with your toddler will provide you and your child with special memories for years to come. Projects can be simple or more complex depending on your imagination and your child’s interest level. There are many websites that cater to the crafty toddler so you won’t have to look very far to find a project that will delight you and your little valentine. For a simple idea that’s sure to spark Read More

The Frustrations and Rewards of Discipline Disciplining children can be extremely frustrating even with good kids but the payoff for well-disciplined behavior is lifelong for parent and child and can be lifesaving as well. Training your child by setting boundaries and establishing standards of behavior early on may not eliminate all unhealthy behavior in the future, but it will go far in mitigating much unwanted conduct. Many parents confuse punishment and discipline. Not all punishment is discipline and not all discipline is punishment. Discipline has everything to do with training; setting Read More