Parenting Tips

Blending families isn't an easy task, and when your stepkids are older, getting to know them and earning their trust can be twice as tough. Whether it's joining your stepkid for TV time or taking her to the mall, here are five bonding tips that will work for you.

By Alia Hoyt

Kids love video games. Technology doesn't have to be isolating; in fact, having some virtual fun can help you bond with your children. So, pick up a controller and start the gaming and bonding process!

By Chris Obenschain

Whether it's swimming or painting or listening to a story, there are so many fun activities for you and your little one to try out together. We'll look at 10 of the most popular plus places where you can find them.

By Laurie L. Dove

The life of a child is both precious and fleeting. Children grow up so fast, and many times, you just don't know where the time went. Make your daughter a priority with some quality time, and you'll know you didn't miss a thing.

By Sara Elliott

The development of a child is a very tricky thing, and there are so many factors that play into it. But if you don't take the time to bond with your infant right away, it could be disastrous when they're older.

By Emilie Sennebogen

You're his hero, role model and protector. But you also want to show him that you're a guy just like he is. Spending time with your son doing silly or serious things will bring you closer together. Here are 10 tips to get you started.

By Chris Obenschain

Juggling work, after school activities and house maintenance can leave you feeling drained. But you've got to make time for fun if you want to stay connected with your family. Here are 10 creative, low-cost ways to bond with your loved ones.

By Alia Hoyt

Even in these days of equality, the majority of household work is still done by women, even if they also work outside the home. But there are many ways to get your spouse or partner to help out more. He may even get to enjoy it.

By Laurie L. Dove

No offence to June Cleaver, but '50s portrayals of motherhood are not, how shall we say, spot-on. Today, we're more likely to see films like "Stepmom": poignant, conflict-filled and often funny accounts of the joys and heartaches of being a mother.

By Julia Layton

Life is busy, but if you find yourself abandoning the things you love most just so you can tear through that to-do list, it might be a sign you've take on too much. What are 10 signs that you're doing more than you can handle?

By Jessika Toothman

Growing your family with a surrogate's help is a wonderful, if expensive, option for couples today. But finding the right person can be tricky. Here are five tough questions to help you decide if surrogacy's right for you.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Deciding between a condo in the city and a home in the suburbs is complicated when you have a family. You have to consider everything from diversity to cost of living. We'll help you navigate the differing landscapes to find a place to settle down.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Should you travel while you're pregnant? Your impending bundle of joy shouldn't get in the way of a great trip, but a little planning can go a long way.

By Linda C. Brinson

Children's development is often measured by milestones, like learning to walk or getting their first teeth. What are the recognized milestones, and how can you identify them in your child?

By Susan Sherwood, Ph.D.

Single parents face day-to-day issues and experience emotions that married couples may not be able to relate to. Do some groups and programs specifically address the needs of parents who don't have partners?

By Lawrence Schumacher

Constantly playing catch up may be the norm for modern working people, but you don't have to resign yourself to life with an over-packed schedule. How can time management help you get it all done and still carve out time to relax?

By Jennifer Sellers

If you don't effectively manage your time, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out with all the obligations you have. What kinds of effects can this have on your health?

By Eileen Duncan

If your kids' activities and appointments have you and your family running around in circles, it may be time to get organized. What tools and techniques can help you get started?

By Elizabeth Whitmore

Does it feel selfish to spend time away from your kids? Well, it's not. When you spend time away from your children, it's actually good for the whole family. Why?

By Brian Boone

Jean Piaget was fascinated by the human mind -- especially the way it matures from the reflexive reactions of an infant to the complex, abstract and (hopefully) logical reasoning of a preteen. Let's take a tour through the mind of a child as she develops precisely along Piaget's line of thinking.

By Jessika Toothman

There's a gap between what a child knows and what he or she has the potential to know. How can a teacher get them from one place to the next?

By Sarah Winkler

If you want to learn new parenting skills for when your child reaches a certain age or goes through a difficult situation, parenting classes could be for you. What kinds of classes are offered, and what can they teach you?

By Alexander Page

For some parents and soon-to-be parents, there are two different parenting styles: good and bad. And while all parents want to be the good kind, it's not that simple. Take a look at your options.

By Tom Scheve

Deciding on how to raise a family can be a tricky situation -- you want children to become happy, well-rounded individuals, but subtle variations in parenting psychology can have wildly different effects. How can your attitudes and actions influence your child?

By Lawrence Schumacher

Studies have shown that children who have a close relationship with their parents typically have higher self-esteem and perform better in school. How can parents effectively communicate with their kids?

By Sarah Siddons