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Mother’s Day and Beyond: 18 Mini-Moments for Mom

Posted May 10, 2013 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips

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While your family lavishes much-deserved attention on you this Mother's Day, carry forward the spirit of love by indulging in a little self-care throughout the month and beyond.

19 Loving Gifts of Service for Mom

Posted May 6, 2013 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips

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The mom in your life will feel extra special with these gifts of service throughout the month or year.

Why Time Apart From Your Child Is OK

Posted May 3, 2013 - 11:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips, New Parents

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The idea of entrusting their child with another caregiver can leave many new parents feeling anxious and guilt-ridden. But short separations are necessary for your self-care as a parent, important for your marriage, and a critical developmental step for your child.

7 Memorable Ways to Celebrate Easter

Posted March 23, 2013 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips

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Want to start your own Easter traditions with your family? Or maybe you'd like to breathe new life into your annual celebration. Here are seven festive ideas to create a memorable spring holiday and spark new traditions that your family will cherish for years to come.

Moms Don’t Get Sick Days! 14 Tips for “Mommy’s Sick” Days

Posted March 22, 2013 - 11:16 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips

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Moms, what do you do if you get sick? Here are 14 ways to plan for and manage those cursed days when you can barely move, much less care for your kids.

When Baby’s Name Causes Family Fallout

Posted February 1, 2013 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

News & Commentary, Family Planning

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Did the name you chose for your baby cause a stir in your family? How did people react when you revealed your child's name? Find out how to manage the fallout.

9 Tips to Build Good Communication Between Home and School

Posted January 21, 2013 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips

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Through effective, organized communication and involvement in your child's school, you can nurture a life-long learner.

19 Great Christmas Gifts for Grandparents

Posted December 16, 2012 - 11:43 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips

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Share holiday cheer and your appreciation for the grandparents in your life with gifts that are creative, thoughtful...and, of course, a little sentimental.

Talking to Kids About Divorce

Posted December 6, 2012 - 12:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips

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Breaking up is hard to do, especially when children are involved. What's the best way to tell your kids, and what questions should you anticipate?

10 Tips to Get Your Child to Open Up

Posted November 9, 2012 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips

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Scratching your head about what's happening at school? It's frustrating when kids answer questions about their day with monosyllable answers like "fine" and "nothing." Here are 10 ways to encourage conversation.

When Talk Gets Hot: How to Manage Hot-Button Issues at Social Gatherings

Posted October 29, 2012 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips, Social Skills

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Unsure how to handle political talk in mixed company? Don't take your cues from politicians! With a little advance thought and the following tips, manage these difficult conversations with finesse.

5 Lessons Kids Can Learn From Politics

Posted October 15, 2012 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

News & Commentary, Tips, K-8

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Political elections present golden opportunities for teaching our children lessons in independent thinking, respectful dialogue, values, and public service.

On the Road Again? 7 Ways to Stay Connected to Your Kids

Posted September 21, 2012 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips, Work Balance

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Are long hours at the office and frequent business trips leaving you feeling like a visitor in your own home? Tom Limbert, a parent coach, says there are several ways to enhance your relationship with your kids despite grueling hours at the office or on the road.

13 Incentives to Make Reading Fun

Posted September 12, 2012 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips, Learning Tools, K-8

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What do you do if your child insists that reading is boring? Try a few of these creative ideas to inspire your child to read.

Start School Off Right: Homework Help

Posted August 16, 2012 - 11:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips, Chores, Home Life, Discipline, Education, Learning Tools, Conflict Resolution, Culture, K-8, Parent-Teacher

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It's frustrating when homework time is more like a stormy witching hour as an emotional battle of wills ensues. Temper the drama and help your child develop effective study habits that will serve him for years to come.

Ready, Set...Kindergarten: Tips for the First Few Weeks

Posted August 11, 2012 - 01:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips, Home Life, Education, Social Skills, Conflict Resolution, K-8

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While you can't avoid all the bumps in the road, you can help your child pave the way to a happy, successful start to school. Find out what your child should know before he goes, how to communicate with the teacher, and what to do when your child has a difficult day at school.

7 Games That Sharpen Listening Skills

Posted July 26, 2012 - 11:00 by Christa Melnyk Hines

Tips, Learning Tools

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As parents, it's exasperating when our kids tune us out. One way to practice active listening is through games that naturally promote the skill. Your kids will have too much fun to notice that they're honing a valuable life-skill!