As long as your toddler is a confident eater, with a varied diet full of fresh nutritious food, she’ll continue to grow at the right rate for her. It’s also normal for babies to gain a little extra weight before a growth spurt or to appear thinner following a period of growth or an illness—all … Read more

Your two-year-old is just beginning to understand that the world extends beyond his immediate family. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends are starting to play more of a part, too. He will also become more aware of the differences between being a boy and being a girl. “Yasmin’s grandparents are important in her life. She … Read more

As you have probably already realized by now, one of the greatest challenges of being a parent is juggling all your roles and responsibilities. It probably seems like there are never enough hours in a day and it can be a challenge to manage your mood at the same time as managing your toddler. “The … Read more

Dear Tanya Q: I feel guilty because I get so bored with playing games with my two-year-old daughter for longer than 10 minutes at a time. A: You are by no means alone in your feelings. Many parents find it extremely hard to remain consciously engaged as their son or daughter insists on playing something … Read more

If this movie star’s life were a film, it would definitely be a family comedy. The 44-year-old “kid trapped in a man’s body” can’t get enough fun at home in New York City with his supermodel wife, Christy Turlington, and their kids Grace, 8, and Finn, 6. “Christy and I are on the same page … Read more

Q: My toddler wants to pick up his new baby sister. Is this safe? A: It is positive to see that your toddler wants to help with the new baby, to touch and cuddle her. As he’s seen you pick her up, he will almost certainly want to copy you, and may even try to … Read more

Q: My son complains of stomachaches on school days. Is he just attention-seeking? A: Upset stomachs and headaches are often a sign of anxiety, but you may want to rule out any physical causes with a visit to your pediatrician. However, if your son is genuinely worried about school, his stomachache may be very real, … Read more

Physical challenges Coping with disability If your child has a physical disability such as cerebral palsy (a condition that affects movement, posture, and coordination), or a hearing or visual impairment, starting school will bring additional challenges. Many more children now attend mainstream as opposed to special schools, which is a positive step forward in many … Read more

Got a few minutes? That’s all you need to make fast work of the three dirtiest rooms in the house. Family Room 5-Minute Cheat Toss out-of-place items—magazines, sneakers and video games—into a laundry basket and stash in the closet for the time being. Run a microfiber duster across coffee and side tables. Straighten and fluff … Read more

Robert! C’est Bonhomme! The young mother is truly excited to see Bonhomme, the massive, smiley-faced white mascot of Carnaval, Quebec City’s winter carnival, step out of his special bus by the outdoor skating rink at Place D’Youville. Bonhomme waves to crush of tiny fans trying to touch him, and, in his signature move, lifts his … Read more

“He’s growing up, but however independent he may seem, he needs you now more than ever.” Wanting to achieve You may notice your toddler has a new determination to try and succeed—give him the freedom to learn, and praise all his efforts Self-sufficient He’s more independent and can Do more precise tasks, but accept that … Read more

Months 36–48 may be more peaceful than the previous year, as your child gradually leaves toddlerhood behind. During the months ahead, she will start to want to please you more, rather than just wanting to meet her own needs, but the year will present its own distinct challenges. “There is nothing like having a three-year-old … Read more

It’s no old wives’ tale; chicken soup really can help beat colds and flu symptoms. But rather than open a tin, make a bowl of our ultimate bug banisher at home Chicken is bursting with protein, which is the building block of infection-fighting immune cells. It’s also high in iron, which reduces the risk of … Read more

note Some teenagers will have a natural talent for organizing and scheduling and won’t need much help. Other teens will need to be guided step-by-step. Explaining the Basics You’ll probably have more success focusing your teenager’s attention on time management if you keep the discussion as short as possible. Concentrate on the basics: Outline goals. … Read more

More than four million families in the United States have at least one student enrolled in college. If you have a highschooler who is interested in pursuing higher education, then finding the right college is a major decision that requires a lot of time and is deserving of some special attention when it comes to … Read more

Some little ones seem to be born with a sweet tooth, no matter how scrupulously savory their weaning menu has been! Sweets and treats do have a place in your toddler’s healthy, balanced diet, but it’s important to get the balance right. Q: My toddler has a sweet tooth. How can I satisfy her with … Read more

Healthy sweets It’s always a good idea to encourage your little ones to enjoy the natural sweetness of foods, but when you need a little something to make tart foods more palatable, go for honey (after 12 months), molasses, or maple syrup. Unlike refined sugar, these sweeteners are rich in nutrients that will encourage health … Read more

A kitchen that has been thoughtfully organized greatly helps in the process of preparing a meal. You will have a more relaxed time cooking if you are able to quickly find what you are looking for and have confidence that you have the right tool for the task at hand. 1.Retrieval Julia Child’s kitchen took … Read more

3. Uniform Storage Containers There are several benefits to using food-grade storage containers for bulk items such as flours, sugars, salts, beans, rices, cereals, grains, pastas, lentils, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, etc. Using standard-sized containers makes optimal use of space, and using plastic containers for storage keeps pantry moths in check. Pantry moths (weevils) can … Read more

5. Kitchen Pruning Keeping your countertops and cupboards junk-free is just as important as having enough storage space for all of your kitchen accoutrements. By pruning out unused or uncommonly used items, you’ll find it easier to locate the everyday items. Start by inventorying the gadgets you have in your drawers. Anything that you haven’t … Read more