My husband and I don't really belong to a specific 'church.' We practice a very open-minded faith—God comes in many forms, and no religious group has the monopoly on understanding Him or a fast-track to heaven. We think Jesus Christ, Buddha, and Allah are all equally cool. And, come to think of it, so are the Wiccans and the New Age philosophies. Our dilemma has therefore … [Read more...] about How to raise a spiritual child (without religion!)
values
How to find a good celebrity role model for your child
Lindsay Lohan. Snooki. The new and 'grown up' Miley Cyrus. Hollywood has never been the great bastion for moral values, but the latest generation of celebrities and cover models is particularly troubling. Their clothes, their choices, and a blase approach to drugs, sex and alcohol that make the 70's look like a playdate... it's enough to make most parents shudder. But it's … [Read more...] about How to find a good celebrity role model for your child
Sleepover time: manners every child should know
By the time your child is about six or seven years old she will start asking permission to sleep over at a friend's house. It's all part of the 'big kid' phase where she wants to develop a social circle outside of the family. As long as you trust your child and know her friend and her family, then there's no problem with a sleepover. However, you do want to arm your child with … [Read more...] about Sleepover time: manners every child should know
How to encourage your preschooler to share toys
Your child is ready to learn about sharing when he is around three years old. He is more social, and his improved language skills makes it easier for you to explain that nothing everything he touches is 'mine.' But sharing does not come naturally, or even easily. Here are some ways to teach your child how to share. … [Read more...] about How to encourage your preschooler to share toys
What to do when your preschooler talks back
Children don't mean to be rude. They don't realize that some comments and behavior cross the line between being cute and funny, and being plain obnoxious. For example, they may have seen a cartoon character roll his eyes or shoot a witty comeback, and then tried to do that with you. Then they wonder why something that was perfectly okay on SpongeBob Square Pants has made Mommy … [Read more...] about What to do when your preschooler talks back