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10 Calming and Comforting Activities for Preschoolers During the Pandemic (Includes Videos)
A longtime early childhood educator details 10 fun and developmentally appropriate activities to do with preschoolers during the coronavirus pandemic. These pursuits will relieve stress, establish a comforting routine, and bring joy to frightened kiddos and their frazzled parents.
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How South Dakota Is Pushing Back Against Inclusivity, the LGBTQ Community, and the Nonreligious
South Dakota passed a law that required "In God We Trust" be emblazoned in all public school buildings. The state was aided in its effort by a Christian Right group that seeks to bring prayer to the public square while marginalizing those who are nonreligious as well as those in the LGBTQ community.
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5 Reasons Parental Verbal Abuse Is Far More Damaging Than We Thought
Most of us experienced some degree of name-calling when we were kids, from siblings and classmates. But what happens to a person's psyche when those hurtful words came from their own parent? New research reveals that verbal abuse can be just as damaging as other forms of mistreatment.
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What's Wrong With Kindergarten in the US and What Can We Learn From Countries That Do It Right
In our nation, we're now experiencing the perilous impact of less play at kindergarten. Kids in the US are battling depression, anxiety, narcissism, and suicide at alarming rates. By looking at Germany, Japan, and Finland, though, we can find inspiration to reboot and restore joy to our classrooms.
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Common Mistakes That Fatherless Daughters Make and How to Prevent Them
Daughters of absent fathers (whether through death, divorce, or emotional neglect) often make the same mistakes, causing themselves immense anguish. By ignoring their anger, not being vulnerable, and blaming themselves, they can't move beyond their victimhood.
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5 Reasons Why Kindergarten Today Is Unkind to Kids
Our country's obsession with an "earlier is better" philosophy is cruel to children in kindergarten. A teacher points out how homogeneous reading groups, too many standards and assessments, and the elimination of imaginative play are evidence of this.
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5 Ways for a Fatherless Daughter to Heal From Her Dad's Rejection
Whether her dad was physically or emotionally absent, a girl can get stuck in grief and self-pity because of it. As an adult, she doesn't want his rejection to lessen her joy and limit her potential. The author gives 5 pieces of advice so fatherless daughters can move on and enjoy purposeful lives.
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10 Warning Signs of a Bad Preschool That All Parents Should Know
When choosing a preschool, some parents get seduced by the very things that they should avoid: an academic focus, computer learning, teacher-directed lessons and paper-pencil work. A longtime educator explains why these indicate poor quality and an ignorance of developmentally appropriate practices.
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Why a Father Should Choose His Son's Preschool
A long-time early childhood educator argues that the dad should pick his son's preschool, not his mother. She contends that little boys need an advocate as they enter this female-ruled world where sitting quietly and learning passively get rewarded and boys earn negative labels just for being boys.
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50 Child-Centered Activities to Do With Your Preschooler This Summer
Over-programming their youngsters with structured activities during the summer (camps, sports teams, music lessons, and dance classes) has become common practice among parents. Yet, research now suggests that kids should spend more time in child-centered pursuits and less time in adult-led ones.
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8 Ways That Preschools Ignore Research in Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education in the US is in a harrowing state as many preschools now do what's contrary to the latest findings in brain research. Even though studies consistently show that exploring and playing build literacy skills, they're getting minimized in favor of teacher-directed lessons.
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How to Find a Proper Preschool for Your Introverted Child
One-third to one-half of preschoolers are introverts. There's little acknowledgement of this reality, though, at most preschools today. Kids get crammed into noisy classrooms with constant interaction and teacher-led lessons with little or no time for quiet moments and self-directed learning.
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A Preschool Checklist for Parents: What to Look for and What to Avoid
When looking for a preschool, parents should realize how far early childhood education has strayed from its original focus. Over the last 20 years, its been narrowed to one goal: getting kids prepared academically for kindergarten. As a result, children are now less creative, curious, and empowered.
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What's Wrong With Your Child's Middle School? Things That Should Alarm Parents and Cause Them to Take Action
When the author (a teacher) began volunteering at her son's middle school, she was shocked by the lack of academic rigor. There were few classes offered for students who needed to be challenged. Technology and engineering were not taught, and kids spend large chunks of time on their cell phones.
- 0
8 Ways That Parents Irritate Their Child's Preschool Teacher
A longtime educator details the things that moms and dads do that drive preschool teachers insane. From sending their kids to class in fancy duds to expecting special treatment for their precious tykes, these parents' actions exacerbate the sky-high turnover rate in early childhood education.
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5 Ways Your Child's Preschool Is Stifling Their Creativity
If we want preschoolers to express themselves through art and feel empowered while doing so, we're going about it all wrong. Open-ended art activities (painting, drawing, and sculpting) have been replaced by teacher-directed craft projects, much to the detriment of young children's imaginations.
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How to Discipline Your Child Without Spankings, Time-Outs, & Groundings
Not only are spankings, time-outs, and groundings ineffective forms of discipline, they damage the parent-child bond. Moreover, they have the potential to cause long-term psychological damage to youngsters. A teacher explains how to discipline kids while simultaneously promoting their well-being.
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How to Comfort Your Child After a School Shooting
After a school shooting or other tragedy, our children need our support and comfort. They need to open up to us about their fears and look to us for reassurance that they'll be safe.
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5 Really Stupid Things We Need to Stop Saying to Girls
The Me Too Movement has opened our eyes to the sexual harassment women experience on the job but have tolerated silently for so many decades. It makes us stop and realize how we rear our girls to become victims by telling them to be nice, to smile, and to go along to get along.
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How a Passive Aggressive Parent Can Negatively Impact Your Life
If you grew up with a passive aggressive parent, you may have been affected in many profound, long-lasting ways. Today, you may struggle in 3 key areas: communicating directly, trusting others, and expressing anger.
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50 Ways Daughters of Emotionally Absent Moms Can Love Themselves
If you're the daughter of an emotionally absent mother, you missed out on a lot of love and nurturance. Now, as an adult, it's time to reclaim your life and give yourself tender loving care.
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6 Things You Shouldn't Say to Parents of a Gay Child
When my teenage son came out, family and friends seemed fine with it at first. As time passed, though, their polite acceptance devolved into the same old annoying questions and comments.
- 4
10 Ways to Be an Influential Grandparent for Your Grandchild
Having grown up with uninvolved grandparents, the author wishes that she could have experienced that one-of-a-kind bond. She urges older folks to embrace the role that they can play in their grandchild's life. After all, they have the time, patience, and experience that many busy parents don't.
- 2
Celebrate Valentine's Day With Advice From 10 Celebrity Couples
Celebrity marriages come and go so it's impressive when a famous husband and wife make theirs last. From Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka to Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock, find out the secrets to their lasting and loving relationships.
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Stop Saying That! 12 Words and Phrases You Use That Drive People Nuts
If you start every sentence with "look," offer to "educate" someone, describe anything and everything as "amazing," and use "literally" when you mean "figuratively," you're getting under people's skin, but they're too polite to mention it. Find out what ubiquitous words are most annoying and why.
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How a Parentified Child Can Become a Well-Adjusted Adult
If you switched roles with your mom or dad as a kid, becoming their emotional support system or physical caretaker, you were parentified. Having missed out on a carefree childhood, you may be depressed, isolated, and angry now as an adult. By grieving what you lost, though, you can begin to heal.
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How to Lose Weight by Loving Yourself, Not Stuffing Yourself
If you're constantly battling your weight and obsessing about food, the solution involves something other than dieting and exercising. It takes loving yourself and embracing life, not hiding from it.
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The 5 Worst Parenting Mistakes to Avoid at All Cost
A mother and teacher details 5 of the most common and consequential parenting mistakes that moms and dads make. If you're not putting your marriage first and not letting your kids fail, you're going down a perilous path. It's not too late, though, to alter course and save yourself a lot of grief.
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How the Daughter of an Emotionally Absent Mother Can Make Friends
It’s unsurprising that some daughters of emotionally absent mothers struggle to trust other women. Their inner worlds got neglected as kids and their feelings were trivialized. They now find it hard to open up and be vulnerable. Yet, that's exactly what's necessary for them to build friendships.
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The 5 Best Pieces of Advice for Parents to Give Their Kids (Supported by Research)
Not everything that our parents told us when we were kids has become outdated and irrelevant. In fact, these five golden pieces of advice have stood the test of time. Furthermore, they're supported by research so moms and dads can be reassured about giving them to their youngsters.
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What Is Conscious Parenting & How Can It Strengthen Your Family?
Choosing not to parent as they were parented, some moms and dads adopt a radically different approach called "conscious parenting." They put aside egos to accept their children as they are. Seeing their kids as their greatest teachers, they enjoy the parenting journey all the more.
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How an Emotionally Absent Mother Impacts Her Daughter's Life
As adults, women who grew up with emotionally absent mothers can feel flat. Because their inner world got ignored as children, they may not know how to nurture it now. But by understanding their past they can make peace with it, embrace all their feelings, and say goodbye to the blahs.
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10 Ways to Lead a Life Of Intention and Bring Happiness and Peace Into Your Life
I kept hearing from experts that leading a life of intention was the key to happiness and well-being, but what the heck did it even mean? While everyone needs to discover that for themselves, I learned for me it meant meditation, gratitude, living in the moment, and always making time for tea!
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How to Help Your Child Lose Weight: Advice From a Former Fat Kid
Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the US. As a former fat kid, the author understands all too well its long-term negative impact. While concerned parents want to intervene, they often make matters worse. By focusing only on the weight and not the bigger picture, moms and dads can miss the mark.
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Fatherless Daughters: How Growing Up Without a Dad Affects Women
One in every three women sees themselves as fatherless. Whether your dad was lost to you through death, divorce, addiction, or neglect, you struggle because of it and need to deal with your hurt. If you don't, you may struggle with low self-esteem, eating disorders, and destructive relationships.
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Method Acting: 5 Actors Who Turned It Into an Art Form
Some of America's finest movie stars are method actors. From intensely researching their roles to becoming the characters they portray, find out how these method actors commit to their art.
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7 Ways Millennials Are Making the World Better
They're called snowflakes, get blamed for the decline of shopping malls and chain restaurants, and are attacked for their addiction to phones and Facebook. But, what the media forgets to mention is the many ways millennials are making the world better!
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How to Be a Better Friend With Compassionate Listening
Bullying, name-calling, and political squabbling—we humans do a lot to divide us from one another. Find out how compassionate listening does just the opposite: building connections, creating a bond, and giving relief to those in pain.
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20 Ways to Fight Depression and Anxiety by Seizing Control
Suffering from depression and anxiety is now widely acknowledged and is no longer considered a stigma. The good news is that more people are seeking treatment. The bad news is that anti-depressants get over-prescribed while healthier alternatives get overlooked.
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When Parenting Goes Awry: How Being Your Child's Buddy Can Backfire
Hearts melt when a teenage girl proclaims, "my mother is my best friend!" However, does being a buddy serve one's children or merely feed a parent's ego? Find out what experts say on whether it's better to parent or befriend our kids.
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14 Reasons Why Some Women Always Need a Man to Feel Complete
While most of us agree it's hard to find a good man, we all know women who always have a guy in their lives, willing to settle for a creep rather than go it alone. Even today, when they have more financial freedom and less social constraints, why do some gals always need a man to feel complete?
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6 Ways to Stop Acting Like an Old Fogey and Seem Younger Than You Really Are!
It takes more than eating avocado toast, shopping online, and listening to podcasts to seem young and hip. It takes a desire to stay current and a curiosity about the ever-changing world around us. A person who is young at heart, no matter what their age, is always learning and evolving.
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How to Become Compassionate Again After Being Badly Hurt
When my son got diagnosed with autism, family and friends turned their backs, leaving me shocked and bitter. Find out how to become a loving and compassionate human being again after a heartbreak.
- 10
What Is an Attitude of Gratitude and How Can It Help You Lead a Happier Life?
Ditch the anti-depressants, hot yoga, and self-help books and embrace a life of gratitude. Discover ways to promote your physical and emotional health by slowing down to appreciate the little things.
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5 Reasons Why Dating a Passive-Aggressive Man Is a Big Mistake
Arriving late for dates. Giving the silent treatment when he’s mad. Sulking when things don’t go his way. These are the behaviors of passive-aggressive men, retaliating with quiet hostility instead of communicating openly. Find out why dating these guys can be harmful to a woman’s well-being.
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How Parents Can Avoid Rearing Anxious Kids in an Increasingly Anxious World
Anxiety and depression are skyrocketing among our kids. While genetics plays a major role, moms and dads can also make an impact with the three E's: experiences, environment, and engagement.
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7 Reasons to Embrace Your Inner Child and Heal From a Painful Past
As the daughter of an emotionally absent mother, I've struggled with sadness and anxiety most of my life. After taking anti-depressants for 7 years, I was ready to get off the medication and take control of my own well-being. By embracing my inner child, I finally found peace and joy.
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How to Set Boundaries in a Relationship so You're Not a Doormat
Do people walk all over you like a doormat because you don't set boundaries and can't say no? Find out from three highly successful women how to stop this behavior so your relationships and career can flourish. Discover how they became empowered and you can, too!
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7 Common Dating Mistakes That Women Keep Making
Asking for advice but never taking it, talking too much about feelings, and marinating in their problems. These are behaviors that women engage in with their friends. The author explains, though, why it's a mistake to carry them over into their dating lives as they can frustrate and exhaust men.
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5 Reasons Why Moms Get Jealous of Their Daughters: What's Normal & What's Not
Maternal jealousy is a taboo topic that's rarely acknowledged, let alone discussed. While many daughters sense their mom's envy at some point, some feel its strain on the relationship. Their moms, threatened by their youth, beauty, and prospects, see them more as rivals than offspring.
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Montessori, Waldorf, & Co-Op: What Preschool Philosophy Fits Your Family?
Choosing a preschool can be overwhelming. A long-time early childhood educator urges parents to pick one with a strong philosophy that attracts like-minded moms and dads. She recommends Montessori, Waldorf, and play-based cooperatives.
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How to Pick a Preschool for Your Daughter That Isn't Sexist
An early childhood educator explains how sexism at preschool turns girls into observers, not doers. She pinpoints 6 common practices that should make parents wary, including the emphasis on appearance, the promotion of a princess culture, and the excessive use of praise.
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5 Reasons You Can't Connect With an Emotionally Absent Mother
Daughters dream of having a close, loving relationship with their moms and can blame themselves when it doesn't happen. Emotionally absent mothers, though, often act in ways that keep their children at arm's length. When daughters understand this, they can start practicing acceptance and find peace.
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5 Reasons Why Some Women Are Attracted to Narcissists
While most women avoid dating narcissistic men at all cost, others are actually attracted to them. What makes these gals fall in love with such self-absorbed guys? What happened during their childhoods that make them partner up with someone who will surely bring nothing but grief in the long-run?
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6 Reasons You're Still Single When You Want to Be Married
The months have turned into years and you're still there, waiting patiently for a proposal. Find out why women like you are still single and ring-less and may remain that way.
- 6
10 Classic Picture Books Every Preschooler Should Own
Reading to preschoolers enlarges their vocabularies, expands their imaginations, and promotes their pretend play. These 10 picture books have stood the test of time and are guaranteed to spark the creativity of young children while delighting adults as well.
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33 Reasons to Choose a Play-Based Preschool, Not an Academic One
Parents in the US are enthralled with academic preschools, buying into the belief that earlier is better. However, research shows that play is how kids learn best. It enhances their imaginations, promotes exploration, increases vocabulary, and builds social skills.
- 2
How to Boost Your Child's Self-Esteem and Rear a Confident Kid
Parents give lip service to boosting their children's self-esteem, often thinking that over-loading them with praise is the answer. In reality, though, it takes time, effort, empathy, and being present: validating their feelings, celebrating their uniqueness, and listening, not lecturing.
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How to Effectively Praise a Child Without Resorting to "You're Amazing!"
Research shows that over-the-top accolades are not only meaningless to kids but can actually be detrimental to them. Instead of piling on the praise, parents should motivate their youngsters by recognizing their effort, improvement, persistence, and willingness to take on new challenges.
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20 Ways to Make Small Talk More Tolerable for Introverts
If you're an introvert like I am, making chitchat can be a struggle. Unless you want to be a social outcast, though, you need to embrace it or, at least, make peace with it. After all, it can lead to career opportunities, build relationships, and make your life more enjoyable.
- 2
9 Easter Traditions to Share With Your Family
Have an egg roll like they do at the White House. Make sculptures with carrots and toothpicks. Learn the Bunny Hop. Bake a carrot cake. Enjoy these new family traditions and create Easter memories.
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7 Sure-Fire Signs That It's Time to End a Friendship
Many of us hold on to friendships long after they've soured and their expiration date has passed. Ending one is awkward and sad and can feel like a failure. Yet, it's often necessary and even empowering as we take good care of ourselves by eliminating those who drain and deplete us.
- 2
How Parents Can Improve Middle School for Their Introverted Kids
Many introverted adults recall hating middle school. As parents, though, they have the power to improve it for their own kids. By pushing teachers and administrators to include lesson plans and extracurricular activities that address the needs of introspective students, they can have a huge impact.
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7 Surprising Reasons Why a Workplace Bully Might Target You
If you've been a target of bullying at work, you may wonder: Why was I chosen? Contrary to popular belief, research shows bullying victims in the workplace are not doormats or outliers. They're typically top-notch employees: hard-working, honest, ethical, independent, and well-liked.
- 0
10 Valentine's Day Activities to Do With Your Kids
Valentine's Day has become increasingly commercialized with everyone feeling pressured to spend big and go elaborate. I advise parents to do their kids a favor by helping them see that love is best shown through actions, not money. Here are 10 simple activities to help you accomplish just that.
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How to Be a Better Parent by Boosting Your Child's Grit
Contrary to popular belief, the quality of grit has been found to be more crucial to a child's success in life than either intelligence or talent. Sadly, some parents actually stand in the way of their youngsters acquiring this all-important trait by protecting them from challenges and hardships.
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12 Ways to Stay Motivated, Not Deprived, During Your Weight Loss Journey
It's easy to lose motivation during a long, arduous weight loss journey. We're bound to fail when it's all about dieting and deprivation. We maximize our chances for success, though, when we incorporate joyful new habits.
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5 Ways to Bolster the Bond With Your Partner Beyond the Bedroom
Building a close bond with your partner is key to a fulfilling relationship. While sex plays a big part, it's not the only way to create intimacy. Cooking together, sharing a bath, reading the same book, and giving each other massages are other effective ways to feel more connected.
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8 Do's and Don'ts for Extending a Proper Apology
We all make mistakes, hurt people's feelings, and need to apologize. So many of us, though, are unskilled at saying "I'm sorry" and even make the situation worse. Find out do's and don'ts when making amends.
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48 Ideas for an Inexpensive & Stress-Free First Date Other Than Dinner
Going out to dinner for a first date is expensive, stressful, and too often disappointing. Why not ditch the pricey meal and awkward conversation in favor of something that's light, fun, and reveals the true character of your companion?
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How I Lost 50 Pounds and Kept Them Off by Stopping My People Pleasing Ways
After struggling with weight my entire life, I lost 50 pounds, kept them off, and finally got my appetite under control. Eating less and exercising more played a role but becoming assertive and abandoning my people pleasing ways were even more crucial.
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Narcissism or Self-Absorption: 7 Ways to Tell Which One Applies to Your Partner
Today, the label "narcissist" gets used for anyone and everyone who's self-involved. How do you know, though, if you're dating a person who's simply focused on themselves as opposed to someone who could be destructive to your life? The author details 7 questions to ask when making a determination.
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Triggering Things Men Should Never Ever Say to Women
If we're being honest, most of us women will admit there are certain words and phrases that trigger us. When men tell us to "just calm down," suggest we smile, or accuse us of having "daddy issues," it's bound to make us angry and tap into our deepest insecurities.
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5 Things Women Should Avoid Doing If They Want to Attract a Man
If a woman's aim is to attract a man, she should keep one crucial piece of information in mind. Namely, that how she behaves around her girlfriends doesn't always fly with guys. Being catty, for example, may be acceptable among gal pals but will be viewed by most men as a big red flag.
- 0
8 Fun Things to Do With Your Kids in Summer
Summer means longer days, warmer weather, and lots of time with the kids. From making ice cream to building forts, to going on nighttime nature walks to learning about ladybugs, it's the season to live life to its fullest and create memories to last far into the future.
- 2
How to Stop Being a Helicopter Parent and Raise a Confident and Competent Kid
When helicopter moms and dads over-parent, they make their kids feel incompetent. Their children are less likely to take risks and accept new challenges because they fear failure. Respecting our children for who they, not hovering around them, is key to preparing them for a productive adulthood.
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8 Fun Things to Do With Your Kids in Spring
The weather is finally getting warmer and the days are growing longer. It's time to get outside with the kids and do fun things that cost virtually nothing. Go on a scavenger hunt. Eat green eggs and ham to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday. Make a "bug bottle," and learn how to compost!
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8 Fun and Simple Activities to Do With Preschoolers This Winter
Banish the winter blahs and suspend the shopping stress with these eight simple and fun activities for preschoolers. Eat monster toast. Make gingerbread play-dough and have a blast with shaving cream.
- 0
Fun Activities to Do With Your Family That Celebrate Fall
The long, lazy days of summer are over, and it's easy to descend into a fall funk. But don't despair! Autumn is the perfect season to slow down and create special stress-free moments with your family.
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15 Stupid Things Parents Say to Their Children That Their Parents Said to Them
Some parents think they're serving up wisdom to their children when, in reality they're just warming up tired old leftovers. Moms and dads who proclaim "you can grow up to be anything you want, time heals all wounds, and you can't have too many friends," need to update their advice.
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5 Ways for Daughters to Heal From an Emotionally Absent Mother
If you grew up with an emotionally absent mother, your basic needs got met but your inner world was largely ignored. To win her love, you sacrificed your own needs and desires. As a result, you may not even know who you are as an adult. Here's how to heal.
- 4
Setting the Record Straight on Tom Cruise and Scientology
When seeing Tom Cruise's look-alike daughter, Suri, on tabloid covers at the supermarket, one can't help but wonder why this celebrity dad abandoned her for Scientology. How is his religion's pull so strong that it led him to ignore the primal instinct to parent and stay estranged from his child?
- 4
4 Huge Concerns You Should Have About Your Child's Elementary School Teacher
As our education system grows more bureaucratic, elementary school teachers are under enormous pressure to assess students and meet Common Core standards. In the process, though, they can neglect the whole child (body, mind, and spirit) and that's when parents need to advocate for their kids.
- 2
How to Become a Better Listener in 5 Easy Steps
Listening is a powerful tool in our work and personal lives. The author realized what a horrible listener she had become, how it was hurting her relationships, and took steps to change it.
- 4
10 Ways to Get the Comfy, Eclectic Cottage-Style Look in Your Home
Cottage-style decorating brings warmth, happiness, and informality into a home. It's fun and light, soft and cozy, eclectic and personal. Most of all, it never takes itself too seriously and lets your personality shine through and make your home a fun place to relax and enjoy.
- 4
10 Lies About Early Childhood Education That Parents Sadly Believe
Busy moms and dads are highly susceptible to misinformation about early childhood education.They're even more vulnerable now because it spreads rapidly on social media. Sadly, they too often believe it. A long-time teacher sets the record straight on vital issues that affect young children today.
- 0
5 Celebrity Scientologists Who Are the Most Devout
The Church of Scientology has received much criticism and scrutiny of late. But what makes long-time celebrity Scientologists such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Kirstie Alley defend the religion and credit it for their success?
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5 Common Preschool Activities That Are a Waste of Time and Detrimental to Kids
Calendar, craft projects, teacher-directed lessons, worksheets, and letter of the week are part of the daily routine at preschool. Yet, are they supported by research? A former teacher explains why they're not only a waste of time but can squelch a child's innate curiosity and love of learning.
- 4
5 Things You Shouldn't Say to Parents of an Autistic Child
The mom of an autistic son recalls the insensitive comments that magnified her grief after her son's diagnosis. 1 child in every 40 is on the spectrum so we need to be more sensitive about what we say to parents who are hurting.
- 1
Parenting a Preschooler: 7 Unreasonable Expectations Moms and Dads Should Drop
Parents do themselves and their preschoolers a disservice when their expectations are out of whack. By not understanding what's age-appropriate for 3-5 year-olds, they create unnecessary stress in their homes and push their kids to grow up too fast.
- 2
10 Ambitious Celebrities Who Work Incredibly Hard to Stay in the Spotlight
The author lists 10 celebrities who went to great lengths to get famous and stay famous. Marketing themselves has been key to their success. The list includes Madonna, Brad Pitt, and Miley Cyrus.
- 2
10 Gay Celebrities Who Risked Their Careers by Coming Out
Times have changed so rapidly that many people forget that coming out was once a risky proposition for celebrities. The author details 10 who refused to keep their sexuality hidden even though it meant losing their fame. Some became bigger stars, some lost roles, and some face an uncertain future.
- 6
How to Treat Social Anxiety Without Medication: What Worked for Me
I suffered from social anxiety since puberty. As an adult, I took an anti-anxiety drug for seven years. I now regret taking it for so long, and I want to promote ways to overcome anxiety without drugs.
- 0
20 Activities to Improve Your Preschooler's Fine Motor Skills for Kindergarten
Preschoolers are spending more time watching screens and less time playing. As a result, many of them will struggle with fine motor skills in kindergarten. A longtime teacher details what activities parents can do at home so their kids can bypass this needless frustration.
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Why Students With Autism Need More Than Inclusion: A Teacher's Perspective
Parents who have children with autism often want them to be just like other kids and not singled out for their differences. However, a teacher warns that this can be a critical mistake and urges them to pursue services such as speech therapy, direct instruction, and occupational therapy.
- 2
10 Strategies Bitchy Bosses Use to Get the Upper Hand
From calling you the wrong name to pointing out imperfections in your appearance, find out how bitchy bosses make you feel inferior. Their calculated moves are used to make them feel more powerful and you feel weak and self-conscious. But, once you spot their maneuvers, you can counteract them!
- 0
20 Must-See Movies to Watch Together as a Family
Nothing creates warm, cozy memories like cuddling on the sofa and watching TV together as a family. That's why a weekly movie night makes a fun, inexpensive tradition.These 20 films delight adults and kids alike and include classics such as Charlotte's Web, Bye Bye Birdie, and Mrs. Doubtfire.
- 4
My Tips for How to Care for an Aging Parent and Keep Your Sanity
Some of us are now caring for our aging moms and dads for a longer duration than they took care of us as children. As caretakers know all to well, it takes enormous patience and goodwill. The job becomes even more challenging if we had a rocky history with our parents as kids and now feel resentful.
- 0
7 Easter Activities for Preschoolers to Celebrate the Season
Whether you celebrate Easter as a religious or non-secular event, you'll want to do these spring activities with your kids: grow a grass basket, create a cotton-ball rabbit, and have a treasure hunt.
- 2
How to Use Nonverbal Communication Effectively to Project Strength and Confidence
Experts say communication is largely non-verbal: eye contact, hand gestures, and body language. Find out how you can project strength and confidence without uttering a word.
- 4
Why Your Child's School Should Have a Perceptual-Motor Program
You may remember the perceptual-motor program at elementary school: walking on the balance beam, crawling through wooden shapes, and skipping around traffic cones. It combined physical and mental tasks designed to enhance balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. It's time to bring it back!
- 0
Teach Your Child to Read in 3 Easy Steps: A Longtime Educator Explains How
A longtime educator argues that moms and dads are best suited to teach their children how to read. She explains that schools have made it onerous, having kids memorize sight words and drilling them on digraphs and blends. She urges parents to bring back the joy so kids will become lifelong readers.
- 0
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever
Stop the search! This is the best chocolate chip cookie recipe you'll ever find. Gooey from the oven or frozen from the freezer, these cookies are what you've been wanting.
- 2
How Parents Can Teach Their Kindergartners to Read With Zoo-Phonics
A longtime educator explains why Zoo-phonics is ideal for parents who want to teach their children how to read. It combines movement, music, and games that promote phonological awareness, the foundation of early reading. It lets kids be kids as they act silly, wriggle, and use their imaginations.
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How Parents Can Help Their Autistic Children Make Friends
When my 4-year-old son was diagnosed with autism, I worried about his future. Could he attend public school, go to college, and get a job? Given his limited social skills, though, the thing I worried about most was whether he'd have friends. With my help, he most definitely did!
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How Play-Dough Helps to Prepare a Child for Kindergarten
Today, kindergarten teachers worry about their students' fine motor skills. Because they’re playing less and staring at screens more, many kids lack dexterity and struggle with using pencils and scissors. Parents can prevent this, though, with a simple fix from their own childhoods: play-dough!
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20 No-Fail Ways to Improve Your Marriage and Live Happily Ever After
Creating a happy marriage means being proactive. It means letting go of old, stale notions of what marriage is and definining it in a new, fresh way to suit yourselves.
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How to Make Peanut Butter Pancakes and Start Your Day With Protein
Making pancakes is fun and easy. It has become a tradition in our family every Sunday morning without fail. Pumpkin and peanut butter are my sons' favorites!
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How to Trust Again After Being Betrayed
Rebuilding trust in a relationship takes time, effort, and commitment. If you decide to stay and make it work, you might wind up with a relationship that's better than it ever was.
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How to Say Cute Things to Your Boyfriend Without Stressing Over It
While some women naturally come up with cute and witty remarks to captivate their boyfriends, most of us have to work at it. As a diehard introvert, I always struggled to come up with clever things to say and it ruined my dates. Then, I learned to stop trying so hard and focus on him, not myself.
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How to Plan a Sweet 16 Birthday Party With Your Daughter
Throwing a Sweet Sixteen Party creates memories to cherish for a lifetime. The food, theme, and decorations come secondary to the bond created between mother and daughter as they plan it together.
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How to Declutter Your Home and Make It a Sanctuary
Decluttering your home and getting organized is a commitment to yourself. It says, "I'm worth the time and effort it takes to create a positive, peaceful space where I can thrive." Let's get going!
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7 Rules for Houseguests When Staying With Family or Friends
Staying with friends or family is a terrific way to save money when traveling and to get inside information on the place you're visiting. By being thoughtless and ill-mannered, though, houseguests can leave their hosts feeling put upon and resentful. Find out how to be welcomed back with open arms.
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20 Ways Common Core Promotes Misconceptions About Early Reading That Hurt Young Learners
The Common Core standards—with their push to teach reading in kindergarten through discrete skills—is not based on research and is hurting our youngest learners. Parents get the false impression that early reading has long-term benefits when it doesn't. Kids would be better served by more play.
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How America's Preschools Are Getting Destroyed by a Push-Down Curriculum That Pushes out Play
Research shows young children learn best through play at preschool. But, because of standardized testing and academic rigor, a "push-down" curriculum has replaced exploration, hands-on learning, playing, and pretending. Unwitting parents think this results in smarter kids, but it doesn't.
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A Teacher Explains Why You Shouldn't Send Your Child to Preschool
Going against decades of research in early childhood education, preschools today have become more academic than ever. Youngsters are now guinea pigs in an experiment that may prove highly detrimental to their futures and society's as a whole.
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Get Ahead by Doing Less: Being Busy Hurts Your Creativity and Makes You Less Effective
Are you annoyed by people who always comment on how busy they are? This preoccupation with being constantly on-the-go is prevalent in American society but actually inhibits creativity and innovation.
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What Is Full Inclusion and How Is It Damaging Our Public Schools?
As a teacher and mother of an autistic son, I'm outraged when school officials deceive parents with the inclusion lie. Students with special needs require special help and full inclusion is not enough. While it saves money in the short-term, it has a long-range negative impact for kids and society.
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Charlie Sheen: Douche-Bag, Anti-Semite, and Woman Hater
In this third edition, we look at two celebrities who've been dubbed courageous: Charlie Sheen and Caitlyn Jenner. In truth, one is a total douche-bag and the other a greedy opportunist.
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Why Hands-On Learning Is the Essence of a Quality Preschool Program
A preschool teacher explains why the decline in hands-on learning should distress parents. It was once the bedrock of early childhood education, getting kids excited about discovering new things. Today, it’s been largely diminished due to our nation's fixation with preparing kids for kindergarten.
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Why Kate Winslet Says No to Photo-Shopping
The second edition is hot off the presses! It features three gorgeous women, 40 and over, who are grabbing the headlines: Kate Winslet, Sophia Loren, and Halle Berry.
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Rosie O'Donnell: How the Queen of Nice Became the Monarch of Mean
Rosie O'Donnell, dubbed "the Queen of Nice," was once the darling of daytime TV. But recent events have us wondering if she's now "the Monarch of Mean."
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7 Gifts That Every Preschooler Will Love and Use
If you need to buy a gift for a preschooler, stay away from trendy toys that get quickly discarded (or broken) and choose something that stimulates creativity, independence, and curiosity. A former preschool teacher makes her recommendations based on years of experience.
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Best Bundt Cake Recipe (The Secret Ingredient Is Prunes!)
This elegant bundt cake is sure to impress your family and friends. It's moist, delicious, and unique. It will quickly become a favorite for the holidays or any special occasion.
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50 Features of a High-Quality Preschool That Every Parent Should Know
When choosing a preschool, some parents get impressed by ones that offer academics: a second language, STEM lessons, and handwriting workbooks. However, a long-time teacher says developmentally appropriate practices and free play are what matter most when cultivating independent life-long learners.
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6 Parenting Tips for Happily Surviving the Teen Years
Self-absorption, negativity, an inability to plan ahead...these are characteristics of teens that can drive moms and dads nutty. When parents appreciate that their kids' brains are still developing, though, and this behavior is normal, they can relax, stop worrying, and sail through the teen years.
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How to Make Marzipan Cupcakes
Do you love marzipan, the tasty almond treat that's often shaped like fruit? If so, these cupcakes – filled with the confection – are perfectly suited for you and your sweet tooth!
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5 Reasons Why Nagging Doesn't Work and Can Be Detrimental to Kids
Moms and dads nag their kids even though research shows it's highly ineffective and damages the parent-child relationship. If they take the time to figure out why they resort to badgering, they can stop this destructive habit and find better ways to motivate their youngsters.
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How to Cope & Carry on After Your Child Gets an Autism Diagnosis
A mom looks back 11 years ago when her 4-year-old son was diagnosed with autism. Battling feelings of anger and despair, she finally found relief by seeing a therapist. Today, she advises parents to learn from her mistakes by taking good care of themselves, their marriages, and their other kids.
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What Is a Student-Study Team and Why Parents Should Demand Them at Their Child's School
Many parents are unaware of a powerful tool they have to help their child succeed at school: the Student Study Team. A teacher and mother explains what an SST is and why it's so effective.
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Why You Should Visit the Black Hills of South Dakota With Your Family
The Black Hills of South Dakota are a stress-free, family-friendly destination. Kids will delight in learning about the characters of the Wild West such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Parents will appreciate the wide-open spaces and the affordable attractions with no lines and no crowds.
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Problems at Preschool: 5 Red Flags That Parents Need to Know
According to a longtime teacher, parents make a mistake when letting down their guard after choosing a preschool. She explains why they should keep a watchful eye to make sure quality remains high. Because their profit margins are slight, owners always look to keep costs low and this can harm kids.
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How to Recover From Your Dysfunctional Family and Find Peace
People whine and complain about their dysfunctional families but rarely take action. A highly motivated person, though, can end destructive patterns that have plagued generation after generation. The author explains how becoming a "transitional character" can end a person's pain and lead to peace.
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How Did Bill Cosby, America's Favorite Dad, Compartmentalize His Life for Decades?
Bill Cosby has been famous for over five decades—long depicted in the media as the model husband, "America's Favorite Dad," and a champion of higher education. Now he stands accused of drugging and raping dozens of women over the years. How did he compartmentalize his world and lead a double life?
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Why Middle School Is the Weak Leak in Public Education and More Parents Are Homeschooling
American students rank in the middle of the pack when compared to those around the globe. An average student in Finland and South Korea is a genius here. Why are we so satisfied with mediocrity?
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How to Prevent Reading Difficulties Before Your Child Starts School With Early Literacy Activities
Parents hate to see their children struggle with reading and will go to great lengths to help them. But, what many moms and dads don't understand is that reading difficulties are hugely preventable.
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How to Give a Dinner Party When You Hate Entertaining
A reluctant hostess tells how to make a mouth-watering Italian-style dinner that's sure to leave everyone satisfied and impressed. Best of all, it's super easy and won't keep you in the kitchen away from your guests.
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Why Catholic Schools Are Closing in the Inner-Cities
A former Catholic school teacher details the decline of Catholic schools in the U.S., especially in the inner city. She explains how they lost their identify by trying to be all things to all people.
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How Parents Can Make Sure Their Child's IEP Meeting Is a Success
I've attended IEP meetings as the parent of a son with autism and as a teacher of students with special needs. Whether there as a mom or as an educator, I left feeling alone and defeated. To improve their experience, moms and dads need to be prepared, speak up, and stay engaged.
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How to Make Fudgy Bonbons With Hershey's Kisses
Fudgy bonbons are a unique and elegant-looking treat. Part cookie and part candy, they're ideal for a gift platter, a cookie exchange, or an after-school snack. Biting into one of these moist and delectable delights becomes a serendipitous experience when you discover a Hershey's kiss!
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The Best Jell-O Salad With Blueberries
Groovy Blueberry Jell-O Salad is a light, refreshing treat for long, hot summer days. It's perfect for a picnic or neighborhood block party or dinner outside on the patio. Best of all, it showcases the blueberry – a “superfood” that's rich in vitamins and minerals – in a starring role.
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5 Reasons Why Parents Should Be Concerned About Preschool Circle Time
Many preschools have at least one circle time as part of their daily routine. Research, though, shows kids learn a lot more with small group activities, kinesthetic learning, and hands-on exploration. Why then are circle times getting longer and being overused?
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How to Make Savory Crescent Chicken Squares
The days of housewives gathering at midday for elaborate luncheons have fallen to the wayside along side pantyhose, VCRs, and pet rocks. But this recipe for Savory Crescent Chicken Squares has survived the changing times and is still as yummy tasting and impressive looking as ever.
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How to Handle a Bully at Work
Bullying at school has become a much talked about topic, but what about bullying at work? It's more common than you think and can wreak havoc on your self-esteem.
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How to Grieve the Death of a Pet and Find Peace After Your Loss
When our pet dies, we can be overtaken by a deep sorrow that hits us harder than we expected. We might feel guilty or embarrassed for crying buckets of tears over Fido's death when we couldn't muster up a sniffle at Aunt Peggy's funeral. To heal our pain, we need to take deliberate steps to honor...
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Magic Chocolate and Peanut Butter Middles Are a Family Favorite
If you crave the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, this recipe for magic peanut butter middles is for you! These are the ideal cookies for an after-school snack with a cold glass of milk.
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What Parents Need to Know About Early Intervention Services
The author is a teacher and mother of an autistic son who knows firsthand how painful it is to hear your child needs early intervention services. She explains, though, why parents should embrace this help, not refuse it.
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Getting Creative With Collage: A Fun, Easy, and Open-Ended Art Project to Do With Your Child
As an educator myself, I get frustrated by the teacher-directed art that rules at schools today. The projects look the same and do nothing to promote creativity, independence, and initiative. Fortunately, parents can encourage their kids to do collage at home—simple art that inspires originality!
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Help Your Child Become a Better Writer and Watch Her Confidence Grow
How do children go from enthusiastic storytellers in preschool to reluctant writers in elementary school? The author, a teacher and parent, explains how moms and dads can promote a love of writing.
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The 3 Most Critical Questions to Ask When Choosing a Preschool
Parents can get enticed by STEM activities, foreign language instruction and music lessons, thinking they will give their child a leg up. What really matters most, though, is a preschool program with a strong philosophy that emphasizes a learn-by-doing approach: playing, socializing, and exploring.
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Stephen Ira Beatty: the Transgender Son of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening
Columnist Michael Musto urges Warren Beatty and Annette Bening to speak out in support of their transgender son, Stephen Ira. The author says: " Leave these parents alone!"
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Before Caitlyn Jenner, There Was Renee Richards: How She Paved the Way for Transgenders
Long before Bruce Jenner transitioned to Caitlyn Jenner, there was Renée Richards. She fought to compete in women's professional tennis and won but faced a tidal wave of criticism and scrutiny.
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Best Places to Visit in Solano County
When visiting the Bay Area, it's sometimes difficult to find affordable kid-friendly destinations. Solano County in the North Bay, however, has three that are fantastic for families.
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Teach Your Child to Read by Promoting Phonological Awareness
A teacher explains what phonological awareness is, why it's important, and how parents can promote it, turning their children into strong readers, writers, and spellers.
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Get Ahead in Your Career Without Working Harder: Why Brown-Nosers Succeed
Are you busting your butt at your job to no avail? Working hard is not enough. Add some new skills to finally get noticed: Artful Brown-Nosing, Strategic Advice-Seeking, and Shameless Horn-Tooting.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium: A Hands-On Experience for Kids
Whoever designed the Monterey Bay Aquarium had children in mind. This kid-friendly experience includes touching pools, interactive displays, and the popular, Splash Zone.
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Why Parents Should Choose a Preschool That Empowers Their Daughters and Eschews the Princess Culture
The princess culture has invaded preschool with girls coming to class in full regal attire: long gowns, high heels, and sparkly tiaras. A teacher explains why this trend is harmful to girls, turning them into spectators, not participants, and making them need constant approval for their appearance.