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6 Essential Etiquette Rules for the Dog Park
Dog parks are popular places to socialize, exercise, and be in nature. To make them happy, healthy places, it’s important owners respect one another and follow etiquette and rules such as not using their devices out and picking up “karma poo.”
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6 Tips for Training Dogs I Gleaned From Teaching Kindergarten
I've found that our canine companions respond favorably to the same things kids do: the sound of their names, our expressive voices, rewards, praise, and consistency. Here's a bit of advice on each.
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Diane Whipple: Mauled to Death by a Dog
Diane Whipple was a lacrosse coach who was mauled to death by a Presa Canario in the hallway of her San Francisco apartment building in 2001. At first, it seemed the event would be written off as a horrific accident. During the headline-making trial, it was revealed to be anything but that.
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Sherri Rasmussen: Murdered by Stalker Stephanie Lazarus of the LAPD
When Sherri Rasmussen was murdered in 1986, her father told detectives he suspected their fellow officer Stephanie Lazarus. They told him he watched "too many crime shows." It would take nearly a quarter century before the assailant was finally apprehended.
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Inclusion vs. Education: 4 Reasons Parents Should Be Alarmed If a School Hires an Inclusion Consultant
The author, a long-time teacher and mom to a son with special needs, warns about the proliferation of inclusion consultants (aka inclusion specialists). Sadly, they have replaced special education teachers in many instances. However, they don't work with students directly and are a pain to teachers.
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When Your Parent Is Enmeshed With Your Sibling: How to Cope When You’re Feeling Left Out
The author has struggled for decades with the enmeshment between her mom and her troubled adult brother. This unhealthy bond has often left her and her other siblings feeling abandoned. She has four pieces of key advice for others who face this situation so they don't become frustrated and defeated.
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Crisis in Education: 10 Ways Parents Can Help Schools During a Teacher Shortage
As our society confronts a nationwide teacher shortage, we’re in for a rocky time. We’ll finally need to grapple with how poorly we’ve treated educators: paying them too little, demanding too much, and giving them no respect. Parents will need to step up and get involved in a new and profound way.
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What Is Christian Nationalism and How Does It Threaten Democracy and Imperil Our Very Lives?
If you pay attention to the news, you’ve undoubtedly heard the term "Christian nationalism" getting thrown around by political pundits. They dub it a threat to democracy and say its followers are stockpiling weapons for a possible civil war. This article explores what Christian nationalists believe.
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5 Essential Tips for Rearing an Introverted Child Who’s Happy and Confident
Top tips for parents of introverted children. Celebrate their thoughtful, sensitive, and creative natures.
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Melania Trump: 7 Times When the "Classy" First Lady Was Anything But
Long before she became First Lady, Melania Trump was dubbed "classy" by her supporters. During her time in Washington D.C., though, many believed she fell far below that standard. From birtherism to auctioning off items from her time at the White House, some found her to be tacky rather than classy.
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"Dopesick": 20 Celebrities Who Became Victims of America's Opioid Epidemic
Hulu's 2021 miniseries, "Dopesick," chronicled how Purdue Pharma designed OxyContin to be addictive, starting the opioid crisis in the U.S. Celebrities ranging from Rush Limbaugh to Demi Lovato to Lisa Marie Presley have suffered the pain of opioid addiction.
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Stop Saying These 5 Things to New Parents
When seeing parents with their baby, many folks are compelled to comment. Here are the five things no one should ever say.
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Are You Raising Your Daughter to Be a Future Karen?
Sadly, a teacher sees some of her former female students in today's "Karens," those angry, entitled types. She watched dads indulge their daughters and treat them like princesses. Did they grow up and become bitter when they didn't get the royal treatment and their lives didn't become fairy-tales?
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Why I’ll Never Eat at McDonald’s Again After the Carnage at the Travis Scott Concert
A mom and teacher explains why she feels betrayed by McDonald's after the death of 10 young people at the Travis Scott concert in Houston. The Golden Arches paid Scott $20 million in 2020 to collaborate on a $6 Meal Deal and merchandise despite a criminal record for inciting chaos at his concerts.
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56 Fun and Festive Things to Do With Your Preschooler This Winter
Preschoolers and their parents don’t need to slow down and stay indoors just because it's winter. After all, there are plenty of activities that will keep little ones happy and engaged during the colder months from "ice-skating" at home to painting with shaving cream to making gingerbread playdough.
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32 Fun and Frugal Activities to Do With Your Preschooler This Fall (With Videos)
Whether it’s going to a corn maze, making pumpkin play-dough, or learning to measure with candy corn, it’s time to create memories!
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64 Baby Names From Children's Books
When choosing a baby moniker, picture books and chapter books are ideal sources of inspiration. Hearing the name of a beloved character can bring us instant joy. Moreover, searching for a name in literature offers the ideal opportunity to curate a home library for the family's new addition.
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150+ Baby Names Inspired by Musicals
Classic movie musicals are rich sources of inspiration for baby names. Naming a baby after a character or actor from a musical is a plucky act of optimism and faith in the future.
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50+ Garden-Inspired Names for Baby Girls
When choosing a girl's name, there's no better source of inspiration than the garden. Sweet, feminine monikers such as Violet, Lily, and Rose have long been favorites among parents. However, other flowers, shrubs, and trees offer out-of-the-box options that represent determination and resiliency.
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10 Comforting Activities to Calm a Preschooler During Stressful Times
A long-time preschool teacher details 10 fun, relaxing, and developmentally appropriate activities to do with a young child during stressful times.
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South Dakota: How One Tiny State Discriminates Against So Many People
South Dakota passed a law that required "In God We Trust" to be emblazoned in all public school buildings. The state was aided in its effort by a Christian Rights group that seeks to bring prayer to the public square while marginalizing the nonreligious and LGBTQ.
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5 Reasons Why Parental Verbal Abuse Is Far More Damaging Than We Once 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 the US Can Learn From Countries That Do Kindergarten the Right Way
The U.S. is now experiencing the devastating impact of having downplayed the importance of play in kindergarten. Kids are battling depression, anxiety, narcissism, and suicide at alarming rates. By looking at Germany, Japan, and Finland, though, we can find ways to bring joy back to our classrooms.
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Absent Fathers: How to Avoid the Common Pitfalls of Being a Fatherless Daughter
Daughters who grew up with absent fathers (whether through death, divorce, or neglect) can fall into a trap. By ignoring their anger, acting invulnerable, and blaming themselves, they can get stuck in a state of victimhood. As such, they can become closed off from giving and receiving love.
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5 Ways Kindergarten Has Been Destroyed but Parents Don't Seem to Notice or Care
Kindergarten is a German word that means "children's garden," a poetic way of imagining a child's first year of formal education. Sadly, we've drifted away from that vision of kids playing, exploring, and being in nature. Instead, we demand they learn to read, write, count, sit still, and listen.
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How a Fatherless Daughter Can 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 diminish her joy or limit her potential. The author gives 5 pieces of advice so fatherless daughters can move on and enjoy purposeful lives.
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Signs of a Bad Preschool or Kindergarten
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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A Long-Time Teacher Explains Why Dads (Not Moms) Should Choose Their Son's Preschool
A long-time early childhood educator explains why dads should choose the preschool for their sons, not their moms. She argues that boys need a male advocate upon entering this female-dominated world where they can quickly be labeled as “hyperactive,” "disruptive," and “immature” just for being boys.
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50 Child-Centered Play Activities for Preschoolers to Promote Creativity, Curiosity, and Confidence
Today, the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are a thing of the past for many kids as their parents over-program them with structured activities: camps, sports, music lessons, and dance classes. Yet, research now suggests kids should engage in more child-centered pursuits rather than adult-led ones.
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Does Your Child's Preschool Ignore the the Latest Research in Early Learning and Neuroscience?
Early childhood education is in a harrowing state as preschools adopt practices contrary to the latest research in neuroscience. Even though studies show kids learn most by exploring, interacting, and playing, these activities are decreasing while teacher-directed academic lessons are increasing.
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How to Find the Right Preschool for Your Introverted Child
One-third to one-half of all youngsters are introverts, but most preschools don't recognize this fact. Here's how to choose the right preschool for your introverted child.
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Picking a Preschool for Your Child: What to Look for and What to Avoid
When looking at preschools, parents should realize how far early childhood education has strayed from its original focus. It's important to know what to look for in a preschool to ensure the one you choose is the best fit for your child.
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I Went Undercover at My Son’s Middle School and This Is What I Want Parents to Know
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.
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Are You a Problem Parent at Preschool? 8 Things That Drive Teachers Bonkers.
A longtime educator details the things moms and dads do that irritate preschool teachers. From sending their kids to class in fancy clothes to expecting special treatment for their precious tykes, these parents exacerbate the sky-high turnover rate among teachers in early childhood education.
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Preschool Art: Is Your Child's School Stifling Their Creativity? A Teacher Says "Yes!"
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 creativity.
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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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What to Say to a Child After a School Shooting: 6 Ways to Give Support and Comfort
Mass shootings in America have become common with even our elementary schools being targets. With social media and the 24-hour news cycle, parents can no longer shelter their kids from these horrifying events. With that in mind, experts offer advice on what to say to help children, not scare them.
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5 Things Parents Say to Daughters That Can Turn Them Into Victims
Girls today face radically different futures than those who came before them. Some will be the sole support of their families and confront challenging, competitive work environments. The messages we once gave them—be nice, smile, be happy—don’t serve them well and can even turn them into victims.
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How Growing Up With a Passive-Aggressive Parent May Have Negatively Impacted You
If you grew up with a passive-aggressive parent, you may have been negatively impacted in many profound and long-lasting ways. Today, you may struggle in 3 key areas: communicating directly, trusting others, and expressing anger. By becoming aware of this, you're on your way to improving your life.
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20 Ways to Heal After Living With an Emotionally Absent Mom
Women who grew up with emotionally absent mothers often struggle to know themselves, find purpose, and build trusting relationships. Here are ways to rebuild your life.
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Six 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.
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40+ Ways to Be a Better Grandparent to Your Grandchildren
How can you be a good grandparent? Offer your grandkids unconditional love and be involved in their lives. You could make all the difference in the world.
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Valentine's Day Advice About Love From 9 Long-Time 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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How to Improve Your Communication Skills: Start by Eliminating These Grating and Overused Words and Phrases
Many of us adopt overused words and phrases that are popular in the culture. We can have a tin ear, though, and not hear how grating they are. For example, starting a sentence with “look” can sound overbearing and telling someone to “educate" themselves can come across as patronizing.
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What Does It Mean to "Parentify" a Child and How Can You Lead a Happy Adult Life If Your Mom or Dad Did It to You?
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 Common Parenting Mistakes You Should Definitely Avoid
Whether it’s putting their children before their marriage, sheltering them from failure, or parenting them from ego, these common parenting mistakes can cause long-term damage.
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How to Make Female Friends When You Grew Up With a Detached Mom
It’s not surprising some daughters of emotionally absent mothers struggle to trust other women. Their moms didn't nurture their inner lives and neglected their emotions. They may now find it hard to open up and be vulnerable. Yet, that's exactly what they need to do in order to build friendships.
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5 Best Pieces of Parenting Advice (From a Parent With Grown Kids)
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 making them a part of their child's routine.
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Conscious Parenting: A New and Enlightened Way to Raise Kids in the 21st Century
Conscious parenting calls upon a new generation of moms and dads to reject the old ways of child-rearing and adopt a radically different approach. It demands they put aside their egos and let go of their need to control. It means allowing their youngsters to be the teachers on the parenting journey.
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How an Emotionally Absent Mother Impacts Her Daughter
Was your mother emotionally distant? As adults, women who grew up with emotionally absent mothers can feel flat. Because their inner world was ignored as children, they may not know how to nurture it now. But by understanding their past, they can make peace with it and embrace all their feelings.
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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
As a former fat kid, the author understands all too well the long-term negative impact of obesity. While concerned parents want to intervene to help, they often make matters by not addressing the root of the problem. After all, a child being fat is a symptom of a larger problem within the family.
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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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De Niro, Pacino, Brando and Dedication to Method Acting
Film stars today rarely discuss how they undertake their craft, but this was not always the case. Lauded thespians of yesteryear such as De Niro, Pacino, and Brando once spoke passionately about “the method,” an acting approach by which they became their characters.
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Don't Call Them Snowflakes: 7 Ways Millennials Are Making the World Better
Millennials are maligned by the media that refers to them as “snowflakes.” They get blamed for the demise of shopping malls and mid-range restaurants. They're attacked for their over-dependence on cell phones and social media. This author, though, focuses on 7 ways they're making the world better.
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How to Use Compassionate Listening to Help Someone Through Trying Times
Listening is crucial when helping someone in despair. Here is how to listen compassionately.
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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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5 Reasons Why Parenting Experts Say Moms and Dads Shouldn't Be Friends With Their Kids
Many psychologists and parenting experts say being friends with your kids is unhealthy for everyone involved: moms, dads, and children. The author grew up with a mother who acted as a pal, not an authority figure. Now, as an adult, she longs for a mother whom she can respect and go to for advice.
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14 Reasons Why Some Women Always Need a Man to Feel Complete
While it can be hard to find a good man, we all know women who are willing to settle for creeps. Why are there so many women who need a man to feel complete?
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How to Look and Feel Younger Than You Are By Avoiding These 6 Behaviors
It takes more than eating avocado toast, shopping online, and listening to podcasts to remain young at heart. It takes a sincere desire to be curious about our ever-changing world instead of longing for the past. It takes letting go of dated language, embracing diversity, and learning new things.
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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.
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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 Women Should Avoid Dating Passive-Aggressive Men
Arriving late for dates. Giving you the silent treatment when he’s mad. Sulking when things don’t go his way. Retaliating with quiet hostility instead of communicating openly. These are the behaviors of a passive-aggressive man. Find out why dating such a guy can be harmful to a woman’s well-being.
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How to Help Your Anxious Child in an Increasingly Anxious World
Today, it's heartbreaking to hear kids lament, "I'm broken!" So dependent on social media, they're battling skyrocketing rates of depression and anxiety. While parents may feel helpless, they can make a difference by starting early and focusing on the 3 E's: environment, experiences, 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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3 Examples of 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!
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How to Keep Your Boyfriend Happy by Avoiding These 7 Dating Mistakes
Asking for advice but never taking it, talking too much about feelings, marinating in their problems...these are common ways women interact with one another. If they carry them over to their dating lives, though, they could be making a big mistake, leaving their men frustrated and wanting to bail.
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5 Reasons Moms Get Jealous of Their Daughters (and Is It Okay?)
Is your mother jealous of you? Are you jealous of your daughter? Maternal jealousy is a taboo topic that's rarely acknowledged, let alone discussed. Many daughters sense their mom's envy at some point. Moms, threatened by their youth, beauty, and prospects, see them more as rivals than offspring.
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What Preschool Philosophy Best Suits Your Family: Montessori, Waldorf, or Co-Op?
Choosing a preschool can be a big task with so many options available. A long-time early childhood educator, though, urges parents to narrow their focus and pick one with a strong philosophy that attracts like-minded families. She strongly recommends Montessori, Waldorf, and play-based cooperatives.
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How to Choose an Empowering and Equitable Preschool for Your Daughter
There are certain things to avoid when selecting a preschool for your daughter. Beware of preschools that emphasize these behaviors that promote gender inequality and avoid them!
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5 Reasons Why It's Impossible to Ever Be Close to Your Emotionally Absent Mother
Daughters dream of having a close, loving relationship with their moms and often blame themselves when it doesn't happen. Emotionally absent mothers, though, behave in ways that keep their children at arm's length. When a daughter understands this, she can start practicing acceptance and find peace.
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Are You in Love With a Narcissist? 5 Reasons Why Some Women Are Attracted to Them
While most women avoid dating narcissistic men at all cost, some are actually attracted to them. What makes them ignore the warning signs and fall in love with a self-absorbed guy? What happened during childhood that caused them to pair up with someone who will surely bring them nothing but grief?
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6 Reasons Why You May Still Be Single When You Really Want to Be Married
The months have turned into years and these women are still there, waiting patiently for a proposal. Find out why they remain in "live-in limbo," single and ring-less but wanting to be married. They may have made living together too convenient or they may simply be with the wrong guy.
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10 Classic Picture Books Every Preschooler Should Own
These 10 classic preschool books have stood the test of time and are guaranteed to spark the creativity of young children while delighting adults.
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33 Reasons to Choose a Play-Based Preschool, Not an Academic One
Parents in the U.S. (unlike those in most other countries) are enthralled with academic preschools, buying into the belief that earlier is better. But research shows play is how kids learn best. It enhances their imaginations, promotes exploration, increases vocabulary, and builds social skills.
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How to Boost Your Child's Self-Esteem and Rear a Confident Kid
Boosting your child's self-esteem requires time, effort, empathy, and being present. Here are some ways to help you raise a confident kid.
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How to Use Praise to Help Kids Be Motivated, Independent, and Resilient
Research shows that over-the-top praise is not only meaningless but can actually be detrimental to kids. Instead of piling on the praise, parents should motivate youngsters by recognizing 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.
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9 Fun and Memorable Family Easter Traditions
Research shows that children who grow up with rich, robust family traditions are more secure, well-adjusted, and resilient. Easter is the perfect time to add to your repertoire of rituals by making a carrot cake, creating bunny bags, learning to do the bunny hop, and having an egg roll.
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7 Telltale Signs That a Friendship Is Over and It's Time to Move Forward
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—a way to take good care of ourselves by eliminating those who drain and deplete us.
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How Parents Can Make Middle School Better for Introverted Kids so They Won't Hate It
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 make a huge impact.
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7 Surprising Reasons Why a Workplace Bully May Be Targeting You
If you've been a target of bullying at work, you may have wondered: Why was I chosen? Contrary to popular belief, research shows bullying victims in the workplace are neither doormats nor outliers. They're typically top-notch employees: hard-working, honest, ethical, independent, and well-liked.
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10 Easy and Inexpensive Valentine's Day Activities to Do With Kids
Valentine's Day has become increasingly commercialized with everyone feeling pressured to spend big and go elaborate. Do your 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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Grit: How to Raise a Child Who Can Handle the Challenges of Life
Contrary to popular belief, a child with grit is more likely to be successful than one who has a high IQ or is exceptionally talented. Sadly, some misguided 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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How to Stay Motivated to Lose Weight
It's easy to be motivated during the first week or two of a weight loss journey. When the initial enthusiasm dwindles, though, inspiration fades, feelings of deprivation intensify, and failure looms. To prevent this, we need to incorporate new joyful habits into our lives so we stay energized.
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5 Ways to Bolster the Bond With Your Partner Beyond the Bedroom
Sex isn't the only way to create intimacy in a relationship. Cooking together, sharing a bath, reading the same book, and giving each other massages are other effective ways to bond.
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How to Give an Effective Apology: The Do's and Don'ts of Saying You're Sorry
We all make mistakes, say the wrong thing, hurt people's feelings, and need to apologize. So many of us, though, are unskilled at saying "I'm sorry" and can even make the situation worse. Find out the do's and don'ts when making amends, what to say and what to avoid saying.
- 0
How to Have a Stress-Free First Date: 48 Affordable Ideas
Going out to dinner for a first date is expensive, stressful, and often disappointing. Why not ditch the pricey meal and awkward conversation for something light and fun?
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If You're Struggling to Lose Weight and Keep It Off, Your People Pleasing Ways May Be to Blame
Eating less and exercising more is key to losing weight. But that requires focusing time and energy on one's self—a struggle for many people-pleasers. In addition to cutting calories, they must become more assertive, confront conflict head-on, and say no to others while saying yes to themselves.
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Are You Dating a Narcissist or Someone Who's Simply Self-Absorbed? 7 Questions to Ask in Order to Make a Determination
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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5 Highly Triggering Words and Phrases Men Should Never Say to Women in Relationships or at Work
If we're being completely honest, many of us women will admit there are certain words and phrases that immediately trigger us. When men tell us to "just calm down," encourage us to smile, or accuse us of having "daddy issues," it's bound to make us furious and tap into our deepest insecurities.
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5 Things Women Should Avoid Doing If They Want to Attract a Man
How a woman behaves around her girlfriends doesn't always fly with guys. Here's why.
- 0
8 Fun Things to Do With Your Kids in Summer
Summer means longer days, warmer weather, and lots of time with the kids. Looking for kid-friendly activities? Here are eight great suggestions.
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3 Critical Ways That Helicopter Parents Damage Their Children
“Helicopter parents” are moms and dads who hover around their childr, prepared to jump in and help them at a moment’s notice. While most clearly see it as poor parenting, others are blind to its negative impact. Yet, studies show it can make kids feel incompetent and reluctant to take on challenges.
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6 Springtime Activities to Do With Your Preschooler That Won't Break the Bank or Stress You Out
The weather is finally getting warmer and the days are growing longer. Spring means it's time to get outside with your preschooler and do fun things that cost virtually nothing. A longtime preschool teacher recommends going on a scavenger hunt, making a bug bottle and learning 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
Celebrate Fall: Fun Activities to Do With Kids
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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"Follow Your Passion" and 5 Other Toxic Things Parents Say to Kids
Follow your passion... I just want you to be happy... These are things parents routinely say with only the best of intentions. In reality, though, they can be detrimental to kids and may even make them question their parents as sources of truth, experience, and wisdom.
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How to Heal From an Emotionally Absent Mother: 5 Things for Daughters to Do
If you grew up with an emotionally absent mom, 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 are 5 ways you can heal from your pain and nurture yourself.
- 4
Tom Cruise and Scientology: Separating Fact From Fiction
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 remain estranged from his child?
- 4
4 Huge Concerns You Should Have About Your Child's Elementary School Teacher
Today, elementary school teachers are under enormous pressure to assess their students' progress and comply to Common Core standards. In the process of doing this, though, they can neglect the whole child (body, mind, and spirit) and that's when parents need to step in and advocate for their kids.
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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.
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How to Decorate Your Home With Eclectic Cottage Style in 10 Easy Steps
Decorating your home in cottage style is about the 4 C's: casual, cozy, comfortable, and charming.
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10 Lies in Early Childhood Education That Parents Believe to the Detriment of Their Kids
Busy moms and dads are highly susceptible to misinformation about early childhood education.They're even more vulnerable now because it spreads so 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.
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From Cruise to Travolta: The 6 Most Devout Celebrity Scientologists, Past and Present
The Church of Scientology is now under a microscope as its top secrets get revealed on podcasts and YouTube channels. Some criticize it as a money-making scheme while celebrities such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and the late Kirstie Alley have defended the religion and credit it for their success.
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5 Common Preschool Activities That Can Crush Your Kiddo's Curiosity and Love of Learning
Calendar, craft projects, teacher-directed lessons, worksheets, and letter of the week are part of the daily routine at many preschools. However, a long-time teacher explains why they're not only a waste of time but can squelch a child's innate curiosity and love of learning.
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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 aware of what not to say to parents of an autistic child.
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Are You Demanding Too Much From Your Preschooler? 5 Unrealistic Expectations for a Toddler
Parents do themselves and their preschoolers a disservice when they have absurd expectations of them. By not understanding what's age-appropriate for 3-5 year-olds, they create undue stress in their homes. They push their kids to grow up too fast and miss out on each miraculous stage of development.
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The 10 Most Ambitious Celebrities Past and Present
The author lists 10 celebrities who went to great lengths to get famous and stay famous, including Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus, and Kim Kardashian.
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10 Gay Celebrities Who Risked Their Careers by Coming Out
Did you know that there was a time when coming out as gay was a risky career proposition for celebrities? Here are 10 celebrities who decided to throw caution to the wind and come out of the closet.
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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.
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How 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 20 activities parents can do at home so their kids can bypass this needless frustration with a solid pincer grasp.
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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.
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10 Strategies Bitchy Bosses Use to Get the Upper Hand and How You Can Recognize and Counteract Them
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!
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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.
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How to Care for Your Aging Parents Even If They Didn't Take Good Care of You
As people live longer, some of us will take care of our parents for more years than they spent rearing us. Yet, this becomes more challenging if they were lousy moms and dads. By acknowledging our resentment and learning some new skills, though, we can look after them without neglecting ourselves.
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7 Fun Activities to Do With Your Preschooler This Easter
A preschool teacher details seven fun ways parents can celebrate the Easter season with their kids, including growing a grass basket, creating a cotton-ball rabbit, planning a treasure hunt, and reading books about bunnies.
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3 Ways to Effectively 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.
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What Is a Perceptual-Motor Program and Why You Should Start One at Your Child's Elementary School?
Middle-aged folks like me fondly recall the perceptual-motor program at our elementary schools: walking on a balance beam, crawling through tunnels, and skipping around cones. It was so much fun and enhanced our balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. It's time for parents to bring it back!
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Teach Your Child to Read in 3 Easy Steps and Make Them a Lifelong Lover of Books
A longtime educator argues that moms and dads are best suited to teach their child 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.
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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.
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Why Zoo-Phonics Is the Ideal Program to Teach a Child to Read
A longtime educator explains why Zoo-phonics is the ideal program to use when helping a young child read. Parents can learn it quickly and easily and then teach it to their kid. It's developmentally appropriate, combines movement, music, and games, and takes a fun, lighthearted approach to learning.
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How to Help a Child With Autism Make a Friend
Like most parents of children with autism, I worried about my son's future. Could he attend public school, go to college, and get a job? Given his limited social skills, though, the thing I fretted about most was whether he'd ever have a friend. Luckily, I discovered ways to help him find his tribe.
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How Parents Can Use Play-Dough at Home to Prepare Their Child for Kindergarten (With Teacher-Approved Ideas and Recipes)
Kindergarten teachers can get frustrated by students with poor fine motor skills who lack the dexterity to hold a pencil, cut with scissors, and turn the pages of a book. But savvy parents can help their preschoolers prepare for school by having them use play-dough at home to strengthen their hands.
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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 Turn It Into a Sanctuary
Decluttering your home and getting organized shows a commitment to yourself and a dedication to a more peaceful existence. It says, "I'm worth the time and effort it takes to create a positive, tranquil environment where I can thrive." The author details 7 helpful tips for getting the job done.
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7 Tips for Being an Ideal Houseguest (So You'll Be Invited Back)
Staying with friends or family is a terrific way to save money when traveling and to get the inside scoop 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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Common Core & Early Reading Instruction: 20 Things Parents Need to Know
Sadly, parents of young kids are unaware that Common Core standards are condemned by many experts in early childhood education. These professionals argue formal reading instruction can be detrimental to preschoolers and kindergartners who learn much more from playing, exploring, and interacting.
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A Preschool Teacher Explains Why Early Academics Don't Make Kids Smarter
Many politicians and parents wrongly believe early academics make kids smarter. As a result, some preschools offer too many teacher-led lessons and not enough socializing, playing, and exploring.
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A Teacher Explains Why Parents Should Think Twice About Sending Their Child to Preschool
Should you send your child to preschool? Going against oodles 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 them in the future and harmful to our society 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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How Full Inclusion Negatively Impacts Students and Society
A teacher and mother of a son with autism explains how we've taken inclusion too far. Kids with special needs no longer receive the services they require and teachers are leaving the profession. While inclusion saves money in the short term, it negatively impacts kids and society in the long run.
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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.
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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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What to Buy a Preschooler: 7 Gifts They'll Really Use
A preschool teacher makes her recommendations for the best gifts for preschoolers based on years of working with little ones.
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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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How to Find a Top-Notch Preschool for Your Child: 50 Best Qualities, Characteristics, and Practices
When choosing a preschool, some parents get impressed by those 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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How to Enjoy Parenting a Teen: 7 Tips That Make It Easy and Fun
Self-absorption, negativity, and an inability to plan ahead: These are traits of teens that can frustrate moms and dads. Parents, though, need to appreciate that their children's brains are still developing, and this behavior is normal.
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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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Why Nagging Doesn't Work and Damages the Parent-Child Bond
Research shows nagging is highly ineffective and damages the parent-child relationship. The author explains how moms and dads can stop engaging in this destructive habit and use better strategies for motivating their children and teens.
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Things I Needed to Hear When My Son Was Diagnosed With Autism
A mother looks back to when her 3-year-old son was diagnosed with autism. Battling feelings of anger and despair, she was close to a breakdown until seeing a therapist and now advises moms 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 (SST) and Why Is It Effective?
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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What You Should See With Your Family When Visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota
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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Red Flags at Your Child's Preschool: 5 Concerns You Shouldn't Ignore
A teacher warns parents that they're making a big mistake when letting their guard down after selecting a preschool. She advises them to stay vigilant, making sure quality remains high. Because an owner's profit margins are slight, they strive to keep costs low and this can negatively impact kids.
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How to Spot Dysfunction in Your Family, End a Pattern, and Finally Have Peace
People love to whine and complain about their dysfunctional families but rarely take action. A motivated person, though, can end the destructive patterns that have plagued generation after generation. By becoming a "transitional character," a person can finally end their torment and have peace.
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How Did Bill Cosby Get Away With It?
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 parents 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. 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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Why Is Circle Time at Preschool Getting Too Long and Unwieldy?
Many preschools have at least one circle time as part of their daily routine. However, research shows kids learn a lot more with small group activities, kinesthetic learning, play, and hands-on exploration. Why then do circle times keep getting longer, making kids bored and frustrated?
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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 Your Pet and Heal Your Pain in 5 Steps
When a pet dies, some experience a deep sorrow that hits them hard. They may be troubled that the death is causing them more grief than the passing of a relative and wonder if that's normal (it is). To move forward from their pain and prevent long-term suffering, they need to honor their pet's life.
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Magic Chocolate and Peanut Butter Middle Cookie Recipe
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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8 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Your Child Is Referred for Early Intervention Services
It can be devastating to a parent when their child is referred for early intervention services, breaking their heart and wounding their ego. The author felt this when her son was diagnosed with autism but now credits those services for the progress he made and encourages others to embrace the help.
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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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3 Easy Ways to Make Your Child Love Writing
Many kids are falling through the cracks and find writing to be frustrating and stressful in a school setting. Here are some ways parents can instill a love of writing in their children.
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3 Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing a Preschool for Your Child
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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Renée Richards: The Trans Tennis Star of the 1970s
Today, transgender swimmer Lia Thomas is making headlines as one of the most controversial figures in sports. But decades before she was even born, the trans tennis player Renée Richards was portrayed in the media as a calculating athlete who was greedy for money and fame. It was far from the truth.
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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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How to Prepare a Preschooler to Read With Phonological Awareness
A kindergarten teacher explains phonological awareness and shares specific activities that promote it.
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Flattery Will Get You Everywhere: Why Brown-Nosers Get Ahead While Those Who Work Harder Get Left Behind
Are you busting your butt at your job to no avail? Do you see co-workers with less drive and talent get promoted when you don't? Working harder is not always the answer. To finally get noticed, you may need to resort to some 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. Learn why this trend is harmful to girls in the long term.