Goodbye, Kevin
UPDATE: Thank you all for the active participation in this post. I have been monitoring your many comments about Kevin, and wanted to let you know that Sprout has been…
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Thomas DVD Giveaway
Our Thomas Mega Blok Giveaway was so successful last week—and so many preschoolers find Thomas the happy answer to their bad moods, that we want to keep your Sproutlets as…
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Toilet Teaching Your Child
"Mommy, I did it! I went in the potty!"
Are these the words you long to hear from your child? But how do you know when your child is ready, and…
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You're Invited to Chica's Birthday
Planning a party always seems to sneak up on me, but that’s not the case here at Sprout for Chica! She’ll be having a well planned, fully organized and tons…
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Getting to Know Dennisha
By now, you’ve noticed that there’s a new face at The Sunny Side Up Show. Dennisha has joined the cast as a co-host and we’re so happy to have her…
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Who is dirtgirl?
dirtgirl says: Getting dirty is a really fun part of growing up.
dirtgirl says: Little things DO make a big difference!
Who is this dirtgirl, you may ask? She’s the newest character…
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Behind the Scenes of The Wiggly Waffle Show!
By now, I'm sure you know that Sprout's Wiggly Waffle Show started its first season here at Sprout. August 24. We're featuring something very special in honor of the big launch--a peek behind…
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Mega Blok Thomas at the Sodor Fair Giveaway
One tried and true way to snap an angry preschooler into a happy sweetheart is to channel their energy into something positive. Playing with Thomas the Tank Engine might be…
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A Dream Father's Day
Momma D Jane, one of Sprout's Band of Bloggers is back this month discussing a very pertinent question:
“What do you consider the perfect Father’s Day Gift?”
…
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A Very Barney Valentine’s Day Give-Away
Barney is coming for a Valentine’s Day visit with Sean and Chica at Sprout’s Super-Dee-Duper Valentine Party on February 13 and 14! In honor of his visit, we have a…
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Mother's Day 2008 Recap
Now that Mother's Day has come and gone, let's recap! What were your favorite moments? Best gifts? Sweetest cards? From all the messages posted below, I can see that lots…
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Picky Eaters
My children are creatures of habit. Should I worry that they aren't getting enough nutrients if they eat the same thing for lunch and breakfast everyday?--Diana
KidsHealth says:
Picky eating is very…
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Sesame Place Sweepstakes
Start your summer with a splash!
Enter for your chance to win a trip to Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA.
Enter Now…
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2009 Father's Day Photo Gallery
Did you see the terrific sweepstakes at SproutOnline called Dancing with the Dads? You take a picture of your children and their dad, do some easy work on the computer,…
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Go-To Breakfast Ideas
We've talk about what to feed our kids here all the time, but even with all those ideas, my morning routine still consists of walking downstairs and try to figure out…
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Temper Tantrums
Your toddler's second temper tantrum of the day shows no signs of stopping, and supersonic, ear-shattering, teeth-jarring screams pierce the air. You'd run away and join the circus if only…
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All About Sleep
Sleep — or lack of it — is probably the most-discussed aspect of baby care. New parents discover its vital importance those first few weeks and months. The quality and…
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Dive Olly Dive DVD Contest
While nothing is as much fun for our kids as playing, watching friends dive into a good time can be a nice alternative when their adventures have tired them out.
When…
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Nutrition: Family Meals...Beyond Pizza
I try really hard to cook healthy meals for my kids but it's disheartening to hear their groans when I put their plates in front of them. They literally gag…
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dirtgirlworld Giveaway
When a guest comes to visit you at home, they often bring a present. We at SFP would like to do the same thing honor of dirtgirl coming into your…
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Thanks for Thanksgiving!
Every year, we have the tradition at SproutforParents of taking time to be thankful. We're thankful that you share your time with us online, and for all the parent ideas…
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The Dreaded Tantrum
My 3-year-old, Henry, and my 5-year-old, Clara, are occasionally inclined to throw a good, old-fashioned, kicking and screaming tantrum, when the right events stir them up. For Clara, it's a…
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What's an On-line Mommy Group?
Sometimes we moms are too busy to go outside and make friends at the playground, but community is never farther away than our computer. You can reach out at any…
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Sleep and Preschoolers
Sleep helps kids grow strong and healthy. Preschoolers typically sleep about 10 to 12 hours during each 24-hour period, but there's no reason to be rigid about which 10 to…
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Let’s Grow DVD Series: Safety First
Help your Sproutlet learn important safety lessons with Sean and Chica from Sprout!
The fun of learning continues in the Let’s Grow DVD Series: Safety First hosted by Sean and Chica…
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How Do You Calm Your Children's Fears?
Question: Most of the preschoolers I know have at least one pronounced fear — and I'm not talking about being scared of the dark. I know a four year old…
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Good Night, 2009
Christmas Eve is a great time for families, but the night can be very long with all the excitement in the air, especially when kids don't want to miss a…
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A Mighty Challenge for Us Grocery Shoppers!
Reduce trips to the grocery store, and clutter in your pantry while saving money! How? Don’t buy any groceries for one week. Starting right now. And start reaching to the…
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My Middle Child
I work really hard to give each of our children attention, but my daughter Clara, our middle child, only seems to notice when I’m paying attention to her brothers. She…
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Goodbye, Diana
Once upon a time, I was the mother of a 6 year old, a 4 year old and a 2 year old. We had long days with nothing to do…
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Sharing Our Toys
When you think about recycling, many of us think about traditional items such as soda cans, paper, cardboard boxes, but what about toys? I asked Jill who writes the blog…
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Road Trips Made Easy (or at least easier!)
When it comes to vacations, my children have taught me an important lesson—it’s not just the destination that matters, it’s the journey there that really counts. Who hasn’t emerged from…
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When A Celebrity Comes to Visit
In December, Elmo came to visit Sprout. I thought it might be interesting to find out what the staff thinks when a superstar comes to visit, so I talked to…
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Holiday Traditions That You Might Not Know About
Many families celebrate Christmas every December, but not everyone waits for Santa Claus. This month we thought we’d take a look at how people of different traditions celebrate important holidays…
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Home-Made Halloween Costume Ideas
Have you seen the Sprouterrific Halloween Costume Contest? You enter a photo of your child in their homemade costume creation and your family could win a Sprouterrific gift basket filled…
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Should I Buy Organic?
Question:
I read all that I can about feeding my family organic foods, and I try to buy organic milk and produce but it’s so expensive these days. Strawberries, for…
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Fast and Healthy Dinner Tips--from You!
Picture this: it’s 5:00 and suddenly everyone’s starving. But in the witching hours between 3 and 5 planning a meal is the last thing on my mind—until everyone is clamoring…
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New Crafts from Old Stuff
Not every Sproutlet goes to school in September. For the little ones who stay at home, or for the half day preschoolers who want something to do in their off…
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When Bandages Make Boo-Boos All Better
Question: An inevitable part of any adventure at my house is a fall, a scratch, a bump, or a gash—and a child’s cry for bandaids. I have to be honest,…
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Upsetting the Kids When I Discipline Them
I’ve noticed that the more sternly I speak to my kids, the more distraught they get. If they’ve done something serious, like running into the street without looking, and I…
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How Many Treats to Buy for Halloween?
I never know exactly how much candy I need for Halloween. I'm either left with piles of leftovers (that I generally munch on until we bring in more treats at…
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What to Eat Before You Trick or Treat
The night we go trick or treating is CRAZY. No matter how much I plan, my family always ends up scrambling at the last minute to eat dinner before we…
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This Year, I Resolve to...
January is a great time to think about how to live a better life. After all, just about everyone is inspired to make New Year's Resolutions. And I bet most…
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Helping Hands
Hey Parents--Sprout needs your help! We want to know how your kids make life better for the people around them.…
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Mother's Day Memories from 2009
Mother’s Day has come and gone. But the memories can live forever---right here on Sprout for Parents! Share the best part of Mother’s Day 2009 with us. Did you wake…
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Sprout on AT&T U-verse
Loyal Sprout viewers -- we wanted to let those of you watching Sprout on AT&T know that AT&T has moved Sprout on Demand to another level of service.…
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Recycle Your Way to Free Art Supplies
I wasn’t even thinking about Doing More with Less when I went to my new friend Benita’s house for the first time. But after my kids spent a few minutes…
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Barbarian Family Meals!
Question: When we eat together, the kids seem to turn into little heathens! I don't think there's one moment where they're all sitting properly with napkins in their laps, elbows…
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What About Dad?
They did it for us. Now it’s our turn to return the favor. This is the time to start planning for Father’s Day—and I need help!…
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Gardening with Kids
Q: My kids are really interested in growing things, but I've got a black thumb. I'm terrible at keeping plants alive in the house, let alone outside, so I found…
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Helping Your Child Through a Divorce
Divorce is stressful for parents and kids alike. Although reactions will depend on a child's age, temperament, and the circumstances surrounding the split, many kids feel sad, frustrated, angry, and anxious…
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Overcoming Sibling Rivalry
I have a few friends whose young children really don't seem to like each other. Usually, it's an older sibling who refuses to accept that the new baby is sticking…
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Running Errands: Mom or Chauffeur?
I spend a lot of time driving my kids around. Between their school and activities and my errands we seem to spend endless hours in the car. We usually play…
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Fighting Summer Stains
My kids spend their summer days getting really dirty and I spend my summer nights trying to fight the stains in my laundry room. With little success, I’m afraid. How…
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Diapers: Disposable or Cloth?
Question: I always considered using cloth diapers as an environmentally friendly alternative to disposables, but could never bring myself to make the leap. I heard that they can give kids…
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Save Money at the Grocery Store
Prices are rising in the grocery store and it can be a real challenge to feed our families healthy food without spending a fortune. I reached out to an expert…
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Did You See Sprout on the Today Show?
A few days ago, Sandy Wax, the President of PBS Kids Sprout, appeared on the Today Show to talk about The Great Sprout Tuck-In. We here at Sprout will collect new…
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Nearly Crustless Pumpkin Pie
This month, I asked Steph Dunkle, the Problem Solvin' Mom, to write something for us about Thanksgiving. Without any more prompting than that, she came up with the answer to…
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What Do You Give Out for Halloween?
The only good thing about being a grown-up and not getting to trick or treat on Halloween is that I get to BUY all the candy we give out. Sure,…
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Sleep and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
A simple bedtime routine, one that has already been established and remains the same night after night, is your best bet for combatting the toddler's cry of "I don't wanna…
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Disciplining Your Child
How do you keep a 1-year-old from heading toward the VCR? What should you do when your preschooler throws a fit? How can you get a teenager to respect your authority?
Whatever…
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Growth and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old
During the third year of life, most toddlers gain about 4 pounds (1,800 grams) and grow about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters).
They're extremely active and mobile, and…
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Taming Tempers
Parents expect temper tantrums from 2-year-olds, but angry outbursts don’t necessarily stop after the toddler years. Older kids sometimes have trouble handling anger and frustration, too.
Some kids only lose their…
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Healthy Halloween
Halloween is coming and I'm afraid - not of ghosts or goblins, but of all that candy! I worry about keeping the kids safe during trick or treating and after, when…
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One Mom's Visit to Sesame Street
Recently, our friends at Sesame Street invited two bloggers from Sprout's Band of Bloggers to visit their set. Debra from A Frugal Friend was one of the lucky guests. I…
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Halloween Handprint Spiders
I love making Halloween crafts with my kids--but ghosts are about as inventive as I get. So I asked Shannon Hutton at Seasonal Kids Activities to inspire me. She came…
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Car Seat Safety
As many of us take to the highway for summer vacations, I thought it might be helpful to review car seat safety tips. Could you give us some guidelines for…
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Spring Cleaning Suggestions--From You!
When I was growing up, spring cleaning meant digging in and scrubbing down every inch of the house. I remember my mother wrapping an old pillow case around a broom…
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Teaching Your Child Self-Control
Tantrums and outbursts from kids with no self-control can rile even the most patient parents.
Whether kids melt down in the middle of a crowded grocery store, at a holiday dinner with…
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Is Bug Spray Safe for Kids?
Question: My kids are eaten alive all summer. Mosquitoes, spiders, flies with teeth, ants with claws — if there’s a bug out there, it’s bitten one of my kids! How…
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More Veggies, Please
Making sure our children grow up healthy and strong can be as easy as selecting the foods they eat. Unfortunately, sometimes our children aren’t always on board – asking for…
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What Are You Doing for Mother’s Day?
Sprout has big plans for May 9, 2010 also known as Mother’s Day! We’re inviting Sproutlets and their moms to tune in together for a special Hooray for Mother’s Day…
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"We Keep the Earth Healthy"
Our children work hard at being good listeners, playing nicely with friends, and sharing their toys. (Most of the time!) Translating the desire to be good into responsible Earthlings is…
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What is the Right Pet for Your Family?
We’re thinking about getting a pet at my house. Because I’m allergic to cats, afraid of birds, and uncomfortable around small rodents, the animal of choice for us is a…
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Your Child's Cough
Coughs are one of the most frequent symptoms of childhood illness, and although they can sound awful at times, aren't usually a sign of a serious condition. In fact, coughing is…
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Communication and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old
Communicating with a child, from infancy onward, is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Children learn by absorbing information through daily interactions and…
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Healthy Habits for Life
We checked in with our friends at Sesame Street to see what they had to say about nutrition. They’ve shared great information with their viewers over the years. Here, Rosemarie…
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A New Sibling
When we spoke to our friends at Sesame Street about sisters and brothers, they immediately thought of Baby Bear, and what life was like for him as a new big…
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Safe Toys
Lately, the news has been full of toy recalls. I’ve sorted through our toy box and it’s safe, but shopping for new toys isn’t as carefree as it used to…
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Bug Adventures in Your Own Backyard
My kids love bugs! They could watch ants scavenging crumbs forever, and are amazed by dragon flies and lady bugs. I wonder if there's a way to cultivate their interest…
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Welcoming A New Sibling
Nothing changes a preshooler’s life like the introduction of a new sibling. When Clara came home from the hospital, Peter was 3 ½ and he did not like sharing me…
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How I Hosted A Toy Swap
A great way to get more for your money is to not spend any! Do I speak for all of us when I say my house is full of toys…
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Cheap Babysitting Alternatives
I know we all love our children, but sometimes I feel like I love them a little more after we've had a break from each other! We all need a…
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A Very Sesame Holiday Season
No matter what holiday your family celebrates, the people at Sesame Street have great ideas to make these special occasions even more memorable for our children and us.
…
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The Grateful Turkey
As I am not "crafty" at all, I am thankful that I can ask Shannon Hutton , of Seasonal Kids Activities for some ideas! Here's what she's doing for Thanksgiving!--Diana
Shannon: …
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Thanks for (Not) Sharing!
Question: At my house, we share just about everything, but each of my three kids has a few special toys that are either brand new or especially beloved — or…
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Cool Mom Picks: Birthday Memories
Peter and Henry both have birthdays coming up, and I hold on to their cards for a few weeks before tossing them in the garbage with a guilty sigh. But…
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Home Is the First Classroom
When I think about school for my kids, I imagine them getting on the bus, eating in the lunchroom, and learning at a blackboard from a nice, enthusiastic teacher. But…
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Camp Mom!
Last month, Dyani from KidsU had great ideas for games we can play outside with our kids, and that got me thinking that there must be lots of other cool…
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Move Your Body
Sesame Street has been talking to our children about moving around since I was a kid! So we thought we'd ask Rosemarie Truglio, Vice President of Education and Research at…
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Breastfeeding FAQs: Getting Started
Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parenting pro, breastfeeding often comes with its fair share of questions. Here are some answers to common inquiries that mothers — new…
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Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias
Everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest adult, experiences anxieties and fears at one time or another. Feeling anxious in a particularly uncomfortable situation never feels very good. However,…
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Teething Tots
Teething, the emergence of the first baby teeth through a baby's gums, can be a frustrating time for many babies — and their parents. It helps to know what to expect…
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Keeping Germs Out of the Kitchen
My kids, like every kid, I imagine, are Germ Factories! When I’m cooking with them, how can I keep my kitchen safe from the germs they carry, and the kids…
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The Wiggles Wiggly Circus USA
The Fab Four from down under are back with this year’s most anticipated family event. Join The Wiggles, Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and…
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Getting Crafty With Recyclables
Some of the best quality time I’ve spent with my boys is when we were creating crafts from items we found around the house. Keeping with our Earth Day celebration,…
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Taming Mealtime Tantrums
I’ve seen plenty of mood swings at mealtime, so I asked Jeanne Muchnick, who’s just written a book called Dinner for Busy Moms, to tell us some of her strategies…
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Stranger Danger
Question: As a mother with young kids, I often find friendly strangers approaching us to smile and say “hi” when we’re out and about. I try to encourage my son…
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If You Give A Kid A Box...
...they'll turn it into something magical. Like a "house" for their stuffed animals to live in--or fly over! …
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Dealing With Earwax
Cotton swabs are standard equipment in many family bathrooms. They're handy implements for a variety of grooming needs, but often are used to remove earwax — a common but potentially…
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Holiday Card Out-takes
I don’t think there’s anything funnier than the pursuit of a joyful picture—and the misery that brings! That’s why each year, I find an afternoon sometime in early December to…
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Plastic: The Next Worry
Question: Nutrition to me means making sure that what goes into my children's bodies is healthy and nourishing, and lately, I'm worried about the nutritious value of plastic! There's been…
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My M&Ms!
I’m a big fan of M&Ms, but I never would have thought to add them to my list of party favor ideas. I’m glad that the Cool Moms did!--Diana
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Planning a Great Birthday Party!
I’m sure I’ve written this elsewhere on the site, but if you don’t know by now, this is a busy time of year for me, birthdaywise. Two of my three…
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Do Grandparents Always Know Best?
Question: My parents love my kids, but my dad is convinced that the way to their hearts is through too many treats. He gives them candy, and lots of it,…
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Cool Mom Picks: Growth Chart
How could a month devoted to talking about growing not feature a growth chart? It couldn't! Here's what the moms at Cool Mom Picks found to share.--Diana…
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Games for Preschoolers
Whether at a party or a play date, preschoolers love games. No longer toddlers, they have a growing interest in playing with other kids. Physically, they're now steady on their…
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Reading Books to Babies
Jacob loves books. His mom knows this because when she sits down to read to him every night, he waves his arms excitedly.
His favorite page of "Goodnight Moon" shows a…
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Fitness and Your 4- to 5-Year-Old
By the time they're 4 and 5 years old, kids have mastered basic movement skills like running and jumping, and have plenty of energy to put them to good use.
Now…
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Computer-Related Repetitive Stress Injuries
Whether it's typing a school report or surfing the Internet, your child may be spending lots of hours at the computer. By learning about the causes and prevention of repetitive…
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Feeding Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
At this age toddlers are moving from the eating habits they had as infants toward a diet more like your own. Your job is to keep broadening your child's palate…
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Breastfeeding FAQs: Pain and Discomfort
Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parenting pro, breastfeeding often comes with its fair share of questions. Here are answers to some common inquiries that mothers — new…
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Apple French Toast
Note: This recipe is especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women, but it can be a nutritious part of almost anyone's diet. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need to consume extra calories…
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Food Allergies
Shortly after Ben began eating his lunch, his childcare provider noticed he seemed to be trying to scratch an itch in his mouth. After he vomited and began wheezing, the…
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‘Tis the season for magic…and meltdowns!
During the holidays, it’s week after week of parties and late nights, cookies and candy, missed naps, and visits from special friends. How can we help our kids keep it…
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Mommy, Is Santa Claus Real?
Every year around this time I cringe whenever my kids give me that "I've got a really important question" look. And I wait for it..."Mommy, is Santa Claus real?" or…
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Persistence Pays Off
From the time he was a toddler, my son would growl with frustration and walk away from new activities if he couldn’t master them quickly. There are too many things…
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No More Bedtime Blues
Jennifer Waldburger of Sleepy Planet did a webcast for us where she talked about sleep issues that kids have at different ages, and I've got the answers to the most…
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Bathtime Is Fun But Where's the Modesty?
Question: My kids (Peter, 7, Clara, 5, and Henry, 3) don't bathe together, but they get ready for baths and showers at the same time, with one jumping in when…
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Mealtime Makeover: Chicken Fingers
By using boneless, skinless chicken with high-fiber cereal and an egg substitute, you can make a tasty, crunchy healthier version of this favorite kids' meal. And you can make it…
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The Best Way to Teach a Kid to Ride a Bicycle
Sprout for Parents reached out to David Mozer, who heads up the International Bicycling Fund and is a great resource for teaching kids to ride a bike. Here's how he recommends teaching our…
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Scrapbooking 101
We’ve talked before at Sprout for Parents about gathering your memories and photos together to begin Scrapbooking in a post called How to get Started Preserving Those Growing Memories. But…
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911 Information for Families
April is 911 Education Month, so we’ve asked Angel Arocho from Comcast.net’s Emergency Services Program to share some guidelines with us that will help us teach our Sproutlets about safety.…
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Are We Parents The Problem?
My husband, Kevin, and I recently went away for a long weekend. My wonderful in-laws graciously babysat—even after I prepped them with a detailed list of every tantrum they were…
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St. Patrick's Day Fun
I don’t know much about St. Patty’s Day beyond shamrock shakes, but I do know that come March, four leaf clovers seem to be everwhere! So I asked Jocelyn of…
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Juice Box Costume You Can Make at Home
Lisa Ruth whipped this costume up and it looks good enough to take a sip out of! Your Sproutlet will get a kick out of The Wiggly Waffle Show's favorite…
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Star Costumes You Can Make at Home
Do you have visions of your Sproutlet lighting up the Halloween night as your very own Star? We asked Benita Black and Lisa Ruth, two crafty moms, how they’d transform…
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Chica Costumes You Can Make at Home
We at Sprout believe what one parent can do, another can, too. That's why we asked two mom's--who just happen to be very crafty--how they'd turn their Sproutlets into Chica…
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Help with Chores from Our Friend Chica!
My kids love checklists. We use them to keep track of good behavior and earn rewards, but we’ve only had a boring old calendar before. Now the folks at Sprout…
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Sticking to Your New Year's Resolutions
Problem Solvin' Mom Steph Dunkle had a few great ideas when it comes to Resolutions. No surprise, there, I suppose. After all, what's a resolution but a problem you'd like…
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The Year of Living Patiently
Question: I resolve to be more patient with my family…but how do I do it? As my kids get a little older — no more babies in my house, although…
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What's Your Favorite Thanksgiving Recipe?
My favorite part of Thanksgiving is the mashed potatoes. I don't care about anything else, really and truly, as long as I have my white, fluffy, pillow of potatoes smothered in…
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What to Do with Your Holiday Leftovers
I don’t know about you, but every Thanksgiving, I look at the leftover turkey and fixin’s and I know there’s more to do than reheat and reserve the exact same…
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Cool Mom Picks: Envirosax Kid's Eco-Bags
I don't usually put a lot of thought into what my kids will use to collect their trick-or-treat goodies, but the Cool Moms have. Here's what they found!--Diana…
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Healthy, Easy-to-Pack Snacks
Question: Now that my family is settling into the rhythm of school and activities, I don’t have the kids around all day asking for snacks when they’re hungry which means no…
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Cool Mom Picks: DIY Invitations
I happen to be in the market for a new printer right now--and I love to make my own invitations-- so this is a great recommendation for me!--Diana…
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An Apple Picking Birthday Party
Themes are a great way to organize a party and make it special. Here's how Shannon Hutton, at Seasonal Kids Activities planned a party for her daughter that sounds creative, fun…
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Cool Mom Picks: Just Add Cake
I've just celebrated one child's birthday and am about to start planning a second this month, so I'm excited to see some great ideas from the Cool Mom Picks! --Diana…
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Cool Mom Picks: Kaboost
When I’m online I always mean to seach for products, gadgets and gizmos that can make life a little easier for my family. Unfortunately, that takes a lot of time…
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Safety Tips for the Beach and Pool
When we go on vacation, it's all about the water! Either in a pool or at the beach, swimming is one of the rare activities that all of my kids…
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What's So "Powerful" About Play?
I keep hearing that free play is really good for my kids, but I don't know why! Can you explain just what is so "powerful" about playing? --Diana…
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Everyday Moments for Learning
Summer is a time to relax and have fun--but for our children, the learning never stops. Dr. Jeanette Betancourt of Sesame Street, has lots of ideas for ways we can…
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Bug Bites and Stings
Bug bites and stings usually are just nuisances. They bring momentary alarm, temporary discomfort and pain, but no serious or lasting health problems. But on occasion, they can cause infections…
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Medical Editors
Neil Izenberg, MD
Editor-in-Chief and Founder, KidsHealth
Chief Executive, Nemours Center for Children's Health Media
Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children
Wilmington, DE
Professor of Pediatrics
Jefferson Medical College
Philadelphia, PA
Steven Dowshen, MD
Chief…
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Communication and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
This is an exciting time for parents — babies this age make real progress toward communicating. They'll recognize Mommy and Daddy, laugh, squeal, and smile spontaneously.
Your baby's personality begins to…
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What Is ADHD?
Lisa's son Jack had always been a handful. Even as a preschooler, he would tear through the house like a tornado, shouting, roughhousing, and climbing the furniture. No toy or…
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Fitness and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old
Kids this age are learning to master basic movements like walking, running, kicking, and throwing. They're naturally active, so be sure to provide lots of opportunities for your child to practice…
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A Guide for First-Time Parents
You've survived 9 months of pregnancy. You've made it through the excitement of labor and delivery, and now you're ready to head home and begin life with your baby. Once…
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Constipation
Constipation is a very common problem among kids. A child is considered constipated when he or she has fewer than three bowel movements in a week; has difficulty having a…
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Concussions
The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions — temporary loss of brain function — can happen with any head injury,…
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Formula Feeding FAQs: Starting Solids and Milk
The major health organizations - including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) - agree that…
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Is it a Medical Emergency?
Even healthy kids get hurt and sick sometimes. In some cases, you may panic and want to head straight to the emergency room at the nearest hospital. In other cases,…
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Sleep and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
By this age, your baby should be well on the way toward an established sleep pattern. Most likely the pattern includes at least two naps a day, plus at least…
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Fruit Kabobs
Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 apple
1 banana
1/3 c. red seedless grapes
1/3 c. green seedless grapes
2/3 c. pineapple chunks
1 c. nonfat yogurt
1/4 c. dried coconut, shredded
Directions:
Prepare the fruit by washing the grapes,…
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Your Child's Vision
Healthy eyes and vision are a critical part of kids' development. Their eyes should be examined regularly, as many vision problems and eye diseases can be detected and treated early.
Eye…
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Halloween Candy Hints
For health-conscious parents, Halloween can be tricky. Do you set limits? Do you let kids decide how much to eat? There isn't just one right answer. Instead, use your best…
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Broken Bones, Sprains, and Strains
A broken (fractured) bone requires emergency care. Suspect a possible broken bone if your child heard or felt a bone snap, if your child has difficulty moving the injured part, or…
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Feeding Your Child Athlete
All kids need to eat balanced meals and have a healthy diet. But should that balance change for kids who play on a sports team or work out? Maybe.
Kids need to eat…
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Sportsmanship
Emily was crying by the time the softball game ended. It wasn't because her team had lost. It wasn't because she was unhappy about her own playing. It wasn't even…
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Formula Feeding FAQs: Getting Started
The major health organizations - including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) - agree that…
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Teaching Kids Not to Bully
It can be shocking and upsetting to learn that your child has gotten in trouble for picking on others or been labeled a bully.
As difficult as it may be to…
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Communication and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
Language development really takes off during this time, especially as your baby approaches the second birthday.
Kids this age can better able to comprehend what is said to them and express what they…
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Sleep and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
Though your baby is beginning to develop in so many positive ways, certain sleep problems may start to crop up as your child approaches the first birthday. These problems are…
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Preparing Your Child for a Move
Sooner or later, many families face the prospect of moving. Disruptive as moving can be for parents, the experience can be even more traumatic for kids, who may not be…
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Breastfeeding FAQs: How Much and How Often
Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parenting pro, breastfeeding often comes with its fair share of questions. Here are answers to some common inquiries that mothers - new…
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Rainy Day Fun
Plan ahead now for bad-weather days. When rain or snow puts a damper on playing outside and cabin fever is driving everyone bonkers, these quick play-and-pretend ideas will keep kids…
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Snacks for Toddlers
Parents of toddlers often wonder: Is my child getting enough to eat? It’s an understandable concern, but offering healthy snacks can help ensure that the answer is yes.
Some kids at this…
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Fluoride and Water
Keeping kids' teeth healthy requires more than just daily brushing. During a routine well-child exam, you may be surprised to find the doctor examining your child's teeth and asking you…
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Communication and Your Newborn
Do you remember your baby's very first cry? From the moment of birth, babies begin to communicate.
At first, your newborn's cries may seem like a foreign language. But before you…
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Growth and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
You're in for many changes! Midway through this year, most babies are walking and many are starting to have conversations. They're turning into toddlers. By their second birthdays, most are…
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Introducing Toddlers to Music
Music seems a natural accompaniment in a toddler’s life. Young children might sing to their stuffed animals, tap their feet to the rhythm of nursery rhymes, and enjoy the sound…
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Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the first decisions expectant parents will make. Although there's no right or wrong choice, the American Academy of Pediatrics…
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Naps
Nap. It’s a small word, but for many parents it’s one of the most important in their vocabulary. A good nap often means the difference between a pleasant afternoon and one…
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Night Terrors
Most parents have comforted their child after the occasional nightmare. But if your child has ever experienced what's known as a night terror (or sleep terror), his or her fear…
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Choosing and Instructing a Babysitter
Entrusting someone to care for your kids can be difficult. Finding a qualified babysitter requires time and effort, but your reward is assurance that your child is in capable hands.…
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Allowance Basics
An allowance can be a great way to teach kids money management skills. With an allowance, your child can learn how to make decisions, deal with limited resources, and understand…
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Cooking With Kids
The kitchen can be a fascinating place for young children. They see grown-ups working briskly in there, watch the steam rise from pots on the stove, and smell what's on…
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Hunger and Your Preschooler
Your preschooler eats lunch, then 20 minutes later claims to be hungry. Is it OK to offer a little something? Maybe yes, maybe no. Here's why:
Around the preschool years, many…
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Safe Exploring for Toddlers
Toddlers — it's hard to imagine a more fitting name for this stage of development. Between the ages of 1 and 3, toddlers are literally scooting away from babyhood in…
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Cooking With Preschoolers
Cooking can help young children learn and practice some basic math concepts and build language skills. And the experience of creating meals with you can help nurture their self-confidence and…
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What's Funny to a Preschooler?
By the preschool years, kids are humor veterans. After all, they've been smiling and laughing for years. A reliable host of tricks and jokes will crack them up, and even…
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Selecting Safe Pets
Pets love us unconditionally. They're also great for our health — mentally and physically. Caring for pets can boost self-esteem, prevent loneliness, and even lower heart rate and blood pressure…
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The Pee Wee Athlete
I signed my daughter up for a soccer league when she was 3, but at every practice she cried hysterically and wouldn’t let go of my hand. I had to…
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Cool Mom Picks: School Bag
We asked the Cool Moms to recommend a backpack, since it's that time to year.--back to preschool is just around the corner! Here's what they found. --Diana…
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Cool Mom Picks: Pencils
Even if your kids aren't ready for school, there's something about August that calls out for stocking up on arts and craft supplies. Cool Mom Picks found some environmentally friendly…
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Keeping Little Chefs Safe
I want to involve my kids in cooking our meals, but I’m concerned about them getting hurt. Between sharp knives and boiling pots of water, the kitchen seems like a…
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How Do You Calm Your Children's Fears?
Question: Most of the preschoolers I know have at least one pronounced fear — and I'm not talking about being scared of the dark. I know a four year old…
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