Lying, Ages 12 to 16
Parents usually manage to remain calm during the years when children’s lying takes the form of fantastical stories or denials of having raided the cookie jar. But an older child who skimps on the truth sets off parents’ alarm bells — and rightly so. …
Learn MoreAggression, Ages 6 to 12
My child hits, kicks, and lashes out at other kids. Should I be concerned?Yes. Most children outgrow this kind of behavior by the time they enter grade school, because they’ve developed the language skills to express themselves in words and been socia…
Learn MoreAnxious Child, Ages 1 to 3
Anxiety is a normal part of your child’s behavioral and emotional development. Toddlers often get uneasy when separated from their parents or introduced to strangers. Fears of the dark, the toilet, animals, and loud noises (such as fireworks or thunde…
Learn MoreTravel Tune-up: How to Help Your Child Adjust
Vacation is the time to chuck the alarm clock and strike out for unfamiliar territory. But your daily grind is your child’s security. She thrives on predictability, on knowing what’s next. Take away her routine and she’s liable to start whining, cryin…
Learn MoreSwimming Pool Safety
Whether it’s a backyard oasis or the gem of the community park, a swimming pool is a great place for summer fun. But it’s important to remember that swimming pools can be dangerous, especially for children. Children ages 1 to 4 are more likely than an…
Learn MoreChildren and Motion Sickness
Why does my child get carsick? It has more to do with the way his body works than with the motion itself. Your child won’t get motion sickness from running, for example, however wildly he twists and turns or dashes up and down hills. But the same moti…
Learn MoreAggression, Ages 3 to 6
My child hits, kicks, and bites other kids. Should I be concerned?Not necessarily. Aggressive behavior is a normal part of emotional and behavioral development, and almost every child hits, kicks, and yells when he’s overwhelmed by strong emotions. Ho…
Learn MoreCorporal Punishment and Trauma
It was spring when Joshua Watson, a sixth-grader at Alvarado Intermediate School in Alvarado, Texas, had an unsettling decision to make — whether to accept a five-day in-school suspension or be struck three times with a paddle. His offense: earning h…
Learn MoreHow to Handle Medical Emergencies Away From Home
At home, you probably have your doctors’ numbers posted near the phone and your child’s medical records handy in case of an emergency. On vacation, you should be no less prepared. Here are some tips:Before You GoAsk your doctor if he or she can refer …
Learn MoreBaby Supplies: The Checklist
As the Girl Scouts motto goes: Be prepared. The better supplied you are before your baby gets here, the smoother your transition to parenthood will be. What follows is a handy checklist so you can make sure you’ve got the right stuff in time for your …
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