advice
It takes a village to raise a family; advice and tips to make the most of yours.
Learning to Talk
It’s well known that children begin to basically talk at around 12 months on average. That’s when a child generally has the mental development, cognitive skills, and has heard enough verbal communication around them to be able to do so. I myself began to talk at around that age. However, it didn’t feel quite as much of a sudden milestone for me as learning to walk did.
By Rebecca Sharrock9 years ago in Families
This Is Not the End
The room is dark, save for one fluorescent light turned on in the corner. My heart races, my palms are sweaty, and I feel the familiar sting of tears for probably the thousandth time that morning. Something isn't right, and I know it. There's no way the doctor is going to have good news. You don't bleed that much, have that much pain, and not have it end in the worst way possible.
By Emilie Dowty9 years ago in Families
A Humorous Look at What No One Really Talks About During Pregnancy!
When I talk to other women about their pregnancy days I often hear how precious and wonderful they were. Seriously? I wish I knew how to glamorize those barf filled days of morning sickness, the painful nipples, emotional mood swings and the hours of labor pains!
By Susan McCord9 years ago in Families
Parenting Tips for New Parents
When you first find out that you're expecting, it's normal to be overjoyed — and also pretty scared. Your world is going to change, and everyone will let you know it. Being a parent is never going to be easy, but the truth is that it will be rewarding in its own right.
By Stephanie Gladwell9 years ago in Families
Toddlers, Trials and Tribulations Part 1
Toddlers are a breed unto themselves. They have newly discovered that they are in fact independent of their parents, and so they act accordingly. Once a child as young as one year old realizes that they have control over the world around them, they start to test their limits, quite ruthlessly at times. This is the time in life where the “terrible twos”, “the trying threes” and the “forgetful fours” find their place in the world.
By Kelsey Park9 years ago in Families
When To Stop Breastfeeding
A plethora of internet content is devoted to the subject of breastfeeding. A person can gorge themselves on material dedicated to the "whys," and the "shoulds," and the "what-ifs" surrounding the advent of breastfeeding. Similarly, articles about breastfeeding maladies and how to fix them run amok, sharing equal time with the warm squishy fuzzy articles about how wonderful breastfeeding is.
By Meghan Gattignolo9 years ago in Families
Breastfeeding Woes
Every day I willingly subject myself to grueling torture at the mercy of an adorable bundle of nine pounds and eight ounces of joy. How can something so natural be so difficult and painful? Repeatedly, about every two hours to be exact, I engage in an excruciating tug-of-war battle with my nipple and a formidable cherubic ninja jaw warrior. After the conclusion of each skirmish, I sulk as I dress my battle wounds and fervently pray that a truce would soon commence. I am never the victor. I long for the days when the pain was but a mere migraine, easily fixed with a warm compress, temple massage, and a long nap (or a strong prescription drug if I’m being completely honest). Daily, I wish for a personal medic or, better yet, a magical nipple fairy who could wave a wand and “bippity- boppity-boo” make all things right in my universe again. But of course, I am not afforded such luxuries.
By Kristen Barber9 years ago in Families
When Teens Reach 18
So your little one has grown up. Gone are the days of changing nappies and making so much mess you can't see the floor, sulks and tantrums... so we think! Your little one may be grown up, but still, she is going through a rollercoaster of emotions as she finds out about adult life.
By Carol Ann Townend9 years ago in Families
Are You REALLY a Good Role Model for Your Children?
We all want what's best for our children. At least we believe we do. Goals are important, but when do our dreams cross from the child's to our own? Some parents hope for the next Derek Jeter or Jennifer Lawrence out of their children, however, what if that's not the path THEY have in mind for themselves? On the other hand, today's athletes, models, and rock stars are all easy targets for a developing mind to latch onto as the grown up they want to emulate. These are both equally toxic for a youngster!
By Joe Martinek Sr9 years ago in Families
Overcoming Childhood Abuse
Will you listen? Why I'm Writing This Article The phrase “overcoming childhood abuse” sounds glamorous, doesn’t it? It sounds like I’ve climbed some kind of really tough mountain and am now sitting pretty on top of it with a beautiful view. Wouldn’t you love it if that were the case? Wouldn’t you love it if I could give you a road map for your own recovery or else give you a ‘rags to riches’ tale of how one woman triumphed over a horrific past to become almost normal and perfectly socially acceptable?
By Sarah Jane9 years ago in Families
How To Save Money as New Parents
Babies are insanely expensive, and while every parent will tell you it's worth it, no one ever really drives home how expensive kids really are. According to a recent study, the average family will spend a minimum of $245,000 on raising a single child throughout the first 18 years of their lives.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart9 years ago in Families
