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Parents & Caregivers

December, 2007

The holidays are here, but they are often accompanied by the stress of shopping, wrapping, and visits with friends and relatives. Take a deep breath - and check out these articles full of information about how to ring out the year with your wits about you.

General Health

Cold, Ice, and Snow Safety
In ice and snow, accidents can happen easily. Find out how to keep your family safe - and fit - while the weather is chilly.

Staying Healthy While You Travel
When you're traveling with your kids, there's a chance that someone might get sick. But early planning and smart packing can help ensure your family stays healthy and safe.

Preparing Your Child for Surgery
Adequate preparation can help your child feel less anxious about getting surgery. Kids of all ages cope much better if they have some concrete idea of what's going to happen and why it's necessary.

Fitness and Nutrition

Caffeine and Your Child
Drinking too many sweetened soft drinks can lead to overweight and obesity, as well as tooth decay. Although it's inevitable your child will get caffeine at some time, it's a good idea to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger kids.

Mealtime Makeover: Whole-Wheat Pizza
By using whole-wheat crust, part-skim cheese, turkey pepperoni, and mixed vegetables, this pizza offers kids more of the nutrients they need, with less fat and fewer calories.

For Kids: Ready, Set, Breakfast!
Did you eat breakfast today? Find out why it's important in this article for kids.

Emotions and Behavior

Making the Holidays Less Materialistic
"The gimmes" are all around us during the holiday season. You know - "Gimme this," "Gimme that," "I want this," "I want that." It can be hard for children - and parents alike - to look beyond all of the product-driven hoopla to see what the holidays are really about. Read on for five ways you can help decrease materialism in your kids and reinforce the real reason for the season in your family.

For Kids: Getting Along With Parents
How can you get along better with your parents and have more fun together? Follow these five steps.

For Teens: When Parents Fight
Sometimes parents stay levelheaded when they disagree, and they allow each other a chance to listen and to talk. But many times when parents disagree, they argue. Here's how to deal with it.

Elementary Schoolers

News - KidsPoll: Are Kids Too Busy?
We may think of kids' lives as being carefree and easy, but according to a recent KidsHealth KidsPoll, most kids wish they had more free time and feel stressed because they have too much to do.

News - Promising New Treatment Could Blow Lice Away
Any parent whose child has had a head full of lice knows how frustrating the process of getting rid of the resilient insects can be. But thanks to some groundbreaking new research, lice may have finally met their match.

For Kids: Priceless Holiday Gifts
At holiday time, kids have more than presents on their minds. Find out more in this article for kids.

Teens

Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease refers to two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although the diseases have some features in common, there are some important differences.

About Abstinence
Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

For Teens: Volunteering
Volunteering can be one of the most gratifying and fun things you can do. Read this article to learn more about donating your efforts.

Allergies and Asthma

Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are like vaccinations: They boost the defenses of the immune system to help the body block the allergic reaction.

Asthma and Teens
The teen years can be rough for kids, and they can be even rougher for teens with asthma. These tips can make parenting a teen with asthma a bit easier.

For Teens: Food Allergies
Allergies to food can be mild, like a little tingling in the mouth, but for many people they can be severe. Knowing what to expect and how to deal with food allergies can make a big difference in preventing serious illness.

Diabetes

Eating Out When Your Child Has Diabetes
Eating out can be a learning opportunity for you and your child with diabetes. The key to eating away from home is making the effort to find out the nutritional value of what you and your child are eating - and how much makes up the right portion.

Diabetes: Dealing With Feelings
When your child is first diagnosed with diabetes, you may spend a lot of time thinking about how diabetes affects your child's body. But there are many emotional issues that surround a diabetes diagnosis, too.

Is Aspartame Safe For My Child?
Is it safe to let kids have foods or candy that contain aspartame?

Preschoolers

Preventing Dog Bites
Teach your child a few basic dog manners, and both your child and the dog can enjoy safe encounters.

Communication and Your 4- to 5-year-old
Communicating with a child is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Learn how to connect with your 4- to 5-year-old.

Snacks for Preschoolers
Healthy and well-timed snacks can help fill in nutritional gaps for preschoolers. But how do you turn yours into a smart snacker?

Babies and Toddlers

Learning, Play, and Your Newborn
Play is the primary way that infants learn how to move, communicate, socialize, and understand their surroundings. And during the first month of life, your baby will primarily learn by interacting with you.

The Senses and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
Your baby is continuing to learn about the world through sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and textures. How can you stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for him or her to explore?

How Can I Stop My Child From Sucking Her Thumb?
My 2 1/2-year-old daughter sucks her thumb constantly. Should I be worried? How can I get her to stop?

See You In '08

We can't wait to see you in the New Year!

Important Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

Content last updated March 15, 2008

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