Family Life

Sexting: What Parents Need to Know

Sexting could haunt a teen for the rest of his or her life. Here's what parents need to know.

Balancing Academics and Serious Illness

When your child has a serious or chronic illness, it's hard to think beyond the next treatment. But with planning and communication, you can help your child balance treatment and academics.

When Your Child Outgrows Pediatric Care

Help your teen or young adult make the transition from pediatric health care to adult health care. Get tips on finding a new doctor and getting health insurance.

Autism Special Needs Checklist: Big Kids (ages 6-12)

Having a plan for the future can help your big kid reach his or her full potential. Follow this 8-step checklist to help your child succeed during the elementary school years.

Autism Checklist: Babies & Preschoolers (Birth to age 5)

When your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, there's a lot to learn. This 7-step checklist can help you find the best path forward.

Autism Special Needs Checklist: Teens & Young Adults

As your child moves toward adulthood, learn the tools you need to make the transition as smooth as possible. This 6-step checklist can help.

Car Seat Safety

What's the right way to install an infant safety seat? Is your toddler ready for a convertible seat? Get the car seat know-how you need here.

Booster Seat Safety

Your tot's not a baby anymore! It's time for a big-kid booster seat. But how can you ensure that your child is still safe and secure in the car? Find out here.

Choosing and Instructing a Babysitter

One of your most important tasks as a parent is finding a qualified babysitter. Here are some essential tips on choosing and instructing a babysitter.

Bilingual Families

In some countries, it's common for kids to learn two or more languages at a time and to use them daily to communicate and understand people around them.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Calming Anxiety

Many people - kids and adults - are worried about coronavirus (COVID-19). But anxiety about it doesn't have to get the upper hand. Here's how to calm fears and focus on good things.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Is it Safe to Send My Kids to Childcare?

Many parents are wondering if it's OK to send kids to childcare during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some things to know before making a choice.

Disciplining Your Child With Special Needs

Here's how to set boundaries and communicate your expectations in a nurturing, loving way.

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.

Teens Talk About Family (Video)

Hear what these teens love about family, and what frustrates them.

Becoming a Father

Pregnant women experience a variety of emotions and life changes. But most first-time dads have lots of feelings and concerns to deal with, too.

How to Find Affordable Health Care

Finding coverage for your kids may be difficult, but it's not impossible. Many kids are eligible for government or community programs, even if their parents work. Learn what resources are available to your family.

Camps for Kids With Special Needs

There are many camp choices for kids with special needs. From highly specialized camps to regular camps that accommodate kids with special needs, options abound.

Taking Your Child to a Therapist

Many children and teens have problems that affect how they feel, act, or learn. Going to therapy helps them cope better, feel better, and do better.

Raising Earth-Friendly Kids

Want to raise "green" kids? Here's how to get 'em excited about reducing, reusing, and recycling and the other basics of environmental responsibility.

Taking Care of Your Grandchildren

When you take care of your grandkids, you're probably excited to put your own parenting experience to good use. But there are a few childcare basics to brush up on.

Bonding With Grandparents

Building a close relationship between grandparents and grandkids benefits everyone. Learn how.

10 Tips for a Safe Halloween This Year

2020…the year of cancellations. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, can we have Halloween?

Teens Talk About Health (Video)

Hear from teens who are managing health problems, and find out how they take care of their health.

COVID-19: Enjoying Holidays, Celebrations, and Gatherings Safely

Events and holidays are different as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Here are some ways to enjoy them safely.

Leaving Your Child Home Alone

It's natural for parents to be a bit anxious when first leaving kids without supervision. But you can feel prepared and confident with some planning and a couple of trial runs.

Preparing Kids for Hurricanes

Hurricanes can be scary for grown-ups and kids alike. Here are some tips to help them — and you — be ready during hurricane season.

Kids & Teens Talk About Life (Video)

In this video series, kids & teens talk about their experiences with bullying, stress, family life, managing health problems, staying fit, eating right — and what it means to be in love.

Medical Issues in Adoption

Considering adoption? Here are some things to know about the health and medical care of an adopted child, before, during, and after the adoption.

Monitoring Your Child's Media Use

Some ways for parents to keep track of the media their kids watch, play, and use.

Natural Disasters: How Families Can Help

When natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes strike, it's natural for people to want to help. Here are some ways to do that.

Financial Planning for Kids With Special Needs

These 10 steps can help take the anxiety and worry out of your child's financial future and make sure that your child will be taken care of even after you're gone.

Internet Safety

The Internet is a wonderful resource, but access to it has its hazards for kids. Here's how to make sure your kids go online safely.

Nine Steps to More Effective Parenting

Parenting is incredibly challenging and rewarding. Here are nine child-rearing tips that can help.

Parenting a Child With ADHD

Parenting is as important as any other part of ADHD treatment. The way parents respond can make ADHD better (or worse). This article has parenting tips to help kids improve and do well.

Parenting Multiples

Parents of twins (or more!) can feel as if they've left the hospital and arrived home on a different planet. Here's how to cope.

Parenting a Teen With ADHD

Parenting is as important as any other part of ADHD treatment. The way parents respond can make ADHD better (or worse). This article has parenting tips to help teens improve and do well.

Support for Parents of Kids With Special Needs

You might have more on your plate than most parents, but it doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. Here's how to ask for help and avoid caregiver burnout.

Road Rules for Little Passengers

Use these tips to teach your kids how to stay safe when riding in a car or on a school bus.

Play & Learn Center

Play is the building block of childhood. It teaches kids about their world. Here, learn what activities inspire and motivate, and which toys are not only safer, but smarter, too.

The Magic of Play: How It Inspires & Aids Early Development

Learn why play is so important during the preschool years, and what you can do to foster your child's imagination.

Potty Training Your Child (Video)

Get tips and advice on helping your child make the switch from diapers to big-kid underwear — for good!

Connecting With Your Preteen

As your preteen becomes more independent, staying connected may seem like more of a challenge. But it's as important as ever – here are some tips.

Rainy Day Fun

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained and off the couch when the weather's bad? These quick-and-easy ideas will keep them happy and busy.

Finding Respite Care for Your Child With Special Needs

Finding that perfect person to care for your child can be a challenge. These resources can help.

Rules of the Road for Teen Drivers

When teens get their driver's license, parents should consider creating their own rules of the road beyond the relevant driving laws.

Road Trip Boredom Busters

Road trips can be fun and educational with just a little planning and preparation. Here are some ideas to get your family revved up for a trip long on smiles and short on frustration.

Screen Time Guidelines for Babies and Toddlers

Not sure how much screen time is appropriate for your baby or toddler? Get advice here.

Screen Time Guidelines for Big Kids

Not sure how much screen time is appropriate for your big kid? Get advice here.

Screen Time Guidelines for Preschoolers

Not sure how much screen time is appropriate for your preschooler? Get advice here.

Screen Time Guidelines for Teens

Not sure how much screen time is appropriate for your teen? Get advice here.

Birth of a Second Child

Expecting another child? Things will be a little different this time. Here's how to prepare for your new addition.

Caring for Siblings of Seriously Ill Children

By being aware of what healthy siblings are going through and taking a few steps to make things a little easier for them, parents can help kids cope.

Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling

The arrival of a new baby can cause lots of changes. But parents can prepare kids for an addition to the family.

Sibling Rivalry

As upsetting as it can be for a parent, conflict between siblings is very common. Here's how to help your kids get along.

Caring for Siblings of Kids With Special Needs

Kids love their siblings. Often, those who have a brother or sister with special needs want to help. Here's how to help them feel loved and secure about their place in the family.

Signing Kids Up for Sports

Organized sports can help kids grow in many ways. Consider your child's age, personality, and abilities to help make sports fun.

Smart Toys for Every Age

An age-wise guide on play and the toys that encourage learning, promote motor skill development, and spark imagination.

Teaching Kids to Be Smart About Social Media

Before kids or teens hit "enter," make sure they know the rules when it comes to oversharing, teasing, posting personal info, and other online don'ts.

Breath-Holding Spells

Kids who have these spells hold their breath until they pass out. Although upsetting to watch, the spells are not harmful and do not pose any serious, long-term health risks.

Competitive Sports: Helping Kids Play it Cool

Sometimes the pressure to succeed on the field or in the court can be overwhelming. Learn what you can do to help your child keeps things in perspective.

Becoming a Stepparent

Stepparenting can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Learn how to cultivate a healthy relationship with your stepkids.

Biting

There are ways to get to the bottom of your toddler's biting habit. These steps can help.

How Can I Teach Kids to Be Smart About Strangers?

Find out what the experts have to say.

Teaching Your Child How to Swallow Pills

Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.

Talking to Kids About Race and Racism

Race and the harmful effects of racism are common topics of conversation for some families. Other parents, though, might talk about racism and discrimination with their kids rarely, or not at all.To help put an end to racism, everyone has to take an active role, no matter who they are.

Giving Teens a Voice in Health Care Decisions

Involving teens in their health care can help prepare them for managing it on their own as adults.

Disciplining Your Toddler

Reeling in your active little one can be tough. But setting limits now helps prevent bigger problems down the road.

How Media Use Affects Your Child

Technology can be part of a healthy childhood, but it's important for parents to track their kids' screen time and set limits.

Healthy Habits for TV, Video Games, and the Internet

TV, interactive video games, and the Internet can be excellent sources of education and entertainment, but too much plugged-in time can have unhealthy side effects.

Community Service: A Family's Guide to Getting Involved

One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite as a family is volunteering for community service projects. It sets a good example for your kids and helps the community.