Many newly single dads struggle to know where to start. What should be first on your list, and how do you even begin to get your arms around the rest? As adults, we have at least learned some coping mechanisms in our lives to deal with change. Often, our children are totally unprepared for having a single dad as their primary caregiver. So as you help your children adjust, consider these suggestions....

Music player and cassette, or CD, or radio Aerobic dance is an enjoyable and energetic way to get fit.

Materials Each child brings a prize, wrapped up (used or new), which is then put in a big bag upon arrival. Big container of lemonade or water

Child experts hotly disagree on whether allowances should be conditioned on performing chores. Each side believes strongly in its position. On the one hand, requiring work for pay prevents a child from believing in entitlement. There’s value in doing work and being rewarded for it, and it’s good training for getting a job. On the other hand, others believe that chores should be required just because a child is part of the family....

Types of Quadruplets Quadruplets can be fraternal (multizygotic), identical (monozygotic), or a combination of both. Multizygotic quadruplets occur from four unique egg/sperm combinations. Monozygotic multiples are the result of a fertilized egg that splits into two or more embryos. It is possible for a split to occur more than once, producing monozygotic triplets or even a rare set of monozygotic quadruplets. According to research from an organization supporting mothers of super twins (Raising Multiples: a MOST Community), more than half of the families registered with their organizations are a combination of monozygotic and multizygotic individuals....

Consequently, I think it is worthwhile to stop and take a look at how arguments arise. The model I like is described by Andrew Christensen, Ph.D., and Neil J. Jacobson, Ph.D., authors of Reconcilable Differences (Guildford Press, 2000). Although this model was designed to explain conflicts in love relationships it easily makes the transition into mother-daughter conflicts as well. Christensen and Jacobson’s anatomy of an argument involves three stages. A modified presentation of their anatomy is provided in the illustration....

Art Masters Another good resource to help kids appreciate art is Artext. This unique program features up to one hundred 3x5 or 8x10 glossy prints of famous artwork. The accompanying book, Learning More About Pictures, explains a bit about each painting and artist. Supplying schools andhomeschool families since 1921, Art History is an excellent introductory program for all ages. Auditory learners will enjoy Lives of the Artists:Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull....

Although Asperger children differ from others by their worldview and many other ways we’ve already discussed, the primary issue to be determined is his individual coping strategy. Each child has developed a very specific way to deal with problem situations, and his particular strategy determines the subtype to which he belongs.

The truth is, play dates are not detrimental to toddlers, but nor are they indispensable. All a play date is—or at least should be—is fun. And not just for the kids; play dates can be fun for parents and caregivers too. Whether you’re hosting or attending, do your part to ensure a successful toddler play date. How Toddlers Play Until they are around 3 years old, most children spend their play time in parallel play: They play alongside one another, with little interaction....

Overview You might assume that men with azoospermia can’t have genetic children, but this isn’t necessarily so. With the help of assisted reproductive technology, and sometimes with the help of surgery, some men with azoospermia can have genetic offspring. This is not, however, always possible. In these situations, using a sperm donor, embryo donor, or pursuing adoption or a childfree life are alternatives. Sperm Production To understand azoospermia, having at least a basic understanding of how sperm are produced and get into the ejaculate can help....

Until your baby can sit up on his own (and even long after), you need to hold the slippery devil tightly-or at least keep one hand on him to provide support and safety. In addition, you need to lean over and wash your baby with your other hand, without once relaxing your grip. If you’re kneeling by the side of a conventional tub and leaning over the edge, you can strain your back....

It’s unusual for people with blocked fallopian tubes to experience any symptoms. Many with this condition assume that if they are having regular periods that their fertility is fine. This isn’t always true. Each month, when ovulation occurs, an egg is released from one of the ovaries. The egg travels from the ovary, through the tubes, and into the uterus. The sperm also need to swim from the cervix, through the uterus, and through the fallopian tubes to get to the egg....

The Sweet and Sour Animal Book Twenty six poems by Langston Hughes give children lessons on the alphabet and the animal kingdom. Ages 4-8, 48 pages. Bill Pickett: Rodeo-Ridin’ Cowboy A true story about the most famous black rodeo performer. Ages 4-8, no page count listed. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman Athlete Wilma Rudolph overcomes polio to win three gold medals at the Olympics. Ages 9-12, 40 pages....

Growing Freely The following flora names are as classic and popular as a bunch of red roses on Valentine’s Day! Alyssa: Alyssum is a bright yellow flower. This name’s current popularity probably has nothing to do with its relationship to the flower. Calla: As in the lily. This is a pretty name that gets used with some frequency. Cicely: Here’s something you may not have known – cicely is a plant from the parsley family!...

In Old English, Brandon was originally a place-name meaning “gorse-hill.” There are at least four different towns and villages in England called Brandon. The place-name was used first as a surname, and later as a given name. The Old Irish form of the name, Bréanainn, probably derives from the Old Welsh word “breenhin”, meaning “prince” or “chieftain.” How Popular Is the Name Brandon? The name Brandon has been a popular name in America for half a century....

However, if you can’t wait to wean your preschooler from her beloved pacifier: Give your child one last pacifier and let her know that when this one gets lost or worn out, you won’t replace it. This will give her time to get used to the idea—and to guard that pacifier with her life. Lose it. Accidentally leave the pacifier behind somewhere and put off getting a new one. Your preschooler may find that she doesn’t really need it anymore....