Researchers with NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that some 1-year-olds have up to 20 times more microplastics in their bodies than adults. The focus is not as much on the microplastics themselves, but on the potentially toxic additives that coat the plastic. These additives can contribute to developmental problems in children. While more research is needed to understand all of the ways that microplastics affect humans, experts say children having such a large amount in their bodies is a cause for concern....

Tummy Time Tummy time is a way for your child to build muscles in her upper body. As she learns to push up on her arms, she’ll gain arm strength. Your baby will also gain strength in her neck muscles, which are used to help your baby lift and turn her head. These are important skills for every baby to learn. In addition to fundamental development time, tummy time can be playtime—a chance to look around and explore....

The wonderful thing about raising a son is that it allows you both to share the best parts of your own childhood and, perhaps, to give your son the things you never had. Work, Money, and Values Children are always making decisions. They watch what happens around them, and then decide what they must do to find belonging and connection. Children do not automatically mimic the behavior and values of their parents; they are thinking, feeling people who must decide for themselves what works in life....

There are many things you should consider before you decide whether or not to enroll your teen in martial arts classes. Learn about the benefits and risks and how to determine which type of program is best for your child. Forms of Martial Arts When choosing a class, make sure you and your teen have a basic understanding of that particular style of martial art. There are many different types, each with its own unique history, focus, and style....

With summer just around the corner, chances are you will be spending more and more time outdoors and looking for ways to keep the kids entertained. Or perhaps you live somewhere where it’s warm all year and you’re looking to change up your child’s play routine. Vidya Sundaram, co-founder and CEO at Family Engagement Lab, a program geared towards helping families learn strategies to support learning, states “As a mom, I know that when my kids (4 and 7) are able to get outside to explore, exercise, and get messy, it helps them self-regulate when they’re inside....

Directions Have your child lie down on the paper in any shapes she wants. Trace around the body with a felt marker. Have your child take over and draw her own features and clothes on the outline. It can be what she is actually wearing, or what she would like to be dressed in a Halloween costume, for instance. The outline can be cut out or left on the large sheet and then hung up....

In most cases, the benefits of breastfeeding a baby outweigh the typically minimal risks of taking most medications, but women should still consult their physician to weigh the risks and benefits before taking any over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Physicians and nursing moms should refer to a searchable database called LactMed for the most current and comprehensive information available on the safety of specific drugs. For example, a search for “Advil” will show the most recent studies and information on the drug amounts passed through breast milk, any known effects on breastfed infants’ health and development (including short-term side effects), and any alternative drugs a mom should consider....

Pregnancy Expenses During pregnancy you will want some extra money for a variety of needs. Childbirth classes are one expense, and class fees vary widely depending on the class and its location. The fees for your doula may be covered by your insurance, but if not, you’ll have that cost to consider. In addition to paying the medical professionals for their services, you’ll also have to buy a few basics during pregnancy....

Helping our kids expand their emotional vocabulary helps them do better at school. It also helps them better understand the subtlety of emotions and how words like “happy” and “elated” or “indifferent” and “disinterested” differ. By teaching our children the feeling words appropriate to their age—and encouraging them to use them—we support their emotional growth now into their teen and adult years. Challenges for Parents and Caregivers An emotional vocabulary is one in which language accurately describes how you are feeling....

Cars are expensive. Even if you’re not looking for anything fancy, you’ll pay a lot of money for a new car. If you’re going to buy a car, there are several ways to do it. You can walk into the dealership, plunk down $26,435 on the counter, and drive off in your brand spankin’ new Explorer. Yeah, right. Or, if you’re like most people, you can finance your car....

While you might be tempted to turn to the same pain relief that you used before pregnancy, there are more things to consider now than before, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Because it’s possible to transfer your medications to your breastmilk, it’s important to be careful with what you’re putting into your body. Midol, a popular pain reliever that people take to alleviate period discomfort from cramps and bloating, might be top of mind when those aches return post-baby....

If you or your child is interested in continuing to homeschool at the college level or in transitioning from homeschooling to a traditional university experience, it’s important to understand all of the educational paths available to you. Do You Need a High School Diploma to Go to College? One of the first questions homeschool families of teens ask is whether a high school degree or diploma is necessary to get into college....

“Green tea is perfectly safe during pregnancy,” says Yaffi Lvova, RDN, owner of Baby Bloom Nutrition. “Hydration during pregnancy is essential and green tea can contribute to overall hydration, as long as you are staying within the caffeine guidelines for pregnancy.” Here, everything you need to know to continue to sip your favorite brew while your baby grows. Drinking Green Tea During Pregnancy Generally speaking, green tea gets the green light to drink during pregnancy....

While eating fish has many benefits for you and your unborn baby, some kinds of fish need to be eaten in limited amounts or even avoided completely. This includes fish that are high in mercury, like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, bigeye tuna, and more. (Curious about mercury levels? Check the Food and Drug Administration’s handy table.) Fortunately, tilapia doesn’t fall on that list. “Tilapia is low in methyl mercury [and it] is a great choice nutritionally during pregnancy because it is mild in flavor, high in protein, and contains vitamins and minerals such as B12, niacin, selenium, magnesium, and phosphorous,” says Bailey Oschman, RD, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in pre and postnatal exercise and nutrition and the co-owner of Fit Mama In 30....