Rule number one: There are no rules! Kids’ minds work in different ways, and their notes should reflect those differences. You can help your child become an independent learner – and a great note taker – by encouraging her to think about how she thinks. Then she can figure out the note-taking methods and tricks that will work best for her. Set her on the right course with these four guiding principles: Principle 1: Your Language and Attitude Matters The language you use to talk about taking notes with your child really matters....

Storybook How would you like to hear the hole story? All you need for this activity are the stories—your child can provide the holes. With your child, read aloud a page or two from a storybook. Then call out a part of speech—say, nouns—and ask your child to read the text again, this time without the selected words. You might want to demonstrate by reading a line or two yourself first....

Everyday Items to Make Into Toys for Kids Tunnels and other obstacles, or construction materials: Cardboard boxes, sheets of cardboard, or sofa cushions Hand weights: Fill plastic bottles or milk jugs with colored beads, dried beans, or even water to add weight. Vary levels and contents for desired heaviness, then work those triceps and biceps. Coach kids carefully so they’re less likely to drop a weight on their toes. Or have them lift arms while seated....

This game is best played with five or more players. Materials Potato Directions

This behavior might drive their spouse crazy. Their spouse might view their home very differently, seeing it as the one place where things are in order, away from the chaos of the outside world. They like to invite people over spontaneously and want the house to always look nice. They are always going around cleaning up after the other person and really resenting it. They spend twice as much time on housework as the other person and always feel their spouse is not doing his or her fair share....

In 1994, the Search Institute in Minneapolis released the results of “Growing Up Adopted,” a four-year study of 881 adopted adolescents, 1,262 adoptive parents, and 78 nonadopted siblings. The study found that the majority of the adopted teens were strongly attached to their families and psychologically healthy. (If they’re doing well in adolescence—a tough time for most of us—imagine what they might achieve as adults!) In fact, the adopted teens in the study scored better than their nonadopted siblings or a sample of their peers in …...

It is normal to experience mood changes during this period, but more persistent and severe symptoms may indicate postpartum depression. Learn when PPD might begin and how long it might last. When Does Postpartum Depression Start? The onset of postpartum depression is typically seen in parents when their child is between the newborn stage and 6 months of age. The experience, however, is not limited to the first six months after birth....

You can usually use this type of pregnancy test from a few days before your period is due to a few weeks or months into pregnancy. The body continues to produce hCG the entire pregnancy. This is why it can be done even later in pregnancy with good results. How Much Does a Home Pregnancy Test Cost? You can purchase various brands of home pregnancy tests from drugstores, supermarkets, big-box stores, and even dollar stores....

Few topics consume a parent’s attention more than toddler sleep. If you ask around, you’re likely to get wildly divergent answers, especially if you compare notes with other parents. It can be disheartening to hear about the sleep champs who happily tuck in 14-plus hours of combined napping and nighttime slumber, especially if your child is a less robust or cooperative sleeper. However, take heart that many parents struggle to get their little one enough sleep—and some kids may just be wired for less sleep or less solid sleep....

Before you upload that next adorable pic of your child and wait for the likes to come in, take a look at how social media has changed the way we parent—and what you can do to make social media a more positive experience for you and your family. We Pause “Joshie ate broccoli for the first time!” “Morgan fell into the clothes hamper head first.” Social media has created a pause in our brains....

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently released safety tips for holiday shoppers, in light of potential shortages. The CPSC and experts can help parents understand what to look for with toy purchases to keep their children safe. Toy Safety According to the CPSC, last year, children ages 14 and under experienced almost 150,000 toy-related, ER-treated injuries. The main cause of injury and death was choking on small toy parts....

Why Check Your Cervix There are many different reasons why you might want to check your cervix and monitor how its position changes. Ovulation If you’re trying to get pregnant, checking your cervical position can provide key information to help identify your fertile window (or the ideal time to have sex for the best chance to conceive). Your cervix goes through subtle changes throughout your menstrual cycle. Early Pregnancy Your cervix also changes during early pregnancy due to hormonal shifts and increased blood flow to the area....

As a stay-at-home mom, it’s easy to feel guilty about dropping off your child to have someone else take care of her when you could be doing it yourself. However, Mom’s Day Out can be a good thing for both of you. How to Pick a Mother’s Day Out Program When considering a Mother’s Day Out program, here are five ways to make your decision easier. Take Your Time If you’re struggling with the decision, now’s a good time to take a step back....

“A second trimester loss can be devastating,” states Margaret Howard, PhD, professor of psychiatry and human behavior and medicine, and clinician educator at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. “What we mostly see is bereavement, which is a normal response to such a loss, and [is] characterized by intense longing, sadness, waves of sorrow, and feelings of emptiness." It’s important to allow yourself time to grieve after a second trimester miscarriage, and to find ways to process your emotional pain....

A successful nighttime routine can make all the difference in keeping school mornings smooth and stress-free. We’ve turned to the experts to share their knowledge on how and why you need a predictable nighttime routine to ensure an efficient morning the next day. Keep reading to see how a nutritious dinner, a bedtime checklist, and a consistent routine can set your family up for success. Set a Good Foundation With a Healthy Diet Make sure your child has proper nutrition and a full belly, which will help them sleep longer and more deeply....

Whether or not you’re familiar with the nagging itchiness that can occur before or after childbirth, it’s worth knowing that it’s a possibility. And, most importantly, that it’s completely normal. One particularly common place for it to manifest is as a postpartum itchy scalp. Your body is transformed during pregnancy—and indeed performs a miracle by creating a living, breathing little human. This undeniably precious infant can shower you and your family with immense joy....

Causes of Potty Training Regression Sometimes, regression is simply due to distraction, or an unwillingness to give up a toy or activity. Your child might be waiting until the last minute to go and doesn’t make it to the bathroom in time. Many children don’t want to take a break from playing to go to the bathroom. Stress and Other Emotional Setbacks Stress is a common cause of regressions in potty training....

If your wall is scarred by pipes, do some drywall replacement before installing a pedestal sink. Use this opportunity to fasten a nailer behind the wall to support the sink, as I’ll explain shortly. Step 1: Getting Started Like all sinks, this one requires hot and cold water supplies, and a drain connection. Kevin, a plumber with Lorentz Plumbing, Madison, Wisconsin, shares a handy trick for installing pedestal—and other—sinks: Make as many connections as possible with the sink on the floor....

General Winter Health Tips for All Children Some germs will undoubtedly make their way into your home. It may be unavoidable. When it comes to winter health, there are some things you and your children can do to try your best to leave those germs behind and lessen the risk of getting sick. Encourage kids to avoid people who are obviously sick. Get a yearly flu shot. Stay updated with the latest COVID-19 boosters....