msnbc.com: Parenting

Gasp! Babies’ fat rolls being airbrushed away?

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:31:59 GMT

When it came to light on a British reality show that a UK magazine had airbrushed a baby’s photo to hide the creases on his chubby little arms, the world came unglued. On both sides of the Atlantic, the practice was decried as shocking. But is airbrushing ever OK?

Magazine - Reality television - Shopping - Children - UK

What’s in a baby name? Find out — for $1,678

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:32:11 GMT

Do you think Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes would have named their daughter Suri if they'd know that it means “pickpocket” in Japanese? A translation firm will check the meaning of prospective baby names in other languages for you — for just $1,678.

Katie Holmes - Tom Cruise - Relationship of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes - Home - Boston

Video: Hottest holiday toys

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:24:01 GMT

Nov. 27: TODAY has tips to help you avoid waiting in long lines for this season's hottest holiday toys. (Today Show)

Today - Toys and Games - Shopping - Business - Consumer Goods and Services

10 most dangerous toys of 2009

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:19:44 GMT

A foam rocket launcher, children's book and Batman and Wolverine action figures are among the most dangerous toys on store shelves, according to a consumer watchdog group.

Action figure - Batman - Wolverine - Shopping - Toys

Video: Instilling family values in your kids

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:57:54 GMT

Nov. 20: Teaching values to your children starts at home by being a solid example for them. Family therapist Dr. Jenn Berman has tips for putting family first and ways to instill good qualities in your kids. (Today Show)

Today - Family therapy - Family - Kids and Teens - Golf

Spare the rod? Struggling with spanking

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:45:14 GMT

Can spanking be effective? Or is it ultimately harmful?
Spanking - BDSM - Adult - Sexuality - Activities and Practices

Meredith Vieira: Resist mom pressure

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:26:41 GMT

TODAY’s Meredith Vieira explained how she handles mom peer pressure
Family - Parenting - Home - Mothers - Business

Video: Stay sane while traveling with kids

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:53:52 GMT

Nov. 19: TODAY’s Natalie Morales talks to travel journalist Valarie D’Elia about how to be prepared when traveling with kids. (Today Show)

Today - Kids and Teens - United States - School Time - Social Studies

Video: Nia Vardalos encourages adoption

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:43:53 GMT

Nov. 18: TODAY’s Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford talk to actress Nia Vardalos about her personal experiences with adoption and her role as the spokesperson for National Adoption Day. (Today Show)

Kathie Lee Gifford - Hoda Kotb - Today - Nia Vardalos - Family

The science of how families get, and stay, happy

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:15:12 GMT

Happy families practice common habits that help inoculate them against setbacks large and small. The good news for the rest of us? Copying those might make us happier, too.

Family - Home - Alternative - Good News - Child

Sponsored By:

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:15:12 GMT

Discuss: What are secrets to family happiness?

Disney’s first black princess: So what, kids say

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:40:19 GMT

Princess Tiana debuts in "The Princess and the Frog" nationwide on Dec. 11, and grown-ups have certainly been buzzing. But for many little black girls growing up with Malia and Sasha Obama in the White House, the historic nature of Tiana's debut in Disney's mostly white princess lineup doesn't quite seem to register.

Princess And The Frog - Princess Tiana - Walt Disney Company - Disney - White House

Video: Six crucial tips to help you be a better parent

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:42:13 GMT

Nov. 17: Author Frank Luntz and iVillage’s Michele Borba have tips, from eating family dinners to taking a family vacation, that can help parents keep their teens from behaving badly. (Today Show)

Frank Luntz - iVillage - Today - Home - Family

Video: Families go green to save big

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:11:25 GMT

Nov. 16: Two families cut their energy consumption by making simple home improvements. TODAY’s Ann Curry talks to the families about how the changes could save them money in the long run. (Today Show)

Ann Curry - Today - Money - Energy - Kids and Teens

It’s a boy? Disappointment plagues some moms

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:10:07 GMT

Good mothers are supposed to say they are happy with a boy or a girl, as long as the baby is healthy. But gender disappointment is a very real issue that affects many pregnant women.

Pregnancy - Family - Home - Mother - Parenting

Video: How safe is your kid’s football helmet?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:43:44 GMT

Nov. 13: TODAY correspondent Tiki Barber visits one high school where they’re using a new specialized helmet to minimize the risk of head injuries for teen football players. Dr. Joseph Congeni also shares some safety tips. (Today Show)

High school - American football - Football - sport - Tiki Barber

Pass the remote! It’s dinnertime in America

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:14:20 GMT

Between the blare of the TV, the ring of the phone and Junior texting his buddies under the table or from the couch, the modern dinner comes with a heaping helping of distracting bells and whistles.

Television - Remote control - Shopping - Consumer Electronics - Networks

Dad to baby: Happy 1st birthday, world traveler

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:09:25 GMT

Traveling with an infant is a bit like a troop movement. Detailed strategy, support crew, heavy machinery and contingency planning is vital.

Organizations - Scouting - Troops - Boy Scouts of America - Recreation

Japan drops child-snatching case against U.S. dad

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:37:08 GMT

A spokesman for a Tennessee father arrested in Japan when he took his children from his ex-wife says authorities are dropping the case.

Tennessee - United States - Japan - Asia - Society and Culture

Dad in Japan custody case: I’m dead to my kids

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 15:00:41 GMT

In his first interview since being released from a jail in Japan after an unsuccessful attempt to recover the two children his ex-wife had taken there, Christopher Savoie said: “Basically, I’m dead to my children.”

Celine Dion will keep trying to have a baby

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:26:22 GMT

The 41-year-old Dion's doctor announced that she was pregnant via in vitro fertilization very early in the process, and it is now revealed that the embryos transferred in August and October were unsuccessful.

Celine Dion - Pregnancy - In vitro fertilisation - Embryo - Reproductive Health

Have a wonderfully big family? Tell us about it!

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 19:23:01 GMT

Have a great photo of your family enjoying a large gathering – be it on vacation, for a special occasion or even just dinner? If you have pictures of your big family enjoying the power in numbers, send it to us!

Video: How to deal with kid-teacher troubles

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:54:37 GMT

Nov. 11: Parenting expert Michele Borba shares tips for parents on how to deal with kids who hate their teacher. (Today Show)

Today - Parenting - Home - Family - Magazines and E-zines

Video: New debate on circumcision decision

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:08:56 GMT

Nov. 10: While many parents struggle with the decision to circumcise their baby boy, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics are reviewing whether to endorse the practice. NBC’s Tom Costello reports. (Today Show)

Stroller company announces major safety recall

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 22:02:06 GMT

Maclaren is recalling about 1 million umbrella strollers due to the possiblity of injury to children's fingers.

How one mom learned to translate baby cries

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:15:42 GMT

Your infant is screaming and nothing you do seems to satisfy her. In her book, "Child Sense," child development expert Priscilla J. Dunstan shares how to decode your baby's crying. In this excerpt, she writes about how she learned the language.

Economy adds stress to clashes over parenting

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:29:48 GMT

Meals. Bedtime. Discipline. The reasons parents clash over the kids are endless, especially now that more unemployed dads are filling in for back-to-work moms as the bad economy grinds through a second year.

Video: How to raise a leader

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:52:57 GMT

Nov. 5: New findings suggest your parenting style is more important than genetics in determining who’s the boss. Psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz shares advice on teaching your kid leadership skills. (Today Show)

After having 15 abortions, motherhood saved her

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 23:02:29 GMT

In “Impossible Motherhood: Testimony of an Abortion Addict,” editor and literary agent Irene Vilar shares her controversial story of having had 15 abortions in 15 years. Here, she talks to TODAY Moms about why she had so many abortions and how motherhood eventually saved her.

Book excerpt: Testimony of an abortion addict

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 22:31:56 GMT

In her book “Impossible Motherhood: Testimony of an Abortion Addict,” editor and literary agent Irene Vilar shares her controversial story of having had 15 abortions in 15 years. In this excerpt, she writes about coming to terms with her addiction and shares what compelled her cycle of destructive behavior.

6-year-old girl’s notes to family live on after her

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:21:37 GMT

Elena Desserich lost her battle with cancer at age 6 — but not before hiding many messages of love to her parents and sister that are still being found, as chronicled in her parents’ book, “Notes Left Behind.” “You hope that it never ends,” Elena’s mother said.

Share your family travel sanity savers!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:11:17 GMT

Holiday travel with kids can be hectic, chaotic and exhausting. Do you have sure-fire sanity savers for making traveling with kids a breeze? Send us your tips and secrets.

Heart defects and kids: A father’s love and loss

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:25:40 GMT

Ed Ludwig honors his son Michael's memory by educating other families about congenital heart disorders.

How to protect kids from predators, kidnappers

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:33:49 GMT

In the wake of 7-year-old Somer Thompson's death, many parents are feeling more anxious than ever about how to keep their kids safe. Here, former FBI profiler Clint Van Zandt spells out how to teach children to avoid dangerous situations and escape a kidnapper.

Need help understanding your preschool kid?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:40:09 GMT

Is your infant crying and you can't figure out why? Is your toddler or preschooler fighting with you every morning over breakfast or what to wear? Tell us your issue and child-development expert Priscilla J. Dunstan could help.

Sponsored By:

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:40:09 GMT

Kids getting braces younger and younger

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:47:49 GMT

Braces used to be another miserable part of being a teenager, but now some kids start and finish orthodontic treatment long before adolescence. But is that too young?

Screams on a plane: How to quell tantrums

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:05:03 GMT

Small children and airplane flights: The mere mention of those two concepts in the same sentence is enough to make many parents — and many airline passengers — cringe. These tactics can help you steer small children away from meltdowns in confined public places.

Video: Obama: ‘Understand’ moms’ juggling act

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:58:01 GMT

Oct. 22: In an interview with NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, President Obama opens up about his own family life and his thoughts about the changing roles of men and women. (Today Show)

In an era of raunch, how to raise a gentleman

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:03:34 GMT

Boys will be boys, but will they grow up to be gentlemen? In today’s raunchy world of sexting, rainbow parties, Girls Gone Wild and Tila Tequila, how can parents stop their sons from turning into total cads? Therapist and father of two boys Ian Kerner offers advice.

Mom and dad make scary movies even scarier

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:44:46 GMT

Parents have been told not to let kids watch TV alone, but a study shows that can backfire: Researchers found that kids who watched TV with their folks got even more freaked out.

The 100 best places to raise kids

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:37:25 GMT

You and your kids call it home, but how does your city rank nationally? Children's Health magazine conducted a statistical analysis to rank 100 noteworthy American cities, considering factors like safety, education, economics and more.

Gallery: Your cute kids

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:55:15 GMT

Say cheese! TODAYshow.com readers share adorable shots of their children.

Many moms assume burden of child-care costs

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:54:43 GMT

Although women now constitute virtually half of the work force, many still see child-care expenses as coming out of their paycheck — not the household's overall budget.

The 20 worst kids’ foods in America

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:39:15 GMT

Restaurants are no more kind to our children's health and well-being than they are to our own. Here's a list to help your family make smarter choices today for a healthier tomorrow.

Is Suri Cruise too young to wear high heels?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:34:12 GMT

TODAY style editor Bobbie Thomas questions the celebrity tot's latest fashion stunt.

Video: More men doing the housework

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:45:04 GMT

Oct. 20: California first lady Maria Shriver and Ann O’Leary from the Center for American Progress look at how the traditional roles of the sexes have changed when it comes to housework. (Today Show)

Motherhood 2.0: It takes an (online) village

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:01:54 GMT

Women are not built to raise children alone, according to biological anthropologists. So in an age when moms are often isolated from family and friends, they turn to strangers online for help.

Video: How far do parents have to go to protect kids?

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:32:46 GMT

Oct. 16: A brutal attack this week in which a Florida teen was set on fire by his classmates has prompted a call to action to protect America’s children. Psychologist Dr. Susan Lipkins, an expert on conflict and violence at school, talks about what options parents have. (Today Show)

Video: Kids do the darndest things

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:07:47 GMT

Oct. 16: From “balloon boy” Falcon Heene to a boy who stole his parents’ car, kids can be unpredictable and mischievous. NBC’s Jeff Rossen has the story. (Today Show)

Do you snoop on your kids' online activities?

How to roll out with the right stroller

Duggar joy: Parents of 18 now grandparents of 1

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:49 GMT

The first Duggar grandchild arrived Thursday night with her proud grandmother, Michelle Duggar, helping daughter-in-law Anna Duggar with the birth. Mackynzie Renee Duggar checked in at an even 8 pounds and 19½ inches.

Triplets born at 33 weeks, on third anniversary

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 14:38:27 GMT

Talk about a triple play: On the third wedding anniversary of Amanda and Matt Faher, Sept. 30, she gave birth to identical triplets — at 33 weeks gestation. “They were a great anniversary gift,” said the proud dad — who, like his wife, is 30 years old.

New black Barbies spark hair-raising debate

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 20:29:45 GMT

Mattel has launched a new line of black Barbies with fuller lips, a wider nose and more pronounced cheekbones. Many girls and moms love them, but some are wondering: Why do all the new dolls have long hair?

Divorced fathers in Japan fight to see children

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 16:04:05 GMT

In Japan, the courts almost always grant sole custody of children to the mother. A small but growing number of divorced fathers are demanding a change in Japanese law to allow joint custody, and this fight has gained attention after an American was arrested for allegedly snatching his children from his Japanese ex-wife.

Parents of twins give birth to quintuplets

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 14:14:57 GMT

Bridgett Maskell, 34, and husband John Mistalski, 36, already the parents of 8-year-old twins, gave birth to quintuplets, a rare occurrence without in vitro fertilization. Born three months premature, the two boys and three girls are “all holding their own,” Maskell said.

Many babies born this century may live to 100

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 23:01:44 GMT

Most babies born in rich countries this century will eventually make it to their 100th birthday, new research says.

theGrio: New black Barbies break the mold

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 17:58:55 GMT

In the era of Obama and in the age of Oprah come three new potentially iconic Americans

She adopted a child — and then gave him up

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 14:37:07 GMT

Anita Tedaldi adopted a little boy, loved him, and raised him for 18 months before reaching a heartbreaking conclusion: They weren’t bonding, and another family could give him a better home. “I loved him and I cared deeply for him,” she said.

No texting @ dinner! Parenting digital kids

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 16:59:09 GMT

We all know teens love their gadgets — more for texting than talking. But the devices are posing some new challenges for parents. How can they teach their tech-savvy kids some electronic etiquette?

Candy-gobbling kids may turn violent as adults

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 20:49:31 GMT

Willy Wonka would be horrified. Children who eat too much candy may be more likely to be arrested for violent behavior as adults, new research suggests.

Kids of working moms less healthy, study says

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:04:59 GMT

Children whose mothers work are less likely to eat healthily or exercise as often as children with stay-at-home mums, according to a British study.

Parents lie to kids more often than they realize

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:47:29 GMT

Parents might say "honesty is the best policy," but when it comes to interacting with their own kids, mom and dad stretch the truth with the best of them, finds a new study.

9 in 10 teens short on fruits and veggies

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:02:21 GMT

Less than 10 percent of U.S. high school students are eating the combined recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables, a finding that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called "poor" in a report Tuesday.

Mom ordered to stop baby-sitting friends’ kids

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:19:13 GMT

Without pay, Lisa Snyder has been watching the children of friends until their school bus comes — but the Michigan Department of Human Services says she is running unlicensed day care. “I thought it was ridiculous,” Snyder said. “This is just a friend helping a friend.”

10 things your child’s teacher won’t tell you

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:26:32 GMT

Reader's Digest interviewed educators across the country to get the scoop on what your child's teacher isn't telling you. These insider secrets will go a long way toward helping you and your child survive the school year.

Family mental history shadows future children

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:02:11 GMT

Mental health professionals have long known that certain mental illnesses can run within families — and that history weighs heavily on some people who are struggling to decide whether to have children and risk passing it on.

Woman with wrong embryo gives birth

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:16:57 GMT

A woman who had the wrong embryo implanted by a fertility clinic has given birth to a boy, her family said Friday.

Can celeb chefs save kids from veggie aversion?

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:44:38 GMT

Having spent too many meals watching my son skirt around the veggies on his plate — or during more pouty dinners simply shove them off — I wanted to see if the celebrity chefs from the Food Network could persuade him to embrace produce beyond fruit.

Children who are spanked have lower IQs

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:22:25 GMT

Children who were spanked scored between nearly 3 and 5 points lower in intelligence tests than kids who weren't spanked, a study of 1,500 youngsters showed. Researchers said they adjusted for other family factors that might influence IQ.

The birds and bees: Talking sex with your child

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:37:56 GMT

Nervous about having "the talk" with your kids? Prepare for your lesson in sex ed with the right tools: clear information, good timing and a sense of humor. Therapist Dr. Laura Berman offers advice in her new book, "Talking to Your Kids About Sex." An excerpt.

Sponsored By:

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:37:56 GMT

Help! I found condoms under my son’s bed

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:01:15 GMT

Dr. Laura Berman, who has written a guide for how parents can have healthy dialogue with their kids about sex, answers readers' questions about how to handle some uncomfortable parenting dilemmas.

Tibetan nannies: Parents’ new status symbol?

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:00:15 GMT

In some families, the ethnic background of a nanny carries a certain cachet — and entrenched stereotypes.

Forget calls — now it’s ‘cn u pik me ^aftr skool?’

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:22:07 GMT

Texting isn't always bad. In some families, it's become a primary form of communication between parents and children.

Woman implanted with wrong embryo to give birth

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:42:41 GMT

Carolyn Savage, 40, decided to carry a baby to term that is not hers after learning a fertility clinic mistakenly transferred another couple’s embryos during an IVF procedure. Due to give birth in the next two weeks, the Ohio mother of three wants a chance to say “hello, and goodbye” before giving the child over to his biological parents.

Steep risk: Parents on slide can snap tot’s leg

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:28:14 GMT

Kids who ride down slides on a parent's lap have a higher risk of a broken leg than those who ride solo, a new study says. The added weight of an adult makes it hard to stop if a child's foot gets wedged against the side of the slide, resulting in a fracture.

NYT: Why can’t she walk to school?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:57:50 GMT

Thirty years after Julie Patz finally allowed her 6-year-old son, Etan, to walk by himself two blocks to the school-bus stop and never saw him again, parents and administrators have created dense rituals around what used to be a mere afterthought of childhood.

Chasing kids not the workout it seems

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:32:19 GMT

Busy moms who chase after young children may feel like they are run ragged by the end of the day, but they may not have engaged in as much physical activity as they think.

Slide show: Slideshow: Sleeping beauties

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:34:05 GMT

Sweet dreams are made of this: Photographer Tracy Raver captures the calm contentment of napping newborns in these adorable portraits. Click through to see her work.

Harry Pitts? The worst baby names of all time

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 18:41:32 GMT

Think Sparrow James Midnight Madden sounds strange? Nicole Richie and Joel Madden aren't the only ones to opt for a kooky baby name. Discover the strangest names, from those based on diseases (Cholera Peace), food (Bread White) and more.

Coping with empty nest when the kids clear out

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:22:36 GMT

What can parents do when children leave home? The house is suddenly quiet, the vibrancy of children gone. The days seem empty without soccer games, school plays and bake sales. The job you've been doing every day for 18 years is over. Here's how to cope.

Teach teens life skills: Laundry, budgeting

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 17:12:44 GMT

When your kids become teenagers, opportunities for teaching them start to run out. But what about money management, doing the laundry and parallel parking — to name a few things kids ought to know by the time they're 18?

Parents: Why forbidding foods can backfire

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 13:20:38 GMT

Driven by childhood obesity worries or other food anxieties, more parents are turning into food cops, monitoring every morsel their children eat. But forbidding foods can backfire.

Gallery: Your unique family portraits

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 17:05:32 GMT

Forget Sears portraits! TODAYshow.com readers share interesting and fun shots of their children.

‘Have you done drugs?’ How to answer your kid

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 14:14:55 GMT

Talking to your children about substance abuse can be difficult, especially when they turn the conversation around on you. In his book "How to Raise a Drug-free Kid," Joseph A. Califano offers tips on how to have a productive discussion about drugs. An excerpt.

College kids’ parents grapple with letting go

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 14:30:25 GMT

Each year, 1.8 million incoming freshmen head off to college. Many, like Alexa Sieracki of Elkhart, Ind., are energized by the new start. But for their parents, it can be a time of loss and sadness.

Why being a ‘Good Girl’ can be bad

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 14:31:07 GMT

Polite, selfless and modest — this is how a '"good girl" is taught to behave. But, in her book "The Curse of the Good Girl," author Rachel Simmons writes that this paradigm actually diminishes girls' power and potential to succeed. An excerpt.

5 tips for raising confident, assertive girls

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 14:37:01 GMT

In her book "The Curse of the Good Girl," author and educator Rachel Simmons writes that girls are taught by society not to share their voices and opinions. Here, she offers tips for how parents can counter those messages to raise girls who are able to reach their potential.

Games and gizmos for a smarter school year

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:34:02 GMT

Not all electronic games turn kids into couch potatoes. From literacy games to tween-friendly netbooks, here is the latest high-tech gear worth buying to get your child ahead this fall.

15 ways to cure the homework headache

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:50:16 GMT

If homework time regularly ends in a tearful screaming match, try these tips from Dr. Michele Borba to help your child get organized and keep the peace at home.

What is the fate of leftover frozen embryos?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:52:55 GMT

Experts estimate that hundreds of thousands of embryos have accumulated in fertility clinics throughout the country, some awaiting transfer but many literally frozen in time. But what options are there for where they will end up? Parenting.com shares stories of the tough decisions that face some parents.

Are you enriching or overscheduling your child?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:38:54 GMT

Most parents want the best for their kids, but many fall into the trap of putting them into too many extracurricular activities. Dr. Janet Taylor shares tips on how to know when your child is taking on too much.

Sponsored By:

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:38:54 GMT

Kids got the ‘gimmies’? Allowances can help

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:47:21 GMT

There's a children's book about the Berenstain Bears having a case of the "gimmies." They want what they want and they want it now. If you're a parent, does this ring a bell? These clear guidelines about how to handle money and allowances with children can help.

Kid swap: Parents join sitter co-ops to save

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:32:23 GMT

As parents face reduced work hours, lower wages, layoffs and uncertainties stemming from the recession, a growing number of families are turning to baby-sitting swaps to reduce what they pay local teenagers and college students to look after their children.

Tutoring tots? Kids prep for kindergarten

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:00:19 GMT

Today, some parents have begun signing up their 5-year-olds for summer classes or even tutoring to boost their "kindergarten readiness."

Stress of war takes mental toll on military kids

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:00:29 GMT

The war on terrorism is taking a toll on the children of service members, who are 2 ½ times more likely to develop psychological problems than American children in general.

Coping with postpartum depression — for dads

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:23:29 GMT

While men might not experience the hormonal changes that give rise to PPD, they do experience substantial life changes that can trigger depression. Sex therapist (and father of two) Ian Kerner writes candidly about how he turned to drinking to ward off his baby blues.

13 fun, affordable gifts for college students

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 19:22:32 GMT

Need an entertaining but useful present for your studious loved one? From gadgets to dorm decor, check out these thoughtful gifts guaranteed to please those headed back to school.

‘Bumpaholics’ crave the belly-rubbing high

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:38:41 GMT

Thanks to the influx of feel-good hormones and fawning from friends, family and perfect strangers, having a baby can make you feel like a superstar. The problem? For some women, wanting to recapture that adoration pushes them to procreate again ... and again.

Picking teachers: Should parents weigh in?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:22:51 GMT

After doing some research, including sitting in on classrooms, Valerie Gilbert thought she knew which third-grade teacher would be perfect for her son, Stanley. The school, however, placed him in a different class. But to her surprise and delight, her son excelled.

Sponsored By:

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:22:51 GMT

Controversial new doll mimics breast-feeding

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 15:40:16 GMT

The Spanish manufacturers of Bebe Gloton — “Baby Glutton” in English — say the doll, which simulates suckling, is meant to encourage nurturing in young girls and to promote breast-feeding. But others are wondering if it’s too much too soon.

Kids want cell phones? Here’s how to proceed

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 21:30:50 GMT

Whether you’re considering a first cell phone for your tween or teen or trying to limit various functions on your child’s existing phone, it’s important to understand the controls and technologies available today. Dr. Ruth Peters provides a step-by-step tech guide for parents.

A is for alphabet books that teach and entertain

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 23:35:52 GMT

Alphabet books aren't just for preschoolers anymore. They've exploded into mini-encyclopedias stuffed with real lessons on a broad range of subjects to attract bigger kids, too.

‘My husband won’t let the kids help with dinner’

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 17:41:22 GMT

What should you do if your spouse repeatedly interferes with your children’s assigned chores? How do you ensure a united front? Dr. Gail Saltz offers advice for one frustrated mom attempting to enforce a shared-housework policy.

Kids today on tighter leash, but wilder at home

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 15:54:42 GMT

Parents today give their children more freedom at home but keep them on a tighter leash in public, a new study finds. This is the reverse of what was considered good parenting in the early half of the last century, the researcher showed.

No sleepovers! Many parents ban tween ritual

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 22:25:34 GMT

Forget the sleepover rituals of junk food, "truth or dare" and late night gab sessions that have ushered tweens into teens for decades. A new generation of parents are sticking to strict no sleepover rules.

Images: Celebrity bodies after baby

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:10:44 GMT

How long did it take Angelina to slip back into a Versace dress? What was J.Lo's secret to losing 50 pounds after having twins? See how star moms got back into shape — and fast! — after welcoming their bundles of joy.

Moms reveal why they gave up their children

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:58:06 GMT

Despite social stigma, more moms are giving up custody to the father of their children in divorces. “Fathers can be amazing primary caregivers, and we shouldn’t sell men short,” said Rebekah Spicuglia, who relinquished custody of her son to his father.

Top 10 ‘bad boy’ baby names

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:13:32 GMT

A new study shows that if parents play it safe when choosing baby names, they may be doing their offspring a favor: Giving a newborn males odd, girly or strange first names may just help land them in jail. The top “bad boy” name, according to the study: Alec.

Video: Keeping your teen safe from ‘sexting’

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:17:29 GMT

July 16: Nearly half of all teenagers surveyed have admitted to sending sexually explicit photos or messages over their cell phone. TODAY contributor Dr. Ruth Peters talks about ways to try to keep your teen from engaging in this risky behavior. (Today Show)

Teens who move a lot have twice suicide risk

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:35:26 GMT

Kids aged 11 to 17 were twice as likely to attempt suicide if their families moved three or more times compared to those who had never moved, a new study says.

Devoted dads can reduce risky teen sex

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 12:10:00 GMT

Teens with fathers who are more involved in their lives are less likely to engage in risky sexual activities, such as unprotected sex, according to a new study.

Triplet gives birth to her own set of 3 babies

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 15:51:28 GMT

A Michigan woman who's one-third of a set of triplets is celebrating the birth of her own three babies.

Seeing double: Texas school has 19 sets of twins

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 13:19:25 GMT

Teachers are seeing double in Garland, Texas, these days: There are 19 sets of twins at Armstrong Elementary School, including nine sets in the second grade alone. They’re part of a national trend: a baby boom of twin births over the past few years.

Obese and pregnant? Watch your weight

Thu, 28 May 2009 23:30:14 GMT

Eating for two? New guidelines are setting how much weight women should gain during pregnancy — surprisingly little if they’re already overweight.

Recession survival guide for stressed moms

Tue, 26 May 2009 14:17:09 GMT

Smart and simple coping strategies that include how to reduce costs, minimize stress and maintain healthy family relationships.