During the holidays, many parents get their children to behave by saying "you better be good or Santa won't bring you toys!" Since it usually works, it's tempting to use this trick. More >>

I just heard the call from the girl who was tired of being picked on because she was short. I am not too short (5'4), but my husband and my kids are. My kids have never been picked on (at least not for long,) because early on, they knew all of the advantages that come with being short. For instance: More >>

Sharing the fabulous flavors of the Holidays with your new baby is an experience that you'll cherish. Socializing is part of the fun too, so reserve a seat (high chair) at or near the dining room table for baby to join in the celebration.  More >>

A few Teen Commandments about what we should provide for our kids: "Take me shopping." "Thou shall give me what I want." "Thou shalt spoil me rotten." "Thou shalt leave everything to your kids when you die." "Thou shalt shower thy youth in riches." These are the same teens who wisely ask parents to set rules and enforce them, provide discipline, hold them accountable, and be role models. However, when these same kids start thinking about money, different things come out of their mouths. Suddenly they sound like shallow, petulant brats. More >>

To tempt or not to tempt....that is the question.  Whether 'tis nobler to seduce already or ready-to-be overweight children with pop toys to get them to eat more fat and salt than a horse would tolerate OR find a way to combine good business sense and family-friendly nutrition? Apparently, McDonald's would rather just seduce your kids - it makes good profits. Well, that could no longer be the case in San Francisco. More >>

Sometimes when I come home from work there are dishes in the sink, toys on the floor and abandoned pillow forts in the living room. I usually walk into the dining room to my daughter's paintings drying on the counter and evidence of my son's Tupperware rampage throughout the kitchen. If I start to feel frustrated all I have to do is listen for the giggles and squeals of delight that fill the house. More >>

Dr Laura, the kids from SAHM homes, benefit in ways not discussed very much. Living on one income means sacrifices for everyone. We lived in a modest home and only had one car. More >>

The National Safety Council has put together some holiday tips to keep children safety this Halloween... More >>

Don't waste pumpkin seeds after cooking or making jack-o-lanterns. It is easy to roast the seeds for a delicious and nutritious snack. The hulls are a great source of fiber with the seeds containing a high amount of phosphorus. Let the kids slosh through the slippery seeds and pick out the fibers... More >>

I'm getting more and more scared for our country and our society.  The attitudes and behaviors which were once marginalized are now becoming mainstream, tearing apart the fabric of families and the well-being of individuals. You may remember my comments about Jennifer Aniston's movie "The Switch," which focused on parenthood via donor insemination.  Well, she had a bit of a tussle with Bill O'Reilly, who said in August that Aniston's comments on women's ability to become mothers without men were "destructive to our society." More >>