Here’s a look at several benefits to getting away by yourself or with your partner, how to get the most out of your child-free vacation, and how to strategize ahead of time so things go smoothly at home while you’re gone. Why Vacation Without Kids? Not sure if an adults-only trip is worth the effort? Consider the following reasons for getting time away. Personal Refreshment Leaving your kids for a few days may initially make you feel some pangs of guilt or selfishness....

Tips for Helping Your Daughter Track Her Period With a Calendar First, buy your daughter a small monthly calendar, one that’s tiny enough to carry in her backpack or fit into a small side table drawer. Instruct her to use the calendar just for the purpose of figuring out her monthly cycle. Her commitments, tests, sleepover parties, and other events can go on the family calendar or another calendar she keeps for herself....

Parents will want to consult with school administrators and ideally their child’s prospective kindergarten teacher to determine whether the child has the social skills needed. It’s good to know how children are expected to behave both at the beginning and completion of the academic year. This doesn’t mean every child has to be a perfect angel the entire time they’re in kindergarten, but that he or she should have some basic skills before making the transition....

As a result, some teens struggle when they’re faced with decisions like: Should I get a job? What should I say to a friend who offers me a cigarette? Should I ask someone out on a date? Is it OK to become sexually active? Provide Guidance The key to helping your teen make the best decisions involves providing plenty of guidance, without overdoing it. Be willing to give input when necessary, but don’t be afraid to step back and let your teen make mistakes....

Stomach Pain in Early Pregnancy Abdominal pains is a frequent symptom in early pregnancy and usually not a cause for concern. However, if your pain is severe or persists, you should contact your healthcare provider. For instance, it could be the result of digestive issues or a sign that you need to change positions or use the restroom. Most commonly, you may experience nausea during early pregnancy (morning sickness), which is normal and usually nothing to be concerned about....

Why Are Children Stressed Today? Think about all the stressors that can cause anxiety in a typical adult’s day: Noise (electronic stimulation from TVs, computers, cell phones, and other constant information-emitting devices); traffic; juggling work responsibilities, multiple activities, and family plans. We are a busy, 24-7 society. For kids, school and after-school activities, the pressure to succeed (whether it comes from outside or from within themselves), family changes or conflicts, and a host of other factors that can lead to anxiety and you have the perfect recipe for child stress....

Still, given that the odds of getting pregnant in any particular month are only about 30% to 40% , even when you have sex during your fertile days, it’s not necessarily a sign that anything is wrong if it takes a little bit of time to conceive again. If You Have Trouble Conceiving If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for several months without any success, you may want to speak with a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist....

There is a reason for that. There are many longitudinal studies that link youth exposure to alcohol advertising to the likelihood that kids will begin drinking early or if they have already started drinking, drink more. Most parents want to keep their children away from alcohol as long as possible. Early-onset drinking can cause problems not only while they are still teens, but also later in life. Discussing the dangers of underage drinking with your middle-school age or younger children is one step in protecting them from the pressures and enticements of drinking....

Which type you pick will depend on the item you need it for, as not all labels are designed to work on the same products. Some labels are best for clothing while others work better on hard surfaces, like water bottles. We carefully considered design, material, value, application, and purpose when reviewing products. Find the right solution for you and your family with our picks for the best labels for kids’ stuff....

Since there’s plenty of gear out there that can make your day by the water that much better, it’s important to make sure whatever you’re buying is safe, durable, and easy to assemble and store. UPF ratings can also be helpful to look for on certain products like tents and cabanas since it offers another level of sun protection. We researched popular gear with these features in mind to help you and your family stay comfortable at the beach....

According to Shelley Pasnik, director of the Center for Children & Technology, learning for young children is driven by human interaction. Kids need back-and-forth communication that encourages them to talk about what they’re seeing and get a response in return (also known as contingent engagement). It’s the social aspect of screen time that truly makes a difference in how children retain information. Of course, it’s still important to limit viewing in order for them to engage in more hands-on activities....

Play tents can be a first step into gaining independence, says Elanna Yalow, Ph.D., chief academic officer at KinderCare. “It is great for kids to have a special space that they feel is just for them, whether they use it to organize their stuffed animals in their own way or to hold secret office meetings with their friends. It provides a great base for their unstructured play,” she tells Verywell Family....

According to Neonatal Occupational Therapist, Clinical Specialist Lauren Ashley Quinn OTD, OTR/L, “Three-month-old play activities can include time spent in tummy time (on their stomach) to promote strengthening and motor development, as well as time spent engaged with caregivers while talking, reading, and singing for cognitive [and] intellectual development. Mirror play can encourage visual skills and enhance motivation for play,” so opt for toys and gifts that encourage their stage of development....

Specific to children, research is examining the benefits of sufficient omega-3 intake and the potential benefits of supplementation. Studies have shown that fish oil supplementation may reduce ADHD symptoms in children. Though more research needs to be done, fish oil supplements may also have positive effects on mood, memory, and brain development, and may reduce symptoms of asthma. Similar to other vitamin and mineral supplements, it is always important to speak to a pediatric health care provider before starting a fish oil supplement....

While you want to keep safe sleep in mind first, consider your lifestyle and whether the bassinet can be used for other purposes outside the home. Moreover, some baby bassinets have extra features, like vibration and rocking, that can help soothe your baby, but keep in mind it may drive the price up. We carefully considered design, assembly, material, value, and any age, height, and weight recommendations when reviewing products....

Wagons come in all shapes and sizes, so if you plan to let your kids ride in them, look for the age recommendation and if it has seats and buckles/harness to keep them secure. You’ll also want to consider its durability, ease of cleaning, and if it’s easy to store when not in use. We researched popular options from trusted brands with these features in mind. These are the best wagons for kids on the market....

Look for products that are specifically formulated for natural coils and kinky hair textures and prioritize products free of parabens and sulfates (which can be drying). These products will target the needs of natural hair like moisture, detangling, and a healthy sheen. We carefully considered ingredients, formula, value, and hair textures when reviewing products. Here are some of the best products for kids with natural hair that will keep their hair healthy and strong....