family
We all need something — or someone — to pull for
They say a picture is worth a thousand words — especially if it is seen through the eyes of love.
Fun ways to get kids interested in reading
Learning to enjoy reading at an early age gives your child a jumpstart on her education, but schoolwork should not be the only reason to raise an eager reader. Enjoyment of reading is an important puzzle piece to a fulfilled life.
New book a guide to turning children into healthy little eaters
The Cleaner Plate Club is a must-read for parents of picky eaters. It comes with lots of information, a witty sense of humor, and even an any-mistake-you-made-we-made-it-too attitude.
Tips on how to get the family eating better
T he Cleaner Plate Club author Ali Benjamin tells you how to get your kids on the road to healthy eating.
M&M’s, good gloves and patience help make skiing fun for the whole family
Eventually, with the right pink helmets, foot-warmers and what seems like an endless supply of granola bars, I have two devoted, dedicated skiers who now voluntarily give up birthday parties and sleeping in to spend time with Mom and Dad on the slopes. That has made what really were just a couple of frustrating days so worth it.
Things to consider before expanding your family
Being a parent brings you joy beyond what you thought was possible before you became a parent — bet you didn’t you know your heart was capable of that much love. Will you be growing your family this year? If you are doing some fence sitting, take into account these considerations.
Couples’ friendships offer benefits, research finds
Long-term friendships between couples offer each couple “a role model for how you can manage your ups and downs,” new research finds. Such friendships are hard to maintain among four people, but, when they work, they are a relationship plus, according to Geoffrey Greif and Kathy Deal, authors of the new book Two Plus Two: Couples and Their Couple Friendships.
Is your child ready for a sleepover? How to tell
Sure your children have spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, but that’s a lot different that a sleepover at a friend.’s. At what age is it OK to start the practice? And how do you get your child ready for spending an entire night away from home?
Handling the holidays when you’re a divorced parent
The holidays can be tricky for divorced parents, but a little planning, and understanding expectations, can make things a lot easier.
Gen X aren’t slackers, study finds
Generation X has turned out to be no “slacker generation,” a new, long-term study finds, despite that age group’s reputation as a bunch of insecure, angst-ridden underachievers. The notion that Gen X won’t do as well as their Baby Boomer parents and the World War II-era Greatest Generation “doesn’t seem to be the case,” says political scientist Jon Miller, director of the Longitudinal Study of American Youth at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research.
‘Secondhand’ TV can hurt kids, study finds
You’ve heard of the hazards of secondhand smoke. Now, here’s another worry: secondhand TV.A growing number of researchers are warning about the dangers of watching TV when very young children are nearby. Recent findings suggest that even casual exposure to TV can harm their development …
Senior moments: Activities and events
Today The Magic Cabaret: Early 20th century parlor magic acts When: 7:30 p.m. Where: The Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Cost: $20 Call: (773) 404-7336Thursday 55 Alive safe driving class (session 2 of 2) When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge, …
Insurance group says child booster seats don’t fit safety belts
Half of children’s car booster seats can’t ensure a proper fit with all safety belts, an insurance industry-funded safety group says. Six of them are so bad that it recommended parents avoid them.
Study: Nurturing mother plays role in future health
Poor children are more likely to become unhealthy adults — vulnerable to infection and disease — than kids from higher-income families, according to a new study. However, the study findings revealed, some disadvantaged children grow up into healthy adults. Their secret: a nurturing and attentive …
Girl Scouts update badges
The Girl Scouts are adding new badges to keep up with the times. In addition to badges for long-popular activities including cooking, athletics and first aid, scouts will soon also be able to earn the insignia for their vests and sashes for immersing themselves in …
The spousal war on chores
‘I’ve got to run. We have guests coming, and you know what that means.” I did know what my friend Joe meant. He and his wife, Marcie, would have to spend two solid days vacuuming, dusting, polishing, sweeping, raking, mowing, window washing and tub scrubbing …
