Children are magnets for colds and viruses. But the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that over-the-counter cough and cold medications not be given to kids younger than 2, and studies have shown that cold and cough products don't work in kids younger than 6. So what's a desperate parent to do?
We've rounded up seven cold- and cough-fighting strategies to speed your child’s recovery — without the use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.
I've had many people ask me the very same question posted by Marcy H. here on Circle of Moms: when is the right time to start potty training? Since I've potty-trained six kids, they figure I'm an expert. I'm not sure I'm an expert, but I do have a wealth of experience in the diaper-changing arts. So, I came up with a list of the things I consider most important when deciding when to start potty training.
A trip to a restaurant can be fun family outing — not to mention a welcome break from making meals at home. But it's not always easy to get children to behave appropriately at restaurants. "My son will behave perfectly at McDonald's or any fast food restaurant because he knows he has to eat first before he can go play in the playroom, but when it comes to actual restaurants where you sit and order then wait for the food, he is a mess. I can't control him at all," admits Circle of Moms member Vanessa M. "My mother would have taken me to the bathroom and given me a good spanking. I honestly don't want to be that kind of parent," she adds.
For tips on teaching young children table manners and restaurant etiquette, Circle of Moms members offer the following seven tips.
When Joann Moser's 8-year-old daughter complained that her 2-year-old brother was taking things from her room at night, Moser told her to just lock her bedroom door. Big sis did so, but things still went missing. As Moser recounted to HuffPost Parents, she and her husband found it hard to believe that their 2-year-old was able to take things from a locked room and set up a camera to solve the mystery. The resulting video, below, is both amazing and hilarious!
Read the whole story (The Huffington Post).
What's the sneakiest thing your child has ever done?
"I'd have to take off my socks to count the number of times in a day I have to repeat myself," writes Nicole E., responding to the article How Yelling Cancels Listening. "How does this work for kids who don't listen unless you yell? At the very least, I have to scream their names and then talk . . . but even then, they usually don't listen."
Here's my question to Nicole and others: is it possible that your children perceive your repetitions as warnings that will lead to an ultimatum, rather than as instructions to stop right away?
When handing mobile devices over to our young children, it's comforting to have apps that help them learn and explore. Yet finding educational apps that kids want to play again and again can be tough! Look no further; every playful app in this list of 10, which includes several that are free, has been given two thumbs up from both kids and parents.
Note: All listed prices are subject to change
We all know the really bad words, like those that would get us into seriously hot water at work. But there's another list to be aware of, too. Mom Cristina A. calls them "ugly words," while other moms call them "bad" or "potty" words. While they're not really curse words, many moms still think they're unacceptable. Keep reading to see which words make the list.
When I think about my kids as babies I remember their sweet faces, wonderful smells, tiny fingers, and really long legs. When I think about them as two-year-olds, I remember tiny bodies, big eyes, and easy going natures. . . that is until they started to say 'no' to me. That was the moment when the metamorphosis from Dr. Jekyl to Mr. Hyde began — a developmental shift that other Circle of Moms members, including Gretchen L. and Emily W., are also noticing with their little ones.
Ever wonder why your child is so engrossed in that app? To help parents get in on the action, I've put together a list of five great learning apps for kids, plus fun activities for the whole family that go along with each. Jump in!
There's a good reason they're called the "Terrible Twos." Any mom can attest that kids at this stage are highly energetic and often temperamental. At times they're the cutest charmers in the world, but why do they save their meltdowns for the grocery store line or the dinner table with your in-laws?
It's challenging to maintain control and set limits, but there are ways to tame your toddler's tantrums and get her to listen to you and cooperate.
Keep reading for six key strategies from Circle of Moms members who've been through the toddler stage.
