Anyone who’s seen kids on a playground knows that most are naturally physically active and love to move around. But what might not be apparent is that climbing to the top of a slide or swinging from the monkey bars can help lead kids to a lifetime of being active. As they get older, it can be a challenge for…

Raising kids is one of the toughest and most fulfilling jobs in the world — and the one for which you might feel the least prepared. Here are nine child-rearing tips that can help you feel more fulfilled as a parent. Boost your child’s self-esteem Kids start developing their sense of self as babies when they see themselves through their…

Kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their homework — it shows kids that what they do is important. Of course, helping with homework shouldn’t mean spending hours hunched over a desk. Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study and organization skills, explaining a tricky problem, or just encouraging kids to take a break.…

Sometimes it’s easy to notice when kids seem to feel good about themselves — and when they don’t. We often describe this idea of feeling good about ourselves as “self-esteem.” Kids with self-esteem: feel liked and accepted feel confident feel proud of what they can do think good things about themselves believe in themselves Kids with low self-esteem: are self-critical…

“What’s the right weight for my child?” is one of the most common questions parents have. It seems like a simple one, but it’s not always easy to answer. Growth and puberty Not everyone grows and develops on the same schedule. During puberty, the body begins making hormones that spark physical changes like breast development in girls, testicular enlargement in boys,…

TV, interactive video games, and the Internet can be excellent sources of education and entertainment for kids. But too much screen time can have unhealthy side effects. That’s why it’s wise to monitor and limit the time your kids spend playing video games, watching TV, and using the Internet. What’s recommended? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued these guidelines for screen…