LifeLessonPlans Opening your baby’s diaper to find a red, irritated bottom is something that almost all parents will encounter at one point or another. While diaper rashes are rarely serious, they can still be a source of stress and discomfort for you and your baby. Learn how you can prevent and treat diaper rashes right from … Read more
Welcome to pregnancy! The first 12 weeks of your pregnancy is an important time in the development of your baby. Caring for this new life can be both exciting and exhausting! Here are some things to know about your first trimester: Embryo, fetus, trimester…what do these terms mean? Pregnancy is divided into three parts, called … Read more
As a new parent, it’s normal to feel both excited and a little overwhelmed when giving your baby his or her first bath. For most parents, bathtime quickly becomes an enjoyable chance to bond with your baby. These tips will make your baby’s baths easier for you, and more enjoyable for both you and your … Read more
In February it snowed six inches and I stood at the window, surveying the drifts while my kids ran circles around me. I’d already been stuck in the house with work projects all week and I was dying to get out. And it wasn’t just me: even the kids had cabin fever. They screeched at … Read more
For infants and early toddlers, biting is almost impulsive. At a very young age, babies will look to biting as a means of exploring the world around them. Parents must practice close supervision of what and when their child is biting in order to prevent a habit from forming. If a toddler becomes severely frustrated … Read more
I don’t see the appeal, but for some reason, whenever I ask Aurora what her favorite animal is she tells me it’s a pig. I remember when we visited Nebraska a few years ago and went to the county fair, we toured the livestock barns and when we got to the pigs she burst in … Read more
Valentine’s Day, a day meant for love. There are all these romantic notions associated with February 14, but as parents, we know not to get our hopes up. You won’t find me in a red dress with heels on. Instead, I will be celebrating this day of love as an entire family. I will be … Read more
Parents are powerful influences in helping their children develop self-esteem as they grow. Research shows that adolescents who grow up with high self-esteem are less likely to abuse drugs or drink compared to kids who grow up without a sense of self-worth. Here are 6 ways to nurture your child’s self-esteem as they grow: 1. … Read more
“Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read.” That’s it. That’s all we give our children. Four things and a whole lot of contentment. We started this tradition when our now 5 year old Alice was born. I knew beloved grandparents and doting relatives would bring gifts by the sleigh, and … Read more
Ethical spending may not be the first thing on your mind as we head into the holiday season. Afterall, the in-laws are about to arrive and you were just volun-told that you’re in charge of cooking the turkey this year, but I’d like to make a case for why it should be. Our dollars count … Read more