As a mother, I used to think I had to set the perfect example, especially since I have two daughters. I had to work hard. I had to eat the healthiest foods. I had to dress well. I always had to arrive on time. I had to be nice. I could never tell a lie. I had to donate money to anyone who ever asked. And I could never mutter a bad word, even during life’s most frustrating moments. Striving for perfection,...
By the end of the day, you’re wiped out. But your energetic toddler is still up and about — and fighting your every attempt at getting him to sleep. It’s normal for toddlers to resist bedtime. They want to continue the fun, and they don’t want to separate from you. But getting enough sleep is essential for your toddler’s healthy development, not to mention your sanity. Here’s how...
During your baby’s first year, you were probably told to steer clear of putting anything soft and fluffy in his crib — and for good reason. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death for infants between the ages of 1 and 12 months from soft objects and loose bedding in their cribs. Any clutter at all is generally considered a hazard when it’s in a baby’s crib. For...
Germy toilets. Grimy showers. Cluttered cabinets. It’s easy to see why the bathroom may be one of the unhealthiest rooms in your house. Take control of your bathroom this year by giving it a healthy makeover for spring. Some simple reorganizing, cleaning and change of habits will have your bathroom clean and sparkly in no time. Here are eight easy makeover tips from Donna Duberg, assistant professor...
For a few years – OK, maybe more than a few – I worried that my daughter Samantha was getting fat. After all, she was consistently in the 95th percentile for her weight, and I knew that a BMI (body mass index) between the 85th and 95th percentile meant a child was at risk for being too heavy. It’s easy for women to get a little crazy about their weight, so it’s no wonder that we become...