As your little one looks up at you and smiles brightly, it’s natural to wonder what is running through her mind. Is she happy? Is she learning? What prompts her to smile, think and communicate? Just as adults learn through experiences and communication, so do babies. Connecting and bonding with your baby entails paying attention to non-verbal cues and enhancing her learning so those smiles, cues and giggles continue well into adulthood. How does your baby communicate with you?
Category: Feature Stories
14 Healthy and Out-of-the-Ordinary Salad Ingredients
If your mixed greens at lunchtime or dinner are beginning to become boring, it may be time to reinvent your favorite meal. Adding fresh veggies, dried fruits, nuts and seeds can offer a healthy punch to your lunch, along with more exciting flavor. “Healthy and interesting ingredients are all about color and texture,” says Sarah LaCasse, executive chef for Earthbound Farm in San Juan Bautista, California. “The happiest salads have variety, combining greens with a protein, something crunchy and something sweet.” Read on to learn about 14 healthy and unusual ingredients your can add to your salad for some diversity in both nutrition and flavor.
Games for Busy Moms to Play With Tots
The toddler years are exciting for both parents and children. As he takes his first steps and utters his first words, your little one is collecting milestones left and right. Toddlers are famous for wanting to express their independence and opinions while generally lacking the abilities to do so, says Julie Temple Stan, editorial director of Hooked On Phonics. Don’t be fooled, though. “Your toddler is a little sponge ready to soak up all of the language-rich experiences you can dream up,” says Stan. “But, juggling the needs of a busy toddler, family and work can make finding time next to impossible.” It is possible, though, to develop your tyke’s mind while navigating through your routine as a busy mom with these daily games that can help the two of you bond and your child develop his mind and senses.
5 Brunch Cocktails With Healthy Ingredients
Brunch offers the perfect opportunity to mix up healthy drink concoctions and celebrate the weekend with friends and. From nutrient-rich smoothies and organic teas to refreshing coolers and brunch classics, slide an umbrella into any of the brunch cocktails on the following slides, and you’ll be getting tons of healthy nutrients in your drink. All of the drinks can be enjoyed alcohol-free if desired.
5 Toddler Sensory Games
Your toddler is at a key development phase in her life as she explores the five senses. She sees bright colors, feels the need to touch just about everything she can reach and is beginning to recognize distinct smells. One of the best ways to further her development is to embark on games that focus on the senses. From tasty trivia to touchy-feely games with fabrics, teach your child how to further recognize her senses while bonding with you.
The 12 Worst Foods for Appetite Control
When you’re hungry and in a rush, a bagel, protein bar or handful of cereal might be convenient, but it's a short-term fix. “If you eat these foods when you are hungry, you may have a burst of energy at first, but after the sugar high, your blood sugar will plummet and send you looking for another snack.” says Bridget Swinney, a Texas-based registered dietitian and the author of Eating Expectantly: The Practical and Tasty Guide to Prenatal Nutrition. From pasta and microwave meals, to chips and juice, find out which foods are the worst for appetite control.
Space Saver Ideas For Shoes
If your passion is shoe shopping, it’s likely your closet is overloaded with stylish heels, boots, sandals and slip-ons. Space is probably an issue at this point, prompting the need for some space saver ideas for your comfy collectibles. From shelves on display to hidden compartments to store your sensational stilettos, save on space and access your favorite footwear with ease.
The Best and Worst of Easter Candy
When preparing for Easter, concerns about sugar overload run high. Moderation is key during this holiday filled with chocolate bunnies and jellybeans, says Alina Neuberger, M.D., medical director of eMedical Offices in New Jersey. “A common dilemma parents have around Easter is which type of candy to offer their little ones,” she says. “We all know candy is not good for you if eaten regularly, but a holiday-time exception should not be a problem provided that the candy is eaten in moderation." Read on to learn how to pick the best candy options and avoid the worst ones when it comes to Easter candy.
Easter Egg Hunt Ideas
An Easter egg hunt is often the highlight of the season as little ones race through the yard searching for goodies. While it is natural to stick with the hide-and-seek method of hunting each year, there are several alternatives to add a creative touch to the holiday season. Mix it up this year with educational, innovative and fun-filled ideas to make your Easter egg hunt memorable.
The Essentials: Things to Have on Hand for a Natural Disaster
Natural Disasters can bring out both the best and the worst in people, but you can reduce the panic and anxiety of adverse weather conditions by being prepared with tools and resources that can secure your safety. Balancing safety with being human is key, says Scot Conway, leadership trainer at Guardian Quest Martial Arts in Spring Valley, Calif. “Disaster preparedness includes getting back to your life and work as quickly as possible after the disaster,” he says. Protect and prepare your home and your family by having the essentials on hand.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 