"During pregnancy, it is vital for women to take care of themselves and provide their baby with nutrients and vitamins that will aid their growth and development," says Bridget Swinney, a Texas-based registered dietitian and the author of "Eating Expectantly: The Practical and Tasty Guide to Prenatal Nutrition." Good nutrition keeps you healthy throughout your pregnancy, gives you that pregnancy glow that makes your skin shine and your eyes beam, and -- most importantly -- helps your little one get the best start in life. That's worth stocking up on spinach for. Read the Rest of the Story Here
Tag: parenting
The Little Things: Aging Gracefully
I’ve never wanted to admit that I’m aging. In fact, as I get closer to 40, I find myself acting more like a teenager, wearing scarves, boots and purple jeggings, dancing to Flo Rida in my underwear and sucking down trendy Starbucks drinks much to my childrens’ dismay. However, one thing I’ve learned during this year of transition and quite possibly, a mid-life crisis, is that as I age, it’s the little things that matter the most.
After Divorce: Setting New Rules for Kids
Establishing rules for one household is difficult for many families, but when divorce occurs, establishing new rules for both households can be even more challenging. “One of the biggest challenges for split families is consistency,” said Jamie Rishikof, Massachusetts-based licensed psychologist.
Do Arguing Parents Affect Young Kids?
Disagreements are a way of life: It's inevitable that you and your spouse will verbally disagree, and just as inevitable that your child will come into contact with one of those disagreements. However, when disagreements turn into arguments that consist of yelling and name-calling, it can drastically influence your child’s well being. “Arguing traumatizes children for several reasons,” said JeaNette Goates Smith, Florida-based licensed marriage and family therapist. “Parents are often out of control when they argue, and it's scary for a child to see a parent out of control.” To reduce the negative effects on children, learn how to respectfully disagree, rather than argue.
9 Tips to Find Your Sport
When it comes to sports, the options are endless. From tennis and golf to running and cycling, there's something for almost everyone. But, how do you choose a sport that fits your personality? To help you figure this out, we asked a series of fitness and lifestyle experts. Here's what they told us.
Activities to Keep Siblings From Fighting
Siblings are naturally going to bicker and battle on a regular basis, no matter how much you try to keep the peace. “It is unrealistic to expect siblings not to fight,” says Jamie Rishikof, a Massachusetts-based licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy. “They are rivals because they are thrust into a situation of constant negotiation and sharing. They have to share mom, dad, the house, the TV and the car -- and not by choice.” Constant fighting, however, can put a real strain on relationships. The best parents can do is encourage sibling activities that promote teamwork, cooperation and respect.
11 Essential Ice Cream Treats
Ice cream has been a traditional dessert staple for decades, and why wouldn't it be? It's easy to eat, soft and sweet and a popular treat for any age. Over the years, ice cream desserts have evolved to include essentials, such as nutty toppings, yogurt spinoffs and fruity sorbets. With a few creative touches, you can mix and match your ice cream desserts to create the essential sweets to follow the main course.
11 Uplifting Leftover Ideas
After fixing a hearty meal to feed your family, it’s likely that you’re too full to think about leftovers. But leftover food can extend the tasty feast throughout the week with yummy, bite-size reminders of your scrumptious cooking. Get creative with what’s left on the stove with leftover dishes and treats that are perfect for healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Getting Kids Ready for when Divorced Parents Begin Dating
When a divorced parent begins dating, it can be an anxious time for children and parents alike. Children often question if they will be forgotten or if the parent will not have enough time for them while parents are struggling with a balance of taking care of their children’s needs and their own need to move on. “For children, parents' dating is a concrete and clear sign that their parents are not going to get back together. and it’s an adjustment realizing that they have to share their parent with another person,” said Dr. Tamar Chansky, a leading anxiety psychologist and author of “Freeing Yourself from Anxiety and Freeing Your Child From Anxiety.” Though as with any change there may be growing pains along the way, leave room for the possibility that this could be a good thing for all, said Chansky.
How to Encourage Siblings to Work Together With Chores
Siblings learning how to work together on daily chores can create family bonds that will last a lifetime. (Not to mention what that will do for your sanity!) Dividing chores fairly is a start. “Statistics suggest that over 50 percent of parents assign chores equally amongst their children, which also means that almost 50 percent do not, and so conflict about chores may be a critical issue in these families,” says Dr. Holly Parker, psychotherapist and associate professor of psychology at Harvard University. With creative strategies to get those mops moving and siblings working together, your household will soon be sparkling.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 