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Big Smiles Equal Happy Marriage
 LiveScience reports that researchers studied college yearbook photos rating the smile intensity in pictures from 1 to 10. None of these who had the most intense smiles (fell within the top 10 percent in intensity) had divorced. Conversely, those who fell in the bottom 10 percent of smilers had about a 1 in 4 divorce rate. In a second study, they had people submit their own photos from childhood. Again, the big smilers had about a 1 in 10 divorce rate while over 30 percent of the frowners had been divorced. Overall, the results indicate that people who frown in photos are five times more likely to get a divorce than people who smile. This is a fascinating study, but the researchers say they can't conclude on the correlation between marital success and smiling. How big is the smile in your yearbook? Labels: kids, study
Can Having a Kid Help Your Marriage?
 The short answer: No. Brian Doss, a professor of psychology and his team at the University of Denver just published their findings in the current "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology." For the study, 218 couples were tracked over an eight-year period, comparing pre-birth and post-birth behavior patterns and how the arrival of the baby directly affected the relationship between the father and mother. Sure, having a baby can bring tremendous joy to a couple's life, but for most couples, Doss found that having a first child resulted in more marital problems. He says in a video that existing problems become exacerbated with the arrival of a new child. The article states that the birth of the first baby was followed by more problems in communication, decreases in couples' confidence that the marriage would last and declines in couples' overall satisfaction with the marriage. A really interesting finding was that mothers who gave birth to girls showed larger drops in marital satisfaction. Doss thinks this may be a result of fewer husbands being involved in the childcare tasks of girls compared to boys. This is obviously not a study that will prevent people from having kids, but for the (hopefully) few couples out there who think having a kid will wash away their existing problems, the Doss's team has determined that a new child would most likely make them worse. Read the complete article here.Labels: kids, parenting, study
Do You Spank Your Kids?
 The debate rages on. Columnist, Jenny Sokol of the OC Register brings up this issue after a Swedish friend nearly called the police after witnessing a neighbor smack their child's behind--apparently, hitting children is not permitted in Sweden (perhaps this is worthy of further research and an in-depth article on child discipline throughout the world). Anyway, Sokol explained how it's very much still in debate in this country. Then she offers the many tactics she's used over the years to discipline and encourage including spanking, chores, sticker charts and so on. My favorite part of her column is the story of how an acquaintance got her four boys in line. She ordered a truck full of dirt to be dumped in her front yard and gave them each a shovel and wheelbarrow. "I need this moved to the backyard by tonight. Work together," she told them. By the time they finished, the boys were buddies again. The dirt was then ready to be moved back to the front yard for their next argument. Where do you stand on this issue? Labels: commentary, kids, parenting
Do You Spank Your Kids?
The debate rages on. Columnist, Jenny Sokol of the OC Register brings up this issue after a Swedish friend nearly called the police after witnessing a neighbor smack their child's behind--apparently, hitting children is not permitted in Sweden (perhaps this is worthy of further research and an in-depth article on child discipline throughout the world). Anyway, Sokol explained how it's very much still in debate in this country. Then she offers the many tactics she's used over the years to discipline and encourage including spanking, chores, sticker charts and so on. My favorite part of her column is the story of how an acquaintance got her four boys in line. She ordered a truck full of dirt to be dumped in her front yard and gave them each a shovel and wheelbarrow. "I need this moved to the backyard by tonight. Work together," she told them. By the time they finished, the boys were buddies again. The dirt was then ready to be moved back to the front yard for their next argument. Where do you stand on this issue? Labels: commentary, kids, parenting
Do You Spank Your Kids?
The debate rages on. Columnist, Jenny Sokol of the OC Register brings up this issue after a Swedish friend nearly called the police after witnessing a neighbor smack their child's behind--apparently, hitting children is not permitted in Sweden (perhaps this is worthy of further research and an in-depth article on child discipline throughout the world). Anyway, Sokol explained how it's very much still in debate in this country. Then she offers the many tactics she's used over the years to discipline and encourage including spanking, chores, sticker charts and so on. My favorite part of her column is the story of how an acquaintance got her four boys in line. She ordered a truck full of dirt to be dumped in her front yard and gave them each a shovel and wheelbarrow. "I need this moved to the backyard by tonight. Work together," she told them. By the time they finished, the boys were buddies again. The dirt was then ready to be moved back to the front yard for their next argument. Where do you stand on this issue? Labels: commentary, kids, parenting
Babysitter and Mommy Mixers
 Finding a good, reliable babysitter that you trust can sometimes be difficult. If you have young kids, having a babysitter every once in a while so you and your spouse can go out and spend time with another is essential. Fortunately, the internet has made finding a babysitter a little bit easer, and even fun. There are several companies out there offering "mommy mixers," where moms can meet with each other and with prospecting babysitters. Some of these, like MommyMixer (www.mommymixer.com), require a registration fee ranging anywhere from $100 to $500 for a VIP membership, which gives you access to babysitters in different cities (for jet-setting parents), unlimited "immediate help" searches and more. MommyMixer is currently in over 50 cities throughout the country. If you're looking for something in the Tampa Bay area, there's Sitter Soirees (www.sittersoirees.com). Event registration at this site starts at $60. Have you tried one of these services before? How was your experience? Would you recommend it to others? Labels: event, kids, parenting
Babysitter and Mommy Mixers
Finding a good, reliable babysitter that you trust can sometimes be difficult. If you have young kids, having a babysitter every once in a while so you and your spouse can go out and spend time with another is essential. Fortunately, the internet has made finding a babysitter a little bit easer, and even fun. There are several companies out there offering "mommy mixers," where moms can meet with each other and with prospecting babysitters. Some of these, like MommyMixer (www.mommymixer.com), require a registration fee ranging anywhere from $100 to $500 for a VIP membership, which gives you access to babysitters in different cities (for jet-setting parents), unlimited "immediate help" searches and more. MommyMixer is currently in over 50 cities throughout the country. If you're looking for something in the Tampa Bay area, there's Sitter Soirees (www.sittersoirees.com). Event registration at this site starts at $60. Have you tried one of these services before? How was your experience? Would you recommend it to others? Labels: event, kids, parenting
Babysitter and Mommy Mixers
Finding a good, reliable babysitter that you trust can sometimes be difficult. If you have young kids, having a babysitter every once in a while so you and your spouse can go out and spend time with another is essential. Fortunately, the internet has made finding a babysitter a little bit easer, and even fun. There are several companies out there offering "mommy mixers," where moms can meet with each other and with prospecting babysitters. Some of these, like MommyMixer (www.mommymixer.com), require a registration fee ranging anywhere from $100 to $500 for a VIP membership, which gives you access to babysitters in different cities (for jet-setting parents), unlimited "immediate help" searches and more. MommyMixer is currently in over 50 cities throughout the country. If you're looking for something in the Tampa Bay area, there's Sitter Soirees (www.sittersoirees.com). Event registration at this site starts at $60. Have you tried one of these services before? How was your experience? Would you recommend it to others? Labels: event, kids, parenting
Miracle Babies
 It's rare to have two sets of natural twins. It's even more rare for the babies to be born of different color (one black and one white). Well, a mixed-race British couple Dean Durrant (black) and Alison Spooner (white) had that happen--twice! Dr. Sarah Jarvis of Britain's Royal College of General Practitioners is quoted in an MSNBC article as saying, "Non-identical twins from mixed parents, of different races, less common still. To have two eggs fertilized and come out different colors, less common still. So, to have it happen twice must be one in millions." It's so rare that the article says there is no statistical data for this phenomenon. However, scientists believe that this might become slightly more common as more mixed-race couples continue to marry. Labels: family, kids, real people
Miracle Babies
It's rare to have two sets of natural twins. It's even more rare for the babies to be born of different color (one black and one white). Well, a mixed-race British couple Dean Durrant (black) and Alison Spooner (white) had that happen--twice! Dr. Sarah Jarvis of Britain's Royal College of General Practitioners is quoted in an MSNBC article as saying, "Non-identical twins from mixed parents, of different races, less common still. To have two eggs fertilized and come out different colors, less common still. So, to have it happen twice must be one in millions." It's so rare that the article says there is no statistical data for this phenomenon. However, scientists believe that this might become slightly more common as more mixed-race couples continue to marry. Labels: family, kids, real people
Miracle Babies
It's rare to have two sets of natural twins. It's even more rare for the babies to be born of different color (one black and one white). Well, a mixed-race British couple Dean Durrant (black) and Alison Spooner (white) had that happen--twice! Dr. Sarah Jarvis of Britain's Royal College of General Practitioners is quoted in an MSNBC article as saying, "Non-identical twins from mixed parents, of different races, less common still. To have two eggs fertilized and come out different colors, less common still. So, to have it happen twice must be one in millions." It's so rare that the article says there is no statistical data for this phenomenon. However, scientists believe that this might become slightly more common as more mixed-race couples continue to marry. Labels: family, kids, real people
Army Couple Makes Marriage Work Through 5 Deployments
 Army majors Elizabeth and Mike (no last name given in the article) have deployed five times between the two of them to Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. Fortunately, the U.S. Army has been extremely accommodating letting the two station geographically close, even if not together. Over Christmas, Elizabeth traveled to his unit, only to find he had gone to visit hers. Elizabeth says, "I left presents on his desk." The couple, having met in the military has been married for eight years and says they currently see each other about once every three to five weeks. Enough time to get their family started. Elizabeth is currently in her third trimester of pregnancy and the couple is already starting to make plans for another deployment. They expect their next move will take them to Afghanistan, but this time they wish to go separately so one can stay behind to care for their new baby. They realize that this will add a new level of complication to their marriage, but then again this couple has faced tougher challenges in the past. Read their full story here. According to the Military Family Research Institute, nearly 13% of active-duty service members were married to another service member in 2005. Are you one of them? Labels: kids, military, real people
Army Couple Makes Marriage Work Through 5 Deployments
Army majors Elizabeth and Mike (no last name given in the article) have deployed five times between the two of them to Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. Fortunately, the U.S. Army has been extremely accommodating letting the two station geographically close, even if not together. Over Christmas, Elizabeth traveled to his unit, only to find he had gone to visit hers. Elizabeth says, "I left presents on his desk." The couple, having met in the military has been married for eight years and says they currently see each other about once every three to five weeks. Enough time to get their family started. Elizabeth is currently in her third trimester of pregnancy and the couple is already starting to make plans for another deployment. They expect their next move will take them to Afghanistan, but this time they wish to go separately so one can stay behind to care for their new baby. They realize that this will add a new level of complication to their marriage, but then again this couple has faced tougher challenges in the past. Read their full story here. According to the Military Family Research Institute, nearly 13% of active-duty service members were married to another service member in 2005. Are you one of them? Labels: kids, military, real people
Army Couple Makes Marriage Work Through 5 Deployments
Army majors Elizabeth and Mike (no last name given in the article) have deployed five times between the two of them to Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. Fortunately, the U.S. Army has been extremely accommodating letting the two station geographically close, even if not together. Over Christmas, Elizabeth traveled to his unit, only to find he had gone to visit hers. Elizabeth says, "I left presents on his desk." The couple, having met in the military has been married for eight years and says they currently see each other about once every three to five weeks. Enough time to get their family started. Elizabeth is currently in her third trimester of pregnancy and the couple is already starting to make plans for another deployment. They expect their next move will take them to Afghanistan, but this time they wish to go separately so one can stay behind to care for their new baby. They realize that this will add a new level of complication to their marriage, but then again this couple has faced tougher challenges in the past. Read their full story here. According to the Military Family Research Institute, nearly 13% of active-duty service members were married to another service member in 2005. Are you one of them? Labels: kids, military, real people
Medical Myths
 Your kid eating sugar will make them hyper, right? Not so says British medical journal BMJ. They say that there is no scientific evidence to support this myth and that some of it is even psychological for the parents. The journal said that when parent were told their kids had sugary drinks, they rated that they were more hyper, even though the drinks were sugar free. Other myths include the one that poinsettias are poisonous, suicides increase during the holidays, eating at night makes you fat, you lose the most body heat through your head, and that their are cures for hangovers. To read the full article with explanations on these myths, click here. So go ahead and eat up at night with that sugary dessert, but don't drink too much because there's no cure in the morning. Happy holidays! Labels: food, health, holidays, kids, study
Medical Myths
Your kid eating sugar will make them hyper, right? Not so says British medical journal BMJ. They say that there is no scientific evidence to support this myth and that some of it is even psychological for the parents. The journal said that when parent were told their kids had sugary drinks, they rated that they were more hyper, even though the drinks were sugar free. Other myths include the one that poinsettias are poisonous, suicides increase during the holidays, eating at night makes you fat, you lose the most body heat through your head, and that their are cures for hangovers. To read the full article with explanations on these myths, click here. So go ahead and eat up at night with that sugary dessert, but don't drink too much because there's no cure in the morning. Happy holidays! Labels: food, health, holidays, kids, study
Medical Myths
Your kid eating sugar will make them hyper, right? Not so says British medical journal BMJ. They say that there is no scientific evidence to support this myth and that some of it is even psychological for the parents. The journal said that when parent were told their kids had sugary drinks, they rated that they were more hyper, even though the drinks were sugar free. Other myths include the one that poinsettias are poisonous, suicides increase during the holidays, eating at night makes you fat, you lose the most body heat through your head, and that their are cures for hangovers. To read the full article with explanations on these myths, click here. So go ahead and eat up at night with that sugary dessert, but don't drink too much because there's no cure in the morning. Happy holidays! Labels: food, health, holidays, kids, study
Do You Tell Your Kids About the Economy?
 Today's youth have never seen an economic slump. Heck, with the drop in the economy we've seen these past few months, only those who are old enough to remember the Great Depression have (like our money expert Al Jacobs). Anyway, now that the holidays are here and many kids probably aren't going to have as many gifts as in years past, what's a parent to do? This article on MSNBC says that many parents are spending less on themselves to shield their kids from financial hardships. One family with sons ages 10, 8 and 4, had their kids go through the advertising circulars and circle their holiday wish list. They then had their kids ad up the total of all the items they wished for. One child was surprised that his list came to $904, which was a perfect segue to discuss money with them. In conclusion, the article didn't offer any concrete advice, but I thought the last bit about the sons was a neat idea. How are you approaching the money situation in your household? Are you shielding your kids or shedding a light on the real world? Labels: advice, kids, money
Do You Tell Your Kids About the Economy?
Today's youth have never seen an economic slump. Heck, with the drop in the economy we've seen these past few months, only those who are old enough to remember the Great Depression have (like our money expert Al Jacobs). Anyway, now that the holidays are here and many kids probably aren't going to have as many gifts as in years past, what's a parent to do? This article on MSNBC says that many parents are spending less on themselves to shield their kids from financial hardships. One family with sons ages 10, 8 and 4, had their kids go through the advertising circulars and circle their holiday wish list. They then had their kids ad up the total of all the items they wished for. One child was surprised that his list came to $904, which was a perfect segue to discuss money with them. In conclusion, the article didn't offer any concrete advice, but I thought the last bit about the sons was a neat idea. How are you approaching the money situation in your household? Are you shielding your kids or shedding a light on the real world? Labels: advice, kids, money
Do You Tell Your Kids About the Economy?
Today's youth have never seen an economic slump. Heck, with the drop in the economy we've seen these past few months, only those who are old enough to remember the Great Depression have (like our money expert Al Jacobs). Anyway, now that the holidays are here and many kids probably aren't going to have as many gifts as in years past, what's a parent to do? This article on MSNBC says that many parents are spending less on themselves to shield their kids from financial hardships. One family with sons ages 10, 8 and 4, had their kids go through the advertising circulars and circle their holiday wish list. They then had their kids ad up the total of all the items they wished for. One child was surprised that his list came to $904, which was a perfect segue to discuss money with them. In conclusion, the article didn't offer any concrete advice, but I thought the last bit about the sons was a neat idea. How are you approaching the money situation in your household? Are you shielding your kids or shedding a light on the real world? Labels: advice, kids, money
Best Places to Raise Your Kids
 BusinessWeek has put together a list of the best places to raise your kids in 2009 based on the towns having at least 50,000 residents and a median family income between $40,000 and $100,000. The list then took into consideration the following: school performance; number of schools; household expenditures; crime rates; air quality; job growth; family income; museums, parks, theaters, and other amenities; and diversity. These are weighted so school performance, for example, is worth the most in their ranking. The list is broken down by state and doesn't compare state to state. So in California, where Hitched is headquartered, Arcadia ranks No. 1, while Diamond Bar and Monterey Park are runners up. In Colorado, the No. 1 spot belongs to Fort Collins. In Delaware, it's Wilmington. In Nevada, Paradise ranks No. 1 (sounds good, huh?). And in South Dakota it's Sioux Falls. To read the complete list, click here. Are you happy with the present location you're at for raising your kids? Labels: family, kids, study
Best Places to Raise Your Kids
BusinessWeek has put together a list of the best places to raise your kids in 2009 based on the towns having at least 50,000 residents and a median family income between $40,000 and $100,000. The list then took into consideration the following: school performance; number of schools; household expenditures; crime rates; air quality; job growth; family income; museums, parks, theaters, and other amenities; and diversity. These are weighted so school performance, for example, is worth the most in their ranking. The list is broken down by state and doesn't compare state to state. So in California, where Hitched is headquartered, Arcadia ranks No. 1, while Diamond Bar and Monterey Park are runners up. In Colorado, the No. 1 spot belongs to Fort Collins. In Delaware, it's Wilmington. In Nevada, Paradise ranks No. 1 (sounds good, huh?). And in South Dakota it's Sioux Falls. To read the complete list, click here. Are you happy with the present location you're at for raising your kids? Labels: family, kids, study
Best Places to Raise Your Kids
BusinessWeek has put together a list of the best places to raise your kids in 2009 based on the towns having at least 50,000 residents and a median family income between $40,000 and $100,000. The list then took into consideration the following: school performance; number of schools; household expenditures; crime rates; air quality; job growth; family income; museums, parks, theaters, and other amenities; and diversity. These are weighted so school performance, for example, is worth the most in their ranking. The list is broken down by state and doesn't compare state to state. So in California, where Hitched is headquartered, Arcadia ranks No. 1, while Diamond Bar and Monterey Park are runners up. In Colorado, the No. 1 spot belongs to Fort Collins. In Delaware, it's Wilmington. In Nevada, Paradise ranks No. 1 (sounds good, huh?). And in South Dakota it's Sioux Falls. To read the complete list, click here. Are you happy with the present location you're at for raising your kids? Labels: family, kids, study
Stay Married and Kids Less Likely to be Thieves
 In an interesting project called Mapping America by the Family Research Council, it reports that family structure has a direct impact on the likelihood of adolescents stealing. The study says 13 percent of children who live in an intact married family admit to having stolen at least $50 worth of goods. The number jumps to 19 percent of children whose parents never married or are divorced have stolen as much, and again jumps to 20 percent of those living with a step-parent. The number of adolescents who steal drops to 15 percent of those living with cohabiting biological parents, and jumps up again to 23 percent of those living with one cohabiting biological parent. It good that adolescents of married couples steal less, but doesn't it seem like 13 percent is high! That means if you walk down the street in your neighborhood, more than one in every 10 homes would have a real thief on their hands. We can do better than that. Not to mention these are just the kids who actually admitted to stealing. Yikes!! Labels: kids, parenting, study
Stay Married and Kids Less Likely to be Thieves
In an interesting project called Mapping America by the Family Research Council, it reports that family structure has a direct impact on the likelihood of adolescents stealing. The study says 13 percent of children who live in an intact married family admit to having stolen at least $50 worth of goods. The number jumps to 19 percent of children whose parents never married or are divorced have stolen as much, and again jumps to 20 percent of those living with a step-parent. The number of adolescents who steal drops to 15 percent of those living with cohabiting biological parents, and jumps up again to 23 percent of those living with one cohabiting biological parent. It good that adolescents of married couples steal less, but doesn't it seem like 13 percent is high! That means if you walk down the street in your neighborhood, more than one in every 10 homes would have a real thief on their hands. We can do better than that. Not to mention these are just the kids who actually admitted to stealing. Yikes!! Labels: kids, parenting, study
Stay Married and Kids Less Likely to be Thieves
In an interesting project called Mapping America by the Family Research Council, it reports that family structure has a direct impact on the likelihood of adolescents stealing. The study says 13 percent of children who live in an intact married family admit to having stolen at least $50 worth of goods. The number jumps to 19 percent of children whose parents never married or are divorced have stolen as much, and again jumps to 20 percent of those living with a step-parent. The number of adolescents who steal drops to 15 percent of those living with cohabiting biological parents, and jumps up again to 23 percent of those living with one cohabiting biological parent. It good that adolescents of married couples steal less, but doesn't it seem like 13 percent is high! That means if you walk down the street in your neighborhood, more than one in every 10 homes would have a real thief on their hands. We can do better than that. Not to mention these are just the kids who actually admitted to stealing. Yikes!! Labels: kids, parenting, study
Cell Phones and Internet Strengthen Family
 It may seem like your kids texting away on their cell phones or keeping their eyes glued to online videos is tearing down the strength and tradition of family, but it's not. Well, tradition yes, but not strength. In a survey published by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 25 percent of adults said cellphones and online communication made their families closer while 11 percent said that the technology had a negative effect. Overall, 47 percent of adults said cellphones and the Internet had improved the quality of family communication. One of the authors said the parents like the new communication tools because they know what each other is doing during the day. All of you parents out there can be thankful that your parents didn't text you throughout the day, keeping tabs. Do you keep tabs on your kid(s) throughout the day by internet or cell phone? Labels: kids, parenting, study, technology
Cell Phones and Internet Strengthen Family
It may seem like your kids texting away on their cell phones or keeping their eyes glued to online videos is tearing down the strength and tradition of family, but it's not. Well, tradition yes, but not strength. In a survey published by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 25 percent of adults said cellphones and online communication made their families closer while 11 percent said that the technology had a negative effect. Overall, 47 percent of adults said cellphones and the Internet had improved the quality of family communication. One of the authors said the parents like the new communication tools because they know what each other is doing during the day. All of you parents out there can be thankful that your parents didn't text you throughout the day, keeping tabs. Do you keep tabs on your kid(s) throughout the day by internet or cell phone? Labels: kids, parenting, study, technology
Cell Phones and Internet Strengthen Family
It may seem like your kids texting away on their cell phones or keeping their eyes glued to online videos is tearing down the strength and tradition of family, but it's not. Well, tradition yes, but not strength. In a survey published by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 25 percent of adults said cellphones and online communication made their families closer while 11 percent said that the technology had a negative effect. Overall, 47 percent of adults said cellphones and the Internet had improved the quality of family communication. One of the authors said the parents like the new communication tools because they know what each other is doing during the day. All of you parents out there can be thankful that your parents didn't text you throughout the day, keeping tabs. Do you keep tabs on your kid(s) throughout the day by internet or cell phone? Labels: kids, parenting, study, technology
ADHD Kids Strain Marriages
 It's not surprising that kids can affect and put strain on a marriage, but this stat is high. According to a study by State University of New York-Buffalo, parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are almost twice as likely as other parents to divorce by the time their child is 8 years old. The authors of the study say, however, that if you and your spouse can survive the eighth birthday, the rate of divorce stops climbing. Further adding to the stress is the fact that ADHD is hereditary and mothers with ADHD children are are 24 times more likely than other mothers to have it while fathers are five times more likely. Meaning, while trying to deal with a child, one of the parents is very likely to also have ADHD, which can be a point of conflict on its own. Some good news came out of this article from USA Today, researchers in Canada found no difference in divorce rate of parents with ADHD children. Do you have a child who's been diagnosed with ADHD; and has that affected your marriage? Labels: advice, health, kids, parenting, study
ADHD Kids Strain Marriages
It's not surprising that kids can affect and put strain on a marriage, but this stat is high. According to a study by State University of New York-Buffalo, parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are almost twice as likely as other parents to divorce by the time their child is 8 years old. The authors of the study say, however, that if you and your spouse can survive the eighth birthday, the rate of divorce stops climbing. Further adding to the stress is the fact that ADHD is hereditary and mothers with ADHD children are are 24 times more likely than other mothers to have it while fathers are five times more likely. Meaning, while trying to deal with a child, one of the parents is very likely to also have ADHD, which can be a point of conflict on its own. Some good news came out of this article from USA Today, researchers in Canada found no difference in divorce rate of parents with ADHD children. Do you have a child who's been diagnosed with ADHD; and has that affected your marriage? Labels: advice, health, kids, parenting, study
ADHD Kids Strain Marriages
It's not surprising that kids can affect and put strain on a marriage, but this stat is high. According to a study by State University of New York-Buffalo, parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are almost twice as likely as other parents to divorce by the time their child is 8 years old. The authors of the study say, however, that if you and your spouse can survive the eighth birthday, the rate of divorce stops climbing. Further adding to the stress is the fact that ADHD is hereditary and mothers with ADHD children are are 24 times more likely than other mothers to have it while fathers are five times more likely. Meaning, while trying to deal with a child, one of the parents is very likely to also have ADHD, which can be a point of conflict on its own. Some good news came out of this article from USA Today, researchers in Canada found no difference in divorce rate of parents with ADHD children. Do you have a child who's been diagnosed with ADHD; and has that affected your marriage? Labels: advice, health, kids, parenting, study
Fan in Baby's Room May Prevent SIDS
 A study from Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine says babies who slept in a room with a fan were 72% less likely to die from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The study included interviews with the mothers of 185 infants who died from SIDS and the mothers of 312 other babies. In addition to fans, the simple act of opening a window also seemed to reduce the risk of SIDS. According to the this article from USA Today, doctors don't know exactly why fans seem to help, author De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente's research division says that perhaps the improved air circulation, preventing infants from rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide, which can pool up in the gap between a baby's face and the mattress is the reason. The good news is that deaths from SIDS has dropped in half since 1992 according to this article. Other things parents should do to help protect their babies are putting them on their back to sleep and don't put the baby in your bed and sleep with them. Labels: health, kids, parenting, study
Fan in Baby's Room May Prevent SIDS
A study from Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine says babies who slept in a room with a fan were 72% less likely to die from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The study included interviews with the mothers of 185 infants who died from SIDS and the mothers of 312 other babies. In addition to fans, the simple act of opening a window also seemed to reduce the risk of SIDS. According to the this article from USA Today, doctors don't know exactly why fans seem to help, author De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente's research division says that perhaps the improved air circulation, preventing infants from rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide, which can pool up in the gap between a baby's face and the mattress is the reason. The good news is that deaths from SIDS has dropped in half since 1992 according to this article. Other things parents should do to help protect their babies are putting them on their back to sleep and don't put the baby in your bed and sleep with them. Labels: health, kids, parenting, study
Fan in Baby's Room May Prevent SIDS
A study from Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine says babies who slept in a room with a fan were 72% less likely to die from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The study included interviews with the mothers of 185 infants who died from SIDS and the mothers of 312 other babies. In addition to fans, the simple act of opening a window also seemed to reduce the risk of SIDS. According to the this article from USA Today, doctors don't know exactly why fans seem to help, author De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente's research division says that perhaps the improved air circulation, preventing infants from rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide, which can pool up in the gap between a baby's face and the mattress is the reason. The good news is that deaths from SIDS has dropped in half since 1992 according to this article. Other things parents should do to help protect their babies are putting them on their back to sleep and don't put the baby in your bed and sleep with them. Labels: health, kids, parenting, study
Ford Key Monitors Teen Drivers
 Are you a parent who sweats when your teen takes the family wheels out on the town? Ford feels your pain. They have recently introduced the MyKey, a programmable ignition key for Ford automobiles that monitors teenage driving behavior. So what can this magic key do? A lot of things. It can limit the speed of the car, say 80 mph. It can limit the volume of the stereo. It can prevent the stereo from even coming on if someone in the car isn't wearing their seat belt. It can also make warning sounds when your teen begins to hit higher speeds. For the parent who wants a play-by-play, this PC World article mentions that for a fee parents can have the key track the point-by-point destinations through the GPS. What do you think, is this a little too big brother or what every parent has been waiting for? MyKey will be introduced as a free standard feature in the 2010 Ford Focus and Ford hopes to eventually make it a standard feature on all Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models. I'm sure kids everywhere are already talking to their smartest computer-hacking friends. Labels: gadget, kids, news, parenting, travel
Ford Key Monitors Teen Drivers
Are you a parent who sweats when your teen takes the family wheels out on the town? Ford feels your pain. They have recently introduced the MyKey, a programmable ignition key for Ford automobiles that monitors teenage driving behavior. So what can this magic key do? A lot of things. It can limit the speed of the car, say 80 mph. It can limit the volume of the stereo. It can prevent the stereo from even coming on if someone in the car isn't wearing their seat belt. It can also make warning sounds when your teen begins to hit higher speeds. For the parent who wants a play-by-play, this PC World article mentions that for a fee parents can have the key track the point-by-point destinations through the GPS. What do you think, is this a little too big brother or what every parent has been waiting for? MyKey will be introduced as a free standard feature in the 2010 Ford Focus and Ford hopes to eventually make it a standard feature on all Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models. I'm sure kids everywhere are already talking to their smartest computer-hacking friends. Labels: gadget, kids, news, parenting, travel
Ford Key Monitors Teen Drivers
Are you a parent who sweats when your teen takes the family wheels out on the town? Ford feels your pain. They have recently introduced the MyKey, a programmable ignition key for Ford automobiles that monitors teenage driving behavior. So what can this magic key do? A lot of things. It can limit the speed of the car, say 80 mph. It can limit the volume of the stereo. It can prevent the stereo from even coming on if someone in the car isn't wearing their seat belt. It can also make warning sounds when your teen begins to hit higher speeds. For the parent who wants a play-by-play, this PC World article mentions that for a fee parents can have the key track the point-by-point destinations through the GPS. What do you think, is this a little too big brother or what every parent has been waiting for? MyKey will be introduced as a free standard feature in the 2010 Ford Focus and Ford hopes to eventually make it a standard feature on all Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models. I'm sure kids everywhere are already talking to their smartest computer-hacking friends. Labels: gadget, kids, news, parenting, travel
Do You Pay Your Kids for Good Grades?
 USA Today interviewed several CEOs asking them their thoughts on giving their kids cash for grades and whether or not they thought it was a good idea. In the end, the majority of CEOs interviewed did think it was a good idea while half actually did pay their kids for good grades. In contrast, only 15% of 450 high school principals surveyed thought paying for grades was a good idea. CEOs see pay for performance as more art than science, much like keeping employees motivated to do good work. What are your thoughts? Do you pay your kids for grades? Are there any teachers out there? What are your thoughts on this subject? Labels: kids, money, study, work
Do You Pay Your Kids for Good Grades?
USA Today interviewed several CEOs asking them their thoughts on giving their kids cash for grades and whether or not they thought it was a good idea. In the end, the majority of CEOs interviewed did think it was a good idea while half actually did pay their kids for good grades. In contrast, only 15% of 450 high school principals surveyed thought paying for grades was a good idea. CEOs see pay for performance as more art than science, much like keeping employees motivated to do good work. What are your thoughts? Do you pay your kids for grades? Are there any teachers out there? What are your thoughts on this subject? Labels: kids, money, study, work
Do You Pay Your Kids for Good Grades?
USA Today interviewed several CEOs asking them their thoughts on giving their kids cash for grades and whether or not they thought it was a good idea. In the end, the majority of CEOs interviewed did think it was a good idea while half actually did pay their kids for good grades. In contrast, only 15% of 450 high school principals surveyed thought paying for grades was a good idea. CEOs see pay for performance as more art than science, much like keeping employees motivated to do good work. What are your thoughts? Do you pay your kids for grades? Are there any teachers out there? What are your thoughts on this subject? Labels: kids, money, study, work
Put Marriage Before Kids
 This article from The Christian Science Monitor says the secret to a happy marriage is to put your marriage before your kids. By making your kids the center of your universe, parents become anxious and exhausted and it's not just bad for marriage, but in the end it's bad for the kids too. Here are some tips from the article: There are three keys to a successful marriage and family:
1) Recognize that we've already chosen the perfect spouse. No, we would NOT choose better next time;
2) Recognize how often our fight-or-flight instinct overrides our passion in marriage. To create a happy marriage, we need to go from the fantasy, "It's his/her fault that I'm unhappy" to the truth, "I wouldn't do any better in my next marriage, so I might as well give 100 percent to this one;" and
3) Recognize that if we build a great marriage, we create a great role model for our kids, and they learn self-reliance and cooperation in the process. Do you find that your kids come before your relationship? Labels: advice, kids, parenting
Put Marriage Before Kids
This article from The Christian Science Monitor says the secret to a happy marriage is to put your marriage before your kids. By making your kids the center of your universe, parents become anxious and exhausted and it's not just bad for marriage, but in the end it's bad for the kids too. Here are some tips from the article: There are three keys to a successful marriage and family:
1) Recognize that we've already chosen the perfect spouse. No, we would NOT choose better next time;
2) Recognize how often our fight-or-flight instinct overrides our passion in marriage. To create a happy marriage, we need to go from the fantasy, "It's his/her fault that I'm unhappy" to the truth, "I wouldn't do any better in my next marriage, so I might as well give 100 percent to this one;" and
3) Recognize that if we build a great marriage, we create a great role model for our kids, and they learn self-reliance and cooperation in the process. Do you find that your kids come before your relationship? Labels: advice, kids, parenting
Put Marriage Before Kids
This article from The Christian Science Monitor says the secret to a happy marriage is to put your marriage before your kids. By making your kids the center of your universe, parents become anxious and exhausted and it's not just bad for marriage, but in the end it's bad for the kids too. Here are some tips from the article: There are three keys to a successful marriage and family:
1) Recognize that we've already chosen the perfect spouse. No, we would NOT choose better next time;
2) Recognize how often our fight-or-flight instinct overrides our passion in marriage. To create a happy marriage, we need to go from the fantasy, "It's his/her fault that I'm unhappy" to the truth, "I wouldn't do any better in my next marriage, so I might as well give 100 percent to this one;" and
3) Recognize that if we build a great marriage, we create a great role model for our kids, and they learn self-reliance and cooperation in the process. Do you find that your kids come before your relationship? Labels: advice, kids, parenting
Fewer Women Having Kids
 New U.S. Census data reports that 23 percent of women ages 40 to 44 have no children, double the level of 30 years ago. Women who are having children are birthing an average of 1.9 children, compared with the mean average of 3.1 children in 1976. The data shows that women with graduate degrees have fewer children: 27 percent of 40 to 44-year old women with graduate or professional degrees are childless, compared with 18 percent of women who did not continue their education beyond high school. The data further shows that of all the women who had children in 2006, nearly 60 percent worked. These numbers have been leaning this way for a long time. What's your personal experience? Click here to read the complete article from the NY Times. Labels: kids, parenting, pregnancy, study, women
Fewer Women Having Kids
New U.S. Census data reports that 23 percent of women ages 40 to 44 have no children, double the level of 30 years ago. Women who are having children are birthing an average of 1.9 children, compared with the mean average of 3.1 children in 1976. The data shows that women with graduate degrees have fewer children: 27 percent of 40 to 44-year old women with graduate or professional degrees are childless, compared with 18 percent of women who did not continue their education beyond high school. The data further shows that of all the women who had children in 2006, nearly 60 percent worked. These numbers have been leaning this way for a long time. What's your personal experience? Click here to read the complete article from the NY Times. Labels: kids, parenting, pregnancy, study, women
Fewer Women Having Kids
New U.S. Census data reports that 23 percent of women ages 40 to 44 have no children, double the level of 30 years ago. Women who are having children are birthing an average of 1.9 children, compared with the mean average of 3.1 children in 1976. The data shows that women with graduate degrees have fewer children: 27 percent of 40 to 44-year old women with graduate or professional degrees are childless, compared with 18 percent of women who did not continue their education beyond high school. The data further shows that of all the women who had children in 2006, nearly 60 percent worked. These numbers have been leaning this way for a long time. What's your personal experience? Click here to read the complete article from the NY Times. Labels: kids, parenting, pregnancy, study, women
Moms Get High on Baby's Smile
 A study of 28 first-time moms revealed that seeing pictures of their babies' smiles activated parts of the brain that signals a hormone called dopamine. When a mother sees their baby smile, they get a rush of dopamine, the same chemical rush that occurs when people use cocaine or nicotine. The study helps explain how the brain fosters maternal devotion, effectively making mothers addicted to their babies. An excerpt from the article explains the other side of things: The study may also shed light on postpartum depression, which affects one in 10 new mothers, says Louann Brizendine, a neuropsychiatrist at the University of California-San Francisco who was not involved in the study. In depressed women, dopamine levels may be too low for women to respond to their babies, Brizendine says. Antidepressants, which replenish dopamine levels, often help these women.
The results of this study are interesting, but it is only with 28 mothers. But seriously, those little dimpled baby cheeks are too cute not to get you high. Click here to read the full article.Labels: kids, parenting, study, women
Moms Get High on Baby's Smile
A study of 28 first-time moms revealed that seeing pictures of their babies' smiles activated parts of the brain that signals a hormone called dopamine. When a mother sees their baby smile, they get a rush of dopamine, the same chemical rush that occurs when people use cocaine or nicotine. The study helps explain how the brain fosters maternal devotion, effectively making mothers addicted to their babies. An excerpt from the article explains the other side of things: The study may also shed light on postpartum depression, which affects one in 10 new mothers, says Louann Brizendine, a neuropsychiatrist at the University of California-San Francisco who was not involved in the study. In depressed women, dopamine levels may be too low for women to respond to their babies, Brizendine says. Antidepressants, which replenish dopamine levels, often help these women.
The results of this study are interesting, but it is only with 28 mothers. But seriously, those little dimpled baby cheeks are too cute not to get you high. Click here to read the full article.Labels: kids, parenting, study, women
Moms Get High on Baby's Smile
A study of 28 first-time moms revealed that seeing pictures of their babies' smiles activated parts of the brain that signals a hormone called dopamine. When a mother sees their baby smile, they get a rush of dopamine, the same chemical rush that occurs when people use cocaine or nicotine. The study helps explain how the brain fosters maternal devotion, effectively making mothers addicted to their babies. An excerpt from the article explains the other side of things: The study may also shed light on postpartum depression, which affects one in 10 new mothers, says Louann Brizendine, a neuropsychiatrist at the University of California-San Francisco who was not involved in the study. In depressed women, dopamine levels may be too low for women to respond to their babies, Brizendine says. Antidepressants, which replenish dopamine levels, often help these women.
The results of this study are interesting, but it is only with 28 mothers. But seriously, those little dimpled baby cheeks are too cute not to get you high. Click here to read the full article.Labels: kids, parenting, study, women
Newlyweds With Baby Battle Marital Dissatisfaction
 Erika Lawrence, a psychology professor released a study funded by the US National Institute of Mental Health that says newlyweds who have children, even those who planned to have children in their early years of married have a much greater drop in marital satisfaction than newlyweds who do not have kids. This article from the Times Online doesn't offer an explanation on why, but it does make sense if you think about it. When you have a child, your attention must be on them. Even when you put forth an effort to nurture your marriage, it's bound to lose time to the new child. That doesn't mean don't have children. The study goes on to say that after 18 months, the marital satisfaction rebounds. So keep this in mind when your first baby is on the way--continue to focus on each other and your marriage. Labels: kids, parenting, study
Newlyweds With Baby Battle Marital Dissatisfaction
Erika Lawrence, a psychology professor released a study funded by the US National Institute of Mental Health that says newlyweds who have children, even those who planned to have children in their early years of married have a much greater drop in marital satisfaction than newlyweds who do not have kids. This article from the Times Online doesn't offer an explanation on why, but it does make sense if you think about it. When you have a child, your attention must be on them. Even when you put forth an effort to nurture your marriage, it's bound to lose time to the new child. That doesn't mean don't have children. The study goes on to say that after 18 months, the marital satisfaction rebounds. So keep this in mind when your first baby is on the way--continue to focus on each other and your marriage. Labels: kids, parenting, study
Newlyweds With Baby Battle Marital Dissatisfaction
Erika Lawrence, a psychology professor released a study funded by the US National Institute of Mental Health that says newlyweds who have children, even those who planned to have children in their early years of married have a much greater drop in marital satisfaction than newlyweds who do not have kids. This article from the Times Online doesn't offer an explanation on why, but it does make sense if you think about it. When you have a child, your attention must be on them. Even when you put forth an effort to nurture your marriage, it's bound to lose time to the new child. That doesn't mean don't have children. The study goes on to say that after 18 months, the marital satisfaction rebounds. So keep this in mind when your first baby is on the way--continue to focus on each other and your marriage. Labels: kids, parenting, study
Fathers' Depression Stunts Kid Development
 There have been previous studies that have mentioned that mothers suffering from depression hamper the academic performance of their children. A new study says the same goes for fathers who are depressed. Furthermore, fathers of 9-month-olds are about twice as likely as other men their age to show symptoms of major depression. As a result, depressed fathers read less to their kids and the children know slightly fewer words by age 2. The study interviewed over 4,500 fathers and was presented at the American Psychiatric Association meeting in Washington D.C. Read the full article here.Labels: health, kids, men, parenting, study
Fathers' Depression Stunts Kid Development
There have been previous studies that have mentioned that mothers suffering from depression hamper the academic performance of their children. A new study says the same goes for fathers who are depressed. Furthermore, fathers of 9-month-olds are about twice as likely as other men their age to show symptoms of major depression. As a result, depressed fathers read less to their kids and the children know slightly fewer words by age 2. The study interviewed over 4,500 fathers and was presented at the American Psychiatric Association meeting in Washington D.C. Read the full article here.Labels: health, kids, men, parenting, study
Fathers' Depression Stunts Kid Development
There have been previous studies that have mentioned that mothers suffering from depression hamper the academic performance of their children. A new study says the same goes for fathers who are depressed. Furthermore, fathers of 9-month-olds are about twice as likely as other men their age to show symptoms of major depression. As a result, depressed fathers read less to their kids and the children know slightly fewer words by age 2. The study interviewed over 4,500 fathers and was presented at the American Psychiatric Association meeting in Washington D.C. Read the full article here.Labels: health, kids, men, parenting, study
Most Popular Baby Names in Century
 The television show TODAY has released a list of the most popular baby names for each decade starting at 1900. Back at the turn of the century wanna know what they were? For boys, the top five were: 1. John 2. William 3. James 4. George 5. Charles. For girls they were: 1. Mary 2. Helen 3. Anna 4. Margaret 5. Ruth. So how have things changed in 100 years? Here's a list of the most popular names in 2006 (the most recent list they had available). For boys the top five were: 1. Jacob 2. Michael 3. Joshua 4. Ethan 5. Matthew. For girls, the top five were: 1. Emily 2. Emma 3. Madison 4. Isabella 5. Ava. To read the top 10 in each decade, click here. Labels: family, kids, parenting
Most Popular Baby Names in Century
The television show TODAY has released a list of the most popular baby names for each decade starting at 1900. Back at the turn of the century wanna know what they were? For boys, the top five were: 1. John 2. William 3. James 4. George 5. Charles. For girls they were: 1. Mary 2. Helen 3. Anna 4. Margaret 5. Ruth. So how have things changed in 100 years? Here's a list of the most popular names in 2006 (the most recent list they had available). For boys the top five were: 1. Jacob 2. Michael 3. Joshua 4. Ethan 5. Matthew. For girls, the top five were: 1. Emily 2. Emma 3. Madison 4. Isabella 5. Ava. To read the top 10 in each decade, click here. Labels: family, kids, parenting
Most Popular Baby Names in Century
The television show TODAY has released a list of the most popular baby names for each decade starting at 1900. Back at the turn of the century wanna know what they were? For boys, the top five were: 1. John 2. William 3. James 4. George 5. Charles. For girls they were: 1. Mary 2. Helen 3. Anna 4. Margaret 5. Ruth. So how have things changed in 100 years? Here's a list of the most popular names in 2006 (the most recent list they had available). For boys the top five were: 1. Jacob 2. Michael 3. Joshua 4. Ethan 5. Matthew. For girls, the top five were: 1. Emily 2. Emma 3. Madison 4. Isabella 5. Ava. To read the top 10 in each decade, click here. Labels: family, kids, parenting
Don't Neglect Marriage After Baby Arrives
 An article from AZCentral.com tells the story of new parents and how the child has changed their marriage. At the end of the article, there are many tips for new parents to think about. The tips are broken down into frequency: daily, weekly, monthly and annually. Some of their tips include: make time to talk, go out on a date at least once a week, get away for one night every month, and plan at least one getaway vacation once a year. A point they make at the end of the article is that eventually the children will grow up and leave. If you've nurtured your relationship throughout parenthood, you'll have fun for many years to come. Click here to read the full article.Labels: advice, family, kids, parenting, pregnancy
Don't Neglect Marriage After Baby Arrives
An article from AZCentral.com tells the story of new parents and how the child has changed their marriage. At the end of the article, there are many tips for new parents to think about. The tips are broken down into frequency: daily, weekly, monthly and annually. Some of their tips include: make time to talk, go out on a date at least once a week, get away for one night every month, and plan at least one getaway vacation once a year. A point they make at the end of the article is that eventually the children will grow up and leave. If you've nurtured your relationship throughout parenthood, you'll have fun for many years to come. Click here to read the full article.Labels: advice, family, kids, parenting, pregnancy
Don't Neglect Marriage After Baby Arrives
An article from AZCentral.com tells the story of new parents and how the child has changed their marriage. At the end of the article, there are many tips for new parents to think about. The tips are broken down into frequency: daily, weekly, monthly and annually. Some of their tips include: make time to talk, go out on a date at least once a week, get away for one night every month, and plan at least one getaway vacation once a year. A point they make at the end of the article is that eventually the children will grow up and leave. If you've nurtured your relationship throughout parenthood, you'll have fun for many years to come. Click here to read the full article.Labels: advice, family, kids, parenting, pregnancy
Breast Milk Boosts IQ
 Two new studies reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that say babies who are breast fed and carry a particular gene get an IQ boost. The two studies of breast-fed infants involved more than 3,000 children in Britain and New Zealand. The average increase was nearly 7 IQ points if the children had a particular version of a gene called FADS2. "Our findings support the idea that the nutritional content of breast milk accounts for the differences seen in human IQ," said Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychological and brain sciences in Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy. "But it's not a simple all-or-none connection: it depends to some extent on the genetic makeup of each infant." In the end, the study says that the argument of nature versus nurture has a result that both benefit the growth of children. Labels: health, kids, parenting, study
Breast Milk Boosts IQ
Two new studies reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that say babies who are breast fed and carry a particular gene get an IQ boost. The two studies of breast-fed infants involved more than 3,000 children in Britain and New Zealand. The average increase was nearly 7 IQ points if the children had a particular version of a gene called FADS2. "Our findings support the idea that the nutritional content of breast milk accounts for the differences seen in human IQ," said Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychological and brain sciences in Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy. "But it's not a simple all-or-none connection: it depends to some extent on the genetic makeup of each infant." In the end, the study says that the argument of nature versus nurture has a result that both benefit the growth of children. Labels: health, kids, parenting, study
Breast Milk Boosts IQ
Two new studies reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that say babies who are breast fed and carry a particular gene get an IQ boost. The two studies of breast-fed infants involved more than 3,000 children in Britain and New Zealand. The average increase was nearly 7 IQ points if the children had a particular version of a gene called FADS2. "Our findings support the idea that the nutritional content of breast milk accounts for the differences seen in human IQ," said Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychological and brain sciences in Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy. "But it's not a simple all-or-none connection: it depends to some extent on the genetic makeup of each infant." In the end, the study says that the argument of nature versus nurture has a result that both benefit the growth of children. Labels: health, kids, parenting, study
Russians Offer Car for Baby
 That's right, if you're a citizen of Russia and you're looking for a new set of wheels, close your curtains and take part in a Day in Conception on Sept. 12. Ulyanovsk Gov. Sergei Morozov wants Russians to procreate--even allowing them to take off work. To do so, the government is offering incentives, like cars, refrigerators and money and other prizes for couples who deliver 9 months later on June 12, Russia's national day. So why the incentives? Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the population has also fallen. Russia is the largest country in the world, yet by 2050, it's projected that they may have fewer than 100 million citizens. Signing off: From Russia With Love. Labels: holidays, kids, news, real people, romance, sex
Russians Offer Car for Baby
That's right, if you're a citizen of Russia and you're looking for a new set of wheels, close your curtains and take part in a Day in Conception on Sept. 12. Ulyanovsk Gov. Sergei Morozov wants Russians to procreate--even allowing them to take off work. To do so, the government is offering incentives, like cars, refrigerators and money and other prizes for couples who deliver 9 months later on June 12, Russia's national day. So why the incentives? Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the population has also fallen. Russia is the largest country in the world, yet by 2050, it's projected that they may have fewer than 100 million citizens. Signing off: From Russia With Love. Labels: holidays, kids, news, real people, romance, sex
Russians Offer Car for Baby
That's right, if you're a citizen of Russia and you're looking for a new set of wheels, close your curtains and take part in a Day in Conception on Sept. 12. Ulyanovsk Gov. Sergei Morozov wants Russians to procreate--even allowing them to take off work. To do so, the government is offering incentives, like cars, refrigerators and money and other prizes for couples who deliver 9 months later on June 12, Russia's national day. So why the incentives? Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the population has also fallen. Russia is the largest country in the world, yet by 2050, it's projected that they may have fewer than 100 million citizens. Signing off: From Russia With Love. Labels: holidays, kids, news, real people, romance, sex
Baby Domains
 You know how there's the web natives and the web foreigners? What would you call a baby that has their own website? The latest trend to grab a hold of parents is snatching up domains for their babies. This article from USA Today interviewed a couple that said when selecting a name for their new baby, they first made sure the domain name for the baby was available. If it wasn't they had to find a new name. Talk about future proofing your kid's web presence. I guess it could be worse. The kid's name could be 4Real! Labels: kids, parenting, real people
Baby Domains
You know how there's the web natives and the web foreigners? What would you call a baby that has their own website? The latest trend to grab a hold of parents is snatching up domains for their babies. This article from USA Today interviewed a couple that said when selecting a name for their new baby, they first made sure the domain name for the baby was available. If it wasn't they had to find a new name. Talk about future proofing your kid's web presence. I guess it could be worse. The kid's name could be 4Real! Labels: kids, parenting, real people
Baby Domains
You know how there's the web natives and the web foreigners? What would you call a baby that has their own website? The latest trend to grab a hold of parents is snatching up domains for their babies. This article from USA Today interviewed a couple that said when selecting a name for their new baby, they first made sure the domain name for the baby was available. If it wasn't they had to find a new name. Talk about future proofing your kid's web presence. I guess it could be worse. The kid's name could be 4Real! Labels: kids, parenting, real people
That's My Name, 4Real
 You don't like your name? Pat and Sheena Wheaton were rejected by their New Zealand Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages when they named their baby 4Real. After they were rejected, they officially changed his name to Superman. Yep, as in the Man of Steel or Shaq. The Wheatons said they finally decided on the name after seeing the baby for the first time in an ultrasound scan and realising their baby was "for real". All we can say is UnReal. Click here to read the full scoop.Labels: kids, news, parenting, real people
That's My Name, 4Real
You don't like your name? Pat and Sheena Wheaton were rejected by their New Zealand Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages when they named their baby 4Real. After they were rejected, they officially changed his name to Superman. Yep, as in the Man of Steel or Shaq. The Wheatons said they finally decided on the name after seeing the baby for the first time in an ultrasound scan and realising their baby was "for real". All we can say is UnReal. Click here to read the full scoop.Labels: kids, news, parenting, real people
That's My Name, 4Real
You don't like your name? Pat and Sheena Wheaton were rejected by their New Zealand Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages when they named their baby 4Real. After they were rejected, they officially changed his name to Superman. Yep, as in the Man of Steel or Shaq. The Wheatons said they finally decided on the name after seeing the baby for the first time in an ultrasound scan and realising their baby was "for real". All we can say is UnReal. Click here to read the full scoop.Labels: kids, news, parenting, real people
Your Baby Ain't No Einstein
So you think your baby is a genius because you feed him those Baby Einstein DVDs? Well, what you're really doing is rotting their brain! According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, every hour a day spent watching baby DVDs and videos, infants between 8 and 16 months old understood an average of six to eight fewer words than infants who didn't watch them. The lead author of the study, Frederick Zimmerman, an associate professor of health services at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute says "the most important fact to come from this study is, there is no clear evidence of a benefit coming from baby DVDs and videos, and there is some suggestion of harm." For toddlers ages 17 to 24 months, the baby DVDs/videos had no positive or negative effect on vocabulary. So basically, DVDs/videos have zero beneficial value according to this study. Bummer. Labels: advice, kids, parenting, study
Your Baby Ain't No Einstein
So you think your baby is a genius because you feed him those Baby Einstein DVDs? Well, what you're really doing is rotting their brain! According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, every hour a day spent watching baby DVDs and videos, infants between 8 and 16 months old understood an average of six to eight fewer words than infants who didn't watch them. The lead author of the study, Frederick Zimmerman, an associate professor of health services at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute says "the most important fact to come from this study is, there is no clear evidence of a benefit coming from baby DVDs and videos, and there is some suggestion of harm." For toddlers ages 17 to 24 months, the baby DVDs/videos had no positive or negative effect on vocabulary. So basically, DVDs/videos have zero beneficial value according to this study. Bummer. Labels: advice, kids, parenting, study
Your Baby Ain't No Einstein
So you think your baby is a genius because you feed him those Baby Einstein DVDs? Well, what you're really doing is rotting their brain! According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, every hour a day spent watching baby DVDs and videos, infants between 8 and 16 months old understood an average of six to eight fewer words than infants who didn't watch them. The lead author of the study, Frederick Zimmerman, an associate professor of health services at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute says "the most important fact to come from this study is, there is no clear evidence of a benefit coming from baby DVDs and videos, and there is some suggestion of harm." For toddlers ages 17 to 24 months, the baby DVDs/videos had no positive or negative effect on vocabulary. So basically, DVDs/videos have zero beneficial value according to this study. Bummer. Labels: advice, kids, parenting, study
Rejecting B-Day Gifts
 Do you have a little one scampering around your home? When it's time to celebrate their birthday, you know that means cake, party favors and lots of gifts. Or does it? This article from the NY Times highlights a growing movement of kids, teens and adults shunning personal gifts for more philanthropic gratification. For example, the article highlights a 16-year-old teen who used her b-day money to purchase livestock for poor families. The article starts off with a 4-year-old boy who donates his birthday greenbacks to the local fire department. Just curious, would you turn away traditional gifts for your child for a philanthropic endeavor? This makes me wonder if I would have wanted to see The Transformers movie if I didn't get them as a kid. Labels: entertainment, holidays, kids, parenting
Rejecting B-Day Gifts
Do you have a little one scampering around your home? When it's time to celebrate their birthday, you know that means cake, party favors and lots of gifts. Or does it? This article from the NY Times highlights a growing movement of kids, teens and adults shunning personal gifts for more philanthropic gratification. For example, the article highlights a 16-year-old teen who used her b-day money to purchase livestock for poor families. The article starts off with a 4-year-old boy who donates his birthday greenbacks to the local fire department. Just curious, would you turn away traditional gifts for your child for a philanthropic endeavor? This makes me wonder if I would have wanted to see The Transformers movie if I didn't get them as a kid. Labels: entertainment, holidays, kids, parenting
Rejecting B-Day Gifts
Do you have a little one scampering around your home? When it's time to celebrate their birthday, you know that means cake, party favors and lots of gifts. Or does it? This article from the NY Times highlights a growing movement of kids, teens and adults shunning personal gifts for more philanthropic gratification. For example, the article highlights a 16-year-old teen who used her b-day money to purchase livestock for poor families. The article starts off with a 4-year-old boy who donates his birthday greenbacks to the local fire department. Just curious, would you turn away traditional gifts for your child for a philanthropic endeavor? This makes me wonder if I would have wanted to see The Transformers movie if I didn't get them as a kid. Labels: entertainment, holidays, kids, parenting
The Secret to Getting Your Baby to Sleep?
 Experts at the Northwestern School of Medicine say if you want your baby or kids to sleep well, then you should establish good habits early on. They correlate sleeping to food, saying that like food, there's junk food and good food. For sleep, there's junk sleep and good sleep. So what are good sleeping habits? Let your baby sleep on their own schedule--when their little bodies tell them it's time to take a nap. This article from USA Today says too often parent try to fit babies into their schedule, therefore perpetuating junk sleep. Oh, have we mentioned that junk sleep equals long nights for the parents? Behavioral problems, academic struggles and more could be a result of not enough good sleep for kids. Labels: advice, health, kids, study
The Secret to Getting Your Baby to Sleep?
Experts at the Northwestern School of Medicine say if you want your baby or kids to sleep well, then you should establish good habits early on. They correlate sleeping to food, saying that like food, there's junk food and good food. For sleep, there's junk sleep and good sleep. So what are good sleeping habits? Let your baby sleep on their own schedule--when their little bodies tell them it's time to take a nap. This article from USA Today says too often parent try to fit babies into their schedule, therefore perpetuating junk sleep. Oh, have we mentioned that junk sleep equals long nights for the parents? Behavioral problems, academic struggles and more could be a result of not enough good sleep for kids. Labels: advice, health, kids, study
The Secret to Getting Your Baby to Sleep?
Experts at the Northwestern School of Medicine say if you want your baby or kids to sleep well, then you should establish good habits early on. They correlate sleeping to food, saying that like food, there's junk food and good food. For sleep, there's junk sleep and good sleep. So what are good sleeping habits? Let your baby sleep on their own schedule--when their little bodies tell them it's time to take a nap. This article from USA Today says too often parent try to fit babies into their schedule, therefore perpetuating junk sleep. Oh, have we mentioned that junk sleep equals long nights for the parents? Behavioral problems, academic struggles and more could be a result of not enough good sleep for kids. Labels: advice, health, kids, study
Kids No Longer Considered Most Important To Successful Marriage
 Think kids help make a marriage successful? Think again. According to the Pew Research Center on marriage and parenting the little buggers are barely on the radar. Conducted by telephone from mid-February through mid-March with a random nationwide sample of 2,020 adults the survey found that "sharing household chores," "good housing," "adequate income," a "happy sexual relationship" and "faithfulness" all came ahead of Americans who consider children as "very important" in having a successful marriage. In fact, the research shows that children are now ranked eighth out of nine places in a list of importance people associate with having a successful marriage. The survey also finds that, "by a margin of nearly three-to-one, Americans say that the main purpose of marriage is the 'mutual happiness and fulfillment' of adults rather than the 'bearing and raising of children.'" Surprised? Tell us how you feel. For more, click hereLabels: kids, news, parenting
Kids No Longer Considered Most Important To Successful Marriage
Think kids help make a marriage successful? Think again. According to the Pew Research Center on marriage and parenting the little buggers are barely on the radar. Conducted by telephone from mid-February through mid-March with a random nationwide sample of 2,020 adults the survey found that "sharing household chores," "good housing," "adequate income," a "happy sexual relationship" and "faithfulness" all came ahead of Americans who consider children as "very important" in having a successful marriage. In fact, the research shows that children are now ranked eighth out of nine places in a list of importance people associate with having a successful marriage. The survey also finds that, "by a margin of nearly three-to-one, Americans say that the main purpose of marriage is the 'mutual happiness and fulfillment' of adults rather than the 'bearing and raising of children.'" Surprised? Tell us how you feel. For more, click hereLabels: kids, news, parenting
Kids No Longer Considered Most Important To Successful Marriage
Think kids help make a marriage successful? Think again. According to the Pew Research Center on marriage and parenting the little buggers are barely on the radar. Conducted by telephone from mid-February through mid-March with a random nationwide sample of 2,020 adults the survey found that "sharing household chores," "good housing," "adequate income," a "happy sexual relationship" and "faithfulness" all came ahead of Americans who consider children as "very important" in having a successful marriage. In fact, the research shows that children are now ranked eighth out of nine places in a list of importance people associate with having a successful marriage. The survey also finds that, "by a margin of nearly three-to-one, Americans say that the main purpose of marriage is the 'mutual happiness and fulfillment' of adults rather than the 'bearing and raising of children.'" Surprised? Tell us how you feel. For more, click hereLabels: kids, news, parenting
Most Popular Baby Names
 Nope, it's not Katrina. For boys it's Jacob and girls it's Emily. In fact, Emily has been the top name for girls since 1996 and Jacob has been on top since 1999. Katrina has been falling in popularity even before the hurricane. Here's the top five for each: *Boys* Jacob Michael Joshua Ethan Matthew *Girls* Emily Emma Madison Isabella Ava To get the full list click here.Labels: advice, kids, news, parenting
Most Popular Baby Names
Nope, it's not Katrina. For boys it's Jacob and girls it's Emily. In fact, Emily has been the top name for girls since 1996 and Jacob has been on top since 1999. Katrina has been falling in popularity even before the hurricane. Here's the top five for each: *Boys* Jacob Michael Joshua Ethan Matthew *Girls* Emily Emma Madison Isabella Ava To get the full list click here.Labels: advice, kids, news, parenting
Most Popular Baby Names
Nope, it's not Katrina. For boys it's Jacob and girls it's Emily. In fact, Emily has been the top name for girls since 1996 and Jacob has been on top since 1999. Katrina has been falling in popularity even before the hurricane. Here's the top five for each: *Boys* Jacob Michael Joshua Ethan Matthew *Girls* Emily Emma Madison Isabella Ava To get the full list click here.Labels: advice, kids, news, parenting
Kool-Aid Dills
 Looking for a new, cool summertime snack? Ever heard of Kool-Aid pickles? These are dill pickles that take a bath in Kool-Aid. The result is bright candy-colored pickles that reflect the choice of Kool-Aid used. According to this NY Times article (registration required), these "candy pickles" are growing in popularity in the South. They definitely look interesting, if you're brave enough to try it once let us know what you think. Or you could have your kids be the guinea pigs. Labels: entertainment, food, kids
Kool-Aid Dills
Looking for a new, cool summertime snack? Ever heard of Kool-Aid pickles? These are dill pickles that take a bath in Kool-Aid. The result is bright candy-colored pickles that reflect the choice of Kool-Aid used. According to this NY Times article (registration required), these "candy pickles" are growing in popularity in the South. They definitely look interesting, if you're brave enough to try it once let us know what you think. Or you could have your kids be the guinea pigs. Labels: entertainment, food, kids
Kool-Aid Dills
Looking for a new, cool summertime snack? Ever heard of Kool-Aid pickles? These are dill pickles that take a bath in Kool-Aid. The result is bright candy-colored pickles that reflect the choice of Kool-Aid used. According to this NY Times article (registration required), these "candy pickles" are growing in popularity in the South. They definitely look interesting, if you're brave enough to try it once let us know what you think. Or you could have your kids be the guinea pigs. Labels: entertainment, food, kids
Disney Helps Moms
 Disney is launching a website that will offer tips, resources and information for moms everywhere. The site will be hosted at familyfun.com and will eventually include a "ParentPedia", basically a vault of information both from Disney and users of the site. They must have other plans for this site, though because familyfun.com isn't a very good URL for the focus of their content. Maybe they could have done, Mom911.com or DisneyParents.com or MomsRaisingMouses.com. Then again, what do we know, they built the happiest place on earth. Click here for more information.Labels: advice, entertainment, kids, parenting, resource
Disney Helps Moms
Disney is launching a website that will offer tips, resources and information for moms everywhere. The site will be hosted at familyfun.com and will eventually include a "ParentPedia", basically a vault of information both from Disney and users of the site. They must have other plans for this site, though because familyfun.com isn't a very good URL for the focus of their content. Maybe they could have done, Mom911.com or DisneyParents.com or MomsRaisingMouses.com. Then again, what do we know, they built the happiest place on earth. Click here for more information.Labels: advice, entertainment, kids, parenting, resource
Disney Helps Moms
Disney is launching a website that will offer tips, resources and information for moms everywhere. The site will be hosted at familyfun.com and will eventually include a "ParentPedia", basically a vault of information both from Disney and users of the site. They must have other plans for this site, though because familyfun.com isn't a very good URL for the focus of their content. Maybe they could have done, Mom911.com or DisneyParents.com or MomsRaisingMouses.com. Then again, what do we know, they built the happiest place on earth. Click here for more information.Labels: advice, entertainment, kids, parenting, resource
Marriage Change & The Ripple Effect
 Two professors at Wharton conducted a study and found that marriage rates, divorce rates and birth rates are all on the decline in the U.S. The study also notes how these things are affecting the environment around them and visa versa. For example, the advent of the birth control pill has made it so women can get their careers established before deciding if/when they want kids. Because of this, more romances are started in the workplace. The rise of labor-saving devices (dishwashers, electric scrubbers, etc.) in the home have also made it so women don't have to spend as much time working on the home as before and can spend more time at the workplace. Not mentioned in this synopsis (click here) is the fact that men are doing more home labor and it's becoming more common for household duties to be divided equally. The bottom line is that marriage is changing and these changes affect the economy, the work environment and have ripple effects on other social arenas. We always knew marriage was changing, that's why we continue to offer new original content on a regular basis. Did you think your grandmother had to worry about internet infidelity? Didn't think so. We're here for you. Labels: kids, money, news, parenting
Marriage Change & The Ripple Effect
Two professors at Wharton conducted a study and found that marriage rates, divorce rates and birth rates are all on the decline in the U.S. The study also notes how these things are affecting the environment around them and visa versa. For example, the advent of the birth control pill has made it so women can get their careers established before deciding if/when they want kids. Because of this, more romances are started in the workplace. The rise of labor-saving devices (dishwashers, electric scrubbers, etc.) in the home have also made it so women don't have to spend as much time working on the home as before and can spend more time at the workplace. Not mentioned in this synopsis (click here) is the fact that men are doing more home labor and it's becoming more common for household duties to be divided equally. The bottom line is that marriage is changing and these changes affect the economy, the work environment and have ripple effects on other social arenas. We always knew marriage was changing, that's why we continue to offer new original content on a regular basis. Did you think your grandmother had to worry about internet infidelity? Didn't think so. We're here for you. Labels: kids, money, news, parenting
Marriage Change & The Ripple Effect
Two professors at Wharton conducted a study and found that marriage rates, divorce rates and birth rates are all on the decline in the U.S. The study also notes how these things are affecting the environment around them and visa versa. For example, the advent of the birth control pill has made it so women can get their careers established before deciding if/when they want kids. Because of this, more romances are started in the workplace. The rise of labor-saving devices (dishwashers, electric scrubbers, etc.) in the home have also made it so women don't have to spend as much time working on the home as before and can spend more time at the workplace. Not mentioned in this synopsis (click here) is the fact that men are doing more home labor and it's becoming more common for household duties to be divided equally. The bottom line is that marriage is changing and these changes affect the economy, the work environment and have ripple effects on other social arenas. We always knew marriage was changing, that's why we continue to offer new original content on a regular basis. Did you think your grandmother had to worry about internet infidelity? Didn't think so. We're here for you. Labels: kids, money, news, parenting
Sleep Stops 1 in 3 Women from Having Sex
 This was posted under the breaking news section of E Canada Now. While we find this study interesting, is it really worthy of "breaking news"? Anyway, a poll done by the National Sleep Foundation found that 33% of women say they have stopped having sex with their significant other because they were too tired and didn't have enough sleep. The story goes on to say that women who have kids or pets sleep in their bed also contributed to their lack of sleep. We'd like to add that this will also directly affect your sex life. What do you say ladies? Are 33% of you not having sex because you're not getting enough sleep or is this a poll to sell more squishy matresses? Labels: health, kids, news, parenting
Sleep Stops 1 in 3 Women from Having Sex
This was posted under the breaking news section of E Canada Now. While we find this study interesting, is it really worthy of "breaking news"? Anyway, a poll done by the National Sleep Foundation found that 33% of women say they have stopped having sex with their significant other because they were too tired and didn't have enough sleep. The story goes on to say that women who have kids or pets sleep in their bed also contributed to their lack of sleep. We'd like to add that this will also directly affect your sex life. What do you say ladies? Are 33% of you not having sex because you're not getting enough sleep or is this a poll to sell more squishy matresses? Labels: health, kids, news, parenting
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