A reward usually doesn't need to be extra large to modify a child's behavior, says a Vermont professor of psychiatry. An extravagant promise, however, "suggests that there's a struggle between parent and child."

As a child approaches 4 to 6 months of age, most mothers begin to worry about when to start solid foods.

Is it almost time to go back to work? The idea of leaving your baby with strangers might be hard to swallow. But finding good day care doesn’t have to be difficult, if you follow this advice.

Most nutrition experts and dietitians say that children of any age -- even infants -- can safely follow a vegetarian diet, according to the Nemours Foundation. But some planning is involved to ensure that children receive the proper nutrients, especially if their diet does not include eggs and dairy products.

At the parent-teen communication gap, a simple parent-child conversation just isn't simple anymore. That's because when kids get to be teenagers they think differently than children.

Ask a parent to name the greatest health threat to children and you'll hear about drinking or drugs. Rarely will anyone cite obesity -- even though it can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.

The time you spend with your children each day doesn't have to be scripted or scheduled. In fact, if you set aside only specific times as "family time," it puts a lot of pressure on both you and your kids.

Every day, nearly 6,000 teens and pre-teens try cigarettes for the first time, according to the American Lung Association. A third of these first-timers will end up becoming smokers.

Trampolines are popular. Thousands of children are rocketing skyward, and trampoline injuries are also on the rise.

Just what should kids be drinking? "I think good old H2O,'' says the director of the Nutrition Information Center in New York. But you can add pizzazz: Buy flavored water or make your own with lemon or lime.

Do not become angry if your child can't stay dry during the night. Never punish or tease your child for bed-wetting. Support and patience are the keys in helping your child.

Do you keep her home or send her off to school?

As a new parent, you may find "tub time" a bit scary. Here are some suggestions on how to make it less stressful.

Make sure your baby's developing teeth are not at risk from nursing or bottle tooth decay.

Here are some tips for deciding what to do when a child awakens with a health complaint and you must determine whether the complaint is serious enough to warrant a sick day.

Here are recipes that fit the bill for teaching some baking basics and setting some good nutrition patterns early. All you'll need are some simple tools and tolerance for a few spills. These recipes are safe for a child to make (with adult help) and are practically foolproof.

There are some simple rules for using over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for children. The first and most important: NEVER give any OTC medicine to children 2 years and under without a doctor's advice, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Studies indicate that almost all children report having fears. Some of the most common fears are of bugs or ghosts, and studies have shown that kids are afraid of pretty much the same things no matter where they live in the world.

As much as parents might want to hurry their little ones to the next stage of development, most children follow the same general growth and development pattern that can't be changed much.

few mothers- and fathers-to-be receive training for the much more challenging and long-term tasks: becoming good parents and remaining close and loving partners in the face of new stresses and strains as their family grows.

Most headaches in kids are caused by tension, not disease. Your pediatrician can determine what kind of headache your child has.

Pregnant women with asthma are just as likely to have healthy, normal babies as women without asthma -- as long as their disease is kept under control.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers suggestions to help your child develop and maintain good eating habits and to prevent chaotic mealtimes in your home.

Win or lose, experts say, it's far more important for young people to take away from sports some lessons about self-esteem, motivation, discipline and getting along with others.

Besides having trouble with school and relationships, teenagers taking drugs may display emotional extremes with irritability, anger and changes in sleep patterns.

Research shows that adolescents who grow up with high self-esteem are far less likely to abuse drugs or drink, compared with children who grow up without much sense of self-worth.

Growing up is a tough challenge for most adolescents, but when their parents are abusing alcohol or drugs, the obstacles can seem overwhelming.

Here are tips for helping (not forcing) your grade-schooler to drift off to dreamland.

With studies showing that more than half of America's teenagers have experienced sexual intercourse by the age of 18, educating kids about sex is something all parents need to do.

You can help keep your children safe by following these precautions.

The amount of planning help a student wants differs by education level. An elementary-schooler needs plenty of help, a middle-schooler expects more freedom. But parents should find ways to stay involved.

When a family sits down together, it helps them handle the stresses of daily life and the hassles of day-to-day existence.

Children whose parents are overweight or obese are at higher risk for becoming obese themselves, studies have shown. One study, in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that for a child under 10, having an obese parent more than doubled the child's risk for becoming an obese adult.

Before making a decision on a camp, though, you should consider what kind of camping experience will benefit both your child and family.

Night terrors are sudden arousals from sleep often marked by a shriek, cry or some other sound just before awakening.

Some kids need plenty of time to warm up and become independent, and others would leave home if you let them.

The prospect of new experiences away from parents or other loved ones can be quite frightening, especially for younger children. These worries are a normal part of development for all children.

Understanding the medical, social and developmental issues unique to international adoption can help parents prepare for the special challenges and special needs of these children.

More than 3 million American children currently live with grandparents or other relatives. In nearly one-third of these households, grandparents are the primary caregivers.

The sports that cause the most injuries are basketball, baseball, pool sports and racket sports. But any sport that involves a projectile is considered hazardous to the eyes.

If your child is allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, such as walnuts, almonds or pecans, it's important that you teach him or her to ask about any treat offered at school or day care before eating it.

Here are some ideas: Adopt a family in need for the holidays. Encourage your child to pass on toys he or she has outgrown.

There comes a time when even the closest families find themselves too close together.

Bullying comes in different forms. It is commonly thought of as an actual or threatened act of physical violence. But name calling, spreading rumors, unrelenting teasing, and deliberately excluding a child from an activity can be other forms of bullying. Racial slurs, mocking cultural traditions, and unwanted physical contact are bullying.

Pediatricians say there are easy and effective ways to get your kids to eat well other than playing the food enforcer. Parents need to avoid the bickering and control games that make meals tense and unappetizing.

When it comes to parenting, back injury is an occupational hazard. New mothers, whose backs have just endured the stresses of pregnancy and birth, are particularly vulnerable. So are taller fathers and mothers who must bend farther than others to scoop up tots from playpens.

Youngsters spend time online messaging, chatting, searching and surfing. Although most of these Internet experiences are likely positive, parents need to be aware of the dangers to better protect their children.

Before your child undergoes any medical treatment, it is critical for you to have a full understanding of the diagnosis, procedure and options available. This will help you manage the fears and anxieties your child may feel.

When children believe they are different in some way, they feel bad. Whether because of their height or some other characteristic, they are going to be aware of differences.

Research shows that reading regularly to young children, especially those between ages 6 months and 5 years, is central to their overall growth and development.

When children are young, it's normal for them to have a variety of childhood illnesses and problems. Most go away as the child gets older.

It's hard enough to get grownups to wash up. Only two-thirds of adults wash their hands after they use the restroom, studies show.

Carsickness isn't really about the car. It's about the brain's ability to interpret a message based on what it senses.

Peanut butter has a lot of benefits for your kids: It's versatile, delicious, and high in protein and fiber.

You may have learned to ride a bike with your mom or dad running alongside to keep you from falling. That method still works, but there's an alterative that separates learning to balance from the other skills needed to ride.

If your child starts hanging around with an imaginary friend, enjoy the company. It's often part of a child's development and usually happens between ages 3 and 6.

When it comes time to eat vegetables, do your children do the Brussels-sprout pout? Well, don't give up. It can take eight to 10 tries before children accept a new food, experts say.

Remember that "terrible twos" phase of a child's life also can be the "terrific twos." Watching your children grow and learn is an enriching experience.

It seems everyone has an opinion about pacifiers. That’s because there are both advantages and disadvantages to using them. Get the full facts so you can make the right choice for your baby.

Here are several specific areas where a parent can use limits to show respect for a child's feelings and at the same time enhance the child's health.

Children have fun exploring, and you can keep them safe by controlling the household terrain.

A car with an air bag is considered safer than a car without one. But for children under 12 years old, air bags can be dangerous.

School avoidance syndrome, as described by doctors, is the most common cause of vague, unverifiable symptoms in school-age children and is triggered by stress, says a clinical professor of pediatrics.

Nutrition experts agree that a wide assortment of nutritionally balanced snacks served in moderation can be a healthy, essential part of a child's diet.

Your little ones can learn a lot about safety if you take some time to teach them. Here's an ABC that you and your children can recite together.

Many women who have had cesarean births can attempt to deliver vaginally if no risk factors are present.

The key is communication. Talking to your children is only half the answer. Listening is the other half.

Many teenagers still think smoking is cool. Here are some tools to help parents stay diligent in keeping their kids from smoking.

While being a new Mom brings lots of joy, it also brings stress—something a crying baby can make worse. Better understanding why your baby cries can help you deal with this stress in a healthy way and help you avoid the most common form of child abuse: Shaken baby syndrome.

For a parent who needs to take an infant's or child's temperature, there are now three digital options.

During the school year, 23.5 million elementary and secondary school children ride a bus to and from school each day. Add in extracurricular activities, and school bus system becomes the single largest public transit system in our country.

Tips for getting the most from your relationship with your grandchildren.

How do you know your infant or toddler is getting what he needs in the food department?

It's not always easy to get your children to eat enough fruits and vegetables.

New studies show that a sedentary child will likely become a sedentary adult, and a sedentary life leads to a host of health problems, from obesity to heart disease.

Although lead poisoning is often associated with the paint of older homes, children may be exposed to lead if the soldering on water pipes is new. In fact, lead may be found in many parts of a home, including soil, food or even the air.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine now say that strength training is fine for kids, as long as they are supervised and don't try to lift too much weight.

The number one rule when shopping with your children is to remember you're shopping with your children. Keep an eye on them at all times.

Children who inherit the family trait of cavities don’t have “soft teeth,” as many people suspect. Instead, a mother’s dental history may be to blame. But with the right habits, you can help prevent cavities in your little one.

Just about every teen will find at least one blackhead or whitehead on his or her skin by age 17, and some teens will develop more severe acne, which can leave scarring if not treated.

Earaches are common during childhood, but a vaccine can ease the pain for thousands of kids.

Sports is the leading cause of school-age children's eye injuries, but most of those injuries are preventable.

Street hockey is popular because it's cheaper than regular hockey and can be played anywhere there is a hard surface.

Preventing teen turmoil starts at birth. Parents set examples in the way they interact, express anger, and treat substance abuse.

Motor-vehicle crashes are the leading cause of childhood death in the United States. But when properly installed and used, child safety seats reduce the risk of death by 70 percent for infants and 55 percent for toddlers.

The most important thing is to keep the lines of communication open -- the more you talk to your children, the better chance you have of staying close when things get tough or when important issues like smoking arise.

Poopy diapers are bad enough, but who wants to deal with baby’s diarrhea? Unfortunately the condition isn’t just a smelly mess, it’s also a health concern, because it can lead to dangerous dehydration.

Anger, fear, separation anxiety, a sense of abandonment, self-blame, sadness and embarrassment are common reactions to divorce for most children.

Binge drinkers are most likely found on college campuses, where many students consider a big game or fraternity party an excuse to drink all weekend.

Remember scenes from old movies where the husband paces around the waiting room while his wife is in labor? As a father-to-be today, you know that you can participate throughout your partner's pregnancy.

Young children often suck on their thumbs. It's perfectly normal, even though some parents fret about it.

Your child should see a dentist six months after eruption of the first tooth, experts say. The dentist can provide or recommend preventative information regarding baby bottle tooth decay, infant feeding practices, mouth cleaning, teething, pacifier habits and finger-sucking habits.

Teething occurs when baby teeth start coming through the child's gums, usually between ages 6 months and 3 years.

When you're looking for a babysitter, give yourself enough time to be selective.

Some kids don't want to try new things in their lunch. But a variety of foods gives children a variety of nutrients and expands their palates.

Having your child wear the appropriate safety gear and use common sense when skating can help reduce the risk for injury.

Make a potty available, show your toddler how it works, then offer gentle encouragement.

Because most brain development takes place after birth, parents have many opportunities to contribute to the brain's healthy development.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that in one year, more than 10,000 children ages 5 to 14 see doctors with backpack-related complaints.

Experts say players can avoid injury by strengthening muscles through a supervised weight-training program before the season. That helps prevent injuries to knees and ankles, the most common court injuries.

Talking with your child about drugs, alcohol and tobacco is tough. But you can't afford to ignore these topics. Children learn about these substances and feel pressure to use them at a very young age.

Child abuse can happen in any family and in any neighborhood. Studies have shown that child abuse crosses all boundaries of income, race, ethnic heritage and religious faith.

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious, sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver, possibly causing lifelong liver infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer and death.

Citing the latest research on the brain, experts say chess, Scrabble, Monopoly -- even jigsaw puzzles or tic-tac-toe -- help children build analytical, organizational and creative skills.

Children should avoid specializing in a sport until they reach adolescence, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. Reason: for every prodigy who becomes a successful athlete, thousands of youths suffer physically or psychologically from being pushed to compete at a young age.

Firms are advertising herbs and supplements as remedies for everything from colds and asthma to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but dietary supplements and herbal mixtures aimed at children may be a waste of money -- and a threat to their health.

Keeping your family safe and sound can be as easy as following simple safety rules consistently. Here's a checklist from the National Safety Council can help you maintain essential safety precautions.

Some safety hazards apply to all children. But many problems are especially dangerous for children at a particular age or stage of development. Keep these precautions in mind as your children grow.

If having surgery makes you nervous, imagine how it can seem for a child. By helping the youngster anticipate and face those fears, you can ease the trauma and smooth the way for a quicker, easier recovery.

While it doesn't take long -- about 20 to 30 minutes -- for an ear, nose and throat specialist to remove a child's tonsils, a tonsillectomy should be recommended only after careful consideration.

More than 70 percent of teens who attempt or commit suicide do so in a state of crisis, responding to some acute conflict with peers, parents, or other authorities.

Children still need immunization because measles remains a significant threat abroad. Worldwide, more than 800,000 children die each year from measles.

Many experts urge hearing tests before newborns leave the hospital. Every year, several thousand babies with hearing problems are born in the U.S.

Having a make-believe friend is a normal part of your child's growth and usually happens between ages 3 and 6.

Now that you’ve brought your baby safely into the world, there are some important things you should know to help you keep your little one healthy, safe, and happy throughout the formative years.

Learning about grief and how it affects your family can help you get through the difficult times together. It may even help your family grow stronger.

Where can you as a parent turn to for the facts about vaccine safety? The first place to go is your child's doctor.

The number of cases for sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is starting to decline. A lot has to do with proactive steps parents are taking to lower their babies’ risk. Here are nine every parent should know and follow.

Here are tips on the basics of child safety.

If your child suddenly develops a fever and grows weak, tired and nauseated, the youngster probably has the flu or some other virus. But the symptoms could also be warning signs of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes.

The bed should meet federal requirements to keep your kids safe. It's also important to set guidelines for your kids on how to use the bunk bed.

Quality time should be woven into our lives. As our children get older and slip away, we need to stop worrying about the extraordinary and think more about the ordinary."

If your child is allergic to peanuts, this common food can fill you with dread. Peanuts are the top cause of severe allergic reactions to food, says the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN).

Spanking in general teaches children what not to do and doesn't teach them what to do instead.

Teen drivers have the highest accident and fatality rates of any age group. If you're the parent of a young driver, you can help protect your child by learning about the problem and taking steps to decrease your child's risk of dying in a car crash.

Jogging strollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match almost anyone's needs, including parents with twins or children with physical disabilities.

It's important for parents to be aware of how much exercise their kids are getting so they can make adjustments.

Too many young people are participating in a dangerous practice called binge drinking, or drinking to intoxication. It's defined as having five or more drinks in a row for men; for women, it’s four-plus drinks in a row.

Knowing about marijuana can help you recognize its use in children and others and help a user seek treatment.

Before assuming your child is taking drugs, find out if something else may be causing him or her to behave unusually.

Your challenge is to find toys that your children will enjoy and that you know are safe.

No one is fond of change, and big changes during the holidays can be particularly difficult to cope with for everyone involved.

If your young child begs for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), doctors say you should resist, because these off-road vehicles can kill.

If you, your parents or your parents' siblings had a heart attack before age 55, you should have your child's cholesterol tested.

Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that produce mind-altering effects. Knowing the facts about inhalants can help you protect your children.

Doctors who specialize in children's eye care say children usually become near- or farsighted between ages 6 and 12. But even infants can wear glasses if they need help to see well.

It's important to encourage good eating habits, while allowing kids to enjoy the fun of the holiday.

At the beginning of your baby’s life, milk was the only thing she needed to grow. Now she’s grown by leaps and bounds and even has teeth! You may be wondering how to introduce her to solid foods. Here’s a guide to how and when to introduce her to new foods.

If you don't have a family meal each day, it's time to get out the plates. Table time yields benefits that go far beyond food.

Every day, about 3,000 U.S. teenagers start smoking. If you're a parent of a young smoker, you can take steps to help the child quit. But first, it helps to understand why teens light up.

You want to keep your children safe, yet not make them virtual prisoners in their own home.

Many products seek to prevent bug bites, but products containing DEET (usually listed on labels as N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are quite effective.

The medical community once thought depression affected only adults. The risk for the condition begins in the early teens, however, and increases steadily through the mid-20s.

During hot weather, if young athletes don't get enough water to replace what is lost through perspiration, they face the risk of dehydration.

So who's in charge, the parent or grandparent? Experts say it's the parent's job to parent unless grandparents are told otherwise.

Each fall you hear that the flu threatens senior citizens and folks with chronic ailments. But the rate of hospital stays is highest in another group—young children.

A scaly, red, itchy, dry rash can show up in the first weeks of life. It signals a vexing but treatable skin problem called atopic dermatitis (AD), often known as eczema. Most children outgrow AD, but in some cases, it may recur in the teenage years or in adulthood.

Don't argue about cost. Do talk with your children about money management and media messages.

Better health for your teen could be as close as your breadbox. The more whole grains teenagers eat, the leaner they are and the less likely they are to develop diabetes.

Daily inhaled corticosteroids are a key part of the treatment for children with mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma. "The possible side effects of medication are far less important than the known effects of untreated asthma," says William E. Berger, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Having a baby is a life-changing experience, and there's no way to know just how exhilarating and challenging the first few months can be.

At least 90 days before starting to try to conceive, both men and women should take steps to improve their diet and exercise routines, as well as fine-tune any medications they may be taking.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one in five children in the United States is overweight or obese. That's twice as many overweight children as 20 years ago.

Although most adolescents who use drugs don't become drug abusers or drug addicts in adulthood, drug use in adolescence can put their mental, emotional and physical health at risk.

You want to help a child with cold symptoms feel better, but choosing among countless over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can be daunting. Here are some guidelines that can help.

You and your kids need to eat right. But with your busy schedule, it's tough to make sure everyone has nutritious meals and snacks. Check out these timesaving tips for preparing nutritious meals for the whole family.

Premature babies may grow at a slower rate than full-term babies, but usually catch up in height and weight by 2 years of age. But premature babies are more likely to have trouble with speech, motor skills, hearing or vision.

While you want to make sure your child gets the right vitamins and minerals, it's best for kids to get all the nutrients they need from food. But there are some children who may need a supplement.

The top cause of diaper rash is moisture, made worse by chafing or rubbing. That's why it's important to check your baby's diaper often and change it.

Peer pressure can get the best of children and push them to do things that they don't really want to do. Parents can counter it, if they're ready to help.

You can tell your children how to eat well, but experts say it's better to show them. Children must learn from their parents and caregivers to value themselves, eat nutritiously, and get proper exercise and rest.

The leading substance-abuse threat to children may be as close as your refrigerator. About 10 million adolescents drink alcohol. In fact, minors drink 19 percent of the alcohol consumed in the United States.

Children deal with death in many different ways, and not necessarily in the same manner as adults.

You may think your child's first test will come in school, but it will actually happen before leaving the hospital's newborn unit. Early screening tests for babies can find problems before symptoms arise, prompting early treatment.

All 50 states have a combination of laws that require drivers to restrain children in car seats, booster seats, and seats belts. Specifics vary by state, based on the child's age and size.

Doctors think teens who have the metabolic syndrome face a high risk for the early onset of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

A lot of firsts in your child's life will make you smile: first laugh, first step, first word. One first that isn't as appealing is the first day you have to leave your child with someone else.

As a working parent, do you need some relief from the stress of managing a career and a family?

If you want to develop a closer relationship with teen grandchildren, the key is arranging for one-on-one time, without parents in the picture.

Parents can do a lot to ease test anxiety, both in their children and themselves. Start by focusing on the learning and not the scoring.

Kids need to move to build cognitive and motor skills and to learn that physical activity is fun.

Taking small steps each week in the right direction in terms of what you buy and cook can improve your family's eating habits.

The earlier you teach children such sound habits, the more likely they are to maintain a healthy weight.

If your doctor suggests a treatment program to help your child lose weight, look for one that involves both you and your child.

A medical error can occur when something that was planned for medical care doesn't work, or when the wrong plan was used in the first place.

Appendicitis, an infection of the appendix, is the most common reason for a child to need emergency abdominal surgery.

A common ingredient in many cough and cold remedies has become a popular substance to abuse by teenagers searching for a cheap, easy high.

Having a child with diabetes can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a team of experts can guide you now and in the years to come.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, isn't limited to those 18 and older.

If a grandchild is special to you, put your heart into showing it by creating a scrapbook.

By involving teens as full participants in their self-care, they're more likely to choose healthy behaviors throughout their lives.

As children grow older, risks get more complex and restrictions harder to enforce.

Some babies cry for long stretches at 3 and 12 weeks of age during steps in development when their sleep is less settled.

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia have risen steadily to affect nearly 10 million women (and 1 million men).

Teen depression is a serious illness. The benefits of getting help, including taking medications if needed, far outweigh the potential risks.

High blood pressure has joined type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol on a list of ailments that once struck only adults but now afflict children.

The teen years often bring a sharp drop in physical activity, especially for girls.

Plastic surgery is not for every youth. For some procedures, the child must reach milestones in age, growth and physical maturity.

Even the best-prepared parents may be surprised by a few things that are quite normal in newborns.

One of the many hats that parents wear is that of a “first responder.” When their child is sick, they are the first to assess the symptoms and treat the illness.

If you are the parent of a young child, you may be confused about the safety of immunizations.

On the street, GHB is used for is ability to produce a feeling of euphoria and hallucinations.

You should always call a doctor if you have any doubts or questions about how to take care of your sick child at home.

As a parent of a young child, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing who will care for your child while you’re at work.

Grandchildren really do like learning about how life used to be, even if they don't directly say so.

As concern grows over children's harmful weight, physical education gets less and less emphasis in many schools.

Parents and pediatricians should know how to detect hearing problems at various stages during a child's first three years of life.

Some children grow more slowly than others. Height in the low normal range is still normal, doctors say.

Parents need to be prepared to focus their energy on soothing, distracting or comforting their child during the flight.

Trust that when kids are hungry enough, they'll eat the healthy options you serve.

Rotavirus is a viral infection that causes severe diarrhea in children. A vaccine is now available to help protect youngsters against this illness.

OTC drugs have information on the bottle or box. Always read this information before using the medicine.

Walkers can cause children to roll down stairs, causing head injuries and even death. This is the most common way children get hurt in walkers.

Extreme obesity plagues more than a million teens and young adults, experts estimate. What's a parent to do?

You can now add bullying to the list of things made easier by technology. Bullies use e-mail, instant messaging, and text messaging on cell phones to reach victims.

Teen girls who are athletes face unique obstacles when it comes to their bodies and how well they perform.

Putting babies to sleep on their backs has dramatically reduced the incidence of SIDS. One unexpected side effect: Many infants now have a flattened head.

Since the late 1970s, children's playtime has fallen 25 percent and their outdoor activities have dropped 50 percent.

Power tools make yard work easier, from mowing the lawn to trimming the bushes. These tools, however, also pose a threat to children if precautions aren't taken.

Preventing a tantrum is much easier than stopping one. Here are ideas on how to do that.

Here are suggestions to help you help your children attain and maintain a healthy weight.

As difficult as it is being a teenager, being a parent of one is even harder.

If you’re pregnant with twins, you’ll want to carefully consider this advice. It can help increase your chances for a full-term pregnancy.

Although some behavior problems can be attributed to normal child development, some require professional help.

Air pollution hurts infants and children more than adults, studies show. Kids' lungs are still developing, they breathe faster and they spend more time outdoors.

Rising "screen time" can cost kids the exercise they need to keep fit.

Although concussions range from mild to severe, they're all serious injuries that can harm the way the brain works.

Every day, injuries send 25,000 children to emergency rooms. Simple precautions could head off most of those trips.

Without enough shut-eye, children are more likely to struggle with their school studies, do poorly on the playing field, and suffer depression.

Kids who drink soda tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables, and get less calcium, protein and vitamins A and D, because they are drinking less milk. They also take in more calories.

Movie watching rates two thumbs up as an occasional activity that is easy, affordable and fun for every generation.

In the United States, 78 percent of all mothers with kids ages 6 to 17 work in paid jobs. Most—including married working moms—also are responsible for child care and housework.

Although teen dating violence is worrisome, it's not inevitable. You and your teen can avoid potentially perilous situations and reduce the risk for problems.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association have guidelines that can help you make up your mind.

Although nausea and vomiting can make you feel miserable, it's important to remember that these are not diseases, but rather symptoms of many illnesses.

Like adults, children should be physically active most, if not all, days of the week.

Installing your child's car seat properly and using it every time your son or daughter rides in the car is one of the best ways to help keep him or her safe in case of an accident.

Most youngsters learn the basics of pedaling, steering and braking on a tricycle or "big wheel" cycle, and around age 4 are ready to try a two-wheeler with training wheels.

Scalp ringworm isn’t caused by a worm. The infection is the result of a fungus, the same one that leads to athlete’s foot.

With knowledge, practice and a supportive health care team, you can take care of your child without diabetes taking over your lives.

As some schools ban colas from vending machines, ads are hyping a source of even more caffeine: energy drinks.

With childhood obesity on the rise, should parents worry about the weight of their babies?

Experts say today's small music players pose a big risk of hearing loss. One reason: The "earbuds" used with iPods and other MP3 players fit into the ears, not over them.

The new PE focuses on total wellness and developing lifelong health habits rather than just teaching students sports.

A disappointing grade can become an emotional tripwire for parent and child alike.

Parents need to realize the rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until he or she is 25 years old or so.

Being a cheerleader for your grandchildren doesn't require any special training. All you need to invest is some time and energy to become their biggest fan.

As the parent of an adopted biracial/bicultural child, it's important to acknowledge that your child is different. The goal is to help your child feel a sense of pride about his or her culture and race so it becomes a positive part of his or her identity.

A vaccine can protect babies from rotavirus, the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants.

Children who have ADHD are often given medication as part of their treatment plan. The type of medication most often chosen is a psychostimulant.

May through August is the most dangerous time of year for children, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. In a recent report, Safe Kids found nearly half of all injury-related childhood deaths occur during the summer.

Youngsters' most common head pain is a tension headache—a dull ache that feels like pressure around the head.

Walking the aisles, you can talk about making wholesome food choices, show how ads drive purchases, and expose your child to new fruits and vegetables.

Safe Kids Worldwide estimates that three out of four children too small for seatbelts are incorrectly restrained in car seats or booster seats.

Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 9 and 14 because kids in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing.

Scrapes and sprains are a fact of life for most children, so it’s good to know what to do when they come home with a minor injury.

Children with ODD may refuse to follow commands or requests made by parents, teachers, or other adults.

One in eight U.S. babies is preterm, says the Institute of Medicine. That's a rise of 30 percent in recent decades.

Making yourself available to your grandchildren builds strong bonds that are long remembered.

Is your new baby getting enough iron? It’s important to know. The mineral provides fuel for growth spurts, brain development and more. Find out the exact amount your new baby needs and good food sources of iron.

Kids must cope with all the issues, such as violence or global warming, that stress out adults. But they must also handle stresses added by their parents and the media.

It's best to catch vision problems while a child is very young. Later, problems are harder to correct.

A good guideline to follow is that a medical emergency is any time your child has an injury or illness you believe threatens his or her health or may cause permanent harm.

Before you hit the stores this holiday season, remember that the best toys are not just fun but also safe.

Many childhood illnesses are mild enough to be treated at home. But what about when the symptoms are more severe?

To keep the scales of work and life balanced, you must be organized. This means you must not only organize your stuff, but also your time.

There are no magic words to make a teen drive like an adult. But by setting rules, parents can make a dramatic difference in preventing crashes.

Video games can take up too much of your kids' time. They may keep your kids from schoolwork and isolate them from family and friends. They can fuel obesity by limiting physical activity.

You may be wondering what questions the provider will ask or what tests and exams your child will need.

Do you want to gain better control over your asthma? Put it in writing!

Many young people take prescription drugs because they believe they are safer than street drugs, but they can be just as dangerous if taken improperly.

Learning a bit more about vitamins and minerals can help ensure your kids are on the right nutritional track.

Introducing some of your cherished tunes to a grandchild may provide a great catalyst for imparting information about your past.

When your child acts as if she’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, maybe you should check her backpack.

Ideally, you should breast-feed exclusively for the first six months, with a goal of continuing breast milk for at least the first year.

Although a lot of young children are finicky about food, they need help when they won’t eat the amount or variety required to keep up their nutritional status.

If you have toys that have been recalled, don’t throw them out. Take them back to the store where they came from.

Autism spectrum disorders, which include autistic disorder, affect children in different ways. Some children have mild symptoms, others have severe limitations.

Although sugar-free soft drinks don’t add calories, they don’t provide nutrients either. And one study found that students who had been primed to think about their diets actually ate more when given small bags of potato chips than students who were given large bags.

A chronic, or long-lasting, illness can be difficult for anyone to deal with. But for a young child diagnosed with a chronic health condition, there are challenges for both child and parent.

Bullying is intentional tormenting that can be physical, social, or psychological. Hitting, shoving, threatening, shunning, and spreading rumors can all be forms of bullying. Kids who experience bullying can become depressed, develop low self-esteem, avoid school, feel physically ill, and even think about killing themselves.

For parents of a newborn, first-time parents, or any anxious mom or dad, it may be hard to tell a true health threat that needs a doctor's attention from a frightening, yet simple, illness that doesn't require medical treatment. Most sniffles, sneezes, and stomachaches don't need medical attention. But how do you know when it's time to call the doctor?

At least some anger is necessary for survival. Frequent or intense episodes of anger, however, aren’t good for you or the people around you. If you find yourself boiling mad more often than not, try some of these tips to keep your temper in check.

Moving your child from the crib to a first bed is a milestone event. But more than the bittersweet emotional concerns, your priorities will be safety and a healthy sleep routine.

With the right asthma action plan, most children with asthma can live full and active lives.

With its range of educational sites and informative encyclopedias, the Internet can be a useful learning tool for kids of all ages. But it can also pose a serious risk: identity theft.

Drug addiction and alcohol addiction are chronic diseases that can be treated as successfully as many other chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes.

You may think of heart disease as a problem for adults, not your young children. But diet and exercise habits started in childhood can begin a lifetime of heart health, or a lifetime of heart damage.

Organized sports for children offer obvious benefits such as physical fitness and sportsmanship, but did you know that a musical education program has many of the same benefits? Music education and participation in sports are both great ways to prepare your child for future success.

Knowing when to expect social and emotional milestones, and alerting your pediatrician if you suspect a delay, is the best way to prevent future problems and help your child reach his or her full potential.

Good sportsmanship is one of the life lessons that children can learn from sports. Its hallmarks include being able to win without gloating, respecting one’s opponents, and being able to lose gracefully.

Grandparents can play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. In some families, they are the caregivers; in others, they help make lasting memories through special visits.

Parents who take their child to the doctor frequently, let their child stay home from school, or pamper them with special attention when they are sick tend to produce kids who, as adults, go to the doctor frequently, stay home from work, and take longer to recover from illness.

Farming seems to be the most dangerous job. Teens also get hurt in restaurants, supermarkets, retail stores, and other places where they find after-school and summer work.