Health & Parenting News & Features
- Teenagers: Why Do They Rebel?
Today pressures come earlier, when kids can't say no.
- Talking with Your Teen -- David Elkind, PhD
"What's the matter?" "Nothing." "Where are you going?" "Out." "Do you want to talk?" "No." Does this sound like typical communication between you and your teen? If so, explore these tips for starting an open and frank discussion about drugs, sex, self-esteem, and other vital issues. David Elkind, PhD, was our guest.
- Young and Stressed-Out
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- Dennis Quaid, Health Activist
Actor Dennis Quaid on medical errors – and life with twins.
- Potty Training: Seven Surprising Facts
As it turns out, there are no hard and fast rules about potty training.
- Potty Training the Clean Way
Make potty training easier -- and keep germs at bay -- with these quick toilet training tips for your tot.
- Bathroom Germs You Really Can Catch
What are the real bathroom germs lurking behind your sink -- and how can you combat them?
- Divide and Conquer Household Chores
WebMD asked experts and parents for tips on assigning household chores for children of all ages. Here are strategies you can use in your own home to make chores feel a little less like work.
- Top 10 Brain Foods for Children
Certain "brain foods" can boost a child's brain growth -- plus improve brain function, memory, and concentration.
- Why Kids Whine and How to Stop Them
Why Kids Whine and How to Stop Them
- Kelly Ripa’s Mom Survival Strategies
For the woman who once famously said, “I think children are like pancakes: You sort of ruin the first one, and you get better at it the second time around,” Kelly Ripa’s kid-smarts comes through first-hand experience, now that her third child, Joaquin, is 4, (Michael is 10 and Lola is 7.)
- Parents’ Potluck: Tips on Raising Healthy Kids
Wondering how to get your children to eat right, or behave on long trips? WebMD turned to our members to get their best tips on child nutrition and raising a healthy child.
- School Lunches, Healthy Choices
Packing up a healthy school lunch just got easier -- with these fast, tasty tips.
- Simple Healthy Snacks for Kids
Children hungry between meals? Try these healthy, simple snack ideas to keep them going strong.
- Make and Take Meals: Fast-Food Alternatives
Good nutrition and good fast food go hand in hand -- when you start with these quick hints.
- Children With Special Dietary Needs
Get the facts about your kids’ food allergies and intolerances in this Q and A with an allergy expert.
- Grocery Shopping With School-Age Kids
School-age children learn important lessons in nutrition while grocery shopping. Here are ways to make the most of the experience.
- Is Your Child Spoiled?
From child development experts: How to spot a spoiled child, and what to do about it.
- The Lighter Side of Parenting
Can playful games help you effectively discipline your child? This expert says yes, and shows you how.
- Buying Safe Toys for the Holidays
At a time when children are compiling their holiday wish lists, parents are fretting over another one: the safe toy list.
- Lead in Toys: Could It Be Lurking in Your Home?
While many dangerous toys have been recalled, lead has been found in some that haven't made any recall list. Here's what you need to know.
- Healthy and Safe Holiday Gifts
Our quick list helps you find fun, healthy holiday gifts for kids both big and small.
- What to Say When a Pet Dies
How children react when a pet dies depends largely on your reactions and explanations. WebMD asked the experts to offer advice about how to help your child deal with the loss of a pet.
- When Should Kids Learn to Read, Write, and Do Math?
Parents often worry whether their children are reaching educational milestones when they should. Here are some guidelines to help you know what kids should learn and when.
- 5 Teen Behavior Problems: A Troubleshooting Guide
Is your teenager rebelling, defying your curfew, or hanging out with questionable kids? Here's expert advice on how to nip behavior problems in the bud.
- Kids Need Real Happy Meals
Here's how to give kids the fun lunch foods they crave -- without sacrificing good nutrition.
- 4 Dangers of the Internet
Instant messaging, chat rooms, and social networking sites can invite trouble for your kids -- from cyberbullying to more serious Internet dangers, including exposure to sexual predators.
- Kid Fitness: When Your Child Won't Exercise
We have ideas for getting your sedentary child up and moving.
- Coping with School Stress
For children and teens, too much work and too little play can backfire, leading to signs of depression, anxiety, perfectionism and stress.
- Is My Child Ready for Preschool?
Experts agree that preschool helps kids socialize, begin to share, and interact with other children and adults. The bottom line? Kids who attend preschool are better prepared to succeed.
- Childhood Fears and Anxieties
Experts explain how parents can help when their children show signs of typical childhood fears and anxieties.
- Talking With Kids About Disasters
Experts explain how to talk to your children about terrorism and natural disasters.
- Kids and Crocs Shoes: Trendy or Risky?
Crocs shoes are all the rage, especially among kids. But are Crocs safe or dangerous?
- Back to School in a Wired World
As children head back to school, experts offer advice on how to cope with all of the distractions and dilemmas of electronic gadgets.
- Teen Drug Slang: Dictionary for Parents
Understanding slang words for drugs gives parents a key tool in monitoring their teens for drug abuse.
- Kids' Backpacks 101
Which backpacks are safest for kids? Plus how to wear backpacks to avoid aches and pains.
- Kids Playing: Slingshots vs. Video Games
Experts in child-raising discuss The Dangerous Book for Boys -- a how-to book about old-fashioned ways for kids to play.
- Your Child's Nutrition: The Power of Parents
You have more influence on your child's nutrition than you think -- here's how to make the most of it.
- Children and Sweetened Drinks: What's a Parent to Do?
Trying to trim the sodas and other sweetened drinks in your child's diet? Here are a few tips that can help.
- The Right Way to Praise Your Kids
Experts give tips to parents on how to praise their children to help build self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Talking to Teens: 5 Skills for Success
How to argue constructively with your adolescent.
- Teen Weight Loss Secrets
It's hard enough to get adults to take responsibility for their weight and health. How do you inspire kids who are also dealing with the tumultuous nature of being a teen to succeed at weight loss?
- Making Friends: What to Do When Your Child Can't
Experts explain what steps parents should take if they're concerned that their children are having trouble making friends.
- Choosing the Right Toys for the Right Age
Young children generally aren’t fussy when it comes to their baby toys or kids toys -- but parents should be. Toys are more than just playthings. Though they should be fun, they should also be age-appropriate toys.
- TV Violence -- a Cause of Child Anxiety and Aggressive Behavior?
TV violence and children has become a hot topic -- studies show that extensive viewing of television violence may cause anxiety in children and possibly make children more aggressive.
- 15 Secrets of Happy Families
Experts fill you in on a few of the secrets of happy families. You, too, can experience some of the domestic bliss that seemed previously reserved just for TV families.
- Strategies for Raising Healthy Eaters
How parents can make sure picky kids have a healthy diet.
- School Nutrition: Making the Grade?
Nearly 50 million kids are back in school, ready for reading, writing, and arithmetic. Along with new teachers and lesson plans, they will also find new policies governing what they can eat and drink while at school.
- Child Safety: School Bus Still Best
Experts weigh the merits of changing safety standards on school buses.
- Teachers Who Bully
The problem of teachers bullying students is more common than you think. Learn how to prevent your child from becoming a victim.