Health & Parenting Features
- 7 Dangerous Games Parents Must Know About
The choking game and the cinnamon challenge are among the risky "games" that kids and teens may play -- and that parents need to know about, experts tell WebMD.
- Why It's OK to Have Just One Child
Studies show that only children are becoming more common – and they're are turning out fine.
- Fiber-Rich Sack Lunches to Help Ease Constipation
Fiber-rich, colorful bag lunch ideas for children.
- Toy Guns: Do They Lead to Real-Life Violence?
Surprisingly, studies show no link between playing with toy weapons in childhood and aggression in adulthood.
- Jewel's New Tune: Motherhood
Becoming a mom inspires the singer-songwriter to stay off the road, make an album for kids, and nurture her youngest fan, Kase.
- Bringing Your Adopted Child Home
Experts share advice for people planning to adopt children from the U.S. or overseas.
- When Teens Lie About Drugs: A Guide for Parents
This article explores the lies teens tell about drugs and what parents can do to get over their hurt and anger to keep their child safe.
- Disciplining Toddlers: Time In or Time Out?
We ask top child-raising experts about the pros and cons of using timeouts.
- Exercise, Lose Weight With 'Exergaming'
Exercise games can give you a serious workout while you play -- if you're willing to sweat for it.
- How to Raise Healthy Children: It's a Family Affair
How parents can play a key role in their children's health, starting with physical activity and nutrition.
- 3 Must-Try Recipes: Quinoa, Apples, and Carrots
Healthy eating is easy with these recipes from chef Megan McCarthy.
- The Truth About Household Chemicals
Which household chemicals are potentially hazardous, and how can you protect yourself from them? Facts you should know.
- How She Does It
Sarah Jessica Parker, the award-winning actor and producer, with multiple Golden Globe, Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild awards under her belt, is best-known for her leading role as Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO drama/comedy series Sex and the City and the SATC movies they’ve inspired, and has appeared in hit films, including Footloose, LA Story, Smart People. But when it comes to her family life, SJP keeps it simpler than you might expect.
- How to Talk to Your Teen About Weight
Is your teen’s weight worrying you? Here’s how to talk to them about it.
- Talking to Your Preschooler About Weight
It’s never too early to talk about healthy habits with your child. It’s all about how you do it. See what preschoolers understand and what to avoid.
- Teach Your Teen About Skincare
It's never too early to help your teen learn about the best way to clean, moisturize, and protect her skin.
- Smart (Healthy) Snacks for Kids
Our nutrition expert explains why healthy snacks don't have to be dull – and why cookies are still OK.
- Lunchbox Tips From a White House Chef
Ace back-to-school with healthy lunch ideas from a leader in the healthy food movement.
- How Sarah Jessica Parker Does It All
Sarah Jessica Parker is a mom on a mission, balancing a new movie, home life, a far-flung career, and her longtime UNICEF work for kids worldwide.
- Laila Ali's Most Important Role: Mom
The daughter of famed boxer Muhammad Ali shares her love of parenting, her goal of losing her pregnancy weight – and her need for "me" time.
- Manage Your Stress for Good Health
How stress can impact your health and what you can do about it.
- Get a Good Night's Sleep: Tips for You and Your Family
Sleep deprived again? Simple tips to help you and your family get enough sleep every night.
- What Counts as Water? Stay Hydrated and Healthy
Water doesn't get the same media attention as green tea, antioxidants, and the latest fad diets. Yet it plays a much more critical part in our daily lives and our bodies.
- Everyday Calorie Burners
Too tired to hit the gym? Simple tips on how to burn calories doing everyday activities.
- Eating on the Road: Healthy Strategies for Your Family
Tips on keeping your family healthy and active on your next road trip.
- How to Fuel Your Family for an Active Day
How do your kids fuel-up before the big game? Learn about children’s nutritional needs for active lifestyles.
- 5 Summer Activity Ideas for Active Families
Need fun ideas for your next family excursion? How to stay active on your family’s next outing.
- The Honest Way to Get Your Kids to Eat Veggies
Forget hiding vegetables in baked goods and sauces. If you prepare veggies right, your kids will love them.
- Bryce Dallas Howard on Acting, Mothering, and Staying Healthy
With two highly anticipated movies and baby No. 2 on the way, the young actress claims her place in the A-list spotlight.
- Eating Healthfully During Stressful Times
Do you crave junk food when you're having a bad day? Try these tips to avoid stress eating and stay on track with good nutrition.
- How to Dine Out Healthfully and Smart
Try these tips for satisfying and healthy foods when you're dining out.
- Got Tantrums? Try Talking Like a Toddler
Pediatrician and author Harvey Karp, MD, has a surprising way of intervening in a tantrum: talking "toddlerese."
- WebMD Expert Discussion: Do You Parent Like Your Mom and Dad?
In the WebMD Parenting Community, Tanya Altmann, MD, discusses how your style as a parent is influenced by the parenting practices of your parents.
- How Boys and Girls Learn Differently
Is your son's fidgeting and wriggling driving you to distraction? It's all perfectly normal.
- Teaching Children to Be Fair
Being fair may be more than good manners. It might be hardwired into our prefrontal cortex.
- 7 Mistakes Parents Make With Grade-Schoolers
Are you guilty of these 7 common parenting mistakes? WebMD explains how to correct things like overscheduling your kids, ignoring weight gain, and much more.
- FIT Connection: The Role of Move
Why does activity matter for a healthy lifestyle? The choices you make about exercising affect your eating, emotions, and energy, too.
- FIT Connection for Parents: Recharge
Why does your energy level matter for a healthy lifestyle? How you rest and relax affects your eating, exercising, and emotions, too.
- FIT Connection: Weight Management
How do your eating, exercising, emotions, and energy affect your weight? Learn what part each of these play in a healthy lifestyle.
- Understanding the FIT Platform
Living a fit life is about more than just exercise. Food, mood, exercise, and rest all play a role in fitness and a healthy weight. The FIT Platform explains.
- The FIT Connection for Parents
Eating, exercise, emotions, and energy link together in a healthy, fit lifestyle.
- FIT Connection: Mood’s Role in Health
Why do emotions matter for a healthy lifestyle? How you feel affects your eating, exercising, and energy, too.
- FIT Connection for Parents: Food
Why does eating matter for a healthy lifestyle and weight control? The choices you make about what you eat affect your exercising, emotions, and energy, too.
- Weight Loss Strategies for Overweight Kids
Help your child reach a healthy weight the safe way. Learn the goals and strategies that’s right for every age.
- 16 Signs You're Too Strict With Your Kids
Amy Chua’s recent memoir has fueled debates about whether American parents are too lenient with their kids. WebMD looks at the signs parents are too strict and how to set reasonable boundaries.
- Work With Your Child's Personality
Help kids exercise more and help kids eat better. Use your child’s temperament to make forming healthy habits easier on both of you.
- 12 Healthy Snacks Kids Will Love
Have you run out of ideas for kids’ snacks that are both healthy and delicious? Try these creative combos.
- How I Got My Kid to Eat Brussels Sprouts
One mother explains how she got her children to say "yes" to this much-maligned vegetable.
- Found Your Kid Masturbating?
Here's what to do and what to say -- because how you react matters.
- Jeff Bridges: Hungry for Change
The veteran actor has made feeding millions of malnourished U.S. kids the heart of his life's work.