Eating Out as a Family

When kids have trouble with attention, self-control and social skills, eating out as a family can be challenging. But whether it’s a nice meal or a quick bite, dining out has real benefits, too.

Many kids don’t like trying new things, especially food. And those with sensory or flexibility issues may find it extra difficult. But it’s good for kids to have different experiences. If your child won’t order anything new for herself, see if she’ll have just one bite of your dish. Low-stakes opportunities like this will help her learn that it’s important keep an open mind. You can do this at home, too, when you cook new things.

Goodbye Without Tears

The start of preschool is a milestone that's often anticipated with great excitement and joy, but also with lots of crying, uncertainty, and heel digging -- from both kids and parents! "For children, the main source of anxiety around entering preschool is that they have absolutely no idea what to expect," says Katrina Green, a certified early childhood and early childhood special education teacher at the Just Wee Two program in Brooklyn, New York. 

"They have spent the first three to four years learning the rules and routines of their family life and they are completely unfamiliar with the new rules and routines they will encounter. For parents, the main source of separation anxiety is worrying that their child will feel abandoned." Read on to learn the best ways for you and your child to ease the separation anxiety and to successfully start this new adventure -- together and apart!

Be Consistent

Many moms may see their child have a bad first reaction to preschool and immediately decide to pull him out of the classroom. But that's a bad idea: "It denies the child an opportunity to learn how to work through negative feelings and sets a precedent of not having to face problems," Green says. 

Homemade Baby Food Recipes

The great thing about making your own baby food is that it doesn't require a zillion steps -- just two! First you cook the food, then purée it. Here are a few tips to make the process go smoothly