Parenting & Child Development: From Infancy to Adolescence

Parenting success relies on understanding developmental benchmarks, managing maternal health during and after pregnancy, and implementing effective behavioral strategies for toddlers and teenagers.

Newborn baby boy under a blue blanket

The Average Length and Weight of Newborns

Knowing if your baby measures up to the average length and weight of a newborn baby is something most parents are curious about. While many moms and dads are eager to hold their baby, they are also curious about the health and size of their newest addition.

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Concentrated pupils

A List of School Snacks for ADHD Kids

Most parents understand that food battles are part of raising children, but parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can struggle to convince their children to eat enough, according to registered dietitian David Feder, writing for "ADDitude," a magazine dedicated to attention disorders.

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Boy with homework

Creative Punishments for Youth Forgetting Homework

If you've gotten yet another call from your child's school reporting that he's forgotten his homework, you're probably out of patience. Whether your child is forgetful or just doesn't want to do his homework, he needs to get it done anyway.

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Girl with sucker

Are Suckers Dangerous for Toddlers?

Suckers, also known as lollipops, seem so innocent. And from the bank to the restaurant and even the doctor's office, many businesses are eager to hand your child a lollipop to reward good behavior. Before allowing your toddler to eat the lollipop, first consider the dangers this candy can pose.

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little hand holding pebbles

What to Do if Your Child Swallowed a Small Rock

Children tend to put anything they can find into their mouths. It's not limited to babies or toddlers, either. Many preschool and early elementary age children also like to put objects into their mouths -- sometimes that object is a rock.

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Doctor injecting preteen girl with needle

How to Make Shots for Preteens Hurt Less

Even your older preteen can dread shots just as much as a toddler or preschooler. No matter how old your child gets, shots still hurt. If your preteen has an upcoming appointment to receive immunizations or another type of shot, you can help ease his fears as well as lessen the pain associated with the needle prick.

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young woman

Frequent Periods in Teenagers

Teen girls don't always have regular periods, particularly when they first start menstruating. Over time, however, most girls experience regular periods that occur, on average, every 21 to 45 days.

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baby laying down

Babies & Restless Arms

As your baby gets older, you might be surprised to see her in constant motion, even before she can roll over or crawl. Babies learn about the world around them by moving their body and interacting with their environment. Your baby's arm movements can tell you important things about what she is experiencing.

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Cotton candy

What Candy Is Safe for Toddlers?

Candy is a sweet treat that most toddlers are drawn to as often as someone is willing to give it to them. While an occasional piece of candy is unlikely to harm your toddler's overall health, regular consumption might be more damaging. Many types of candy also pose a choking hazard, and should be avoided altogether.

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baby food

What Is the Difference Between First-Stage and Second-Stage Baby Food?

The vast array of different stages and flavors of baby food on store shelves can be overwhelming, and might leave you wondering what you should feed your baby. Many brands of baby food are sold in stages, which can help you determine what kinds of foods and how much you should serve your little one.

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Baby nursing from breast

Breastfeeding & Extreme Fatigue

Breastfeeding is a healthy feeding decision that supplies your infant with the nutrients and antibodies he needs for his health, and to protect him from certain illnesses. The website Women's Health, a service of the U.S.

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pregnant woman cooking at kitchen

Can Eating Too Much Protein Be Dangerous While Pregnant?

Protein is essential during pregnancy, and without sufficient amounts, your baby won't grow normally. Regularly consuming more protein than you need, however, can also impede your baby's development. Avoid either of these problems by learning how much is enough and how to go about getting exactly what you need.

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Raw salmon with broccoli, lemon and salt.

How to Cook Salmon for a Baby

In addition to being rich in protein, which is a nutrient that growing babies need, salmon also supplies omega-3 fatty acids, which support normal eye and brain development. At about 6 months of age, your baby is ready to eat solid foods, in addition to her usual breast milk or formula.

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Garden salad

Is Vinegar OK for Pregnant Women?

Eating while you're pregnant can be fraught with worry and fear, since certain foods are off-limits, and many more foods exist somewhere in the gray area between danger and complete safety. Rest assured that vinegar is safe to consume during pregnancy.

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background of fresh oyster in a plate

Is it Safe for Kids to Eat Oysters?

Most children aren't adventurous enough to slurp a raw oyster straight out of the shell, and this is probably good. Raw oysters can harbor bacteria and toxins that can be life-threatening to young children.

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Sausage and spices

Is it Okay to Eat Hot Sausage During Pregnancy?

Hot sausage gives a bold taste to soups and sandwich recipes, and when prepared correctly, it's safe to eat while you're pregnant. Though it's safe to eat, hot sausage isn't your healthiest choice and it can contribute to some pretty uncomfortable complaints, too.

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Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta

Can Pregnant Women Eat Brussels Sprouts?

It's important to get certain vitamins and minerals in your pregnancy diet, and Brussels sprouts are one way to ingest some of the nutrients you need. They're also safe to eat while you're pregnant, as long as you prepare them properly.

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