By: Staff Report Play is important for kids. We're talking the jumping, running, tag games and ball-playing type of play. It not only teaches them how to interact with other kids, but also helps tone their problem-solving and motor skills. However, it seems that too much play isn't always good play. Recent studies show that pre-kindergarteners that have the unstructured, free-choice type of play—with little input from

By: Staff Report [caption id="attachment_1864" align="aligncenter" width="320" caption="Supporter Holds a Picture of Victim, Gladys Ricart"][/caption] Despite the staggering and frightening statistics, silence is still an option among victims of domestic violence. Due to this, it usually becomes another news headline. But it’s not. As of earlier this year, approximately 35 women in New York City have died due to domestic violence. Compare that to the 61 victims from the

By: Staff Report [caption id="attachment_1715" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Photograph by Ivy T"][/caption] Besides the television network's new lineup, this new season has many reasons to celebrate. It's just full of tricks and treats, family traditions and the dash of the holiday season that always leaves us on the brink of madness. We were planning on leaving your sanity alone and simply posting the usual hoopla. However, since this is a

By: Janelle Joa (A Day In the Life) It was the first day of school and Jacob was repeating the 1st grade. That day, he wasn’t sure about going back and was very nervous. I had told him the news in the middle of the Summer. While we were vacationing in Virginia, I pulled him aside and sat him down on the front porch to tell him.

By: Staff Report How many four-color codes can you develop using six different colored pegs? If you and your family spend an evening playing Pressman Toy's Mastermind, you're more than likely to find out.* For over 40 years, this game has been a favorite among parents, teachers and kids. It's a great tool to sharpen those problem-solving skills that are so important! According to several studies, the

By: Carolyn Mctighe When it comes to your children’s education, seemingly logical assumptions can often get in the way of your kids reaching their full academic potential. For example, assuming that “no news is good news,” can result in your child falling behind in both classwork and academic achievement. Unfortunately, no news in some cases means bad news, which is why each parent must monitor their children

By: Carolina Pichardo We know you're excited about the kids going back-to-school. There's no more planning trips, camps or trying to keep a full agenda. From now on, it's just their regular school routine. But that's great! Right now, we're not complaining. They'll be a little more occupied, challenged and just doing their own thing. What's not too exciting for us, however, is the back-to-school preparation that we need

By: Frankie Charles Parents want to raise happy, healthy well-adjusted kids who have respect for themselves and others. There are endless ways to help your child garner self-esteem, but if you’re at a loss then try one of these simple ideas. Praise them when they do the right thing. For every correction, try to find something else to praise. Be a good example. If your kids watch

By: Carolyn Mctighe Bullying is something most parents hope they never have to deal with. But what if your child is the one doing the bullying? What if he or she is the one tormenting another child? When do you step in and what actions should you take? Since the introduction of social networking sites, like Facebook and MySpace, bullying has taken a more online presence. Gone

By: Lauren Bove You’ve discussed it with your partner and family members, and decided that it’s time to go back to school. Include the kids in what’s happening right away. A family meeting, for example, will give your children an opportunity to ask questions and state their concerns. Don't be afraid to ask your kids for help in making some of the decisions that will affect