6 Ways to Streamline Bedtime

Moms are served a lot of mush about bedtime. It's supposed to be this golden time together, with your cherub so darling in footed pj's, sweet toothpasty breath bestowing a sleepy good-night kiss. Yes, it's delicious. But sometimes the magical moment doesn't come until the tail end of the interminable saga.

This article presents 6 ways to end bedtime battles with a nightly routine that works for your kids (and you).

Grown-ups show own bad behavior at kid parties

In this age of hyper-planned children's parties, it's not just the kid who pokes his finger in the frosting who has become a party pooper - it's his parents, too.

Occasional etiquette missteps are usually greeted with patience. Busy parents don't expect perfection from one another. But serial offenders have some parents steaming, a situation that puts their kids in an awkward position.

If you're a parent or grandparent who spends time on the preschool party circuit, here are some thoughts from the experts on how best to navigate this social scene.

Kids' Allowances: Expert-Approved Real-World Approaches

Allowances have long been an American family fixture, and for good reason. Experts say that giving kids a set sum of cash to manage regularly helps them learn to handle finances capably as adults.

What some parents have realized is that kids will do stuff for those dollars, and in today’s tough economic times, many moms and dads like the idea of teaching kids that money comes attached to obligations.
Read the full article.

Top 12 Pregnancy Fears (and Why You Shouldn't Worry)

It's only natural to worry a bit throughout your pregnancy -- after all, this whole baby thing is new, nail-bitingly unpredictable, and you just want so badly for it to go perfectly. And guess what? It usually does. Here, doctors explain the real facts about the things that freak you out most.

Read on -- and heave a huge sigh of relief.

The Magic of Play

It may seem obvious that kids need to play. Trouble is, a lot of what passes for play lately doesn't quite cut it. "Playing" organized sports, for instance, isn't child-led or open-ended -- two key traits of true play. Neither is "playing" computer games -- and today's kids spend more time with computers, TV, and game screens than on any other activity except school and sleeping. Even babies miss playtime while watching "brain-building videos," going to classes, or being dazzled by toys that do the talking (and thinking) for them.

This article presents how to help your kids have the right kind of fun -- age by age.

Go Back to School In Style with Mimi & Maggie

Ready or not, August has arrived and the time to go back to school is approaching quickly! US Magazine recently featured the hottest fashions for kids today, and one of the highlights was Mimi & Maggie's Artist Smock dress (pictured).

Be sure your little one goes back to school in style! Check out all the fashionable clothes that Mimi & Maggie offers at AtterdagKids.com.

Baby Shower Etiquette

Throwing a baby shower is an honor and lots of fun, but can also be stressful. Many people may be involved with different opinions on how the baby shower should be thrown.

This article includes some of the more common baby shower questions that are asked, and provides tips to help make your baby shower a major success.

Baby Lulu at Atterdag Kids

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Handling Unwanted Pregnancy Comments

It begins as soon as you announce your pregnancy: the unsolicited comments from family members and friends -- even strangers -- about everything from what you should be eating to which hospital has the best delivery rooms.

Here's how to say "mind your own business" nicely.