Parents can cultivate excellence, no matter what genetic blueprint.

Many parents ask themselves at one point, what can I do for my child to achieve greatness? Author David Shenk dares to answer this loaded question with his new book The Genius in All of Us: Why everything you have been told about genetics, talent and IQ is wrong. Shenk asserts that genius can be ignited. His book discusses how the nature versus nurture debate has been missing the point all these years. His book shows evidence on how human achievements are the outcome of the nuanced interplay between genes and environment.

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They’re not my kids, should I tell them how to behave?

Disciplining another person’s child is treading on shaky ground. We don’t want to offend a child’s parents, but there are times when we need to step in. Dr. Michelle Borba, author of the book No More Misbehavin’: 38 Difficult Behaviors and How to Stop Them assures us, “it’s not intruding on another parent’s turf when you’re protecting your own child.” However, let’s lay some guidelines for responding to another parent’s misbehaving tyke.

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More scientific research shows the power of a mother’s love.

Cuddling, talking and playing can really do wonders for children, especially for those who grow up to be in the autism spectrum. University of Miami researchers say maternal sensitivity may influence language development among children who go on to develop autism.

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Make sure your dog is baby-friendly.

Young children are especially vulnerable to dog attacks. We love dogs, but some of them can pose serious danger to a baby — even dogs that you’re familiar with. A pediatric surgeon who has had to treat children from dog attack injuries says take extra care with Pit bulls and Rottweilers.

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More reason to read to your kids.

We all know how valuable story-telling sessions are. Reading to your young child is not just good for bonding and fun, it is also linked to better academic performance down the road. Now, researchers say reading is important for mastering language — particularly the English language.

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I get angry with my kids. Am I a bad mother?

In this age of over-conscious parenting, some parents attempt to never - ever - lose it with their kids. We are supposed to be the most well-read and educated generation of parents. If anything goes wrong, it only stems from our own ignorance. But hey, no matter how much we read up on things, no matter how much we know from developmental experts, we’re still basically human beings with emotions… right?

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Another study debunks the autism and vaccination link.

So much media hype has been given to the supposed connection between autism and vaccines. Medical experts have already disputed this, but the belief still persists. Just this month, results of another study are out showing no increased risk of autism for children who received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

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Get to a sink — it’s still the best way to wash away those germs.

We’ve all gotten used to having hand sanitizers in our baby bags. I carry one all the time. But a University of Ottawa researcher has found liquid and foam hand sanitizers are inefficient if not backed up with regular soap-and-water hand-washing.

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Kids — what a source of much-needed laughter in our lives!

I have two preschoolers at home who are still trying to master the nuances of language, and in the process have said the most adorable things. If only I can remember every butchered phrase, mispronunciation, surprisingly sage words from the oh-so-young or words just so wrong they’re so hilarious. I have decided to keep a journal of these “isms” from my kids. For your entertainment, I’ve added other gems from my friends’ children. Enjoy and be inspired to compile your own funny quips from the young.

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Oxytocin offers hope for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

You’ve probably heard of oxytocin, a hormone released naturally during orgasm, breast feeding and labor. It’s manufactured versions Pitocin or Syntocinon are used to induce contractions for some women to aid in child birth. Well, the “love hormone” may also treat symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

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