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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Little hands like to get busy, let them!

Notice how your toddler loves to follow what you do? It’s like they don’t want to be left out of cleaning up the house, putting on your make-up or grooming the family dog. Take advantage.

It’s the perfect time to give them some manageable chores. This will help them gain some sense of responsibility and learn good habits. Along the way, you’ll be polishing some thinking and motor skills too. Try out our suggestions for some simple toddler-to-do’s. Be inspired to think of some of your own!

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Affectionate mommy, smart baby.

Cuddle time with your baby is fun for a reason. Many reasons, actually – and not just for bonding. The back and forth smiles and funny faces, the frowns, the giggles and loving touches from you are crucial in developing your child’s intelligence, communication skills and a positive sense of self. Experts tell us why.

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Is she a Little Einstein?

The National Association for Gifted Children tells us that about 5 percent of U.S. children have been classified as gifted. That’s around 3 million kids. As early as preschool, you might notice signs your child may be among them. Keep in mind that gifted kids need special guidance and an adjustment in parenting styles. How can you tell if your preschooler might be gifted? And what do you do?

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Encourage your budding walker!

Like we said, you can be your child’s best workout trainer… no costly gym membership required. If your child is approaching his first birthday, we have some play exercises that will help make him a good steady walker. Occupational therapists have some simple do-at-home or do-at-the park activities that are good for fun… and baby fitness.

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Fun, simple baby workouts for your 7 to 10-month-old.

Babies and young kids in general learn best through play and interaction. By nature, babies like to follow your lead and they like repetition. These little ones are naturally curious and thrive on exploring their world – engaging their sense of sight, touch and sound. They love to move around because that’s what they need to do to explore.

Exploit your child’s natural inclination to move and get into everything. We have some play-at-home ideas from certified occupational therapists that will give your baby a good workout. You’ll definitely qualify as your child’s first trainer. No expensive baby gym membership required!

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Surprising suggestions for Santa and you.

With Thanksgiving just ahead, Christmas isn’t far behind. If you have kids, you would probably want to get a headstart on shopping for holiday toys. I try to get this out of the way by December to ease up on last-minute holiday stress. The toy stores get pretty busy, and I don’t like getting caught in a Christmas stampede.

A doctor and professor has some good advice on what you should be getting those tots and toddlers on your list. If you’re shopping for your own preschoolers, now is the time to set the trend for a taste in quality toys that make them play, imagine and think. Read more for our good-toy guide.

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Get your kids moving!

Encouraging kids to be physically active is more important than most parents realize. Even if your little couch potato isn’t tipping the scales, getting her to use her muscles, pump her heart and flex her joints is important for growth. Sports scientists say, active kids become taller adults. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Years of research have proven, active kids are happier, more sociable and better behaved. They even do better in school.

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