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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Take care of yourself so you can take good care of your baby.

Having a new baby is a joyous life-changing event, true. But life changes often come with difficult transitions as well — childbirth in particular. Becoming a new mother can be overwhelming. Suddenly you have a demanding little person to take care of, you’re exhausted, your body has been battered by delivery, you’re struggling with breast feeding — add to that a few other life matters that need your attention.

Hormones are also still in flux so all these factors contribute to the baby blues that many new mothers experience. What’s the best way to ride it out? How do you know if it’s already post-partum depression?

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Creative ways to show them how to play give and take.

That’s mine! Give it to me! No, not for her! If you have a toddler you’ve probably heard those lines often enough. Toddlers are notoriously self-centered. Sharing is something they still need to learn. Developmental experts say, the concept of giving really becomes clear at around age 5. But there are some ways to show younger kids basic rules for give and take, paving the way for a good sharing attitude in the future.

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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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Don’t buy these common baby myths!

If you just had a baby, you’re bound to have a lot of advice thrown your way. But keep in mind, common wisdom isn’t always wise. We know better these days. Holding a baby often or picking him up when he cries won’t spoil him. Keeping your baby from taking an afternoon nap is not going to make him sleep faster at night — it’s just going to make him overtired and cranky. If you’re breast feeding, spicy or citrus food won’t make your baby reject your milk. And the list of baby myths goes on and on….

When in doubt about advice thrown your way, double check with a trusted source — like your pediatrician. Meanwhile, we have four common baby myths we’ll debunk for you right now.

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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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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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Thanks for the advice, but let me consider it first.

If you’re a new mom, the deluge of unsolicited advice is bound to come. Your mother, mother-in-law, sister, cousin, even the lady at the park or the deli guy may throw some advice your way. I’ve been there and I know it can be annoying — not to mention confusing at times. So what do you do with all those “pearls” or shall we say “perils” of wisdom thrown your way?

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How much TV is too much?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has had a long-standing guideline on TV viewing for children. The AAP recommends no television for kids under age 2; and for kids 2 to 6 years old, television or computer time should be limited to no more than 2 hours per day.

In our house, we give our kids the two-hours per day media diet. Though admittedly, on weekends they get more screen time — since a movie is often one of our Saturday treats. My husband used to tell me the 2-hour a day rule was too stringent. To which I say, let’s take it from the experts.

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