Gradeschool Kids

Friends and Socializing

Shy Kids: How to Help Kids Make Friends

Dear Mr. Dad: Our daughter is very shy and seems to have very few friends. My wife and I worry that there’s something wrong with her and we want to help her make more friends. What can we do?

• The Popularity Game: Teaching Kids How To Cope

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Kids Crafts and Activities

Inhabitots on JustMommies: Eco-Friendly Valentine's Day Crafts & Creations

Get your kiddos into the spirit of Valentine's Day by having them put their heart into a crafty creation. Here are 6 eco-friendly Valentine's Day crafts especially for kids, from festive decorations to adorable gift bags.

• Magic Wand - Craft for Kids
• Summer 2010: Family Movie Preview

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Kids Development

Early Warning Signs of Autism

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the latest reports for incidence of autism in children are 1 out of every 150. Autism is a severe developmental disorder. Most autistic children look ‘normal’ in appearance but they exhibit behaviors that are puzzling in comparison to children of the same age range.

• Gross! Helping Kids End Their Bad Habits

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Kids Education

My Animal Journal

Learn about animals with your child. Have your child keep an animal journal to keep track of interesting information about each animal.Print out our animal journal here.Animal Journal

• Back to School Transition For Families
• Phonics Worksheets

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Kids Health

USDA Replaces the Food Pyramid

On Thursday, the Surgeon General, Secretary of Agriculture, and First Lady Michelle Obama revealed the USDA’s new nutrition guide, “My Plate”.  The new visual food diagram replaces the almost 20 year old Food Pyramid, according to the Associated Press. 

• Bedwetting Basics
• Common Rashes in Children

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Parenting Gradeschool Kids

Heading Off Summer Boredom

Summer is a refreshing and wonderful time. School is out and frantic schedules blur into unstructured free time. For a while, this lack of routine is very relaxing. Then the relaxation gives way to boredom, and parents start wondering what in the world they are going to do with their kids all summer!

• Six Tips for Less-Stress Parenting
• Ten Things Parents Need to Know about Keeping their Kids CyberSafe

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Self Esteem and Body Issues

How to Raise a Self-Confident Child

We all want responsible, caring, healthy, happy children. Add any number of positive adjectives to the list, and we want it for our kids. The job of raising highly conscious children is not always an easy one. Here are some ways in which your family can progress in the area of consciousness-raising. Responsibility

• Mommy does this make me look fat?
• Crybaby: Is Your Child Too Sensitive?

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Special Needs

Study Finds Autistic Children Have Wider Eyes and Distinct Facial Features

According to a report from MSNBC, a new study by the University of Missouri suggests that children with autism may have wider eyes and distinct facial features. 

• A Parent's Guide to the IEP
• Warning Signs of a Learning Disability

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Sports and Fitness

Raising a "Good Sport"

It’s a competitive world out there, and whether your kids compete in athletics, music, or even academics, they will have to learn how to be “good sports.” Being a good sport doesn’t just mean knowing how to lose gracefully – although that’s a part of it too. It means doing your best, enjoying the competition, and appreciating the effort of everyone else in the game.

• How to Get Your Couch Potato Off the Couch
• Youth Sports Nutrition Tips

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