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Kristi York

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In Parenting

Kid-Friendly Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

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Thanks to TV commercials, video ad breaks, and glossy catalogues entitled “Holiday Toy Guide” and “Wish Book”, our kids are presented with endless ideas about what they might want for Christmas. However, it’s important for them to remember that this is a season of giving, not just receiving. Fortunately, this is an ideal time of year to teach kids how to be grateful and generous to others. Here are some age-appropriate actions for kids to spread joy and goodwill this holiday season. Support local charities Here are some ideas to make a positive contribution in your region: Shop for a toy drive. In the weeks prior to Christmas, charities collect new, unwrapped toys for kids in need, typically at a convenient location like the mall, fire hall or police station. Involve your child in selecting and delivering a toy for someone else to open on Christmas morning. Re-home existing items.…

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In Mom Moments

How to Get Your Preschooler to Cooperate Without Losing Your Mind

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If you’ve ever tried getting a cranky preschooler to put on shoes, brush teeth, or leave the house, you know it can feel like chasing a bucking bronco. Chaotic, unpredictable, and sometimes downright impossible. But don’t worry. Preschool parenting doesn’t have to be a rodeo. With the right strategy, you can navigate daily routines smoothly, reduce meltdowns, and preserve your sanity. Here’s the truth. Interacting with preschoolers requires strategy, preparation, and precision. Think of it as presenting a high-stakes proposal. You need to choose your words carefully, frame it in a way that appeals to them, and still make them feel like they’re in charge even though you’re running the show. Based on years of real-life parenting experience, here are three key principles to get your preschooler on board. 1. Tone Is Everything Your tone communicates more than your words ever could. A subtle shift in phrasing can turn resistance…

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In Pregnancy

Top Baby Naming Trends for 2026

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There are a million name options out there; which one is right for your baby? Don’t be alarmed if you feel a bit overwhelmed. Here, we’ll answer common questions about baby names and suggest sources of further inspiration. What are the most popular baby names in North America? Last year, seven boy names and seven girl names appeared on the lists of top baby names in both the U.S. and Canada: Most Popular Boys’ Names in 2025 Most Popular Girls’ Names in 2025 Liam Noah Oliver Theodore/Theo James Lucas William Olivia Emma Amelia Charlotte Mia Sophia/Sofia Ava For more details, view the full lists and rankings for the United States and Canada. Is Noah a girl’s name now? Yes, the name Noah, often with an alternate spelling of Noa, is becoming a popular choice as a baby girl’s name. It’s not surprising to see a traditionally male name adapted into…

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In Summer Camp

Day Camp Registration Tips

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Summer is the season for kids’ day camps, but the day camp registration season starts right now. We’ve got the tips you need to secure a spot in the coveted camps on your wish list. How to find day camp options in your area Start with an online search where you type in “[your city] kids day camps.” Begin researching as early as possible, as popular camps may sell out quickly. Instead of settling for the same old camp as last year, investigate camps that are hosted by: Your city or municipality A nearby university or college The local community center, public library, or YMCA Kids’ activity program providers such as dance, gymnastics, martial arts, theatre, art, or computer coding Birthday party businesses, such as indoor trampolining, pottery painting or LEGO building Common field trip destinations, such as children’s museums, zoos or nature centers Youth sports associations, including team sports,…

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In Uncategorized

8 Tips to End Clothing Battles with Your Toddler or Preschooler

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The daily morning routine is stressful enough — you don’t have time to get into a whole “thing” with your child about their outfit for the day. If your toddler or preschooler is a bit picky about clothes, there are strategies to make it smoother. From setting up choices the night before to embracing their budding sense of style, these tips can save you precious time and energy. With a little preparation and the right approach, you can turn the daily dressing routine into a smoother, tantrum-free experience. Try these tips to end clothing battles with your toddler, and get them dressed swiftly and with minimal drama. Give your child the illusion of choice with clothing Whenever possible, let your child choose what they want to wear — with a few basic parameters, such as “pyjamas are for sleeping” and “costumes are for Halloween.” If problems arise, set out two…

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In Parenting

How to Keep Your Family’s Electronic Devices Organized

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No matter what kind of mobile technology your family uses — smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, fitness trackers, gaming devices, laptops, portable speakers — the goal is to keep it safe and organized. Here are some useful tips and strategies to manage all those devices and accessories. Keeping electronic devices organized at home All devices eventually need to charge. Do you have a multitude of cords and adapters all competing for prime outlet space? Here are a few ideas to manage the chaos: Centralize. Clear off a counter or desk near an open outlet and designate it as a “charging center.” If needed, add a power bar or outlet extender with enough ports to accommodate everyone in the family. Go wireless. A charging pad or dock (where a device charges by simply being placed on the pad) can be a simple cordless solution for kids, or for well-worn devices with an unresponsive…

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In School

Keep Your Child Motivated for School All Year Long!

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As the back-to-school excitement fades and routines settle into place, it’s easy for your child’s initial burst of motivation to fade. But keeping that enthusiasm alive throughout the school year is crucial for their success, and well-being! By staying engaged and offering the right support, you can help your child stay focused and motivated at school, even after the novelty wears off. From setting clear goals to creating a positive study environment, there are simple strategies you can use to keep their interest in learning alive and thriving. Here are some tips to ensure their motivation remains strong long after the first day of school. Communicate with your child’s teacher If your school hosts an open house, movie night or other special event, make an effort to attend as a family. Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and find out their communication preference, so you can stay in contact during…

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In Parenting

Kids Getting Braces: Essential Tips for Parents

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As parents, many of us have hang-ups about braces, with the terms “metal-mouth,” “railroad tracks” and “headgear” echoing in our teen memories. However, if your child needs braces, you’ll be glad to hear that they’re extremely common now. So, if your kids are getting braces; here are some essential tips for parents to help you and your child navigate this new orthodontic experience. Easing your child’s worries about getting braces As with anything new, your child may feel stressed about getting braces. They may be concerned that they will look different and not fit in with their peers. The good news is: if you look around any middle school, junior high, or high school, you’ll see kids with braces everywhere. Your child is not alone – in fact, they’re joining a large group of classmates who already have braces. Encourage your child to talk to siblings, peers or cousins…

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In Parenting

How to Wash Your Kids Football Gear

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Football is a game of athleticism, aggression, speed, toughness…. and of sweat-soaked equipment that absolutely reeks. As a football parent, you need to be ready to battle the odor, moisture and bacteria after every practice and game. Here are some all-pro tips to help wash your kids’ football gear. How to Wash Your Kids’ Football Helmet For the helmet’s outer surface, avoid using abrasive cleaners or coarse pads that may scratch the finish. Use a soft cloth to wipe off dirt and debris. For football helmets with removable inner pads, detach the padding and set aside. Use a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild detergent to clean the helmet shell and chin strap. To clean the pads, mix warm water with mild detergent and wipe the pads gently using a soft cloth. Let them dry and use a disinfectant spray to neutralize any remaining bacteria. Once all the parts…

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In School

Tips for Kids Starting at a New School

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Going back to school is a big deal – and it can be an even bigger one if your child is starting at a new, unfamiliar school. We’ve got tips for kids starting at a new school, and strategies to help ease the stress, for both you and your child. Things to do before your child starts at a new school As always, you know your child best and are the most qualified person to customize these ideas for them. Some kids will benefit from lots of advance information, while others are better off taking each moment as it comes. Here are some proactive steps you can take before your child sets foot in the new school: Talk it through. This may be especially important for older kids who are more attached to their existing school and need time to wrap their heads around the change. Adopt the role of…

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