HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Parenting

Tips To Help Kids Succeed

FAMILY LIFE

Parenting is not an easy job, and it seems there are thousands of ways to do it. With so many parenting books and techniques available, how do you know what works? Sometimes, it helps to go back to the basics. You don’t have to be perfect or read every parenting book on the market.

Years of research from medical experts says the following parenting tips will help keep your kids healthy and happy:

*Be loving.Kids need love every day. Tell them you love them and give hugs and kisses.

*Give them comfort.If a child is scared, help them to feel safe. Take steps to protect them and help them cope with fears.

*Spend time with them.Set aside time each day to focus on them, and put the phones and devices away during this time. Point out good things they do. Be specific. For example, you might say, “I’m really proud of you for cleaning your room without being asked.”

*Be a good listener.No matter what the topic, kids will feel valued if you look at them and listen to what they say.

*Use a routine.Kids like to know what’s coming next. Set times for bed, meals and simple chores to help them feel secure.

*Forgive mistakes.Help them by saying what they could do next time to avoid the mistake. Don’t criticize them as a person by saying, “you were bad.”

*Have rules & stick to them.Parents, babysitters and other caregivers should follow the same rules. Don’t change them or let certain people break them. This only creates confusion and can lead to behavior problems.

Even with the best advice, parents may need help from an expert. This doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. Sometimes, talking to someone who can help makes a big difference. If you feel you need help with parenting, try the following resources:

* Your child’s pediatrician

* Your own primary doctor

* Local parenting classes at hospitals, schools or community centers

* A family counselor or minister

* Online support groups

Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. It’s a sign that you want to be the best parent you can be, and that’s a good thing!

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How Was Your Day At School?

FAMILY LIFE

Students are back in school, and now is the time for parents to develop routines to help their children succeed academically. Kimberly Greder, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialist, says parental involvement, more than income or social status, is a predictor of student achievement.

* Create a home environment that encourages learning. Set high but reasonable expectations for your kids.

* Get involved, with your kids, in school and community activities. Ask about homework. Visit with teachers and school counselors. Ask them what you can do at home to help your kids succeed.

* Ask your kids about their day at school.

* Encourage reading at home and be a role model.

* Watch who your kids hang out with. Make sure they are doing healthy activities.

* Get your kids involved in activities or sports to develop leadership skills and positive communication and conflict resolution skills.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Turn Off, Tune In

FAMILY LIFE

Parents, turn off the television when your children are with you. And when you do let them watch TV, make sure the programs stimulate their interest in learning.

That’s the advice arising from University of Iowa researchers who examined the impact of television and parenting on children’s social and emotional development.

The researchers found that background television-when the TV is on in a room where a child is doing something other than watching-can divert a child’s attention from play and learning. It also found that non-educational programs can negatively affect children’s mental development.

Best advice:Sit down and watch a TV show. When it’s over, turn off the TV.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Lightening The Load: Dividing Household Chores

FAMILY LIFE

Chores are a part of daily life for families. And, the way they are divided can have a big impact on your family relationships. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that sharing household chores was among the top three things that make a marriage work.

This can be easier said than done in many households. Many families have to work outside the home, attend kids’ activities and deal with other demands every day. With all these things taking up time, chores may be an additional source of stress.

First, have a good talk

It’s easy to get angry or upset with someone for not doing enough chores.

But before you do this, stop and think. Did you clearly tell them when and how you wanted this chore done? Have they been busy with other activities?

Be kind and respectful when talking about chores; then you may find that the other person is more willing to take part. Try to look at things from their perspective. Perhaps they’ve been overwhelmed with other things or simply didn’t know that something needed to be done. Or, if you feel like you’ve been doing most of the work, ask if others can help take some things off your plate. Be specific with which chores you would like them to do and when.

Get the kids involved

Even small children can do chores. Toddlers can pick up toys and help make their beds. Preschool kids can help clean up spills, feed a pet and even take their laundry to the hamper. Older children may be able to wash dishes, and do laundry and fold clothes.

Younger children often do well with a chore list so they know what is expected of them. If they can’t read yet, use pictures and stickers.

Set aside a few minutes

One strategy that works for many families is finding just 10 or 15 minutes a day to do some basic chores. This can be anything that needs to be done. Examples include picking up and putting things away, cleaning a bathroom or running the vacuum. You can even set a timer so it doesn’t feel so overwhelming. Make it fun by turning on music while you clean. Or, make it a “race” with little ones: who can pick up their room first? When the time is up, everyone can feel good about helping out around the house.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Video Warfare

FAMILY LIFE

Children learn from video games, say Iowa State University psychology professors. So parents may want to shop smart when choosing games for their children. Even if the content is unrealistic or cartoonish, kids learn good behaviors (playing drums) or bad behaviors (aggressive tactics) by practicing.

Professors Craig Anderson and Doug Gentile-leading experts on the effects of video games on young people and authors of the book Violent Video Game Effects on Children and Adolescents, say, “Parents and researchers initially believed that what mattered most about violent games was how realistic and bloody they were. Our research now suggests that what matters most is whether you have to harm other characters to advance in the game.”

Follow their advice to parents before making a video game purchase for children:

* Play the game, have someone else demonstrate it for you, or look at clips from the game on the game’s website.

* Then ask yourself the following questions: Does the game involve some characters trying to harm others? Does this happen frequently, more than once or twice in 30 minutes? Is the harm rewarded in any way? Is the harm portrayed as humorous? Are nonviolent solutions absent or less “fun” than the violent ones? Are realistic consequences of violence absent from the game?

Two or more yes answers should cause parents to think carefully about the lessons being taught before purchasing that game for children. Some sports and fun music games may be better choices than warfare games.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
No Family Dinner? Other Options To Try

FAMILY LIFE

Today’s families are busier than ever. Parents’ jobs, kids’ activities, social events, and homework seem to leave little time for anything else.

Research shows that sitting down as a family for dinner is good for everyone at the table. The Family Dinner Project says sharing a family meal is good for the brains and health of all family members. But some families simply can’t make this happen every night. So what should you do? Don’t give up on finding time for each other. There are other options for family bonding that don’t need to happen at the dinner hour.

*Consider breakfast.If everyone is home in the morning, why not take a few extra minutes to enjoy a family breakfast? It can get everyone off on the right foot.

*Try weekend lunches.If dinner only happens once or twice a week, weekend lunches can be a great choice too. A picnic outside in the warmer months makes for a fun change of pace.

*Think about your schedule.If you can’t get everyone together for a meal at least twice a week, consider rearranging activities or saying “no” to some commitments. The benefits of family meals together are worth the effort.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
6 Ways To Help New Parents

FAMILY LIFE

New parents need the support to weather all the challenges & changes. Try these practical ways to help the new parents in your life.

1. Drop off freezer meals. A fresh meal is greatly appreciated, but having a stash of freezer meals is extra insurance for future tough days.

2. Clean the house. Whether you roll up your sleeves yourself or hire a service, a clean, tidy home can be a big load off a new parent’s mind.

3. Help with yard work. Rake, mow, prune, mulch, water, and weed so mom and dad can focus on the baby.

4. Hold the baby. Sometimes, all new parents need is someone else to snuggle and comfort the baby while they take a nap.

5. Give them a night out. Once the baby is old enough, the greatest gift you can give new parents is a chance to get away on their own and reconnect.

6. Provide a listening ear. New parents spend all day engaging with their baby. They need time to relax and chat with adults too!

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Parenting A Teen

FAMILY LIFE

It’s not easy parenting a teen. Your teen’s brain is still developing until about age 25, according to the National Institutes of Health. These are areas that control judgment, decision making, and impulse control. What’s a frustrated parent to do? NIH News in Health suggests these actions:

* Respect your teen’s opinions. Nonjudgmental communication shows your love.

* Be honest and direct with your teen when talking about sensitive subjects such as drugs, drinking, smoking, and sex.

* Respect your teen’s privacy.

* Have meals together.

* Help your teen make healthy choices and plan ahead for difficult situations.

* Meet and get to know your teen’s friends.

* Compliment your teen and celebrate your child’s efforts and accomplishments.

* Limit time your teen uses video games, texting, and instant messaging.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Back-To-School Stress Busters

FAMILY LIFE

Going back to school is a big transition for kids. Providing extra support and understanding can ensure a smooth start to the school year and a positive school experience.

Ease into a daily routine

A week or two before school starts, gradually establish an appropriate sleep and meal schedule. A tired or hungry child will struggle to manage their feelings. Set them up for success.

Plan a daily chat time

It doesn’t have to be long, but set aside ten or fifteen minutes to check in with your child. Ask questions and let them share their thoughts and feelings about their day.

Make time for play

Play is how kids relax and make sense of the world around them. Unstructured play should be a non-negotiable part of your child’s day.

If your child is struggling, it helps to talk to your pediatrician. Your healthcare provider can recommend stress management techniques or address any other needs your child may have.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Picky Eater?

HEALTHY EATING

Is dinner time a war zone at your house? Do you fight battles with your kids over vegetables and mac and cheese?

Picky eating is as normal as potty-training. Even the best of parents can have a difficult time getting their child to eat. In fact, picky eating is one of the most common events in children, often outgrown as the child reaches adolescence.

But when eating behavior affects normal development, it could be something much more serious-a pediatric feeding disorder.

“The difference between a fussy eater and a child with a feeding disorder is the impact the eating behavior has on a child’s physical and mental health,” said Dr. Peter Girolami, clinical director of the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore.

Pediatric feeding disorders are more common than most think, affecting 1 in 10 infants and children. Some kids just don’t eat enough calories and nutrients to thrive.

Common symptoms of a pediatric feeding disorder are these:

* A sudden change in eating habits lasting longer than 30 days

* Delayed development of skills needed to feed or eat foods with greater textures

* Weight loss or failure to gain weight

* Choking/coughing during meals

* Unexplained fatigue, loss of energy

* Disruptive behavior during mealtime, throwing utensils

Early diagnosis and treatment is extremely important.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026