You know the old saying that the journey is just as important as reaching your destination? It can also be applied to your family vacation. Some even believe that the journey is half the fun of getting there. While you may already have a getaway destination in mind, traveling as a family presents its share of challenges for the journey ahead. Preparing for vacation travel is all about using your resources, staying organized and snacking smartly.
How to prevent accidental medication poisoning in children
Every day in the United States, about 165 kids - or roughly four busloads of children - are seen in emergency rooms for accidental medication poisonings. Medications are the leading cause of accidental child poisoning deaths today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Considered "America's best idea," national parks provide travelers undisturbed views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see and provide a unique backyard oasis where postcard views meet real, life-altering experiences. All this unrivaled beauty, when combined with opportunities for exploration and easy accessibility, makes the national park system a popular vacation choice for today's travelers.
Saving money top of mind for cloth-diapering families
Families across the U.S. are feeling a financial crunch. The financial pain can be especially hard when baby makes three. In fact, the average start-up cost for a new baby is more than $7,200 according to expert estimates.
Tired of offensive TV? Programming heads back to the heartland
An increasing number of television viewers are turning away from rude gestures during half-time shows, lewd early evening sitcoms and dark, extreme crime dramas in search of more wholesome viewing options. Fortunately, some in the entertainment industry seem to have heard and heeded the loud sound of remote buttons clicking and are now promoting family-friendly programming options.
Conquer childhood obesity with tips for healthy family living
Today, health professionals encourage parents of even very young children to actively confront the childhood obesity epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention find that obesity rates for children ages 2 to 5 have more than doubled over the past 30 years, and The White House Task Force on Obesity reports that more than half of obese children became obese by their second birthday.
Do you know your child could be a target for identity theft?
Imagine that you've taught your child everything they need to know about personal finance. Then as he's getting ready to head off to college and applies for financial aid, he's unexpectedly rejected for financial aid due to poor credit. Yet he's never applied for credit in his life. Sounds outrageous, doesn't it? But this can happen to victims of child identity theft.
Military families and mental health: Understanding the issues and available resources
Today's service men and women are facing particularly challenging circumstances. Many soldiers have been deployed several times to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, often serving in prolonged combat operations. Many soldiers, veterans and their families may have trouble recognizing the signs of a mental health condition.
While tooth decay remains one of the most common health problems in children, it is also the most preventable, experts say. Here are some tips on what children and parents can do to protect and strengthen their smiles for years to come
Swimming is the most popular summer activity and if you have a pool or spa, your backyard just may be this summer's most popular retreat for friends, neighbors and all the children that come with them. Adding as many water safety steps as possible is the best way to assure a safer and fun experience this summer.
Great gifts to make this Father's Day one to remember
What do you get the man who's done everything for you - from spending sleepless nights changing dirty diapers to trading in his muscle car for a minivan - but asked nothing in return? This year, start paying dad back for all he's done by making Father's Day the best yet with these surefire gift ideas.
Spring cleaning plans? Tips from the pros help you get the best clean
Warm weather has arrived and Americans are planning to shake out the rugs and wash the windows for the unofficial tradition of spring cleaning ... or are they?
Sweep away the gray days of winter and invite sunshine and friends inside. This year, open the door to spring with a bite-sized brunch. Whether entertaining a house full of guests or enjoying a casual meal with friends, put a fun, fresh twist on any celebration with a collection of easy, yet scrumptious, recipes. These recipes feature fresh eggs - a breakfast staple and a sure sign of spring.
Summer is upon us, and so is the aroma of delicious home-cooked meals prepared for family and friends out on the grill. To keep dishes interesting and to serve something to please a crowd, you'll need just the right recipe and ingredients. Ham is a versatile protein that can be ideal for many meal occasions.
A lot on your plate? These quick chores won't make you late
Time is very valuable to busy parents with active lifestyles. Between work, school and family plans, the big rush to get everything accomplished leaves little time to tackle basic household chores. One room that can often be neglected in all the hustle and bustle is the kitchen, yet it's also the area of the house where all the activity happens. And when visitors come over, everyone tends to congregate in the kitchen - so it really needs to be an area that you can keep clean without a lot of hassle.
Fever facts for parents: What you should know when treating your child
With cold and flu season also comes fever season, and across the country, parents will experience anxiety levels that rise in tandem with their children's temperatures. But a child's fever doesn't have to be a scary experience for parents. Here are some things to know about managing a child's fever.
Kids love video games - they're exciting, fun and engrossing. While games can promote learning and growth, too much video gaming - or playing inappropriate games - can lead to negative consequences. What should parents know to make good game choices for their children?
What everyone needs to know about estate planning, regardless of income
There's a common misconception among the American public that estate planning is only the domain of the elderly or the very wealthy. However, that's far from the truth. The fact is estate planning is something that can be done by people of any income level, and should be considered by everyone.
Teaching kids how to find their way around the kitchen is a good way to encourage them to think creatively and get excited about eating well. In addition to imparting practical culinary knowledge to children - including math skills by teaching them about measurements - parents can help foster creativity by letting them "mix it up" a bit.
Tips to keep kids' minds as active as their bodies
As the days get longer and warmer, families can look forward to more outdoor playtime, as well as the promise of road trips and vacations. While the warmer months are a time children look forward to all year, they can also mean interrupted schedules and decreased attention to studying. However, there are plenty of opportunities to keep kids' minds engaged, even when they want to play the days away.
Keep kids injury free while playing their favorite sports this summer
Summer vacation gives children a break from schoolwork, but for many, their participation in sports will continue in warm weather months. Parents, coaches and players need to keep injury prevention in mind to ensure sports stay safe and fun throughout the summer.
Heart disease claims the lives of 600,000 Americans each year, and another 12.7 million suffer from heart attacks, yet 80 percent of all heart disease is preventable. Here are some tips for reducing your risk.
Girlfriends banding together to conquer a common health issue
Nearly everything we'll ever need to know about being a girl, we'll learn from other girlfriends who've "been there, done that" before us. Even when things are medical, even when we love our OBGYNs, sometimes we're embarrassed or don't want to waste their time with things not involving making babies. That may explain why more than 7 million women suffer from heavy cycles, but go years without getting the help they need.
Safe at home: the importance of using infant gear properly
Who's responsible for keeping infants safe from gear-related injury? Is it gear-makers, who must meet stringent manufacturing codes, perform strict mandatory government safety testing, and submit to oversight by safety-focused government agencies? Or are parents responsible? The answer, experts agree, is: both.
Four-time gold medalist Janet Evans has the 'heart' for an Olympic Games comeback
A four-time gold medalist embarking on her fourth Olympic Games at age 40 - that's the name of the game for Janet Evans. She is committed to following her heart - and also taking care of it - to make sure it's strong enough to take on competitors half her age. Evans offers tips for better heart health.
Ways you can make a difference in the lives of domestic abuse victims
Everyone deserves to share a loving home with their family, but for many women and children, home is not the safest place to be. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that one in four women will experience domestic violence, and nearly 1.3 million women are victims of domestic abuse each year. In addition, more than 41 percent of our nation's homeless population is comprised of women and families. It's a difficult topic to discuss, and that makes many people hesitant to have a conversation about it. However, you can take action to help victims of domestic abuse and homelessness, and make a real difference in their lives. Here are a few ideas of how you can help.
You can help: What to do if you suspect a child is being mistreated or abused
It's a too-common scenario: you see a parent with a toddler at the store. The toddler misbehaves and, suddenly, the parent flies into a rage and screams at the child. The reaction only causes the child to cry louder, which leads to even more yelling by the parent. What can you do? Without knowing any of the family's history or its struggles, is it OK to step in at all?
Prenatal surgery promises brighter future for babies with spina bifida
For expectant parents, the 18-week ultrasound marks an exciting milestone. For most, it is the first time they get to see their child, they can learn the sex of the baby and the doctor makes sure development is progressing normally. Mike and Katherine Mulligan of Cincinnati, Ohio, went for their first ultrasound in September 2000, and like most parents-to-be, expected to hear only good news. Instead, their dreams were dashed when they learned their unborn baby had spina bifida. But there was hope.
The sun is shining, birds are singing, butterflies are darting from colorful flower to colorful flower ... and children across the country are complaining about being bored. Eliminate this by taking advantage of the weather. Get the family outside and interact with nature.
Putting real, human faces on the hottest election issues
Whether the issue that interests you most is job creation or tax fairness, affordable health care or renewable energy, chances are you'll be watching what happens in the presidential campaign over the next several months. The outcome of the 2012 presidential race - like every other one before it - will directly affect the lives of all Americans.
Flying 'Old Glory' this summer? How to do it right
Summer isn't just the season of baseball, barbecues, vacation and fresh produce. It's also flag season. Three of the country's most important patriotic holidays - Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day - arrive with summer, and across the nation proud Americans will show their patriotism by displaying the American Flag. Here's a thumbnail review of the Flag Code's guidelines so you can be confident in all you do.
Tips for making spring cleaning easy for the entire family
As the snow begins to melt and flowers finally start blooming, spring is in the air. After being cooped up in the house for those long winter months, most families are undoubtedly ready for it. And thankfully it's possible to maintain a deep spring cleaning without spending more than a day's time, as long as you stay organized.
Simple diagnosis, treatment and prescriptions now a click away
Consumer access to medical information is also easier than ever. Since the first medical websites emerged in the late 1990s, people have flocked to them in skyrocketing numbers. Today, an estimated 80 percent of Americans go online to search for health information. Still, most health sites, while informative, can't diagnose or treat you. A new breed of "online clinics" connects customers directly with experienced practitioners who can treat them safely - and very conveniently - wherever they are.
Keeping kids safe online: What every parent should know
By now, most parents are aware that the entertainment and educational value of the Internet also comes with risks, particularly for children. Protecting children from those risks is a vital concern for any parent whose child uses the web and any web-enabled device.
Have you been thinking about divorce? Have you been searching the Internet for information about divorce? But putting off the decision until after the holiday season? You're not alone. Legal websites are flooded with searches for information about divorce. It's an annual trend that occurs each January, and culminates with a surge of divorce filings in March.
The insomnia wakeup call: Sleep deprivation is a serious health risk
It's 3:30 a.m. and you've just rolled over in bed for what seems like the 500th time. As you watch the minutes on the clock tick by, all you can think about is how tired you are going to be tomorrow. While the cause of your insomnia may vary night to night, the outcome is still the same: you're not asleep. You're also not alone.
Finding an activity or game the whole family can enjoy can be a challenge; varying age groups, skill levels and interests may have everyone going in different directions. The same challenge can be true of family vacations. A growing number of families are solving both challenges by choosing golf vacations.
There are more than 400,000 children in foster care across the United States, according to the most recent report released by AFCARS (Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System). This is a sobering number. The encouraging news is that this number continues to decline - down more than 8 percent from 2008, and nearly 30 percent from 1999, when there were nearly 570,000 foster children. One primary reason for that decrease is the implementation of proactive social service programs.
Love and relationships: Setting expectations essential before unmarried couples commit to living together
It has become the new norm: Unmarried couples deciding to live together. In fact, the number of unmarried, opposite-sex couples who shared the same living quarters jumped by 13 percent, to 7.5 million, in 2010 over 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of same-sex couples living together is about 620,000.
Breakfast can be exciting: The proof is in the pudding
Pancake sandwiches, chicken and waffles, egg casseroles -- breakfast seems to be inspiring creativity and breaking barriers morning, noon and night. The only challenge the most important meal of the day has is its designated time slot.
As the weather starts to warm, you can't help but stare at your backyard pool, anxious to begin a new season of memories with friends and family. No matter the season, pool safety should always be top of mind where children are concerned. With safety barriers - or layers of protection - in place between the home and the pool, you can experience the pleasures of backyard swimming pools and feel confident that children, grandchildren and visitors will be safeguarded from pool accidents.
Whether you're feeding yourself or feeding your family, it's important to know that the food you're eating is safe and nutritious. But perceptions about finding a balance between those two essential factors have become muddled in recent years. While there is an increased effort to promote the consumption of healthy foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, there are also conflicting messages about their safety.
Step into summer with tips for family fun in the sun
Summer days do not have to be lazy. Children may be used to action-packed schedules in school, but by stepping up their planning, families can enjoy outdoor activities that are engaging and help keep children active. Whether camping or simply exploring the park down the street, it's important to plan ahead for summer fun, especially when it comes to sun protection.
A child's awe while watching a seed germinate and grow into a healthy plant with beautiful flowers or a delicious vegetable is something very special. Their sense of accomplishment expands when the flowers they grew are arranged in a beautiful bouquet or their vegetables are shared in a family dinner.
Whether your goal is personal or a desire to change something in society, you have to begin somewhere - otherwise you may never begin at all. It can feel daunting, even paralyzing, to tackle a major project. But the best place to start is at the beginning, and often that means making small changes.
National Infant Immunization Week reminds parents of the importance of vaccination
Did you know that April 21 kicks off National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)? NIIW is an annual observance supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and can be a good reminder to parents about the importance of protecting their children under the age of 2 from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Secrets of safe sleep: What parents need to know before putting baby to bed
When a baby arrives in your home, the world changes. Even after the months of preparation and planning for the little one's arrival, the love a parent feels is stronger than could have been imagined - and so is the protective instinct. Giving your baby the finest of everything and keeping her safe are the top priorities for parents, but the gap between what seems like the right thing to do and what will actually be best for your child can be wide.
Get smart on the hottest Hollywood races this season
Everyone loves a great competition and this year is packed full of anticipated races. Whether you are interested in celebrities vying for an Oscar, who wins Album of the Year at the Grammys, or the race to the top for the presidential nomination, a good rivalry just can't be beat. According to a recent survey by Bing, while 21 percent of respondents are most interested in the road to the presidential conventions this winter, the hottest ticket this season is the big awards shows, with 68 percent of respondents equally or more invested in the Grammys or Oscars than the race to the political convention nominations. With so many interesting competitions taking place, how can you learn about and keep track of all the nominated films, songs and people?
Explore the Civil War's 150th anniversary with a unique vacation
As filmmaker Ken Burns noted in his award-winning documentary, The Civil War, the conflict "was fought in 10,000 places, from Valverde, N. M., and Tullahoma, Tenn., to St. Albans, Vt., and Fernandina on the Florida coast." But for all the war's far-flung geography, according to Burns, the physical, emotional and political hub of the war was Washington, D.C. It's no surprise, then, that Burns has chosen Washington, D.C. as the location for a very special travel experience coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
"Cloth diapers are hard to use." "Cloth diapers are inconvenient." "Cloth diapers don't fit my busy lifestyle." These are some of the many reasons expressed by families about why they don't or won't cloth diaper, according to author and cloth diaper advocate, Kelly Wels.
Teachers deserve recognition for all their hard work
Teachers touch the lives of thousands of children throughout their careers. A good teacher can help a child who hates math learn to love numbers, a shy child become a social butterfly or enable a child who can't read to learn the wonder of books. If you have children in school, you know firsthand how hard their teacher consistently works to ensure they learn, have fun and grow. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7 to May 11 - this is the perfect time to thank your children's teachers for the important role they play in your lives.
Simple cleaning solutions: medicine cabinet makeover
Medicine cabinets are one of the most overlooked areas in the bathroom. People often stock them and forget to ever update products, especially as time goes on. As you age, it's important to reassess the types of products to keep on hand for daily comfort, minor health issues or in the event of an emergency.
While every family has its own reasons for choosing full-time virtual school, the majority have children who are simply not thriving, for whatever reason, in a traditional classroom setting. Families interested in full-time online school should consider the following "ABCs" of successful virtual schooling to determine if this form of education is a good fit.
For most busy Americans, cooking weeknight dinners can be challenging. Hectic schedules and weariness from the day's activities often prompt many to reach for the takeout menu instead of opting for quick and convenient meal solutions prepared right in their own kitchen.
Are you living your ideal life? If not, you're not alone. In fact, you are among the vast majority of people worldwide. Here are some proven strategies us that can help you plan and achieve more than you ever thought possible
'The Wizard of Oz' - Why this timeless classic continues to capture the hearts of every generation
Dorothy's red slippers, the Wicked Witch of the West, the Cowardly Lion and his quest for "cccccourage"... few films evoke such powerful memories as does the perennial classic, "The Wizard of Oz."
Gardening creates fun and learning experiences through planting and cultivating seeds for small children who are inquisitive about everything. Feed their curiosity by growing with gravity.
Americans of all walks of life experience personal injuries every day - many of them through no fault of their own. They just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. While most can recover from these injuries, the road to recovery is long for others. Some may never again be able to lead normal, healthy lives.
The secret to a successful family vacation? Teamwork
When it comes to planning your family's vacation, you can find a lot of value in that old saying "teamwork divides the task and doubles the success." Divvying up planning responsibilities helps ensure that one member of the family is not overwhelmed with tasks, and that everyone is excited about and invested in the trip.
Four tips to help prepare for pregnancy from mom expert Rosie Pope
Once you and your partner have made the big decision to start expanding your family, whether in the next few months or years, thinking about how to prepare can be a little overwhelming. Don't worry! Some simple steps and an optimistic attitude can help pave the way for a healthy pregnancy.
Tips to encourage and help boost your child's growing confidence
Your growing child needs love and attention to help build confidence to continue to try and succeed at new things. From learning how to read, preparing for grade school to being able to ride their first two-wheel bike, it's the positivity from Mom and Dad that keep kids striving for more. Sometimes kids transition with ease to the next stage in development, and other times may experience a few bumps in the road prolonging transition. One of those areas where a child might need an extra boost of confidence is when they are experiencing an issue with wetting the bed at night.
Moms on the go are all about saving time and money. Anything that helps her stay in touch, maintain mobility, get organized and improve efficiency is something Mom is sure to love this Mother's Day. If you're at a loss for what to get her this year, it's hard to go wrong with a technology gift that will help her find more time for her family - and for herself.
For some families, the local handyman never gets a call because the right man for the job is already at home ready to tackle do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Show him that his hard work around the house has not gone unnoticed. Whether it's for Father's Day, or any other occasion throughout the year, here are a few gift ideas that are sure to hit the nail on the head.
Flat-screen dangers: The summer safety risk and what parents should know
For many families, summer vacation means children will spend more hours at home than they do during the school year. Extra time at home may expose children to unexpected risks from surprising sources - such as an unstable television.
Americans love pets - to the tune of 62 percent of all households with at least one pet in residence. Ask any pet owner about the benefits of having a dog or cat. Many describe their pet as part of the family. A professional offers tips to improve your pet's health and quality of life.
It's never too early - or too late - to help your child discover the joy of reading. In fact, reading aloud to your child helps build important vocabulary and language skills that last a lifetime. Despite the considerable evidence of a relationship between reading regularly to a child and that child's later reading development, six out of 10 babies and five out of 10 toddlers are not read to regularly by parents or family members.
Even though financial education courses for children are proven to contribute to improved savings rates and other financial measures, only 12 states require a personal finance course for high school graduation, according to the Council for Economic Education's 2011 Survey of the States.
Using the 5 senses to discover signs of spring with children
From the moment a groundhog looks for his shadow in February, until the new baby bunnies, chicks and birds appear, the arrival of spring is marked with celebrations and excitement across the country. Teach children to experience Mother Nature using the five senses: touch, taste, sight, smell and sounds.
Taking care of yourself can help take care of your loved ones
Struggling to keep those New Year's resolutions? Don't worry. Research shows that more than 65 percent of people break their resolutions within three weeks, and that it takes about a month of concerted effort to form a new healthy habit such as routinely working out.
Let's face it - when it comes to a dog's looks, people often think that theirs is the most gorgeous they've ever seen. They hold their head high on walks around the block, and think no dog at the park stands a chance against their pooch's appearance. But constant grooming and doggie outfits can only go so far - real beauty lies in a dog's overall health. After all, inner health equates to real outer beauty.
The little professional tips that make a huge difference in your desserts
Ever wonder why your meticulously crafted, measured and rolled cookies are just slightly off - whether it's the way the texture feels in your mouth or the buttery taste that is yearning for a little something more. It could be that your desserts are rebelling against the ordinary ingredients you are using.
How to get farm fresh eggs straight from your backyard
Fresh, healthy eggs. Natural fertilizer and pest control. A chance to teach your kids the value of growing their own food. These are just some of the reasons backyard chickens have moved from a novelty to a mainstream trend. Whether you're a home chef, a gardener or a parent who believes in providing enriching experiences for your children, now might be the perfect time to consider jumping on the backyard chicken bandwagon.
Hot wheels vs. smart wheels: How to find a safe car for your teen
When the time comes to purchase a car, your teenagers might be dreaming of hot wheels. They may be thinking sporty, while you're looking for reliability and affordability. Use these tips to help you and your teen settle on a car that fits your budget and offers you peace of mind.
Shopping for a better pharmacy? Have you checked your mailbox?
If you take a regular prescription, comparison shopping for the right pharmacy can be important to your health. One option you may be unaware of puts quality medication and lower costs as close to home as your mailbox.
The secret to a great, low-cost summer vacation: Get outside
Fresh air, sunshine, activities for the whole family, and new sights to see: outdoor vacations offer many advantages, including the opportunity to do more for less money.
In a changing travel climate, travel agents reclaim the spotlight
Recent years have been revolutionary for the travel industry. The democratization of booking tickets and vacations turned the traditional model on its head - instead of going to an agent, consumers could suddenly book everything with a few clicks. But that was then - today's travel landscape is evolving in new ways, some of which have travelers reassessing the value of DIY planning versus enlisting a travel agent.
They're the same bonds you remember getting as a child, but with a digital twist. U.S. Savings Bonds are making a comeback, just in time for the graduation and wedding gift-giving season.
Tips for working smarter outside of the traditional office environment
For many professionals, life in a cubicle is a thing of the past. Going into work could very well mean taking a stroll down the hall to your home office or heading to the coffee shop down the street. For those who are used to working in a traditional office environment, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are working at peak efficiency in your flexible work environment.
Want to give your kids a global perspective? Consider summer camp
It's important to give your child a global perspective. With an international mindset, children will grow to love the world they live in and appreciate people from all walks of life. You might think that the best way to give your child international experience is to spend lots of money and time traveling overseas, but there are other options. Summer camp, for example, is a great way for kids to meet others from around the world and learn about various cultures.
Allergens know no boundaries, and allergies don't disappear with May's showers. While bothersome grass pollens are gone by late June, other common triggers arise, making symptoms difficult to escape. But that doesn't mean the more than 60 million Americans who suffer from allergies and asthma can't enjoy barbecues, festivals and other outdoor activities.
Five travel photography tips for your next vacation
Nine out of 10 people are planning to take two or more leisure trips this year, according to TripAdvisor's 2012 Travel Trends Forecast survey. Of these travelers, 42 percent are planning cultural trips that combine precious downtime with enriching experiences. But no matter where or why people take trips this year, travelers can make their getaways more memorable and share their experiences with great photos.
Spice up your summer gathering with one of these new outdoor games
The classic lawn games have stuck around for as long as they have because they get everyone involved and entertained. But as great as games like bocce and horseshoes are, why not try adding a new game that follows these main tenets of great summer games to the mix this year?
Start early when talking with children about staying smoke free
Sometimes negative influences and unhealthy choices keep children from growing up to their healthiest potential. Choosing to smoke is one of these unhealthy decisions. So how do you help protect your children from these influences and encourage them to make healthy choices?
Five affordable food and fun pairings for family night
It's a fact: life is pretty hectic these days. However, no matter how busy parents are, making sure their family is spending fun, quality time together is always No. 1 on their to-do list. To help parents with some new ideas for family time, Totino's offers these five fun, and affordable, suggestions.
