Posts Tagged ‘children’

by Brette Sember

In most divorces or separations, the children live together at one parent’s home. There are times though, when the children end up in different households after a separation or divorce. In general, courts believe it is in the best interest of siblings for them to live together. A divorce is hard enough, but to ‘lose’ a parent and also a sibling at the same time is a huge change. (more…)

by Mia Geiger

One of my favorite things about having a baby was telling her how much she meant to me. I’d whisper mushy sentiments to her over and over. How could I not, what with those tiny toes, button nose and scrumptious smile?

I also read books to her that expressed similar sentiments. Even if she didn’t understand the meaning of what I was saying, the gentle words of the stories were soothing, and the pictures of babies and toddlers were fun to explore.

Maybe it was all those new-mom hormones, but whenever I saw a book that talked about a mother’s love and the preciousness of a baby, I was helpless. I’d borrow several books at a time from the library, and when I spotted an especially lovey-dovey book at the bookstore, if I could, I’d splurge. Looking back, it wasn’t such a bad habit!

Share and enjoy these books that say “I love you” with your new little one: (more…)

What’s with the Weight Creep?

by Kathy Sena

Young women with a weight problem often say the weight started creeping up when they had their first child and they found they had less time to exercise. However, when researchers added up all factors, they found that the fact that a woman is married and has a baby has more influence on weight gain than whether she is being physically active. (more…)

by Christina Frank

Back when R & I were following the American Dream instruction manual–that is, mom, dad and the kids all living under the same roof–it was pretty clear which two of us were the parents and which two were the kids. When that manual was taken in the night and replaced by the Mid-Life Crisis Manifesto–which instructed R to move out asap–the family dynamics changed. (more…)

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Reel Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: PG for mild language, some rude humor and sports action.
Released in Theaters: Jan. 22, 2010
Genre: Family, Comedy
Runtime: 101 minutes
Directed by:Michael Lembeck
Cast:Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Ashley Judd, Stephen Merchant, Seth MacFarlane, Julie Andrews, Chase Ellison, Destiny Grace Whitlock, Billy Crystal
Official Site: http://www.toothfairy-movie.com

SYNOPSIS: A mean minor-league hockey player (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) is best known for knocking the teeth out of his opponents (thus the nickname) and crushing kids’ dreams. Imagine his surprise when he’s sentenced to serve two weeks as a real tooth fairy. (more…)

by Melanie Davis, MEd, CSE

ABC News recently ran a story about a pedophile who had a frightening way to reach children: he posed as a zoo photographer. The man, who is currently on trial, posed as a photographer taking pictures of kids at the zoo. He would then offer the photos to parents, requesting their home address so he could mail the photos. Some parents complied, and police are seeking others who may have fallen for the trick. (more…)

Review by Jane Louise Boursaw

Reel Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: PG for some mild rude humor
Released in Theaters: Dec. 23, 2009
Genre: Family, Musical, Animated
Runtime: 88 minutes
Directed by: Betty Thomas
Cast: Zachary Levi, David Cross, Jason Lee, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Amy Poehler, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate
Official Site: http://munkyourself.com/

SYNOPSIS:Now in the care of Dave Seville’s nephew Toby (Zachary Levi), Alvin, Simon and Theodore take a break from pop-music stardom and return to school, where they meet the Chipettes, a female chipmunk singing group. (more…)

by Vanessa Van Petten

The Internet talk is the new sex talk.  You need to have it with your kids, and you need to have it early.  Like sex, the Internet can be a very scary and dangerous thing that should only be used at certain ages and always done correctly.  Yet, it can also be wonderful and exciting, and, now, it is a true part of life. (more…)

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Reel Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: G
Released in Theaters: Dec. 11, 2009
Genre: Family, Musical, Animated
Runtime: 97 minutes
Directed by: Ron Clements

Cast: Anika Noni Rose, Jennifer Cody, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, Bruno Campos, Keith David, Jenifer Lewis, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jim Cummings

SYNOPSIS: Set in New Orleans during the jazz age, this animated fairy tale centers on a young girl named Tiana and her fateful kiss with a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again. (more…)

by Brette McWhorter Sember

If you share holiday custody with your ex, you may be facing a holiday alone this season without your child.  It can be difficult to be separated from your child, but you can get through the holiday with these guidelines: (more…)