Ask & Answer - Parenting

lturkowski asked at 4:26 PM March 8, 2010

Can yelling at your kids harm them?

Teri Bieber Levy asked at 8:14 PM February 10, 2010

Does a 3 year old know what he is saying when he tattles on himself? Does he not yet understand their will be a consequence?

Maggie Bakula Iskra asked at 8:20 PM January 29, 2010

WE ARE DESPERATE. We have read EVERYTHING we can find on sleeping, including the whole list of issues on your site. Our 8 month old wakes up at least 4 times per night. He seems to be a high needs baby, and is also teething, breastfeeding, and crawling.

Carly Taylor asked at 3:07 PM January 29, 2010

my son is 3 1/2 yrs old and very strong willed. he refuses to do anything he is asked or told until it is screamed at him at the top of my lungs. but wait, 15 seconds later it's as though it never happened and the screaming begins again. What do i need t

b3lly_ach3 asked at 6:42 AM January 13, 2010

What can I do to help my 3 month old prefer both parents and not just mommy. Daddy had been actively involved since birth. Pleas help!

Anonymous asked at 2:06 AM January 12, 2010

Any suggestions for teaching a (excessively) fidgety 5 yr old to sit still and focus better?

Anonymous asked at 4:24 PM December 15, 2009

I gave my 6 year old nephew money for hannukah last night. He burst into tears because it was money, not a gift he could open! He has a bank account and knows the value of money but was so disappointed and I felt terrible! Anything to do about this?

Eleanor Levison asked at 11:16 PM December 14, 2009

My in-laws re-gifted my daughter a video camera last christmas. Is that ok? She knew it and felt bad!

PAdmin asked at 6:33 PM November 13, 2009

Kids are asking about the recent Fort Hood tragedy. What do you tell them to make them feel safe?

PAdmin asked at 3:35 PM November 7, 2009

My son is going to be 5 in September but now people are telling me I should wait to send him to kindergarten until he is 6. What??? He's more than ready. What are my options???

PAdmin asked at 1:36 PM October 26, 2009

Is it "appropriate" to ask people if their boys are circumcised?

Parents Ask asked at 9:06 PM October 22, 2009

How much of your kids homework is really your homework?

Momfluential asked at 12:00 AM October 22, 2009

How many sleepovers a month would you allow for a 12 year old?

Momfluential asked at 11:46 PM October 21, 2009

I don't like the way my daughter's friends talks to her parents. When she calls her home from my house it makes me cringe. I feel the need to say something, if she's in my house in front of my kids, talking like that. OK?

Momfluential asked at 5:29 PM October 21, 2009

I miss my ex-husband's family! Is it appropriate to see them (especially for the sake of the kids), even if he says he doesn't want me to?

Anonymous asked at 5:16 PM October 20, 2009

At what age is it appropriate to take your child to the movie theater?

Jennifer McDonnell asked at 6:29 PM October 19, 2009

Designer Karl Lagerfeld said that only "fat mummies" dislike size zero models. Is he kidding?

Eleanor Levison asked at 4:49 PM October 16, 2009

A friend of mine recently suggested our 4-year olds have a sleepover. I think it's too young, do you?

Lizzie Bermudez asked at 8:33 AM October 15, 2009

My 23-month-old is fighting me at dinner and sometimes at lunch about eating. Do I yell? Threaten? Bribe? I'm lost in how to handle her refusing to eat or playing w/ her food, just acting up so badly.

HappyMommy asked at 11:38 AM October 13, 2009

Do you text message in the car in front of your kids?

Aimee Giese asked at 12:43 AM October 13, 2009

What do you do when your religion clashes with your spouse's?

Aimee Giese asked at 12:42 AM October 13, 2009

My daughter is turning 10. I gave her a book about her body and she freaked out. Clearly this was a bad idea. How do I make this all go away?

Anonymous asked at 5:41 AM October 12, 2009

how early did your children start using the computer? my 5 year old still hasn't ever sat down and used it for any reason. I know there are lots of great learning programs and websites, but I kind of like that she doesn't know how to work a mouse.

jane maynard - this week for dinner asked at 3:47 AM October 12, 2009

when did you first have the "where do babies come from" talk with your children? just wondering how soon I have to plan on diving into that subject...hopefully later rather than sooner! ;)

jane maynard - this week for dinner asked at 3:45 AM October 12, 2009

how the heck do you handle a full blown, out of this world temper tantrum in public!?!?

jane maynard - this week for dinner asked at 12:17 AM October 11, 2009

my friend has a "spirited" (ie difficult) child. she's tried everything and is not a bad parent...I've seen it first hand. this child just came to the world with a unique personality. any good books or personal advice from parents in a similar situation?

jane maynard - this week for dinner asked at 12:05 AM October 11, 2009

When is the right age to start sending kids on overnight stays with friends and to camps?

SU-Z-Q asked at 6:35 PM October 10, 2009

Are there any stores or websites that sell non-slutty costumes for young girls? HELP!

Anonymous asked at 4:33 PM October 10, 2009

Is there a reputable website for checking the safety of OTHER websites?

kirsten asked at 4:26 PM October 10, 2009

What method of discipline works best for you?

Mariah - Playful Learning asked at 12:56 AM October 10, 2009

my 4.5 year old son still has a hard time saying goodbye in the mornings at preschool.

meredith winn asked at 1:31 AM October 9, 2009

when mom and dad live in separate houses, how do you handle the "i dont' love you! i want to live with daddy!" (when that's not an option)

meredith winn asked at 1:05 AM October 9, 2009

What do you do when your friend doesn't really like your child? She isn't mean or rude but I can just feel her annoyance.

kindnessgirl asked at 11:36 PM October 8, 2009

My friend's son, who she thinks walks on water, was recently very cruel to a classmate. My daughter observed this, as did I. She has asked me not to talk to my friend however, as she does not want to be perceived as a rat. I'm torn. I don't want to butt i

Momfluential asked at 9:49 PM October 8, 2009

Any advice on how to make a younger sibling, who is constantly trying to keep up with the abilities of her older sister, feel better?

Mariah - Playful Learning asked at 8:46 PM October 8, 2009

What are your favorite games to play as a family?

Mariah - Playful Learning asked at 8:41 PM October 8, 2009

Has anyone had to use "consequences" with their children? Every time I try to come up with "natural consequences" in the moment, I go blank. Any good suggestions?

Mariah - Playful Learning asked at 8:37 PM October 8, 2009

What is your favorite bedtime story to read to your kids?

Momfluential asked at 8:03 PM October 8, 2009

What age is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone? My six year old is begging!

Marie - Make and Takes asked at 8:01 PM October 8, 2009

Are kids watching too much TV if they can tell you what dish soap or dog food to buy?!

Marie - Make and Takes asked at 7:59 PM October 8, 2009

How old is too old to go trick or treating for Halloween? I'm wondering when my kids will be too old!

Momfluential asked at 7:57 PM October 8, 2009

At what age do parents start to drop their children off for play dates and birthday parties?

Mariah - Playful Learning asked at 7:55 PM October 8, 2009

What are your favorite healthy snacks?

Mariah - Playful Learning asked at 7:48 PM October 8, 2009

One of my kid's friends has divorced parents. When the child comes here for a playdate or sleepover, the parental instructions come x 2 and conflict. I hate to choose which one to "follow". How can I politely ask them to get it together!?

Momfluential asked at 7:41 PM October 8, 2009

How do you handle "shy" children? My five-year-old prefers to play alone at times and takes awhile to warm-up to new friends. How involved should I get?

Mariah - Playful Learning asked at 7:13 PM October 8, 2009

My daughter is 4 and she refuses to nap in the afternoons. Is she too old for nap time?

SU-Z-Q asked at 6:11 PM October 8, 2009

My 5 year old daughter will only let me give her a bath and put her to bed. This is really hard for our family because we just had a new baby and I can't always be the one taking care of these things at night! My husband tries to help but she has a tantr

Anonymous asked at 4:16 AM October 8, 2009

What should our kids be learning in preschool? Is there a place for academics at such an early age?

Anonymous asked at 5:30 PM October 7, 2009

My daughter is petrified of going to the bathroom at school. She even had an accident and didn't tell anyone. What can I do to help?

Anonymous asked at 4:00 PM October 7, 2009

Do you serve dessert every night to your children? If so what kinds of things do you bring to the table?

Stephanie Pullman asked at 11:54 PM October 6, 2009

Are we a salad bowl or a melting pot? Or is it all about perspective? What do we teach our kids? what is yours?

SU-Z-Q asked at 8:59 PM October 6, 2009

How do we explain divorce to our kids without damaging their world view of marriage?

SU-Z-Q asked at 8:51 PM October 6, 2009

What is your favorite holiday tip? ( Craft, recipe, tradition, etc...)

Kim asked at 7:03 PM October 6, 2009

Does your spouse over share on her/his blog or on Facebook? What can you do about it?

clay nichols asked at 3:43 PM October 6, 2009

Which is the right age for the birds and the bees talk? Is there a right age?

SU-Z-Q asked at 3:06 PM October 6, 2009

I worry about my daughter's dual identity when she goes to school? She is biracial and I don't want her to experience the negativity and racism how do I protect her from it or prepare her for it?

SU-Z-Q asked at 2:33 PM October 6, 2009

How do you decide how much to give for an allowance?

Anonymous asked at 9:47 PM October 5, 2009

My child is terrified of people in costume, masks and dressed up as characters like goofy or the Chuckee Cheese guy. It makes me so sad to see her so scared when we encounter this. Is there anyone else out there whose child has this same problem? Have you

Stephanie Pullman asked at 8:49 PM October 5, 2009

My twins are six, is a 12 year old old enough to babysit them?

Stephanie Pullman asked at 8:44 PM October 5, 2009

Any good ideas on how to stop my children from bickering? Yelling at them isn't working!

Stephanie Pullman asked at 8:39 PM October 5, 2009

What do you do when your child resists doing homework and every afternoon turns into a major power struggle?

Stephanie Pullman asked at 8:38 PM October 5, 2009

Your kids never used to fight -- now they are going at each other every day. How do you deal with sibling bickering and rivlary?

Parents Ask asked at 1:51 PM October 4, 2009

At what age should children be successfully taught to be empathetic? And how can we do it best?

SU-Z-Q asked at 4:06 PM October 3, 2009

I had a baby 10 months ago and that has really changed my relationship with my husband. What should I do?

Parents Ask asked at 10:54 PM October 2, 2009

A mom friend of mine told me she keeps a monitor in her 6 year old daughter's room ON ALL THE TIME - unbeknownst to the kid. This feels like unecessary spying to me! Is this wrong?

Parents Ask asked at 9:20 PM September 30, 2009

Staying organized is impossible in my house - I can't be the only "keeper" of the calendar with three busy kids. Help!

Romi Lassally asked at 3:03 PM September 30, 2009

What's the most time you should spend away from your kids on a trip when they are one to three years old?

Karl House asked at 6:50 AM September 28, 2009

My 6 year old daughter is always saying, "Im not pretty" and other self deprecating things about herself. 2 issues for me, I'm worried about her self esteem and I also have no idea what to say when she puts herself down.

Parents Ask asked at 8:27 PM September 27, 2009

My 11 year old daughter wants to shave her legs but i think she's too young? Is this a battle worth fighting?

7 answers

Romi Lassally asked at 8:44 PM September 25, 2009

Is is safe for kids to use nasal allergy medicines long term?

Parents Ask asked at 6:11 AM September 23, 2009

A cold or allergies? How you can tell if your baby has either (or both)?

Parents Ask asked at 6:10 AM September 23, 2009

A cold or allergies? How you can tell if your baby has either (or both)?

Parents Ask asked at 6:10 AM September 23, 2009

What are age-appropriate chores? Feeding the dog? Making beds? Doing laundry?

Parents Ask asked at 5:50 AM September 23, 2009

How sick is too sick? When to keep kids home from school?

Parents Ask asked at 5:49 AM September 23, 2009

Your child wakes up with a fever in the middle of the night and you're supposed to get on a plane the next morning. Is it ok to fly with a sick child.

Parents Ask asked at 5:21 AM September 23, 2009

When is it ok to send a child back to school after a bout with the flu?

Parents Ask asked at 5:19 AM September 23, 2009

Bedwetting - when is it time to ask your doctor for help?

Parents Ask asked at 4:42 AM September 23, 2009

How to treat chronic ear infections?

Parents Ask asked at 11:38 PM September 22, 2009

Is it safe for kids to sleep with stuffed animals in their cribs?

Parents Ask asked at 9:52 PM September 21, 2009

my son is covered in insect bites! What can i do to relieve the itching!

Romi Lassally asked at 10:16 PM September 17, 2009

How long should my kids brush their teeth??

Anonymous asked at 10:15 PM September 17, 2009

My son has awful eczema and really bad allergies. Could something he's eating be causing this??

Romi Lassally asked at 10:13 PM September 17, 2009

I'm fine being naked with my kids, 5 and 7. But my husband is insisting we both cover up. Can it do harm to be naked in front of my kids at this age?

Anonymous asked at 10:12 PM September 17, 2009

My wife is adamant about me not talking to our 4 year old son about burping and farting. But he thinks these two things are hysterical and I don't see the harm. What's appropriate?

Anonymous asked at 10:10 PM September 17, 2009

my niece and nephew have HORRIBLE manners. Should I tell my sister? Or will that hurt her feelings? I'm not sure how to handle!

Anonymous asked at 10:09 PM September 17, 2009

My son eats almost nothing at my house, but seems to be very adventurous at his friends homes. Is it my food or is something else going on?

Anonymous asked at 10:07 PM September 17, 2009

My 10 year old hurls insults at me when he's upset and I lose my temper. How do I counteract this in a productive way?

Romi Lassally asked at 10:02 PM September 17, 2009

Should I tell my kids about my drug/alcohol use when i was younger?

Romi Lassally asked at 10:01 PM September 17, 2009

My 5 year old child only eats white food. I swear I can't get anything besides, pasta and rice in her mouth!

Anonymous asked at 9:51 PM September 17, 2009

My daughter wants me to sit next to her and help her with her homework. How much guidance am I supposed to give her? I know other parents practically do the work for their kids...but that's not helping anyone!

Anonymous asked at 9:51 PM September 17, 2009

Am I supposed to praise my kid every time he does ANYTHING? I think he expects it now!

Anonymous asked at 9:50 PM September 17, 2009

My 9 year old son seems oddly obsessed with the scale -- he weighs himself everyday and I'm so worried he's going to develop an eating disorder. help!

Parents Ask asked at 1:15 PM September 17, 2009

Should my kids watch weight loss competition shows like "BIGGEST LOSER" or "Dance your ass off?"

Parents Ask asked at 1:14 PM September 17, 2009

What do you think about Japan's "pay to procreate" program? Should moms get paid to have more babies?

Parents Ask asked at 1:13 PM September 17, 2009

Allowance - Given to kids for chores done around the house or just because?

Parents Ask asked at 12:46 PM September 17, 2009

My 7 year old son still wets the bed. To my surprise, my doctor suggested a

Anonymous asked at 12:44 PM September 17, 2009

My son has a twitch and I have no idea what to do about it!

Romi Lassally asked at 12:43 PM September 17, 2009

My 7 1/2 mo. old was sleeping up to 4 hrs. at a time. Now, the only way he can sleep more than 1 hr. is if I hold him while breastfeeding. I know I shouldn't do this but it's the only way I get any sleep. He is in the middle of teething and seems to be

Anonymous asked at 3:39 PM January 25, 2010

What age can I broach the topic of the meaning of "god" with my daughter? She prays now but she doesnt completely understand the concept because she is only 3. When is it the right age for such an introduction? is it now?

SU-Z-Q asked at 6:36 PM October 17, 2009

What style of jazz does your kid like best?

Jazz asked at 8:35 PM October 9, 2009

Is it ok to spank my toddler? It's the only kind of discipline he responds to!