In the modern world, many adults in their thirties are stepping into parenthood carrying the invisible baggage of their own upbringing. Particularly among those raised as only children, there is a recurring pattern that’s hard to ignore: a deep-rooted reliance on others for handling even the most basic of daily responsibilities. While being a single child doesn't automatically mean someone will struggle as a parent, an absence of self-sufficiency and life skills during upbringing ca

Across Central Texas, dozens of school districts are stepping up to provide essential nutrition to children during the summer months through free meal programs. These programs are designed to support children and teens aged 18 and younger, as well as disabled students up to 21 who are enrolled in school programs. Families do not need to register, provide identification, proof of residency, or income to access these meals, making it one of the most accessible su

Maintaining your child’s oral hygiene goes beyond just brushing teeth cleaning their tongue is equally important. A child’s tongue can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, food particles, and dead cells, which contribute to bad breath, plaque buildup, and even oral infections. With kids often indulging in sugary foods and drinks, and sometimes skipping parts of their dental routine, their tongues are especially vulnerable.

As summer vacation begins and school cafeterias close, the Houston Food Bank is stepping in to ensure that children don’t go hungry during the break. Beginning June 2, the organization is launching its annual Summer Food Service Program, which provides free, nutritious meals to children across the Houston area. The program serves all children aged 18 and younger, as well as students with disabilities up to age 21. This initiative is vital for many families who rely on school m

Texas is one of the top 10 most affordable states for child care in the U.S., according to a nationwide 2024 study by ChildCare Aware of America. The average annual cost of child care for an infant in Texas is $11,349, nearly 14 percent below the national average of $13,128. This puts Texas in the top 20 percent of states for affordability. For many Texas families, especially married couples with a median income of $116,166, child care consumes about 10 percent of household earnings

Dublin’s favorite summer destination is making a splash again The Wave Waterpark is officially reopening its gates this Memorial Day, offering a season of fun and cool relief from the rising California heat. Set to welcome families starting at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, the water park promises an exciting array of attractions and programs for all ages throughout the summer. Following its grand opening on Memorial Day, The Wave will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. over the

Videos of young Chinese children cooking meals, scrubbing floors, and folding laundry without adult help are going viral across platforms like Douyin, capturing global attention. From toddlers peeling garlic to elementary school kids making dumplings, the rising visibility of these domestic mini-experts reflects a larger cultural shift in parenting, discipline, and societal expectations in China. This trend is being called xiaozhi, meaning “Little Grown-Ups” children tak

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced a significant investment into early childhood education and the professionals who sustain it, describing the initiative as a necessary “down payment” on the city’s long-term commitment to children and working families. Johnson’s plan comes amid growing concerns about federal disinvestment in educational programs and local workforce challenges that have hampered the ability of centers such as the North Lawndale YMCA to functio

What if the formula you're feeding your baby contains more than just nutrients? New findings have shocked parents and health experts alike, revealing that several popular powdered baby formulas contain traces of toxic substances—putting the health of countless infants at potential risk. A recent independent study tested 41 different powdered baby formulas available across the U.S. and discovered that 20 of them showed detectable levels of dangerous contaminants, includin

In the digital-first world of 2025, it’s no surprise that children and teenagers are spending increasing amounts of time on smartphones. Whether it’s chatting with friends, gaming online, or creating content, there’s an app for every social or entertainment need. But with digital connection also comes risk — and not all apps are created equal. As a parent, knowing what apps your kids use is the first step in protecting them from online predators, cyberbullying, and ina

A growing number of parents are expressing outrage and concern over reports that some child care centers have been giving melatonin supplements to children without parental consent. This controversial practice has come to light in Maine, where multiple families claim their children were administered melatonin at a Falmouth day care center, Apple Blossom Childcare, sparking state investigations and public alarm. Laura Putnam, a mother of two, said she trusted Apple Blossom Childcar

  A small family-run theater in Washington Township, New Jersey, has been forced to change its policies after a viral social media trend led to widespread chaos and damage during the opening night of the much-anticipated Minecraft movie. The Township Theatre, a local entertainment staple, announced new restrictions requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult when attending the movie after a disruptive incident that left the facility damaged and other guests distressed. The

1. You Are Strong Inside and Outside Strength isn’t just about muscles—it’s also about emotional resilience. When a boy is reminded of both his inner and outer strength, he learns to face life’s difficulties with courage. This helps him develop patience, wisdom, and the ability to handle tough situations without giving up.   2. Your Kindness Has a Ripple Effect

  A TikTok video showing a man using a three-month-old baby to wipe snow off his car's windshield as part of a stunt has sparked widespread outrage on social media. Texas police are investigating the incident after the video, recorded in Port Arthur, went viral. Originally posted on the TikTok account @heaven_is_psyco, the now-deleted footage shows the man repeatedly moving the baby across the windsh

Making Kids the Stars of Christmas with Fun and Creative Games   Christmas is a magical time for children, filled with wonder, joy, and excitement. This festive season, make kids the center of attention by engaging them in creative and fun activities. Hosting or participating in these games and crafts ensures that little ones have a memorable and laughter-filled holiday celebra

Establishing healthy eating habits early in life sets the foundation for lifelong health and well-being. Teaching kids to make nutritious choices can prevent obesity, improve academic performance, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Here are some effective strategies for promoting healthy eating habits in children: Lead by Example: Children often mimic their parents' behaviors, so it's essential to

Encouraging independence in children is essential for their development into confident, self-sufficient individuals. By gradually giving them more responsibilities and opportunities to make choices, parents can help their children build important life skills. Here are several strategies for nurturing independence in kids: Allow Age-Appropriate Choices: Give children the chance to make decisions suitable for their age. For yo

In today's digital age, balancing screen time with offline activities is a significant challenge for parents. Excessive screen time can impact children's physical health, social skills, and cognitive development. Here are some strategies to help create a healthy balance: Set Clear Screen Time Limits: Establish specific rules for screen time, such as no screens during meals or before bedtime. The America

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and express emotions effectively. It plays a crucial role in a child’s overall development, affecting their relationships, academic performance, and mental health. Here are several ways to foster emotional intelligence in children: Model Emotional Awareness and Regulation: Children learn by observing their parents. Demonstrate how to recognize

Positive discipline is an approach that focuses on teaching and guiding children rather than punishing them. This method emphasizes mutual respect, encouragement, and problem-solving. Implementing positive discipline strategies can lead to a healthier parent-child relationship and a more harmonious home environment. Here are some key strategies: Time-Ins: Instead of traditional time-outs, where a child is isolated, time-ins involve sitting with the chi