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Parenting

    Parenting Basics

    Parenting may be the toughest -- and the most fulfilling -- job you'll ever do. Whether you have a baby on the way, a teen on the way out, a toddler, a preschooler, a school-ager or a house full of kids of all ages, read on to learn about critical development stages, fine-tune your parenting style, and find answers to your toughest parenting questions.

    How Do You Parent?

    There are as many approaches to (and controversies about) parenting today as there are junior members of the Jolie-Pitt household. The bottom line is this: Trust your instincts and follow these basics for raising healthy, confident kids.

    Good Behavior Guide

    Tips to Chill the Whine

    Rx for Hot-Button Issues

    Ah, if only kids were born with instruction manuals. That way, whenever an issue arises -- from a diagnosis of autism to a problem with bullying -- moms and dads could just skip to the "Troubleshooting" section and find the answers they need. Without such a guide, there are lots of resources for common parenting challenges. Click through to learn about some of them.

    ADHD

    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has made frequent headlines in recent years, as experts have come to understand that what once might have been dismissed as fidgeting and forgetfulness -- among other symptoms -- is really a cluster of specific behaviors and learning issues that likely result from a problem in the brain. Experts aren't sure what causes ADHD, but a variety of effective treatments are available, including medication.

    Autism

    The term "autism" is shorthand for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) -- a group of disabilities that affect how a child learns, communicates and behaves. These disorders include Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders. The cause of ASDs is unknown (although the myth that vaccines bring on autism has been debunked), but the more researchers learn about this confusing cluster of disorders, the better the treatment options for autism become.

     

    Bullying

    These days, a bully is as likely to be a girl as a boy, and the "beating" can be emotionally harmful as well as physically. In fact, thanks to technology, a bully can hurt others without even being in the same room -- a practice known as cyberbullying. Bullying has become so invasive that parents need to be aware of the signs that a child is being bullied and open to the possibility that their kid is picking on others. Either way, strategies for coping exist.

    Mental Disorders

    Just like adults, children can develop mental and emotional problems. Anxiety is surprisingly common in kids: As many as 20 percent of children have some sort of anxiety disorder. Lots of kids also suffer from depression -- a condition that's often mistaken as typical moodiness. The good news is mental and emotional problems are treatable. If you suspect your child is in distress, talk to your pediatrician right away. Even if it's just a simple case of the blues or the blahs, it's better to know for sure.

    Connect with Other Parents!

    Share the thrills and chills of parenting with other moms and dads.

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    Make Time for Yourself

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    Stop Helicoptering

    3 ways to teach kids to be self-reliant     		8
    The average number of hours kids ages 8 to 18 spend on screen media daily
    Kaiser Family Foundation
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    Parenting Q&As

    Bonnie Harris, MS Ed
    Bonnie Harris, MS Ed
    Pediatrics
    		 Q

    What are some different parenting styles?
    A

    There are two broad extremes: the parent who has a hard time saying "no" (parent A) and the parent who has a hard time saying "yes" (parent B) . . .


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    Q How should I give my child a time-out? Q What are some things I can do to ease my anxiety about becoming a parent?
    Q How much television should I allow my child to watch? Q How can I motivate my child?
    Q How do I choose a pediatrician? Q How can I tell if my child is being cyberbullied?
    Q Why do parents need to make time for themselves? Q How can I find a responsible babysitter for my child?
    Q Can video games cause behavior problems in children? Q How can I be a better parent than my own parents were?
    See all parenting related Q&As

    Be a Smart Parent

    Whether your child is 2 or 12, our action plans can help you be the best parent you can be.


    Fine-Tune Your Parenting Style
    Fuel Your Child’s Growth
    Be a Less-Stressed Parent
    Help Your Kid Feel Safe
    Top Tips for Newborn Parents

    Connect with an Expert

    Michele Borba, PhD
    Michele Borba, PhD
    Psychology
    Jennifer Hartstein, PsyD
    Jennifer Hartstein, PsyD
    Psychology

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    Kids' Oral Health
    Parenting Style

    Parenting Videos

    Recipe

    Recipe

    Garden Taco Salad

    Even picky eaters will wolf down this Southwestern-style salad. Plus, you can have it on the table in the time it takes an 8-year-old to finish his math.


    Eat smart

    Quiz

    Quiz

    Stop Bullying

    Whether at school, on the Web or in a text, bullying can lead to tragedy. Take our quiz to learn how to know if your child has a bully problem.


    Take the quiz

    Blog

    Autism: Reason for Concern, Reason for Hope
    By Lisa Davis

    Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect one in 88 children, not one in 110 as previously thought. That means the condition is being diagnosed about a thousand times more often today than it was 40 years ago. Is autism really increasing (exploding might be a better word) or are doctors just more sensitive to signs of the problem . . .


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    Parenting Support Groups

    Discussions on DailyStrength


    What am I doing wrong?
    By DaMrs

    Toddler Bed vs. Mattress on the Floor
    By kapence

    When is the best time for potty training?
    By morani

    theletter12

    posted to Parenting Toddlers Support Group

    Thanks for everyone's advice! Just wanted to let everyone know that [my daughter] did fine at the beach. WHEW!

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    Related Topics

    • Parenting a Baby • Teen Behavior and Discipline
    • Toddler Development • Teens' Emotional Health
    • Eating Disorders in Children and Teens • Toddlers and Tantrums
    • School Age Child Development • Parenting Special Needs Children
    • Children's Emotional Health • Family Relationships

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