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Growth & Development

  • A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years

    You've lived through 2 AM feedings, toddler temper tantrums, and the back-to-school blues. So why is the word "teenager" causing you so much anxiety?

  • Breath-Holding Spells

    Kids who have these spells hold their breath until they pass out. Although upsetting to watch, the spells are not harmful and do not pose any serious, long-term health risks.

  • Colic

    Colic is common in babies, but that doesn't make it easier for parents to handle. Learn what colic is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.

  • Disciplining Your Toddler

    Reeling in your active little one can be tough. But setting limits now helps prevent bigger problems down the road.

  • Managing Your Toddler's Behavior (Video)

    Learn how to encourage good behavior, handle tantrums, and keep your cool when parenting your toddler.

  • PMS, Cramps, and Irregular Periods

    Most period problems are common and normal. But some might be a sign that there's something else going on.

  • Potty Training Your Child (Video)

    Get tips and advice on helping your child make the switch from diapers to big-kid underwear — for good!

  • Signing Kids Up for Sports

    Organized sports can help kids grow in many ways. Consider your child's age, personality, and abilities to help make sports fun.

  • Talking to Your Child About Periods

    Kids reaching puberty should already know what's going to happen to their bodies. Here are some tips for talking to your daughter about menstruation.

  • Talking to Your Child About Puberty

    Talking to kids about puberty is an important job for parents, especially because kids often hear about sex and relationships from unreliable sources. Here are some tips.

  • Teaching Kids About Their Bodies

    Teaching kids about their bodies and what is private can help them develop healthy feelings about their bodies in age-appropriate ways.

  • Teething Tots

    Teething can be a tough time for babies and parents. Here are the facts on teething, including tips for baby teeth hygiene and relieving pain.

  • Understanding Puberty

    Puberty was awkward enough when you were the one going through it. So how can you help your kids through all the changes?

  • Using Deodorant for Kids and Teens

    For most kids, body odor is part of growing up. So parents might wonder if it’s time for their child to start using deodorant.

  • When Your Baby's Born Premature

    Premature infants, known as preemies, come into the world a few weeks earlier than full-term infants. They can have special needs that make their care different from that of other babies.

  • Your Child's Changing Voice

    Along with obvious changes in physical appearance that come with puberty, your child’s voice will start sounding a whole lot different too.

  • Your Child's Growth

    From the moment parents greet their newborn, they watch the baby's progress eagerly. But how can they tell if their child is growing properly?

  • 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School

    Kids do better in school when parents are involved. These early years of schooling are an important time for parents to be informed and supportive about their child's education.

  • 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School

    As students grow more independent during middle school, it can be a challenge for parents to know how to stay involved. Here are 10 tips.

  • 10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in High School

    Even though teens are seeking independence, parental involvement is still an important part of academic success.

  • Choosing Safe Toys

    Toys are a fun and important part of any child's development. And there's plenty you can do to make sure all toys are safe.

  • Choosing Safe Toys for School-Age Kids

    Is your 10-year-old crying for a pellet gun? How about that used scooter? For help figuring out what toys are safe and appropriate for older kids, read these tips.

  • Choosing Safe Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers

    How can you tell if a small toy poses a choking risk? What types of unsafe toys should you avoid for your baby, toddler, or preschooler? Find out here.

  • Cooking With Preschoolers

    It may take a little flexibility and prep work, but time in the kitchen with your preschooler can be a culinary adventure you'll both enjoy.

  • Gifted Education

    About 6% of all U.S. K-12 students are considered academically gifted. Here are some ways to tell the difference between bright students and gifted students.

  • Help Your Child Get Organized

    Most kids generate a little chaos and disorganization. But if you'd like yours to be more organized and to stay focused on tasks, such as homework, here are 3 steps that make it possible.

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

    Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child.

  • Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old

    Kids go from babies to toddlers during this time, from first steps to walking well. They also make major strides in language and communication.

  • Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old

    After learning to recognize your voice, your face, and your touch, your baby will start responding more to you during these months and even give you a smile!

  • Learning, Play, and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old

    Your infant will learn to sit during this time, and in the next few months will begin exploring by reaching out for objects, grasping and inspecting them.

  • Learning, Play, and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old

    Your baby is learning more about the world through play and is beginning to use words. Keep those toys and games coming!

  • Learning, Play, and Your Newborn

    Play is the primary way that infants learn how to move, communicate, socialize, and understand their surroundings. And during the first month of life, your baby will learn by interacting with you.

  • Managing Your Toddler's Behavior (Video)

    Learn how to encourage good behavior, handle tantrums, and keep your cool when parenting your toddler.

  • Rainy Day Fun

    Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained and off the couch when the weather's bad? These quick-and-easy ideas will keep them happy and busy.

  • Safe Exploring for Preschoolers

    Kids ages 3-5 have tons of energy and are eager to walk, run, dance, and play. It's a great age for exploration too.

  • Safe Exploring for Toddlers

    Toddlers are learning to talk, to walk and run, and to assert their independence. For many in this age group, "outside" and "play" are common requests.

  • School-Age Readers

    From kindergarten through third grade, kids' ability to read will grow by leaps and bounds. Although teachers provide lots of help, parents continue to play a role in a child's reading life.

  • Smart Toys for Every Age

    An age-wise guide on play and the toys that encourage learning, promote motor skill development, and spark imagination.

  • Story Time for Preschoolers

    Reading aloud to your preschooler is a great way to encourage learning development and to help prepare your child for independent reading down the line.

  • The Magic of Play: How It Inspires & Aids Early Development

    Learn why play is so important during the preschool years, and what you can do to foster your child's imagination.

  • Toddler Reading Time

    Reading to toddlers lays the foundation for their independent reading later on. Here are some tips.

  • Toddlers: Learning by Playing

    It might look like just child's play, but toddlers are hard at work learning important physical skills as they gain muscle control, balance, and coordination.

  • Birth Control: Abstinence

    Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Abstinence also protects people against STDs.

  • Birth Control: Birth Control Rings

    Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

  • Birth Control: Cervical Caps

    The cervical cap covers the cervix so sperm can't get in and fertilize an egg. It's not usually recommended for most young women and teens because it can be very hard to insert correctly.

  • Birth Control: Condoms

    Condoms are thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina. There are male condoms and female condoms.

  • Birth Control: Diaphragms

    A diaphragm may be a birth control good option for young women who can take responsibility in advance. Find out more.

  • Birth Control: Emergency Contraception

    Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex; for example, if a condom breaks or slips off during sex.

  • Birth Control: Fertility Awareness

    Fertility awareness is a way to try to prevent pregnancy by not having sex around the time of ovulation. It is not a reliable birth control method for most people.

  • Birth Control: Implantable Contraception

    Learn what implantable contraception is, how well it works, and more.

  • Birth Control: IUDs

    An IUD is a piece of T-shaped plastic placed inside the uterus. It's a good birth control option because it lasts for many years, needs no daily care, and is very effective at preventing pregnancy.

  • Birth Control: Spermicide

    Spermicides should be used with another birth control method, such as condoms or a diaphragm. They be used alone but are not very effective that way.

  • Birth Control: The Birth Control Shot

    The birth control shot is an injection a female gets every 3 months to help prevent pregnancy. Find out more.

  • Birth Control: The Patch

    Find out about this method of birth control, including how well it works and possible side effects.

  • Birth Control: The Pill

    Discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or getting an STD. The birth control pill (also called "the Pill") is a daily pill that is taken to prevent pregnancy.

  • Birth Control: What Parents Need to Know

    Talking to your kids about sex can be a challenge. But discussing issues like birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or getting an STD.

  • Birth Control: Withdrawal

    Even for people who think they are doing it correctly, withdrawal is not an effective way to prevent pregnancy.

  • Delayed Puberty

    Puberty usually begins in girls 8-14, and in boys 9-15. If kids pass this normal age range without showing any signs of body changes, it's called delayed puberty.

  • Female Reproductive System

    Learn about the female reproductive system, what it does, and the problems that can affect it .

  • Sexual Development

    Big physical and emotional changes happen during puberty and the teen years. These articles can help you become a source of information, comfort, and support for your kids.

  • Sexual Orientation

    During the teen years, sexual feelings are awakened in new ways because of the hormonal and physical changes of puberty. It takes time for many kids to understand who they are and who they're becoming. Part of that understanding includes a person's sexual feelings and attractions.

  • Should Kids & Teens Who Aren't Sexually Active Be Vaccinated Against HPV?

    The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine is now recommended for girls and boys both. Here's why.

  • Talking to Your Kids About STDs

    Your kids need to understand how STDs spread and how to protect themselves. Here's how to talk to them about sexually transmitted diseases.

  • When Should My Daughter First Go to the Gynecologist?

    Find out what the experts say.

  • Flat Head Syndrome (Positional Plagiocephaly)

    Babies can develop a flat spot on the back of their heads, usually from sleeping in the same position too long. Alternating your baby's sleep position and providing lots of "tummy time" can help.

  • Helping Your Teen Get Enough Sleep (Video)

    Not getting enough sleep can lead to physical and mental health problems in teens. By making a plan together, you can help your teen sleep better.

  • Kids and Sleep

    Getting enough sleep can be a problem for children of any age. Here's how to know if your kids get enough sleep.

  • Naps

    A good nap can keep kids from becoming overtired, which not only takes a toll on their moods but might make it harder for them to fall asleep at night.

  • Night Terrors

    A night terror seems similar to a nightmare, but it's far more dramatic. Night terrors can be alarming, but aren't usually cause for concern or a sign of a medical issue.

  • Nightmares

    It’s normal for kids to have nightmares occasionally. You can't completely prevent nightmares, but you can help make them less likely and help your child get back to sleep.

  • Sleep and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old

    Nighttime feedings may be a thing of the past, but in this second year of life your tot might be rising for other reasons. Learn more.

  • Sleep and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old

    At this age, babies generally have their days and nights straightened out. Many infants even "sleep through the night," which means 5 or 6 hours at a time.

  • Sleep and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old

    By this age, your baby should be on the way to having a regular sleep pattern, sleeping longer at night, and taking 2 or 3 naps during the day.

  • Sleep and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old

    Sleep problems are common in the second half of a baby's first year. It's best to respond to your baby's needs with the right balance of concern and consistency.

  • Sleep and Your Newborn

    Newborn babies don’t yet have a sense of day and night. They wake often to eat – no matter what time it is.

  • Sleep and Your Preschooler

    Preschoolers sleep about 10 to 13 hours during each 24-hour period, and it's important to help them develop good habits for getting to sleep.

  • Sleep and Your School-Aged Child

    School-age kids need 9–12 hours of sleep a night. If they don't get it, they may be cranky or moody, hyper, and have behavior problems.

  • Sleep and Your Teen

    Teens need about 8–10 hours of sleep a night, but many don't get it. Keeping these tips in mind can help your teen get a good night’s sleep.

  • Sleepwalking

    Although it can be unnerving to see, sleepwalking is actually very common in kids. Here's how to keep your young sleepwalker safe.

  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

    SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants 1 month to 1 year old. Though SIDS remains unpredictable, you can help reduce your infant's risk.

What next?

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