Since the release of the first of the High School Musical movies on TV in 2006, a High School Musical birthday party has become a popular theme with girls of all ages. Here's some ideas for HSM activities to keep your birthday girl and her friends busy.

Getting kids to brush their teeth twice a day can represent an epic struggle between parents and children. However, rather than a battle, recasting the battle over brushing teeth as a time to bond and hand over control can turn routine care into special parent-child time.

I recently read the first two magazines in my subscription to Disney Family Fun Magazine, and was frankly surprised by how much I enjoyed them. Family Fun targets families, essentially moms, with children under 12 and features crafts, cooking ideas, activities and strategies for family life.

Time-outs are an extremely common discipline tool to deal with unwanted behavior in children. The purpose of time-outs is to stop, and sometimes to punish, the behavior so that it won't happen again. Do time-outs work, and if not, what are the alternatives?

Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent personal illness and reduce the spread of illness in the community. Teaching kids about when and how to effectively wash hands is an important tool in the effort to keep them healthy.

Disneyland is a great place to visit with young children. We are big fans and have taken both our girls frequently since before they were one year old. Here are some tips to make the trip more enjoyable for both the kids *and* the parents.

When I bought my 7-year-old daughter a karaoke machine for her "High School Musical" birthday party, I thought it was an extravagant luxury gift – more than I would usually spend on a birthday present (even a *big* one). But I have been delightfully surprised at at how much it provides daily.

My review of the Gigaball toy -- a giant inflatable "hampster ball" for kids. Overall, a great holiday gift or birthday present for kids. Positive aspects as well as cautions for parents when considering this toy.

In response to the ongoing debate in my daughter's school district about whether it is appropriate to make Native American costumes and re-enact what is generally known as the First Thanksgiving, I decided to do some research on what is at the root of those who object to these traditions.

In my suburban community in Southern California there are two public elementary schools that have traditionally celebrated together the week of Thanksgiving each year with a "Friendship Feast." But a debate over dressing as Native Americans and the authenticity of the event polarized my small town.