Before children open presents in front of others at birthday parties or holiday gatherings, here's some important tips and skills to teach them about the manners and courtesy involved in graciously receiving gifts.

Trying to decide if your child should open gifts at his or her party? Tips and advice on how to decide.

Four simple ideas for boys and girls Halloween costumes you can make yourself.

Making Halloween fun for children doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here's some inexpensive options for great Halloween costumes.

Papa's Grow Sticks are a truly beautiful family heirloom in-the-making to record those little marks of children's physical growth that are so often painted over or left behind on a doorframe of a childhood home.

While "The Gift of an Ordinary Day: A Mother's Memoir" by Katrina Kenison, may at first appear to be for mothers of teenagers or at least adolescents, I would actually consider it a must-read for mothers of young children.

After a visit to the ER with my daughter for a head injury, my thoughts on health care reform.

Forcing children to apologize may not always be the best path. Taking responsibility for causing harm and taking action to help may be a more important first step. Here are alternatives to making children apologize.

Forcing children to apologize may not always be the best path. Taking responsibility for causing harm and taking action to help may be a more important first step. Here are alternatives to making children apologize.

Should children be forced to apologize when they hurt another? Isn't it simply "good manners?" A discussion of the meaning of an apology and why "I'm sorry" may not always be the best expectation.