Website aims to encourage school engagement
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Moms
BC-MOMS-SCHOOLINVOLVEMENT:MCT (639 words)
Parents these days frequently are blamed for being too involved with their kids' schooling and after-school activities. Their typically overbearing nature has even inspired a nickname: "the helicopter parent." But not all involvement is a bad thing. And in the days of overscheduled kids and parents trying to squeeze in work, their own hobbies and, you know, life, it can leave little time for ...

May/20/2013 10:26 AM

Family Meals Matter: High temperatures, low pressure
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Moms
BC-MOMS-MEALSMATTER:MCT (1497 words)
By mid-May the temperatures are rising in many parts of the country. But we don't want pressures rising as well. Blood pressure that is. May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. Blood pressure is considered normal when systolic pressure (the first and higher number) is less than 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure (the second and lower number) is less than 80 mmHg. Affecting 67 million ...

May/20/2013 10:23 AM

Nia Vardalos talks about adoption, motherhood and being fearless
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Moms
BC-MOMS-INSTANTMOM:TB (946 words)
Nia Vardalos didn't enter motherhood with ease. This Canadian-born, Second City-trained actress and author (most well known for writing and starring in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding,") pulls back the curtain on her struggles to become a mom in her new book, "Instant Mom" (Harper One, $26.99). "We're all instant moms - no matter how your child has come to you, no one is ever prepared for ...

May/20/2013 09:41 AM

Moms Gear: Use the Boon Whale Pod to keep toys picked up in the tub
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Moms
BC-MOMS-GEAR-BOONWHALE:MCT (570 words)
The Whale Pod, a wall-mounted product for storing children's toys in the tub, immediately gained my affection. That's because after my daughters piled all of their tub toys inside there was still room to add in that lonely Barbie doll at the top. The Whale Pod is one of the newest bath scoop, drain and toy storage units available through Boon, Inc., a maker of products for babies and toddlers. ...

May/20/2013 09:02 AM

Eggs that give the deviled its due
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Moms
BC-MOMS-KIDFRIENDLYFOOD-DEVILEDEGGS:OC (2697 words)
Party food is my favorite food. Small bites. Finger foods. Hors d'oeuvres. Whatever you call them, those perfect one- or two-bite bits are so much fun. And there is no more classic party food than the deviled egg. No matter the time of year or the occasion, deviled eggs are always a popular addition to the menu. Every family has its version that is the perennial favorite. A platter full of ...

May/20/2013 08:56 AM

My miracle motherhood: The road to joy is long and difficult
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Moms
BC-MOMS-MIRACLE:KC (2395 words)
At the convenience store, my 5-year-old agonized over his choices: the miniature Reese's cup or the mini-Tootsie Roll? He looked so cute. (Yes, I'm biased.) Seeing life through his eyes, there's no room to be worried about bad things in the world. He just wants some sugar. The cashier laughed as my son explained why he liked both of them. I laughed with her, until she said this: "Aren't ...

May/20/2013 08:26 AM

Helping kids through divorce
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Moms
BC-MOMS-DADDYNICKELL:MCT (653 words)
With divorce rates so high, I think it's important to remember how this huge change can impact families with children, as well as how you, as parents, can put aside your differences to help your kids through it. - BE SENSITIVE: No matter what the situation, you'll need to be extra sensitive when breaking the news of divorce to your children. Speak calmly and remember you're talking to a child ...

May/20/2013 08:16 AM

Healthy barbecue, all summer long
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Moms
BC-MOMS-HEALTHYBBQTIPS:MCT (751 words)
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to summer and with that, barbecue season. It can be tempting to load up on all your favorite calorie-laden barbecue staples - cheeseburgers, chips, dips, potato salad, pies and cakes - but there are ways to indulge while also keeping your calorie count in check. After all, with summer also comes swimsuit season. You can enjoy yourself at every ...

May/20/2013 08:11 AM

Nameberry: Unusual Baby Names: Top choices under the radar
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Moms
BC-MOMS-BABYNAMES:MCT (890 words)
The big news in baby names recently was the Most Popular Names 2012: Top 1, Top 10, Top 100, Top 1000. But swimming just below the surface - not quite on the radar but not truly off, either - are dozens of more unusual baby names poised to find wider favor ... or dropping from view. Many Nameberry favorites exist in this limbo of baby names, including choices such as Aurelia and Wren for girls ...

May/20/2013 08:10 AM

Frumpy Middle-Aged Mom: Teens, booze and I'm a party pooper
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Moms
BC-MOMS-FRUMPYMOM:OC (1210 words)
A few months ago, Cheetah Boy ran away from a party when the cops came. Yes, my 15-year-old son was almost busted. When he came home and told me this, I nearly fainted. Really, I thought he'd be old enough to drive at least before he embarked on a life of crime. Usually I won't let him go to any teen parties unless I call and make sure an adult will be there, which mortifies my son. But this ...

May/20/2013 08:03 AM