Author: Lisa A. Flam
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Cast homework in the right light
If you can’t imagine how your kids can possibly see well enough to do their homework as they sprawl out on the floor, their beds or the couch; fear not: Though good lighting for the homework hour (or hours) is often forgotten, it is simple to achieve. “Sometimes we get so focused on making the…
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Why some homes become teen central
Start with amenities such as a monster TV or fire pit, add a never- ending supply of munchies and a relaxed attitude toward your kids bringing home a friend – or five – and you might find that your place has become THE place where the tweens and teens want to be. A hangout house is…
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Should busy, stressed-out kids have to do chores?
It’s the dirty work of home life: dusting the shelves, mopping the floors and doing the laundry, load after load. Yet asking kids to help has gotten harder for some parents, caught up in the blur of today’s competitive, time-pressed, child-focused world. “Parents feel very conflicted about getting their kids involved in housework,” says child…
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Summer shopping? How to score the best from sales
Don’t worry if you never got around to buying a summer ensemble in time to make a splash at July Fourth pool parties and barbecues. Now the fun kind of summer shopping begins, those exhilarating trips to your favorite haunts where you can score a swimsuit, sundress and sandals – all on sale – just…
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Coaching your own kid brings pressures, rewards
Your son tosses the game-winning touchdown pass, so of course you want to pump your fists and cheer like a maniac. Or your daughter hogs the ball on the soccer field and you’re inclined to shout your disapproval and ask if she could PLEASE pass the ball already. When you’re the coach, though, it’s all…
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Mom deals with kiss diss
We were only two weeks into the school year when my son hopped up the school bus steps one morning before I could kiss him goodbye. I called his name, and my not-so-little-anymore fourth-grader turned to give me that knowing look, fully aware that we had skipped the morning ritual. So after trudging back into…
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Valentine’s Day now designed for the whole family
NEW YORK – Remember what it was like when you were young and single and Valentine’s Day rolled around? Perhaps you hoped the roses being paraded through the office would land on your desk. That you’d open your mailbox to find chocolates or a card from a secret admirer. Fast-forward to parenthood, and you’re celebrating…
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Pajamas great for parents and kids this holiday
NEW YORK • Get ready for a pajama party. Pj’s look to be a popular gift this holiday season, as families struggling with high heating bills are bundling up at night, and older kids have turned sleep pants into cool daywear. “I can’t afford to buy gifts just for fun,” said Lisa Jenkins, who has…