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So, the working definition of “full-term” pregnancy was modified by an official statement from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) put out in 2013. A baby’s lungs, liver, and brain continue to develop during those last few weeks of pregnancy, so it’s important to take that into account. Learn more about what it means for a pregnancy to be full-term, including the risks of delivery earlier or later and why it’s ideal to deliver a pregnancy full-term, when possible....

Is Your Child Old Enough? Experts in both youth sports and child development agree: Kids are not ready for competition until they are at least eight years old. Before that, they just can’t handle the stresses of winning, losing, and being measured and scored on their performance. For children under the age of eight, sports should be about physical activity, having fun, learning new skills, and laying the groundwork for good sportsmanship....

Academic Summer Camps Children who prefer to learn during the summer can take part in an academic camp. These camps teach everything from astronomy to veterinary medicine. Types of academic camps include: ArchaeologyAstronomyBiologyBusinessChemistryComputerDebateForeign languageGiftedGeologyJournalismMarine scienceMathMedicineRoboticsScienceVeterinary science Adventure Summer Camps Kids can climb rocks, go canoeing, or spend time in the wilderness at a traditional camp, but adventure camps are centered around unique expeditions. Rock climbing, canoeing, and outdoor activities are not a couple of hours of fun; they become an entire camp experience....

How It Works Also known as balanced literacy, the whole language approach is an educational philosophy that teaches children to read by using strategies that show how language is a system of parts that work together to create meaning. While it may sound as if this method discounts phonics, the use of phonemic awareness (or sub-lexical reading) is one of its components. The whole language philosophy also teaches students to recognize core words as a single word instead of having them sound out all words phonetically....

Why Do Car Seats Expire? There is no government regulation in the United States that requires an expiration date on car seats. Rather, car seat manufacturers decide them based on a set of general guidelines. While you might think it’s just about selling more of their products, there are several safety reasons manufacturers place expiration dates on car seats. These reasons include improved technology, changing standards, wear and tear, recalls, and damage....

Why Gifted Children Are Prone to Existential Depression While it is not uncommon for people to experience existential depression at times of transition or after a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one or a natural disaster, gifted people may suffer from it spontaneously. In other words, they may experience existential depression without an apparent triggering event. Gifted people of all ages have unique traits that may make them vulnerable to this form of depression....

Changing Trends in Breastfeeding Today, more and more people breastfeed. However, in the past, formula feeding was far more popular. Many new parents’ own parents used formula. Grandparents may not understand the benefits of breastfeeding and may even discourage the practice. Even though breastfeeding encouraged, using formula instead is an option, too. Families should choose the feeding method that works best for them. Grandparents or other older relatives who have little or no experience nursing a child cannot offer advice or guidance....

Repetitive or cyclical behavior is very normal during toddlerhood. Doing the same thing over and over helps young children learn, and can be helpful for development. Sticking to consistent rituals or asking questions again and again also help toddlers feel secure. We turned to some experts to learn more about why toddlers like to do the same things (or ask the same questions) again and again, how to respond to repetitive behavior, and if there’s ever cause for concern....

The reasons for remaining silent are many and vary from person to person, but bullying is often scary and confusing. This fact leaves most kids unsure of how to handle the situation. Many will keep bullying incidents to themselves while they try to figure out what to do. One report found that 54% of students who were bullied didn’t report it to an adult at school. Here are a few reasons why kids may be hesitant to disclose that they are being bullied....

However your household decides to do winter, the most important thing is that you spend time together. “In the colder months, it’s common for family members to disperse to different rooms with their devices,” says Rachel Duvall, LICSW a Massachusetts-based therapist. “Taking time together can improve children and parents’ well-being on many fronts, including their physical and mental health.” If your household tends to grow antsy in the winter, try getting outside and going on a scavenger hunt in the snow....

One person looks up a word in the dictionary and writes it on a piece of paper. It has to be a word you don’t think anyone in the room has heard before. Everyone then writes down on a piece of paper what they think the word means and puts their name on the paper. All the definitions are then placed into a hat or sack of some kind. You can even just fold the pieces of paper and put them in the middle of the floor....

Every year from October 4th through to October 10th, nearly 100 countries around the world celebrate the United Nations World Space Week. (WSW). World Space Week is a festival of space-themed activities for all ages put on by the World Space Week Association, (WSWA) local educators and organizations, and individuals just like you. Different years have different themes. In 2022, the theme was ‘Space and Sustainability.’ You can read more about WSW at worldspaceweek....

In general, social distancing means changing your behavior to help stop the spread of viruses and infections like the coronavirus. These behavior changes often mean suspending social interactions, closing schools, and working from home if possible. It also means limiting your contact with the general public and extended family and only venturing out if it’s absolutely necessary—like picking up groceries and medications or visiting the doctor. In March 2020, the White House released guidelines regarding social distancing, including urging all Americans to avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more people and to keep a distance of at least six feet between each person....

Lunch Box Planning Tips 10 School Lunch Ideas Using the tips listed above, try these 10 school lunch ideas that are easy to make, fun to eat, cost-effective and healthy! Pair these entrees with cut fruit, water, carrots or celery, and pretzel sticks for a complete, guilt-free lunch you can be proud of!