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But climate change is an abstract concept for anyone to grasp. What’s the best way to help your little environmentalist to get their head around it? Art can deliver powerful messages simply. And, as it turns out, small children can be quite insightful when it comes to the meanings behind works of art. In this way, art and climate change activism can go hand in hand. There are numerous works of art by contemporary artists that reflect on the effects of the climate crisis on humanity and the natural environment....

Pros & Cons In an attempt to provide greater access to therapy resources for this age range, online therapy company BetterHelp created Teen Counseling, a subsidiary aimed at helping young adults and their parents navigate challenging times. Telehealth platforms such as Teen Counseling were developed to give young adults (and their parents) access to licensed therapists anytime, and anywhere. Whether you’re a teen seeking help or a parent searching for a way to help, Teen Counseling’s goal is to provide what is needed whenever it is convenient....

5 Things to Know About the Dangers of Vaping Here are eight important things you need to know as a parent about vaping, and how to help your child and teen make smarter choices. Symptoms of liquid nicotine poisoning include: Vomiting Rapid heartbeat Jitters Trouble breathing Drooling and excessive salivary production If you suspect your child may be affected, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. How to Talk to Your Kids About E-Cigs The Surgeon General has released a brief tip sheet on the dangers of e-cigarettes and how to lead a conversation with your teens to help them avoid the peer pressure of vaping with friends....

Yes, be concerned and prudent. But don’t be so scared off that you miss an opportunity that can help your son or daughter become a more confident, responsible, and mature young adult. Eventually, your teen will have to learn what to do when he or she is home alone. Prepare by creating the safest possible environment, and helping your child learn how to exercise good judgment and handle emergencies. Remember, to make self-care a successful experience, both you and your child must be emotionally ready....

When choosing the right bottle, look at features such as the material it’s made out of, how comfortable it is to hold and feed from, and the design of the nipple. “Choose smaller bottles for breastfed babies (2 to 4 ounces) and larger bottles may be more appropriate for formula-fed children due to the need to increase formula volume as baby ages,” Cindy Scott, RD, CLC, tells Verywell Family. We carefully considered design, ease of cleaning, value, and material when reviewing products....

“For extreme activity, such as hiking, you want to find a shoe that is stable with a semi-rigid sole and little to no bend,” explains Asim Sayed, MD, a podiatrist in Overland Park, Kansas. “This will provide grip and support, decreasing the risk of falling or twisting an ankle. While the specific type of shoe may not completely eliminate the possibility of injury or fatigue, the comfort and design can definitely help!...

More: 12 Days of Fun (and Cheap!) Christmas Activities for Kids and Families Simple acts of kindness are the best way to spread Christmas cheer, and can also show your children that the spirit of Christmas is more than just gift receiving. These hands on experiences will give them special activities to look forward to as well as the joy that comes from bringing a smile to others’ faces....

When shopping for cameras for kids, consider ease of use, durability, features, accessories, and, of course, your budget. To select our top picks, we interviewed photography experts around the country and researched the best options for a variety of picture-taking needs. From exploring traditional film to taking underwater snaps, here are the best cameras for kids. Price at time of publication: $80 Price at time of publication: $36 Price at time of publication: $38 Price at time of publication: $500 Price at time of publication: $450 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $77 Price at time of publication: $70 Price at time of publication: $44 Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $480 Price at time of publication: $120...

“I believe that [toddlers] should try to go barefoot as much as possible until they’re 2 years old,” says Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, and Physician Spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. For that very reason, it’s important that when small children are wearing shoes, they fit well and encourage healthy foot development. Whether you need something for the summer weather, close-toed sneakers for the park, or just want to add something fun to their wardrobe, there is a shoe for your tot....

Knowing how to find the best walkie-talkies can be a challenge. We’ve rounded up parent-approved devices that are not only fun but also reliable, durable, and affordable. They’ll stand up to the demands of play while offering great coverage ranges, battery life, and up to 22 channels to communicate. Whether you’re outfitting your teens with an advanced model for a camping adventure or introducing your four-year-old to their first walkie-talkie, there are options for all ages....

From splash balls to squirters to noodles to diving rings, there’s a pool toy out there for every child. Finding the perfect one can be difficult since every kid’s swimming abilities are different. We considered price, design, durability, and safety when reviewing pool toys. Based on our research, these are the best pool toys for splish-splashing fun. For cleaning, just simply ring them out and set them out in a well-lit and dry place, and let them dry completely to prevent mold from forming on the inside....

When buying a gift for a three-year-old, look for hands-on toys that let them act out real-life scenarios. They may enjoy pushing a baby doll in a toy stroller or serving pretend ice cream in a play kitchen. Dress-up toys also go over quite well, whether they are real-life costumes like a construction worker or fantasy-based characters like Elsa from Frozen. Because three-year-olds are beginning to move from parallel play to cooperative play, look for toys that will be equally fun played alone or with other children....

There are many options on the market—ranging from single-grain cereals, such as rice, oat, or barley, to multi-grain options that combine two or more varieties. Having single-grain options to start out is important, as the AAP recommends initiating one new food at a time every three to five days. This will allow you to identify any potential allergic reactions. Once you have done this, it is completely fine to have multi-ingredient, multi-grain options that include the ingredients you have already initiated with your baby....

Most frame strollers are intended to be used while your child is in an infant car seat (typically only up to one year old). For this reason, you value and longevity are important factors when looking at frame strollers. Additionally, certain frame strollers are only compatible with specific infant seat brands (or need extra adapters), so paying extra attention to those details will save you money and frustration in the end....

Whether you need a waterproof mattress protector that’s hypoallergenic, 100 percent organic, or large enough to fit a pillowtop bed, there is one to fit your needs. Be sure to look closely at what the mattress protector is made of, especially if your child has sensitive skin. We carefully considered materials, design, size, washing instructions, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best mattress protectors for kids on the market....

JustAnswer physician Natalya Vernovsky, MD, tells Verywell Family that how many diapers a baby will need is going to depend on their age and weight. “For newborns, up to 10 pounds, initially, about four to five packs, [with approximately] 40 per pack, should be purchased,” she explains, adding that newborn size should work for babies under 10 pounds. When looking for a diaper brand, keep your budget and lifestyle in mind, as busier families may prefer disposable diapers rather than cloth, and subscriptions over individual purchases online or at the store....

It can take some trial and error to find the right overnight diaper for your baby. When analyzing overnight diapers, we considered absorbency, fit, and cost. All diapers should be absorbent and leakproof, but with overnight diapers the expectation is that they will hold more liquid for an extended period. Another important factor is fit. Overnight diapers should fit the baby comfortably, but also snugly in order to prevent leakage....

“Right now, we’re seeing girls who are struggling with eating disorders, depression, suicidality (thoughts, plans and attempts at suicide), social anxiety, and aggressive and destructive behavior, as well as body image, self-esteem, and relationship or friendship issues," Michael Roeske, PsyD, Executive Director of Newport Academy tells Verywell Family. “Self-help books and podcasts can be beneficial to help them discover new coping mechanisms and feel less alone in their struggles and thoughts....

If you don’t have the greatest credit record in the world, but you have a sizable down payment, many lenders will give you more serious consideration than you’d get without a substantial down payment. The bigger the down payment you make, the less your monthly mortgage payment will be. This can work in your favor in two ways: You can lower your monthly payments and have more money to invest or to use for other purposes....