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What kind of parent are you? Which would you say best describes your parenting style—someone who is demanding and controlling; someone who is warm and responsive; or someone who indulges their kids and rarely disciplines? As in the case of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, one of these approaches is “just right” when compared to the the others. Types of Parenting Styles In the 1960s, psychologist Diana Baumrind wrote a groundbreaking paper based upon her research in which she detailed three types of parenting styles she observed: authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative parenting....

What is the definition of a downward comparison? With this overview of the concept, learn more about what downward comparisons are, why tweens and teens engage in them, and why such comparisons aren’t healthy to make all the time. Defining Downward Comparisons Downward comparisons are one type of social comparison or an assessment of how we measure up against our peers. When we make downward comparisons, we judge ourselves against people who are less skilled or fortunate than ourselves....

Hanukkah is the eight-day celebration honoring the rededication of the Holy Temple. The name of the holiday appropriately means “dedication” in Hebrew, lest you ever forget why it’s celebrated. It’s typically marked by the lighting of a menorah, reciting of blessings, nightly gift-giving, and delicious fried foods (hello, latkes!). For our Perspectives series, we are interviewing families on how they’re celebrating Hanukkah. The Festival of Lights is a joyous holiday celebrating miracles, and it’s the perfect occasion to connect with family and friends over time-honored traditions....

Most of us have heard of our “pelvic floor,” but we might not be sure exactly what it is, and what changes this area of the body may go through as we journey through pregnancy and childbirth. Simply put, the pelvic floor involves the muscles and connective tissue, or ligaments, that support the pelvic organs including the vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum. Pregnancy and childbirth can have strong impacts on your pelvic floor, says Helai Hesham, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center....

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often associated with emotional highs and lows, impulsive behavior, and sensitivity. Many people with BPD experience intense emotional instability, also sometimes known as emotional volatility. Often, your emotional reactions may be disproportionate to the incident that triggers the emotion, such as feeling so sad you begin to cry over a minimal inconvenience. Emotional volatility is characterized by extreme fluctuations between feeling great and depressed or sad....

For many parents, baby swings are a lifesaver. Most babies have periods of time where they are fussy and only seem to be happy when they are held and in motion. Yet we all know that busy parents can’t spend every second of the day walking, bouncing, and shushing their babies. Baby swings give parents’ tired arms a needed break. Finally your baby is happy and you can wipe down the kitchen counter or eat a meal in peace!...

It looks like periods are coming earlier and menopause is starting later, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Key Takeaways In a new study, researchers found that the average length of a person’s reproductive life span increased 2.1 years over the past six decades.When a person gets their first period and naturally enters menopause, determines their reproductive life span. The study does not demonstrate if peak fertility age has increased....

Just like during pregnancy, eating a healthy and varied diet while breastfeeding will help provide both you and your baby with the nutrients you need to thrive throughout the fourth trimester. In particular, the amount of zinc you need increases when you are lactating, as it is integral for both your baby’s growth and development and your overall health. However, if the demands of early parenthood have meant that preparing healthy meals has slipped down your list of priorities, you might be wondering if it is safe to take a zinc supplement....

When considering their children’s nutrition, parents often think more about fat grams, carbs, and calories, but might forget about calcium. That’s a mistake though. Calcium is an important mineral that helps build strong and healthy bones. But how much calcium do your kids need? It depends on how old they are, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children who are: 1-3 years old get 700mg per day (about two servings of milk) 4-8 years old get 1,000mg per day (about three servings of milk) 9-18 years old get 1,300mg per day (about four servings of milk) Unfortunately, most children, especially teens, get much less than their recommended daily requirements for calcium....

It’s common for young children to get about six to eight colds and upper respiratory tract infections each year. A good humidifier or vaporizer can reduce congestion and other cold symptoms, which may help them get better sleep. There are a few things to consider when looking for the best device for your needs. When to Use a Humidifier or Vaporizer Beyond cold symptoms, a humidifier or vaporizer can be helpful for a number of other common childhood illnesses....

What Is Dementia? Dementia is a term that refers to a set of symptoms of cognitive decline that interfere with a person’s daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, but there are several others. This article covers the definition of dementia, as well as its symptoms and causes. It also shares how dementia is typically diagnosed and ways that may help you cope physically and emotionally if you or a loved one has dementia....

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 defines what a disability is in the classroom and protects students with disabilities from discrimination. The federal government enforces Section 504 in all programs or entities that receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education. If your child has a disability, understanding the federal government’s definition of disability will help you know about and exercise the rights afforded to disabled students under federal law....

Relationship conflict can be a significant source of stress. When the conflict in your relationship is ongoing, it creates stress that can negatively affect the health and well-being of both you and your partner. Here are a few ways that conflicts in a relationship can affect you physically and mentally, as well as some tips for how to cope. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Press Play for Advice On Communicating With Your Partner...

Your body uses water to regulate temperature, eliminate waste, and cushion your spinal cord and joints. Like adults, kids need to drink plenty of water to keep their bodies working at their optimal level. Virtually every organ in the body requires adequate hydration, and this becomes even more important when kids are exercising or sick. The amount of fluids needed varies by age, but a good starting point is six to eight cups a day for kids and teens....

Noise pollution is any intrusive noise that disrupts, distracts, or detracts from regular functioning. While we often think of noise pollution as a problem of big cities, with the competing sounds of more people in a smaller space, noise pollution can also be found in suburban neighborhoods (in the form of leaf blowers, lawnmowers, and home construction) and even individual homes and workplaces. And there is a great deal of scientific research to show that noise causes stress and can have a negative impact on your health and productivity....

One of the most delightful parts of expecting a child is putting together the nursery. It’s also one of the most important. While the perfect paint shade and cutest bedding are nice, safe sleeping space is essential—and that starts with picking the best crib mattress for your baby. While a mattress may just seem like, well, a mattress, there are specific safety considerations to keep in mind, as well as features that are worth looking (and budgeting) for....

It was once a taboo concept that couples felt they had to keep private, but times have changed; open marriages have grown to encompass between 4% and 9% of total relationships in the United States. Sometimes, people who are married consider opening their marriage up. When they do, it’s very important that they follow some simple steps in order to have the best possible chance at keeping their relationship successful once they do open it....

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning about salmonella in small turtles. The warning comes amid an outbreak of the disease that has resulted in at least 15 reported cases across 11 states, including five hospitalizations. Key Takeaways The CDC has issued a warning about keeping small turtles as pets due to the risk of salmonella.A recent salmonella outbreak across the U.S. has been linked to pet turtles measuring less than four inches....

Two different realities seem to have emerged during the pandemic. In one world, you have people trying to wrap their minds around growing numbers of COVID-19 deaths (272,525 in the U.S. as of December 3). Masks have become a must in public, and many people have been avoiding non-essential activities. Key Takeaways Around 13% of Americans think that the coronavirus probably or definitely isn’t real, according to a global survey from YouGov....

Whether your child can’t find their math homework or has forgotten their lunch, good problem-solving skills are the key to helping them manage their life. A 2010 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that kids who lack problem-solving skills may be at a higher risk of depression and suicidality. Additionally, the researchers found that teaching a child problem-solving skills can improve mental health. You can begin teaching basic problem-solving skills during preschool and help your child sharpen their skills into high school and beyond....