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• Volunteering With Your Child

  One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite as a family is volunteering for community service projects. It sets a good example for your kids and helps the community.

• When Your Child Outgrows Pediatric Care

  Help your teen or young adult make the transition from pediatric health care to adult health care. Get tips on finding a new doctor and getting health insurance.

• Preparing to Adopt a Child

  Considering adoption? Here are some things to know about the health and medical care of an adopted child, before, during, and after the adoption.

• Rainy Day Fun

  Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained and off the couch when the weather's bad? These quick-and-easy ideas will keep them happy and busy.

• Road Trip Boredom Busters

  Road trips can be fun and educational with just a little planning and preparation. Here are some ideas to get your family revved up for a trip long on smiles and short on frustration.

• Special Needs: Planning for Adulthood (Video)

  With info on financial and health care benefits to employment and housing options, this video series can help you plan for your child's future.

• Taking Care of Your Grandchildren

  When you take care of your grandkids, you're probably excited to put your own parenting experience to good use. But there are a few childcare basics to brush up on.

• Finding Respite Care

  Finding that perfect person to care for your child can be a challenge. These resources can help.

• Getting Teens Involved in Their Health Care

  Involving teens in their health care can help prepare them for managing it on their own as adults.

• Healthy Habits for Media Use

  TV, interactive video games, and the Internet can be excellent sources of education and entertainment, but too much plugged-in time can have unhealthy side effects.

• How Media Use Can Affect Kids

  Technology can be part of a healthy childhood, but it's important for parents to track their kids' screen time and set limits.

• Media Use Guidelines: Babies & Toddlers

  Not sure how much screen time is appropriate for your baby or toddler? Get advice here.

• Media Use Guidelines: Big Kids

  Not sure how much screen time is appropriate for your big kid? Get advice here.

• Media Use Guidelines: Preschoolers

  Not sure how much screen time is appropriate for your preschooler? Get advice here.

• Media Use Guidelines: Teens

  Not sure how much screen time is appropriate for your teen? Get advice here.

• Monitoring Your Child’s Media Use

  Some ways for parents to keep track of the media their kids watch, play, and use.

• Online Safety

  The Internet is a wonderful resource, but access to it has its hazards for kids. Here's how to make sure your kids go online safely.

• Parenting Multiples

  Parents of twins (or more!) can feel as if they've left the hospital and arrived home on a different planet. Here's how to cope.

• Reading: How to Help Your Child

  Reading programs and resources for your child are in your community or nearby. Find out what's available for your child's age and reading level.

• School-Age Readers

  From kindergarten through third grade, kids' ability to read will grow by leaps and bounds. Although teachers provide lots of help, parents continue to play a role in a child's reading life.

• Story Time for Preschoolers

  Reading aloud to your preschooler is a great way to encourage learning development and to help prepare your child for independent reading down the line.

• Storytelling

  Here are some tips for on-the-spot storytelling when you hear your child plead, "I'm bored! Please tell me a story."

• Toddler Reading Time

  Reading to toddlers lays the foundation for their independent reading later on. Here are some tips.

• 9 Steps to More Effective Parenting

  Parenting is incredibly challenging and rewarding. Here are 9 child-rearing tips that can help.

• Camps for Kids With Special Needs

  There are many camp choices for kids with special needs. From highly specialized camps to regular camps that accommodate kids with special needs, options abound.

• Choosing and Instructing a Babysitter

  One of your most important tasks as a parent is finding a qualified babysitter. Here are some essential tips on choosing and instructing a babysitter.

• What Is LSD?

  LSD is a dangerous hallucinogenic drug that affects mood, judgment, and behavior.

• What Is MDMA (Ecstasy)?

  Ecstasy is a dangerous illegal drug that can cause hallucinations and even death.

• What Is Marijuana?

  Many teens and young adults use marijuana in some form. Understand its risks so you can help your kids make good decisions.

• What Is Methamphetamine (Meth)?

  Methamphetamines are dangerous stimulants that speed up a person's heart rate and bodily functions. When used in large doses, meth can kill.

• What Is Nicotine?

  Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant. Those who start smoking before age 21 have the hardest time breaking the habit.

• What Is PCP?

  PCP abuse is less common these days, mostly because of the drug's scary side effects. Find out more about the drug phencyclidine.

• What Is Rohypnol?

  Rohypnol is an antianxiety medication. Because it can cause extreme drowsiness (or "blackouts"), the drug is often used in date rapes.

• What Is Salvia?

  There are many types of salvia plants. One, salvia divinorum, has a substance that can cause psychedelic experiences.

• What Is Xylazine?

  Xylazine is a tranquilizer used by veterinarians that is also used as a street drug mixed with other drugs (mainly fentanyl) to increase the effects and lower the price.

• When Your Teen Is Having a Baby

  If your daughter is pregnant and planning to have the baby, many changes await your family. How can you support her through the challenges to come?

• Creating a Reader-Friendly Home

  A home filled with reading material is a good way to help kids become enthusiastic readers. Here are some ideas.

• Everyday Reading Opportunities

  Finding time to read is important to developing literacy skills. And there are many easy and convenient ways to make reading a part of every day.

• Helping Kids Enjoy Reading

  For many kids, reading doesn't come easily. But these simple steps can help them become eager readers.

• Reading Milestones

  This general outline describes the milestones on the road to reading and the ages at which most kids reach them.

• Teaching Kids to Be Smart About Strangers

  Sometimes it's a good idea for kids to talk to strangers. Who else will they turn to if they're lost and need help? Here's how to teach kids when it's OK to talk to strangers and when it's not.

• Vaping: What Parents Should Know

  E-cigarettes (or “vape pens”) heat a liquid until it becomes a vapor, which is inhaled. The liquid (called e-liquid or “vape juice”) can contain nicotine or marijuana distillate or oil. Here are the facts on vaping.

• What Are “Magic” Mushrooms?

  Some kinds of mushrooms are considered illegal drugs because they contain substances that cause people to hallucinate. Find out more about hallucinogenic mushrooms.

• What Are Amphetamines?

  Amphetamines (including prescription diet pills) are highly addictive stimulants that accelerate functions in the brain and body.

• What Are Bath Salts?

  Bath salts are powerful stimulant drugs that increase brain and central nervous system activity.

• What Are Cocaine & Crack?

  Cocaine and crack are illegal drugs that produce an intense high and can cause a stroke, heart attack, or even death.

• What Are Depressants?

  Depressants calm and relax nerves. But if used in the wrong way, they can be dangerous and even cause life-threatening problems.

• What Are Inhalants?

  Inhalants like glue are sniffed or huffed to give the user a high. Doing it even once can be fatal.

• What Is Fentanyl?

  Fentanyl is a synthetic (man-made) opioid that doctors can prescribe to treat pain. Fentanyl is also made illegally and sold as a street drug.

• What Is GHB?

  GHB, gamma hydroxybutyrate, is a popular club and date rape drug that can be deadly.

• What Is Heroin?

  Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal narcotic that can cause death when taken in excess.

• What Is Ketamine?

  Ketamine hydrochloride is a quick-acting anesthetic that can cause intoxication, hallucinations, and even death when taken in dangerously high doses.

• How to Talk to Your Child About the News

  News reports are often educational. But when stories are about disturbing topics, parents can find it hard to explain to kids. Here are some guidelines.

• Talking to Kids About Gun Violence

  When gun violence is in the news, kids might worry that it could happen to them or someone they love. Here's how to talk to them about it.

• Talking to Kids About Race and Racism

  Race and the harmful effects of racism are common topics of conversation for some families. Other parents, though, might talk about racism and discrimination with their kids rarely, or not at all.To help put an end to racism, everyone has to take an active role, no matter who they are.

• Talking to Your Child About Periods

  Kids reaching puberty should already know what's going to happen to their bodies. Here are some tips for talking to your daughter about menstruation.

• Talking to Your Child About Puberty

  Talking to kids about puberty is an important job for parents, especially because kids often hear about sex and relationships from unreliable sources. Here are some tips.

• Smart Toys for Every Age

  An age-wise guide on play and the toys that encourage learning, promote motor skill development, and spark imagination.

• Special Education: Getting Help for Your Child

  Kids with disabilities may quality for services to help with learning. Here is a guide to getting the help your child needs.

• Teaching Kids to Be Smart About Social Media

  Before kids or teens hit "enter," make sure they know the rules when it comes to oversharing, teasing, posting personal info, and other online don'ts.

• The Magic of Play: How It Inspires & Aids Early Development

  Learn why play is so important during the preschool years, and what you can do to foster your child's imagination.

• Caring for Siblings of Kids With Disabilities

  Kids love their siblings. Often, those who have a brother or sister with special needs want to help. Here's how to help them feel loved and secure about their place in the family.

• Child Abuse

  Child abuse — whether it's physical, sexual, emotional, medical, or another type — can harm kids in many ways. Learn how to spot the signs of child abuse.

• Connecting With Your Preteen

  As your preteen becomes more independent, staying connected may seem like more of a challenge. But it's as important as ever – here are some tips.

• Disciplining Your Toddler

  Reeling in your active little one can be tough. But setting limits now helps prevent bigger problems down the road.

• Drugs: What Parents Need to Know

  Knowing what drugs are out there, what they can do, and how they can affect someone is the first step in raising drug-free kids.

• Getting Support When Your Child Has Special Health Care Needs

  You might have more on your plate than most parents, but it doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. Here's how to ask for help and avoid caregiver burnout.

• Autism Special Needs Checklist: Big Kids (ages 6-12)

  Having a plan for the future can help your big kid reach his or her full potential. Follow this 8-step checklist to help your child succeed during the elementary school years.

• Autism Special Needs Checklist: Teens & Young Adults

  As your child moves toward adulthood, learn the tools you need to make the transition as smooth as possible. This 6-step checklist can help.

• Back to School

  Kids often have a tough time making the back-to-school transition. Here's how to help them.

• Backpack Safety

  As practical as they are, backpacks can strain muscles and joints and may cause back pain if they're too heavy or are used incorrectly. Here's how to help kids find the right backpack.

• Balancing Schoolwork and Hospital Stays

  When your child has a serious or chronic illness, it's hard to think beyond the next treatment. But with some planning, you can help your child balance schoolwork with hospital stays.

• Helping Your Child Adjust to Preschool

  The more comfortable you are with placing your child in preschool and the more familiar the setting is for your child, the fewer problems you - and your child - will encounter.

• Helping Your Gradeschooler With Homework

  During grade school, kids start getting homework to reinforce and extend classroom learning and teach them important study skills. Here's how parents can help.

• Helping Your Teen With Homework

  Parents can play a crucial role in helping teens succeed in school by lending a little help, support, and guidance, and by knowing what problems demand their involvement and which ones require them to hang back.

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

  Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child.

• Parent–Teacher Conferences

  Attending parent–teacher conferences is a great way to help your kids succeed at school. Here's what to do before, during, and after the meeting.

• School and Diabetes

  When kids with diabetes attend school, parents should discuss the condition with teachers, school staff, and coaches. Here are some tips on what to cover.

• Words to Know (Special Health Care Needs Glossary)

  This glossary defines terms on health care, government benefits, learning, legal and financial matters, and more.

• 504 Education Plans

  Kids who have special needs in the classroom may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan.

• Financial Planning for Kids With Disabilities

  These steps can help take the anxiety and worry out of your child's financial future and make sure that your child will be taken care of even after you're gone.

• How to Find Affordable Health Care

  Your kids could be eligible for health care coverage right now and you might not know it. Here are some options that may be available to your family.

• School-Based Health Centers

  School-based health centers provide a range of services to meet kids' and teens' health care needs. Centers usually are inside a school building or right next door.

• Signing Kids Up for Sports

  Organized sports can help kids grow in many ways. Consider your child's age, personality, and abilities to help make sports fun.

• Handling Picky Eating in Toddlers (Video)

  Make mealtimes more pleasant and less stressful for everyone by learning how to handle a picky eater.

• Talking to Your Child’s Preschool Teacher

  Enrolling your little one in preschool can be a time filled with many questions. Find out how to establish an open, clear channel of communication with your child's preschool teacher.

• Top 10 Homework Tips

  Kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in homework - here are ways to help.

• Raising a Summer Reader

  Help your kids keep their reading skills strong so they're ready for school.

• My Child Is Struggling in School. How Can I Help?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School

  Kids do better in school when parents are involved in their academic lives. These early years of schooling are an important time for parents to be informed and supportive about their child's education.

• 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School

  As students grow more independent during middle school, it can be challenging for parents to know how to stay involved. Here are 10 tips.

• 10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in High School

  Even though teens are seeking independence, parental involvement is still an important ingredient for academic achievement.

• Gifted Education

  About 6% of all U.S. K-12 students are considered academically gifted. Here are some ways to tell the difference between bright students and gifted students.

• Help Your Child Get Organized

  Most kids generate a little chaos and disorganization. But if you'd like yours to be more organized and to stay focused on tasks, such as homework, here are 3 steps that make it possible.

• Media Use Guidelines

  Too much media use can take kids away from other activities, such as sleeping, exercising, playing with friends, and doing homework.

• Kids and Video Games

  Like a lot of aspects of raising kids, when it comes to video games, the healthiest approach is moderation.

• Underage Drinking: What Can Parents Do?

  Many kids and teens try alcohol during their high school and college years. But parents are important role models in this area. Here's how to set a good example.

• When a Loved One Dies: How to Help Your Child

  When a loved one dies, children feel and show their grief in different ways. Here are some tips for parents on supporting kids through a loss.

• When a Pet Dies

  For most kids, pets are more than just animals – they're members of the family. So it can be heartbreaking to lose one. Here's how to help kids cope.

• Your Child’s Self-Esteem

  Strong self-esteem is a child's armor against the challenges of the world. Here's how to build healthy self-esteem in your kids.

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  Kids and teens who live through a traumatic event can develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Healing is possible with the help of professional counseling and support from loved ones.

• Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling

  The arrival of a new baby can cause lots of changes. But parents can prepare kids for an addition to the family.

• Sexual Orientation

  During the teen years, sexual feelings are awakened in new ways because of the hormonal and physical changes of puberty. It takes time for many kids to understand who they are and who they're becoming. Part of that understanding includes a person's sexual feelings and attractions.

• Teaching Kids About Their Bodies

  Teaching kids about their bodies and what is private can help them develop healthy feelings about their bodies in age-appropriate ways.

• Tips for Divorcing Parents

  Every divorce - and every family - is different. But these guidelines might make the change a bit easier.

• Sibling Rivalry

  As upsetting as it can be for a parent, conflict between siblings is very common. Here's how to help your kids get along.

• Taking Your Child to a Therapist

  Many children and teens have problems that affect how they feel, act, or learn. Going to therapy helps them cope better, feel better, and do better.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health

  The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring uncertainty for kids and teens. Here's how to help them.

• Cyberbullying

  Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. Here are some suggestions on what to do if online bullying has become part of your child's life.

• Helping Kids When They Worry

  All kids worry at times, and some may do so more than others. But parents can help kids manage it and tackle everyday problems with ease. Find out how.

• Competitive Sports: Helping Kids Play it Cool

  Sometimes the pressure to succeed on the field or in the court can be overwhelming. Learn what you can do to help your child keeps things in perspective.

• Disasters: How Families Can Help

  When disasters strike, it's natural for people to want to help. Here are some ways to do that.

• Talking to Your Child About Drugs

  Help protect kids against drug use by giving them the facts before they're in a risky situation.

• Talking to Your Kids About Alcohol

  As much as parents may not like to think about it, the truth is that many kids and teens try alcohol before it is legal for them to drink it. Here's an age-based guide on how to talk to them about it.

• Taming Tempers

  Controlling outbursts can be hard for kids - and helping them learn to do so is a tough job for their parents. But just about every child can improve with the right coaching.

• Answering Questions About Sex

  Answering kids' questions about sex is a responsibility many parents dread. But by answering these questions honestly, parents can help foster healthy feelings about sex.

• Anxiety Disorders

  Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, and all kids experience it. But when it becomes extreme, it can interfere with a child's overall happiness.

• Helping Kids Deal With Bullies

  Unfortunately, bullying is a common part of childhood. But parents can help kids cope with it and lessen its lasting impact.

• Disciplining Your Child

  It's important to be consistent about discipline. If you don't stick to the rules and consequences, kids aren't likely to either. Find out how to vary your approach to fit your family.

• Helping Kids Cope With Cliques

  With cliques prevalent in middle and high school, most kids encounter them at some point. Here's how parents can help kids maintain confidence and self-respect while dealing with cliques.

• Kids and Smoking

  The health risks of smoking are well known, many young people still do it. Here's how to help your kids avoid smoking, vaping, or using chewing tobacco - or quit, if they've already started.

• Sexting: What Parents Need to Know

  Sexting could haunt a teen for the rest of his or her life. Here's what parents need to know.

• Helping Your Child Heal After Trauma

  Kids can recover after trauma with help from therapy and extra support and comfort from parents.

• Parenting a Child With ADHD

  Parenting is as important as any other part of ADHD treatment. The way parents respond can make ADHD better (or worse). This article has parenting tips to help kids improve and do well.

• Parenting a Teen With ADHD

  Parenting is as important as any other part of ADHD treatment. The way parents respond can make ADHD better (or worse). This article has parenting tips to help teens improve and do well.

• ADHD and School

  ADHD can affect a child's ability to do well in school and even make friends. This article for parents has tips on working with teachers to help your child succeed.

• Biting

  There are ways to get to the bottom of your toddler's biting habit. These steps can help.

• Breath-Holding Spells

  Kids who have these spells hold their breath until they pass out. Although upsetting to watch, the spells are not harmful and do not pose any serious, long-term health risks.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Enjoying Holidays, Celebrations, and Gatherings Safely

  Events and holidays are different as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Here are some ways to enjoy them safely.

• Helping With Homework

  Tips and advice on helping kids and teens with classwork and problems at school.

• Leaving Your Child Home Alone

  It's natural for parents to be a bit anxious when first leaving kids without supervision. But you can feel prepared and confident with some planning and a couple of trial runs.

• Road Rules for Kids

  Use these tips to teach your kids how to stay safe when riding in a car or on a school bus.

• Rules of the Road for Teen Drivers

  When teens get their driver's license, parents should consider creating their own rules of the road beyond the relevant driving laws.

• Staying Healthy While You Travel

  When you're traveling with your kids, there's a chance that someone might get sick. But early planning and smart packing can help ensure your family stays healthy and safe.

• Booster Seat Safety

  Your tot's not a baby anymore! It's time for a big-kid booster seat. But how can you ensure that your child is still safe and secure in the car? Find out here.

• Car Seat Safety

  Get the car seat know-how you need here.

• What Is Narcan (Naloxone)?

  Narcan is a medicine that can save someone from a heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioid medicine overdose. Narcan is the brand name for naloxone.

• Preventing Abductions

  It's important to teach your kids to be cautious without filling them with fear or anxiety. Here are ways to lessen the chances that your child will be abducted.

• Halloween Safety Tips

  From the candy to the costumes, Halloween is a fun-filled time. But it can pose dangers to young revelers. For a trick-free treat, follow these simple safety tips.

• Helping Your Child Manage Anxiety (Video)

  Feeling nervous, worried, or uneasy at times is a normal part of growing up. Here's how to help your child feel more in control and deal with stress.

• Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse

  Chugging cough medicine for an instant high is a dangerous, potentially deadly practice.

• Reading Books to Babies

  Reading aloud to your baby stimulates developing senses, and builds listening and memory skills that can help your baby grow up to be a reader.

• Talking to Your Kids About STDs

  Your kids need to understand how STDs spread and how to protect themselves. Here's how to talk to them about sexually transmitted diseases.

• ADHD

  ADHD is a common medical condition that can affect kids at school, at home, and in friendships. Learn more about ADHD and how to help kids get the best diagnosis and care.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

  Autism spectrum disorder affects a child's ability to communicate and learn. Early intervention and treatment can help kids improve skills and do their best.

• Understanding Dyslexia

  Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard to learn to read and understand written language. Even kids with average or above-average intelligence can have dyslexia.

• Teaching Your Child How to Swallow Pills

  Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.

• Secondhand Smoke

  Breathing in someone else's secondhand smoke is hazardous to our health. Find out what you can do about it.