Articles
Feb 01 Sail Away!
If you think cruising isn’t for you, think again. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back vacation or one that gets your adrenaline pumping, cruising has something for everyone. I’ll admit I was a skeptic. I love traveling, but for some reason cruising wasn’t high on my list. Call me officially converted. For my first cruise, I sailed with Royal Caribbean on one of their Voyager Class ships. The Mariner of | read more…
Feb 01 Teaching Your Tween About Money Management
As your child reaches the “tween” years (10-12), it’s a great time to begin an in-depth conversation about money and financial responsibility. Tweens are maturing and have stronger opinions than younger children, so it’s a great time for parents to begin thinking about how to include their children in family discussions about finance. Budget You can review your family budget and general expenses with your child. He or she will | read more…
Feb 01 The Do's and Don't's of Homesickness
Spring approaches, and summer camp is right around the corner. Camp is a unique environment that promotes growth and independence. What’s more, for many families in today’s plugged-in society, camp is the first real separation kids and parents have experienced. As this milestone approaches, many parents worry about how their kids—and they themselves—will cope with the happy campers’ potential bouts of homesickness. Research indicates that homesickness is normal, and that | read more…
Jan 01 "Bead There" for Mardi Gras! Galveston 2012
2012 will mark the 101st Mardi Gras! Galveston celebration, and this year’s festivities are scheduled to be bigger and better than ever. This year, Mardi Gras! Galveston will feature 26 concerts, 24 parades, 19 balcony parties, and five fancy dress masked balls, all taking place between Feb. 10-21. Due to last year’s revival of a ticketed entertainment district, last year’s event saw increased attendance and a 50 percent drop in | read more…
Jan 01 FYI -- January 2012
New Survey Shows Renewed Progress in Reducing Youth Smoking In good news for the nation’s health, a recently-released Monitoring the Future survey shows that youth smoking declined significantly in 2011 and that youth smoking rates are at the lowest levels on record for all three grades surveyed (8th, 10th, and 12th). This news is especially welcome following several years in which the decline in youth smoking rates had nearly stalled. | read more…
Jan 01 Helicopter Parents Raise Kids Who Cannot Fly Alone
Parents Ask — January 2012 Question: “I am really involved with everything my kids do…is that a bad thing?” -Rachel from Houston Answer: Recently, I read an article on “helicopter parenting” and the way cell phones and the Internet have allowed modern parents to spend far more time hovering over their children than parents in previous generations. As I read, I couldn’t help but think of my own childhood. I | read more…
Jan 01 Losers Always Win
In the early days of our relationship, my husband played soccer. I’m sure Victoria Beckham will back me up when I say that soccer players are hot. John loved the game for its own sake; for my part, I just wanted to try every aerobic exercise fad there was. Two fitness freaks, we consummated our commitment by joining a gym together. He wore his soccer jersey; I sported a fluorescent | read more…
Jan 01 Nine New Year's Resolutions for the Whole Family
If you tend to find yourself making New Year’s resolutions you can’t or don’t keep, why not change things up this year and make a resolution you can share with your kids? It’s a great way to do something together, and your kids will keep you honest. Here are some ideas to get you started: 1. Get your game on and exercise. Pick a day and start a regular family | read more…
Jan 01 Puppy Problems
Last month, there was an adorable puppy under the tree. The red bow around his neck just melted your heart. This month, you’re ready to strangle something with that same bow! You thought you were adding an angel to the family, but he’s turned into a little devil. Have no fear, you’re not alone. Many families—including ours—get a new pet only to discover that their four-legged bundles of joy are | read more…
Jan 01 Why Boys Don't Like to Read
Boys are raised to fit many stereotypes in Western society. They should prefer blue to pink, cars to Barbies, and football to ballet. But does being a boy mean not wanting to read? A study published this year by Dobbs-Oates & Baroody concluded that preschool girls show more interest in literacy activities than boys of the same age. While it’s healthy for children to have varied interests, literacy is a | read more…
