Articles In This Section
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Learning, Play, and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
Your baby is learning more about the world through play and is beginning to use words. Keep those toys and games coming!
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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.
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Toddler Reading Time
Reading to toddlers lays the foundation for their independent reading later on. Here are some tips.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Smart Toys for Every Age
An age-wise guide on play and the toys that encourage learning, promote motor skill development, and spark imagination.
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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.
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Safe Exploring for Toddlers
Toddlers are learning to talk, to walk and run, and to assert their independence. For many in this age group, "outside" and "play" are common requests.
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Safe Exploring for Preschoolers
Kids ages 3-5 have tons of energy and are eager to walk, run, dance, and play. It's a great age for exploration too.
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Cooking With Preschoolers
It may take a little flexibility and prep work, but time in the kitchen with your preschooler can be a culinary adventure you'll both enjoy.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Play & Learn Center
This site helps parents promote active and imaginative play throughout all stages of childhood. Learn which activities inspire and motivate, and which toys are not only safer, but smarter, too.
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Choosing Safe Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers
How can you tell if a small toy poses a choking risk? What types of unsafe toys should you avoid for your baby, toddler, or preschooler? Find out here.
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Choosing Safe Toys for School-Age Kids
Is your 10-year-old crying for a pellet gun? How about that used scooter? For help figuring out what toys are safe and appropriate for older kids, read these tips.
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Choosing Safe Toys
Toys are a fun and important part of any child's development. And there's plenty you can do to make sure all toys are safe.
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Learning, Play, and Your Newborn
Play is the primary way that infants learn how to move, communicate, socialize, and understand their surroundings. And during the first month of life, your baby will learn by interacting with you.
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Learning, Play, and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
Your infant will learn to sit during this time, and in the next few months will begin exploring by reaching out for objects, grasping and inspecting them.
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Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
After learning to recognize your voice, your face, and your touch, your baby will start responding more to you during these months and even give you a smile!
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Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
Kids go from babies to toddlers during this time, from first steps to walking well. They also make major strides in language and communication.
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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.