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Frostbluster

The false confidence in September that you could make through the winter without going somewhere warm.

The Big Empty Cardboard Box

My son was asking to play on an iPad. Instead, I brought a big empty box upstairs, and plunked it down in the living room.

PBS to Launch New 24 Hour Streaming Network for Kids

Just like grownups, kids now watch their favorite shows when and where they want them - not necessarily when they were originally programmed.

My Kids Make Me Cry

I was not always a crier. But parenting brings out raw emotion, and now I cry at almost anything.

via The Atlantic: "The Dangers of Using a Sticker Chart to Teach Kids Good Behavior"

The problem with sticker charts and similar reward systems is that they work too well, creating negative and unintended long-term consequences.

What to Say to Parents of Very Sick and Terminally Ill Children

The mother of a boy with Hunter Syndrome (a terminal condition), says to always put the person before the disability, illness, or tragedy.

How I Got Fired From My Job For Being a Mom

I was fired for speaking my mind about my needs as a new mom. I was a working mom in a place where moms are not the preferred employees.

The One Where We Learned Life Lessons from "Friends"

Over the course of a decade, the cast of Friends not only made us laugh, they taught us valuable life lessons along the way. Take a look.

Dear Moms, We Are Dropping Serious Cash on Toys

This year, the smart/connected toy market will hit 2.8 billion. Toymakers can thank moms for that. Here's what we buy and how we buy it.

Thank You, Harper Lee

Thank you, Harper Lee. She leaves an amazing legacy for us, and the millions of kids who read "To Kill a Mockingbird" every year.

Teaching Bystander Empathy is Most Effective Anti-Bullying Program

Study shows that if we want to effectively reduce bullying, we need to teach the bystanders to be empathetic.

“You think it can’t happen here. Let me tell you a story about ‘here’.”

"R U OK?," he asked. "I love U guys," 16-year-old Emily messaged back. That was the last time her parents would hear from her.

My Facebook Addiction Started With Curiosity

Consciously or not, we make a choice to give something up every time we log onto Facebook. What that something is might surprise you.

Links We Love This Week (2/19/16)

You’ve been busy this week. Here’s our round up of the interesting parts of the internet.

This Video of Kylo Ren Playing Flaming Bagpipes Will Make You Happy

Get yourself a fresh cup of coffee, watch this ridiculous video, and power through the rest of your day like the CHAMPION YOU ARE.

These Toys Will Turn Your Kid Into the Next Tony Stark

So your kid wants to be a superhero? Here are some cool tech toys to get her started.

Boys’ Attitudes Toward Sex Impacts the Kind of Father They’ll Be

Attitudes and behaviors of teen boys and young men impact the likeliness of becoming a teen or nonresident father.

Epic Video of Dinosaur Riding Prancing Horse is the Best

C'mon, just trust me. You're gonna love this.

Why Parents Need to be Cautious About Kik

What is Kik? And is it safe for our kids?

19 Ways to Include Your Kids in Your Wedding

Over 50% of families are remarried. Many couples face wedding planning with kids in tow. Here's how to let them join in and feel included in the big day.

Shifting Gears to Fully Appreciate the Gift

I'm embarrassed to admit that it sometimes makes me angry and irritable to have to shift gears from work to family.

Is Sugar as Toxic for Baby's Mind as Abuse?

The impact of sugar consumption on baby's brain development could be on par with exposure to extreme stress and abuse.

Homemaker Hacks for the Cleaning Impaired

I hate cleaning. There, I said it. But I also love organization. Here are homemaking hacks for the cleaning impaired (like me).