News You Need To Know

While your New Year’s Eve plans may not be spent in sequined dresses, sipping champagne and dancing until the wee hours of the morning, it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and memorable. Here are a few ideas to ring in the New Year as a family. Mocktail Toast Channel your inner mixologist and craft a signature mocktail and cocktail to celebrate the evening. Give the bubbly concoction a special name and toast to another wonderful year. Countdown to the New Year 5…4…3…2…1… Happy New Year! Even if your children don’t make it to actually see the clock strike midnight, be sure to count down to the spec......

While the holidays sure have changed since your pre-children days, they are still filled with excitement and joy. Though they tend to be a little more stressful. Join us in recapping the difference of Christmas before and after children. The Tree: In the pre-children days, your Christmas tree was its own work of art. The ornaments were all tastfully selected and hung on just the perfect branch. Now, you are doing well if the tree is still standing. Between the “baby’s first Christmas” and the hand made masterpieces, your tree looks like it belongs in a preschool rather than on social media. No......

Help show your child how many things, both big and small, they have to be thankful for this holiday season. From cars and family to questions that help us understand the world around us, our lives are filled with blessings. A: Animals B: Best Friends C: Cars D: Dinners Together E: Education F: Family G: Grandparents H: Homes I: Imaginations J: Journeys K: Kindness L: Laughter M: Mommy & Daddy N: Nature O: Optimism P: Playtime Q: Questions R: Reading S: Sports T: Toys U: Unconditional Love V: Vacations W: Water X: Xylophone Y: You Z: Zzz’s What other things and people do you have to be thankful......

Thanksgiving should be a time filled with family, food and festivities. Yet, with picky eaters in the family, many parents find themselves feeling anxious about the possibility of hungry meltdowns and judgmental onlookers. Don’t let the uncertainties of the meal or the pressure of the day create a stressful situation for you and your child. Include Your Child in the Meal Prep Process Children of all ages can be included in food preparation. Whether it’s setting the table, placing marshmallows on the sweet potatoes, or mixing ingredients, involving children in the process can engage them in eat......

In toddlers and children, pneumonia is often caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV. The rhinovirus is also linked to the cold, influenza and flu virus. The strep bacteria can also cause pneumonia in toddlers when there is frequent direct contact with other children. Though the virus and bacterial infection can spread year-round, it is typically seen between October and March. Symptoms of Pneumonia The symptoms of pneumonia can vary with the age of the child and the underlying cause of the illness. Typical symptoms include a high fever and coughing, but other signs could ......

Common among children ages 10 and younger, hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that causes painful, red blisters aforementioned areas. The disease can be caused by a number of different viruses, most frequently the Coxsackie virus. Q: What are the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease? A: A fever and sore throat are common early symptoms of the disease. Some children also experience a reduced appetite and runny nose. In the days following the early symptoms, a small blister like rash will develop inside the mouth, on the palms and soles of the child’s feet. In some cases, sor......

Happy fall, y'all! Pumpkins are everywhere, Halloween costumes are lining the store shelves and the beautiful fall weather is finally upon us. Make the most of the season and create your own fall bucket list. We have a few suggestions to help you enjoy the beauty of nature and time with your family. Go Apple Picking Local orchards like Fairmount Orchard on Signal Mountain or Apple Valley Orchards in Cleveland are a great weekend spot. Enjoy picking apples and other fresh baked treats. Not only are apples delicious, they also make a healthy snack. Take a Hike The cooler fall weather and vibrant......

Though you are often able to gage a fever by feeling your child’s forehead or hands, a thermometer provides the most accurate temperature reading. There are several different methods for taking your child’s temperature, depending on age and preferences. Choosing the Best Thermometer: Birth to 3 Years: Digital thermometers inserted in the rectum provide the most accurate temperature reading in infants. 3 Months to 4 Years: In children ages 3 months to 4 years School Aged Children: Oral readings are the best method for taking a child’s temperature. This method provides a more accurate temperatur......

Summer vacations are coming to a close and the start of school is rapidly approaching. In addition to new school supplies, there are several things you can do to ease the back to school transition. Adjust Bedtime and Wakeup Routines Two weeks before school starts, start gradually making bedtime and wakeup times earlier until you are back on the normal school schedule. Just like adults, children who do not get enough sleep are crankier and cannot focus as well during the school day. Placing your children back on a normal sleep schedule helps making the transition back to school much easier. Mee......

On August 21st, there will be a total solar eclipse over most of Tennessee. Many area schools have closed in preparation for this seemingly once in a lifetime event. Areas north of the city can expect between 1 minute and almost 3 minutes of darkness during the afternoon as the moon travels directly between the sun and Earth. The eclipse will occur across the continental US, moving from the west coast to the east coast. Since it can be extremely damaging to your eyes to look at the sun, there are a few precautions to take to ensure the best possible viewing experience. To maximize your viewing......