Bring Your Patio to Life
Do you ever find yourself wishing you could use your deck or patio more often but find it to be useless because of the weather? Imagine turning your deck or patio into a usable outdoor living space where you can spend more time enjoying life no matter what the weather. An awning could be the answer.

Hands-On Projects for the Whole Family
Many young boys and girls enjoy following their parents around the house, hoping to help with a project. It's important for parents to encourage this interest by letting youngsters pitch in on kid-friendly projects.

Petiquette for the Modern Pet Owner
For anyone that owns a pet, you know that they are part of the family. But even though they bring lots of joy, they can also cause a bit of strife. They make messes, shed an astounding amount of fur, can be expensive and simply make life a bit more hectic. Here are some etiquette tips for pet owners, also known as petiquette.

Hosting the Perfect Summer-savvy Picnic
Summer is the perfect time to bring together family and friends to enjoy the outdoors. Dust off the grill, lay out a fresh blanket and enjoy delicious food while soaking up the sun with the ones you love. Here are some tips for hoting the perfect summer party.

Easy and Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids Important Values
Things like giving, sharing and volunteering are all things children should learn, but how can you teach them in a fun and meaningful way? Here are some ideas that make learning these values enjoyable for both parent and child.

Beating the Back-to-school Clock Crunch
The transition from the schedule-free days of summer to the more regimented requirements of school can create chaos in even the most orderly home. Parents can employ planning and preparation to streamline the back-to-school transition, and help ensure everyone leaves the house on time - and in a good mood.

Play it Safe: Protect Kids' Eyes During Sports
Every year, more than 40,000 Americans go to the emergency room for sports-related eye injuries. Most of these injuries could be prevented by using appropriate protective eyewear and following a few safety tips.

Having a Mother with Osteoporosis Can Lead to Increased Risk for Spinal Fracture
The women of today may be at risk of osteoporosis, but treatments are now available to help strengthen bones, and repair spinal fractures.

Controlling Asthma a Challenge in Children
Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting nearly 9 million children in the United States. Although it has serious health consequences, many parents don't know how to keep their child's asthma under control. In fact, in a recent study, less than 16 percent of children with asthma under the age of 5 were receiving optimal treatment.

Tips for Purchasing the Perfect Play System
When school lets out and the weather gets warm, children everywhere look to their back yards for fun. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect play system.

More Moms Seeking Safer Plastic Baby Bottles
Moms across the country are raising concerns and tossing plastic baby bottles after a recent report issued by an arm of the National Institutes for Health linked bisphenol-A (BPA) to health problems. It is possible to go BPA free. Here's how.

Technology Makes New Moms and Dads Savvy Parents
Long gone are the days when friends and family wait for a birth announcement or phone call to alert them to the arrival of a new baby. Thanks to new technology, tech-savvy moms and dads are finding new ways to stay connected.

Taking Back the Backyard
Summer is the time to get outside in the backyard and enjoy the weather, but it's also when mosquitoes appear. So, as you're setting the outdoor table, it's also time to consider how you're going to get rid of pesky, biting mosquitoes.

Five Great American Yard Games of Summer
The yard game is the ultimate outdoor summer pastime. Here are five great American yard games that provide fun, challenging physical activity for all ages.

Help Your Teen Stay Safe During Summer Months
Parents can teach teens critical decision-making skills to help them make responsible choices -- including not drinking when underage.

Don't Let Summertime Stop Learning
Perhaps it's an idea carried from elementary school that leads us to believe that summer is a time when school and learning should be put on the back burner. The excitement of being outside, of course, can squash the desire to pursue educational activities, but do we have to choose physical exercise over exercising our brains?

Tips for Planning a Fun, Healthy Family Vacation
Living healthy is an important goal for many of us. Adults strive to implement healthy habits in their daily lives and parents try to pass these on to their children. It's no wonder then that health is becoming increasingly important in all aspects of life, including when planning a vacation. Here are some easy tips to help you plan a healthy and fun vacation today.

Do a Great Thing for Your Country - Host an Exchange Student
Hosting an exchange student from a foreign country can be very rewarding. Here's a place to turn if you want to do it.

Crafty Ways to Keep the Kids Busy This Summer
Keeping kids busy not only makes the summer special, it makes educational sense. Activities encourage imagination and exploration, while keeping kids' brains working and ready to learn during the next school year. Here are some ideas for activities and crafts to keep kids of all ages busy over the summer.

New Generation Decks are the Latest Trend in Outdoor Living
Thanks to the rising cost of oil, instead of traveling, many Americans will be investing in home improvement this summer. Here are some tips for those planning to build a deck.

Looking for Free or Low-cost Health Insurance?
It's no secret that accessing health care is a challenge for the 47 million Americans who are uninsured. What most people don't know is that free or low-cost health insurance programs are available and that they may qualify for them.

Teaching Teens that Money Matters
Teens want the keys to the world of adult finance, but as the financial choices they must make in their lifetime become increasingly complex, they are going to need driving lessons. To help teens learn about money management, parents can take advantage of these four tips.

Battling Autism: Could Stomach Woes Be Part of the Problem?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is on the rise, now affecting approximately 1 in 150 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Research shows that up to 86 percent of children with autism may suffer from gastrointestinal issues.

Taking the Stress Out of Vet Visits
Spring is here and for many pet parents that means taking their family cats and dogs for their annual veterinary check-up to ensure they are in good health and prepared for the upcoming flea and tick season. As most people with pets have experienced, leaving home and going to the veterinarian can be stressful for both pets and pet parents due to many new sights, smells, sounds and sensations. By preparing your pet for their annual visit in advance and keeping them calm during the process, the experience can be made less stressful for all.

Pool Safety Measures Ensure a Safe Summer
Most adults can recall many pleasurable hours spent swimming, splashing and playing in pools in their formative years. Parents want those same great memories for their children, but many have concerns that keep them from enjoying a pool in their own backyard. Here are some safety measures you can take to have a safe and fun time at the pool.

When Family Caregivers Have to Make Tough Choices
Caregiving is more than a one-person job and caregivers shouldn't wait until they are experiencing extremely high stress levels or have a health issue of their own to seek help. Here are some tips on how to deal with the big issues.

How to Keep the Vacation Alive Long after You're Home
There's something about summer travel that makes you wish the vacation could last forever. While the vacation - and summer - can't go on forever, it is possible to keep the memories alive in your home throughout the year. Here are some ideas for preserving the memories and spirit of your summer vacation.

First Aid Strategies for Kids
Most of us remember the pain from our first tumble or accident as a child. We've all had our share of injuries and it's important to know how to take care of them. Small cuts and scrapes are often seen as an everyday part of childhood and growing up. Most cuts and minor injuries are treatable at home but the truth is that these minor cuts and scrapes can sometimes lead to more serious problems, if not taken care of properly.

How to Make Home Cleaning Quicker, Easier
Cleaning your home is one of those things that seem like a really good idea at the time - until you surrounded by clutter, wondering what ever compelled you to start such a gargantuan project in the first place! The good news is that cleaning doesn't have to be another dreaded chore if you keep in mind a few easy tips.

Chocolate Milk + Exercise = A Winning Team
Chocolate milk has scored a valuable spot on and off the court. Studies suggest the unique mix of key nutrients in chocolate milk can help refuel and rehydrate your body after exercise, making it an ideal post-exercise choice.

Will Fifi Go on Vacation Too?
Summertime is a great time for a vacation, and if you're planning to take the family pet too, here are some things to consider.

Smart Tools for Your Summer Road Trip
Here are 5 tips that will prevent you from spending a good chunk of summer vacation stuck in traffic.

To Achieve the Perfect Pool Experience, Just Add Salt
For pool owners, achieving optimal water quality can be a time consuming and frustrating process. It usually involves a daily water test, which is accompanied by the use of chemicals to keep the water clean and clear. A better option might be salt chlorination.

'Staycationing' on the Rise: Consumers Look to Their Own Back Yards for Vacation Destinations
With gas prices reaching record highs across the country and air travel more aggravating than ever, a growing number of summer travelers won't be traveling as far for their vacations this year. The result: a growing interest in the "staycation" - long weekends or mini-breaks to destinations within 300 miles of home.

Tips to Make 'Back to Pool' Time Safe and Fun
Every parent knows summertime means fun time. With the warmer temperatures, it's time to unglue young eyes from the television, computer screen and video games. There's no better place for kids to get out and get active than in the pool. Here are some tips to make pool time not only fun, but a safe, learning experience.

Getting Pregnant is Easy: Fertility Myths vs. Facts
Many misperceptions surround the subjects of conception and fertility. Time to set the record straight.

Need to Occupy the Kids this Summer? Get Them Involved in the Community
School is out and across the country many families now face the perennial seasonal dilemma: What should the kids do with themselves this summer? For a growing number of community-minded youngsters, the answer is: "Make a difference."

This is Not Your Grandfather's Funeral
The next time you attend a funeral, don't be surprised if it more closely resembles the last wedding you went to than the somber farewell you bid your grandfather 20 years ago.

Insurance 101 for Pet Owners
What would happen if a 2-year-old stuck her hand in your dog's bowl at feeding time? How would he react if the neighbor kid jumped your fence and scared him? Here are some important tips for pet owners when purchasing insurance.

Do You Know What's on Your Shoes?
Do you consider the dirt on your shoes, which alone carry hundreds of thousands of germs and bacteria and can track them everywhere you walk? So, just what are you stepping in? Here are some simple tips for keeping footwear germ-free.

Back-to-School Snacking is a Whole New Bag
The haggling over school snacks and lunches is as old as, well, school lunches. Here are some ideas on how to provide kids with healthy foods they'll want to eat.

Natural Fireworks Continue at National Parks Volcanoes
Throughout America's National Park System, volcanoes are putting on a natural fireworks display. Here are some parks worth checking out.

Summer Home Security Tips
Of the over two million home break-ins every year most happen in July and August, when vacationing families leave their houses empty and vulnerable. Summer travel season has arrived, so before you hit the road, make sure to take simple steps to keep criminals out of your home.

Stigma Prevents Military Members from Seeking Mental Health Care
American service men and women put their lives on the line everyday to keep our nation safe. This testament to bravery requires the utmost physical and mental conditioning and sharpness at all times. There are mental health effects that war has on service men and women, and family members also feel the impact. There are a variety of things military members and spouses can do to understand the warning signs of and treatment options for mental health issues.

Solutions for the Back-to-School Breakfast Scramble
For many parents, getting the kids up and out the door with a good breakfast under their belts is a stressful part of the back-to-school routine. Here are four ideas for minimizing the stress of back-to-school breakfast-time, while ensuring kids get a healthful start to the day.

Smart Solutions for Better Study Habits at Home
As students prepare to head back to school this fall, educators and parents alike are recognizing the importance of a quiet study room. Here are some smart solutions for establishing one.

Home for the Summer: Ten Happy, Healthy Ideas for Kids
That last school bell has rung and the kids are back home, enjoying all the pleasures that summer vacation offers. But there's got to be more to life than sleeping until noon and sipping lemonade by the pool. Here are some more ideas to make sure your kids stay happy and healthy this summer.

Pledge to Make Time for Outdoor Play
Tag, jump-rope and swinging on the jungle gym used to be the staples of kids' afternoons and weekends. While the benefits of free play are well-documented, luring kids away from online gaming, instant messaging and TV is easier said than done. Here's what you need to know about the benefits of kids and free play.

Get the Most Out of Family Road Trips
The summer travel season is here and you're wondering where to go and what to do. But visions of summer vacations may change this year due to sky-high airline fares and the weakened U.S. dollar. How can you still plan the perfect family getaway? The answer is simple. It's time for Americans to hop in the car and get creative with their vacation plans.

A Little Planning Can Make for the Most Memorable Family Gatherings
Many families will be gathering this summer to share traditions and make new memories. More than seven out of 10 people agree that the best way to continue their family's traditions is through gatherings and celebrations, according to a new survey by Kelton Research. With each passing year, however, 68 percent of Americans admit reuniting with family is becoming harder. To ensure that your family continues to build lasting memories, a little early planning goes a long way.

A Money-saving Plan for the Summer Vacation Clan
Are you looking to embark on a summer family vacation that won't break the bank? Whether it's heading to an amusement park or road tripping across the country, there are simple ways to spend within your means by making informed, cost-conscious decisions while on the road.

Looking for the Perfect Summer Travel Destination?
With budgets tight, it's predicted the hottest trend in travel this summer will be "staycations." While this trend may be bad news for overseas destinations, it's expected to be a boom for the hotels and attractions in tourist-friendly U.S. cities.

How to Get the Kids Excited About Your Upcoming Family Reunion
Summer will be here before you know it and since the kids are out of school, it's a popular time of year for family reunions. But, how do you get your child excited about visiting with relatives?

Cost-Saving Strategies for 2008 Back-to-School Shopping
Families with school-age children are expected to spend over $500 on back-to-school merchandise, according to the National Retail Federation. They'll also likely spend many days driving from store to store to get all the right items. It's no wonder parents are looking for creative ways to save money and limit their time in the car. Here are some easy ways to save time and money when seeking back-to-school bargains this year.

Stateside Vacation Spots Offer International Flavor, Flair
With many travelers wondering what kind of vacation their wallets can handle, stateside destinations that offer the look and feel of their global counterparts are an appealing alternative to dealing with unfavorable exchange rates. Here is a list of domestic destinations that offer international flare.

Gas Prices Hurting Summer Plans? Turn Your Backyard into a Fuel-free Vacation
If you are concerned about vacation plans being ruined this year because of economic concerns, don't sweat it. Take a summer vacation without leaving your own backyard!

Reduce Germs to Stay Healthy Year Round
Germs are prevalent everywhere, from surfaces we touch, to the hands we shake, making us susceptible to sickness all year round. So how can we create a lifestyle that limits germs and helps keep us healthy? Here are some tips for the whole family.

The Secret to Getting a Good Night's Sleep
Do you often wake up feeling stiff and sore? How about with numbness and tingling in your arms and hands? Or with a tension headache? Here's a simple solution.

New Technologies to Stay Connected with Loved Ones
In today's oversaturated, technology-driven world, it would seem that staying connected with loved ones is a snap, thanks to all of the great new gadgets on the market. Yet, as people have started to move faster with new technology, keeping in touch with far away friends and family has become even harder as schedules accelerate and demands increase. Here are some technology tips for staying in touch.

Clean Hands and Desks Keep Kids in School
Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to illness. Here's a simple way to help kids stay healthy.

Plan for the Wedding and for Life
Whether this is your first or second wedding, your dream wedding or a spontaneous ceremony, the "practical implications" of sharing your life with another person will surface before you know it. Your financial happiness is essential to a successful union.

More Moms Ditch Disposables Diapers for Cloth
Moms now have more cloth diapering options than ever before. Here's what you should know if you're considering joining the eco-friendly movement to cloth diapering.

Parents: Tips on Caring for Cuts and Scrapes
It's something every parent has experienced. It's a beautiful day and your children are outside having fun at a playground, backyard barbecue or party when an accidental scrape or minor cut turns the laughter into tears. Here's what you need to know to promote proper healing.

High-Tech Pet Innovations and the People Who Love Them
Technology has literally gone to the dogs . . . and cats. While humans revel in their smart phones, hi-speed Internet access and high-definition everything, their pets can also reap the rewards of living in a techno-savvy society. Here are three pet-related Internet innovations that just 10 years ago you probably wouldn't have believed would exist.

A Once in a Lifetime Visit with Monet, Picasso and More
This summer, there is only one place to be to see works from the likes of Renoir, Degas, Monet, van Gogh, Dali, Picasso and Matisse. Don't book an airline ticket to Europe, this acclaimed exhibition will take place at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

Five Ways to Keep Your Family Green
It seems everything is going "green" these days. The good news is that it's also easier than ever before for your family to reduce its eco-footprint to help the environment both inside and outside of your home. Let "earth friendly" be your family's new mantra by adopting a few simple, yet effective tips.

Help your Dog through Frightful Forecasts
Summer has arrived and for many families, that means more fun and festivities, but for pets it can become a stressful time due to increased sudden noise such as thunderstorms, neighborhood festivities and fireworks.

Protect Yourself from Pool and Trampoline Dangers
Pool and trampoline accidents send many Americans to the emergency room every summer. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and your family from these common warm-weather hazards.

A Great Way to Inspire Your Kids to Stay Active This Summer
Summer break will be here before you know it, and if you're like most parents, you're looking for something constructive for your kids to do. How about signing them up for a kung fu class?

Back-to-School Shopping Online? Here's What You Should Know
The back-to-school shopping season can be hectic for many parents. It's no wonder that online shopping has become so popular when you can shop from home, work, and now - thanks to Blackberries and cell phones - even on the go. Here are some smart tips for saving money online that will leave cash in your wallet and a smile on your face.

Boomerang Vacationers Return to Familiar Fun Year after Year
It may be true that you "can't go home again" to recapture the comfort of a simpler time, but a growing number of Americans are enjoying the comforts of returning to familiar places when they vacation.

Take Control of Your Future Health
A quick fix -- it's the American way. If we want to lose weight, we try the current fad diet. If we get a new diagnosis, we hope the cure is as simple as popping a pill. When it comes to health, understandably, we all want the instant fix. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Here's some steps you should take.