Parenting Advisor - Online Parenting Programs

Parents are more than caregivers—they’re the architects of their children’s habits, outlook, and values. From what’s on the dinner plate to how conflicts are resolved, kids observe and internalize far more than we realize. Building lifelong healthy choices starts early, not with lectures, but with modeling, structure, and compassion. TL;DR Healthy habits stick when parents: Model the behaviors they want to see.Make conversations about health part of everyday life.Provide autonomy and positive reinforcement.Encourage leadership, teamwork, and integrity through daily example.Remember: consistency beats perfection. Why Parental Influence Is So Powerful Children learn what “normal” looks like by watching...

Children are born explorers — tiny scientists pulling apart the world, one “why” at a time. The challenge for parents isn’t creating curiosity; it’s keeping that spark alive through school years filled with schedules, screens, and sometimes, stress. Curiosity, after all, is fuel for lifelong learning — and it grows best in a home where questions are celebrated, not hurried away. TL;DR Encourage your child’s curiosity by making learning visible in everyday life: let them ask, experiment, fail safely, and see you doing the same. Praise effort over perfection, offer choices, and let discovery feel like play. Emotional Connection Through Positive Parenting When curiosity meets calm, connection deepens....

Children are naturally creative, and those who participate in arts activities most days tend to have significantly higher levels of self-esteem than children who don’t. This is likely because art lets kids set and achieve goals, express themselves emotionally, and celebrate their individuality, which all contributes to a sense of accomplishment and greater confidence, research published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences reveals. So, if you want to inspire your children to develop their artistic skills, the good news is you don’t need expensive classes or supplies. Simply carve out space at home and in the garden where they can experiment with different materials and techniques. By displaying their creations and giving...

Parenting is an intricate dance of love, discipline, and foresight. It requires balancing a child’s immediate needs with the long-term goal of raising independent, healthy, and emotionally resilient individuals. While parenting styles vary, certain universal principles—rooted in science, psychology, and decades of research—form the bedrock of effective caregiving.  1. Emotional Intelligence: Building a Foundation of Trust Emotional well-being is the cornerstone of a child’s development. Studies show that children with high emotional intelligence (EQ) exhibit better academic performance, stronger relationships, and improved mental health. Strategies to Foster EQ: Active Listening: Validate your child’s feelings...

Parents are the unsung heroes of their child’s orthodontic journey, playing a role far beyond just paying the bills or driving to appointments. They’re the ones cheering on their kid to wear those rubber bands, offering creative solutions to keep braces-friendly meals exciting, and celebrating every tiny milestone, like the day the first adjustment pain subsides, or when the child finally masters flossing around brackets. Your support is a crucial part of your child’s braces journey and here are five tips on how to help them during this period: 1. Preparing for the Process The preparation to get your child braces begins with shaping their minds into adjusting to their new lifestyle. With braces comes immense change, whether...

Fresh, homemade meals are essential for promoting children's overall growth and development. The nutrients packed in these wholesome, cooked dishes support not only physical growth—such as building strong bones and muscles—but also enhance cognitive functions, including memory and problem-solving skills. By focusing on natural ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, homemade meals ensure that children receive a well-rounded diet. These meals often lack artificial preservatives, additives, and sugars commonly found in processed foods, which can negatively impact health.  Fresh, homemade food is important for children's overall growth. From physical growth to cognitive capacities, the nutrients...

Invisalign treatment is an excellent option for kids who need orthodontic care without the discomfort or appearance of traditional braces. However, there are a few easy but crucial actions you must do to make sure your child receives the finest results. Every effort matters for a healthier, straighter smile, from correctly cleaning aligners to promoting good oral hygiene practices. Here are some tips for parents on how to assist their kids get the most out of Invisalign. 1. Teach Proper Aligner Cleaning Habits While it may be overlooked by children, maintaining the cleanliness of their aligners is essential to avoiding discolouration and foul breath. The best way to clean Invisalign for your kid is to brush their aligners gently...

If your home has become the house where your teen and their friends all happily gather, you're in luck! Your place has been designated as the coolest hangout spot in town. Though things can get a little loud sometimes, it's likely that you get a sense of peace and relief knowing where your child is when they're not in school. Jeremy Serrano, a pastor based in Concord, California, revealed in a TODAY interview that he and his wife made a conscious effort to create a house that their children’s friends want to hang out at. “It's just one of the best things we've ever done,” he said. “Because we get to know our kids’ friends and then we know that they're hanging out here.” Parents who regularly host hangouts in their home...