Ages & Stages

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Figuring out exactly what is and isn’t trendy when it comes to teen fashions can be tricky — that’s why we've taken the guesswork out of refreshing your teen’s style. We talked to fashion experts to find out what teens will be wearing this spring. Here's a hint: t-shirts and jeans are always in — just with a little different style this season. ...

Reading or speaking to a therapy dog offers many added benefits for children who are working to increase their abilities in both areas. Therapists who work with these kids find that interacting with a therapy dog can keep their young clients motivated, while increasing their comfort and easing anxiety, since they know they're speaking and reading to a judgment-free listener. ...

In what seems like the blink of an eye, tots become teenagers. Though some may be unwilling, parents now have to embrace their child’s new stage of development — teen dating. However, it doesn’t have to be a nail-biting experience for mom and dad when approached with curiosity and candid conversation. ...

After kids finish their homework and have eaten dinner, are they allowed to use their smartphones? The phone etiquette rules for during school hours and even after school are fairly clear, but where should parents draw the line at nighttime? Learn some helpful tips for setting reasonable expectations when it comes to phone use at night. ...

Effective Leadership Academy’s Camp LEAD is an intensive, one-week leadership day camp that engages fifth through eighth grade students. The curriculum is developed and re-designed every summer to help students learn about cooperation, creative thinking, team building, effective communication and self-leadership. ...

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Today, homeschooling involves interactive, out-of-the box approaches to education. Homeschooling parents found this to be their favorite part of being directly involved with their children’s education. Here are some ideas that make perfect homeschool lessons, but can be great learning experiences for traditional students, too. ...

Many area organizations offer educational experiences specifically tailored to homeschoolers and their families. Get outside the "classroom" and gain some hands-on learning at these Greater Cleveland events that are geared toward homeschool students. ...

It’s not clear at what age kids begin to dream, but even toddlers may speak about having dreams — pleasant ones and scary ones. Nightmares aren’t completely preventable, but parents can take steps to set the stage for a peaceful night’s rest. That way, when nightmares do creep in, a little reassurance and comfort from you can quickly restore your child’s peace of mind. ...