Parenting

Joint attention — the ability to shift your attention between an object or event and your communication partner — is a skill that many children who are on the autism spectrum do not develop on their own. If kids are only focusing on one thing at a time, they aren't learning to communicate with others about shared experiences, to read facial expressions and understand gestures, or picking up new vocabulary and concepts. ...

Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season — including all the expectations that go along with this time of year. From dealing with picky eaters to avoiding overcommitment, learn to separate the "shoulds" from the things that are really important to you and your family. ...

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On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Jamie Gallagher, president and CEO of Faber Castell USA, to discuss kids and creativity. Listen as Gallagher talks about kids' need for creativity — and the fact that it is a game changing skill for success — and learn some ways that parents can instill creativity in their kids.  ...

It can be hard to tell if your child is vaping — and the results can be scary. Vaping, originally designed as a better alternative to cigarettes to help people quit smoking, is proving to have a host of side effects. Look for these signs if you suspect your child is vaping. ...

Commonly referred to as hypernasality, velopharyngeal insufficiency is a resonance disorder (how the cavities of the mouth and nose affect the way speech sounds) that results from too much air moving through the nose during speech. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of this disorder. ...

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If a child comes home with a bad grade, there is a lot parents can do to help. Knowing how to talk to children can motivate them to avoid patterns of failure and increase their desire to succeed. Learn tips for talking to your kids about grades. ...

Teens who are adopted can have their lives changes by finding a place to call home. Area agencies, teens and adoptive parents share facts and experiences when it comes to this important type of adoption. ...

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