Parents who wonder what they can do to help their child improve their speech and language skills may seek additional private speech therapy to supplement school-based treatment. While this may provide an advantage, it depends on the unique needs of each child. Before determining if your child would benefit from additional speech and language therapy, it's important to know the differences between the two.

Do you know a child who goes above and beyond to help others? The Kind Kid Award, given by local nonprofit Connecting for Kids, honors children ages 12 or younger who demonstrate kindness and compassion to peers. Nominations are being accepted through Nov. 1.

Recent studies show that kids living in homes with dogs get sick less often than those in pet-free homes and that babies who lived with cats or dogs had fewer allergies later in life. Living with a pet also can help curious little ones begin to develop empathy and kindness toward others. Here’s what to know to help kids and pets live together peacefully, from birth through the teen years.

Imagine having a child who is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts and milk — all things commonly found in sweet treats given out during Halloween. It can be a tricky and scary time for parents who are taking their allergic kids on the trick or treat trail. The Teal Pumpkin Project, a worldwide movement, is working to create a more inclusive, safer and happier Halloween for all kids.

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We're proud to partner with Pinecrest for Pumpkin Palooza on Sunday, Oct. 27. Kids of all ages are invited to come in costume and celebrate Halloween early with trick-or-treating throughout the district, pumpkin decorating, interactive stations, and an outdoor showing of "Monsters, Inc."

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On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, Howard Hanna sales manager Dottie Dupuy joins host Miriam Conner to share her expertise for families in today’s real estate market. Thinking about upsizing? Dupuy talks about what she calls “rightsizing.” Listen as she discusses what to do if you’re thinking about buying, how the HGTV phenomenon has affected real estate, and much more.

Roughly 5.2 million children between the ages of 6 and 19 have hearing loss directly related to noise exposure. Although permanent, noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable — use these tips to help protect your children's hearing.