Although each infant develops at a different pace, both genetic and environmental factors influence infant intelligence. A study conducted by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, called the Study of Early Child Care and...
Working parents rely on relatives or day care programs to provide quality care for their children. Although more than 62 percent of children in the United States attend some form of day care regularly, nearly half of those children are in the care...
Not every mother or father wants, or can afford, to stay at home with the children. Because of this, approximately 34.9 percent of kids were enrolled in some form of non-relative child care, or daycare, as of spring 2005, according to the U.S....
Quality day care programs provide a safe, stimulating environment for children while parents work or attend school. Although parents are the primary caregivers, often children spend a large portion of their waking hours with child care providers....
As much as you would like to stay home with your child in his first few years of life, financial needs may prevent you from leaving your job. You're not alone. According to the 2000 "House Means and Ways Green Book" section about child care, more...
Outdoor activity can help children maintain a healthy weight and a high level of fitness. Unfortunately, activities that expose children to direct sunlight and intense ultraviolet rays put children at risk of painful sunburn and long-term skin...
Many families live on two incomes. For some of these families, sending a child to day care is the most practical option. However, some parents may be concerned that their child will suffer developmentally if the mother or father isn't consistently...
Children in quality day care programs play in supervised learning environments. Trained caregivers make sure that children have access to a variety of toys, art materials and educational activities. Although some parents worry about the effects of...
Leaving your child with someone other than you can be very difficult. Finding quality child care will help ease your mind when you must be separated from your child. KidsHealth reports that it is your responsibility to find a safe place for your...
While parents are usually the best caregivers for their children, circumstances often necessitate that some parents seek part-time or full-time day care services. Parents should carefully choose the most appropriate day care provider based on...
The Indiana University News Room estimates that there were more than 5 million stay-at-home parents in the United States as of 2009. While more mothers are returning to work after having children, there are still many mothers and fathers who...
Although day care may not cause all of the emotional problems in children, it can exacerbate them, according to studies by multiple researchers, including the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Part of the problem may not be...
In Harvard University's 2007 report on "The Science of Early Childhood Development," the importance of early childhood development was summed up this way: "Child development is a foundation for community development and economic development, as...
Genetic factors, environmental influences and psychological factors and disease can affect both a child's cognitive development and physical growth. This is why parents, doctors and teachers should routinely assess children's patterns of...
It is never an easy decision to leave your infant in the care of someone else. While the effects of daycare on a child's development continues to be a debated issue, for working parents there often is no alternative. However, findings of the...
Childhood obesity is one of the most frequently addressed health issues today. Between 1970 and 2000, the number of overweight children in the United States doubled to the resulting ratio of one in five children being overweight. The heaviest...
Congratulations! You're about to have your first child. Your life is about to change dramatically in both enjoyable and challenging ways. One of the biggest decisions you have to make is whether to stay at home with the baby or work and hire...
Children hear and learn from the sounds of speech even while they are still in the womb. Language learning accelerates once infants are born. Children’s language instincts inspire them to learn the syntax of their native language and a...
Yoga incorporates breathing, stretching and meditation. The exercise, which began in India more than 5,000 years ago, prioritizes your ability to attain focus, develop strength and improve flexibility. Yoga can also help improve concentration,...
Changing tables make diaper changes easier, but they are a breeding ground for germs. Most changing tables come with removable foam pads that are covered in plastic or vinyl for easy cleaning and disinfecting. Regular cleaning of your baby's...
Sleep problems are common during childhood and can affect children at any age. They take a toll on the entire family, not just on the child who's having trouble sleeping. According to the National Sleep Foundation, an overwhelming majority of...
Children aged 3 to 5 are acquiring numerous skills. One of the most important is their ability to understand and become aware of printed material and to enjoy the use of language. These skills, commonly known as early language and literacy...
Massage for children offers a variety of health benefits. It is human nature to touch as a way of showing love and affection. This touch stimulates the body in positive ways to help it grow and develop. Massage is beneficial at any age but because...
As a parent or parent-to-be, you may already realize the importance of reading to your child at an early age. According to Child Care Aware, studies have shown that kids who are read to every day from an early age have a higher chance of being...
Having a child or loved one with cerebral palsy can be distressing. You want to do everything possible to help your loved one have a fulfilling life. While there is no known cure for cerebral palsy, relief from symptoms is available. Massage...
Parasites are organisms that feed off other organisms. Intestinal parasites are typically transmitted by coming into contact with soil that has been contaminated by feces or from eating the undercooked meat of parasite infected animals. Your child...
As a parent, caring for a disabled infant or toddler is a difficult responsibility that can at times feel overwhelming. It is of primary importance that you accommodate the disability of your disabled infant in his home environment, making any...
Learning how to care for children begins with understanding how children develop, grow, learn and play from shortly after birth. While not all children need the same level or degree of care, all children need loving interaction and stimulation to...
Pregnancy is a joyous and exciting time. Women and their spouses prepare for their babies for nine months and then experience a whole lifestyle change once the baby comes. While you should try to relax before giving birth, you should also try to...