Articles written by Barb Hacker

Help those in need by donating items that are no longer used in the home.

Nov 12, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Get this popular word game that is a fun activity for children and likely to cause uncontrollable laughter.

Nov 11, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Chamomile and peppermint herbal teas can help during cold and flu season.

Nov 8, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Give a toddler toys that he and his parents are likely to appreciate and play with again and again.

Nov 7, 2009 - Barb Hacker

A price book is a reference guide to enable a grocery shopper to quickly compare prices of frequently purchased items at local stores.

Oct 31, 2009 - Barb Hacker

A well-organized coupon book will make menu planning and grocery shopping easier and thriftier.

Oct 31, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Softsoap brand soap has introduced a new product called Softsoap Ensembles. The decorative soap dispenser is filled with a scented liquid hand soap.

Oct 28, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Halloween costume ideas for boys need to be practical and fit with school costume guidelines.

Sep 28, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Homemade play dough with pumpkin pie spice becomes special, scented play dough for a Halloween party activity.

Sep 1, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Keep children safe while trick or treating by being aware of the real Halloween dangers.

Aug 31, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Halloween costume ideas for boys need to be practical and fit with school costume guidelines.

Aug 30, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Find toddler Halloween costume ideas that avoid Halloween masks and costume props and are a comfortable style.

Aug 29, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Create rich compost for a healthy, thriving home garden.

Aug 3, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Quality footwear for children is an important investment for a successful school year.

Jul 31, 2009 - Barb Hacker

A minor basement flood can ruin stored items unless they are packed carefully.

Jul 29, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Avoid the chemicals in conventional home cleaning products by switching to all-natural cleaners.

Jul 27, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Christmas decorations that are carefully packed away each year are not likely to be damaged or misplaced in storage.

Jul 7, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Reduce clothing clutter in a child's bedroom to help keep it neat and tidy.

Jul 6, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Living Christmas trees are a good choice for those families that want a real Christmas tree, but don't want to cut a live tree down every year.

Jul 3, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Watch out for this vine with three leaves. An itchy, poison ivy rash is an avoidable pitfall of summer.

Jun 26, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Back-to-school shopping lists seem to include everything but the kitchen sink these days. Get creative to cut costs and spend less for school supplies.

Jun 24, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Grow beautiful, early­-blooming flowers next spring. Remember to plant spring-flowering, hardy bulbs in the fall.

Jun 18, 2009 - Barb Hacker

The toddler years can be fun and rewarding, but also stressful, as safety considerations become the most important parenting concern.

Apr 30, 2009 - Barb Hacker

What do you do if your toddler runs away in public? What do you do if you have a toddler who tires quickly and needs to be carried for the rest of the outing?

Apr 29, 2009 - Barb Hacker

The kids are home for a week of school vacation. What you thought would be peaceful days turn into shouting matches and sibling rivalry.

Apr 19, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Getting children to pick up after themselves is a common struggle. Turn toy clean-up time into a manageable affair.

Apr 10, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Freshly washed and ironed curtains, dry-cleaned drapes and dusted mini blinds are the finishing touch in a sping-cleaned room.

Mar 31, 2009 - Barb Hacker

How do kids balance video gaming with other activities? For some, it's not an issue, but for others games can interfere with a healthy lifestyle.

Mar 31, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Take care of your carpets and area rugs by steam cleaning once or twice a year.

Mar 26, 2009 - Barb Hacker

To save money, the experts recommend that you pay cash for vehicle purchases. Can the average family avoid debt by paying cash for a car?

Mar 24, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Many families are concerned about the amount of time that children spend watching television each day. Could excess screen time lead to behavior issues?

Mar 23, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Head outdoors to play with your newly walking toddler, but be wary of these safety hazards.

Mar 15, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Is your child a good sport or a bad sport? Most children are both. They can be a good sport most of the time, but a bad sport at others.

Mar 7, 2009 - Barb Hacker

At the end of the day, both children and parents can be out of patience. Take steps to create a peaceful evening in your home.

Feb 28, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Cold and flu season comes every year, whether parents are ready for it or not.

Feb 23, 2009 - Barb Hacker

The Laurie Berkner Band's Rocketship Run, one of few gems in children's music, will have children and parents dancing their way to quality connection time.

Feb 14, 2009 - Barb Hacker

It can be difficult to ensure that children get enough exercise when they are stuck indoors during bad weather. Get your kids moving with these ideas.

Feb 8, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Expecting a younger sibling can be stressful for children. Help prepare a new big brother or sister before the birth of the baby.

Jan 30, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Being responsible for chores from a young age is beneficial to children.

Jan 26, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Potty training can be a challenging time for some children and parents. Use these tips to increase the child's chance of success in the shortest amount of time.

Jan 14, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Start a snowball fight hiding behind your own, custom-built snow fort.

Jan 12, 2009 - Barb Hacker

A one-year-old is extremely curious and busy. Ensure the safety of his environment and be an involved parent.

Jan 8, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Save time by assembling these cleaning and organizing tools before you clean up the clutter.

Jan 3, 2009 - Barb Hacker

Visiting others becomes a challenge with an active and curious baby or toddler.

Dec 30, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Unfortunately, the excitement of the holidays often results in behavior difficulties for young children. They are easily over-stimulated during the festivities.

Dec 27, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Many parents struggle with a toddler who won't sit still at mealtimes, will only eat one thing or won't eat anything.

Dec 23, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Help your kids have a fun-filled snow day, even when the weather keeps them indoors.

Dec 11, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Celebrate these whimsical January holidays with your children.

Dec 9, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D., and Carol Chase Haber, M.A. cover all aspects of the typical nine-year-old child in this parenting book that focuses on age-appropriate behavior

Dec 6, 2008 - Barb Hacker

During the weeks approaching Christmas, spend some time crafting with your child. Glitter turns ordinary ornaments into something extra special.

Dec 5, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Kids look forward to playing outside in the snow. Make their time more fun by having these great winter-time toys readily available.

Dec 4, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Children have more fun in the snow if they are properly dressed. Keep your child warm and dry with these tips.

Dec 4, 2008 - Barb Hacker

These hot wintertime drinks hit the spot when you need warming up from the inside out.

Dec 3, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Drive through suburban neighborhoods and you may notice a distinct lack of children playing outdoors. Find ways to encourage your children to play outside.

Dec 2, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Decorate for Christmas without spending a lot of money. These money saving holiday decorating tips are inexpensive and fun.

Dec 1, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Older siblings need connection time with their mother when there is a new baby in the house.

Dec 1, 2008 - Barb Hacker

A child-friendly house is a step towards setting children up to be successful in the day-to-day navigation of childhood and will help parents have realistic expectations.

Nov 30, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Television viewing becomes excessive when parents feel their children are not doing much besides watching T.V. Too much T.V. can have a negative effect on children.

Oct 29, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Spending hours in a car with children can be difficult. Road trips are easier when parents are prepared.

Oct 19, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Many parents worry about raising a child with a healthy self-esteem. Building self-esteem begins at birth and continues through childhood and into the teen years.

Oct 9, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Mothers and fathers are turning to babywearing as a way to help their baby be more content and to build a strong bond with their child.

Sep 29, 2008 - Barb Hacker

The preschool years are an exciting time for both the child and the parents. Help your child succeed by following some basic guidelines.

Sep 18, 2008 - Barb Hacker

A common point of contention among siblings is toys. Toy ownership is often called into question, as are the rules regarding sharing and turn taking.

Sep 18, 2008 - Barb Hacker

There are many times when young children can benefit from a regular routine. Without a routine, daily tasks become a prime place for behavior problems to appear.

Sep 7, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Teaching children to share toys often comes before children are developmentally ready. Toddlers, especially, have difficulty grasping the concept of sharing.

Aug 31, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Green Lakes State Park offers a unique outdoor experience for campers and day guests in central New York State.

Aug 24, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Childhood boredom can lead to misbehavior and overeating. Knowing when these issues are actually boredom in disguise is a helpful parenting tool.

Aug 23, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Taking children camping requires planning and preparation. If unprepared, rain, a poor diet and the unexpected noises at night can make the trip difficult for children.

Aug 17, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Parents may label a child's personality characteristics, especially when these traits are strong. Labels are often negative and can be tough to overcome

Aug 16, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Effective communication, including that between a parent and a child, requires listening skills. Learn about the importance of listening to your children.

Aug 5, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Problem-solving skills help children handle social situations and decrease the need for tattling. Teach your child how to be a confident, life-long problem solver.

Jul 31, 2008 - Barb Hacker

In this 2004 book, Neufeld and Gabor Mate, M.D. discuss the importance of parental attachment and influence and the dangers of peer orientation.

Jul 30, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Family traditions help establish continuity and closeness in a family. Traditions can focus on holidays, rites of passage or make ordinary days special.

Jul 25, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Children experiment with lying at various developmental stages. Childhood lying is unlikely to become a long-term discipline problem.

Jul 14, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Healthy foods help regulate a child's behavior, temper, growth, health and ability to learn. Parents can get creative to interest kids in nutritious foods.

Jul 5, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Author Pam Leo recommends a minimum of ten minutes of one-on-one connection time each day for parents and children. Plan that time each day with a simple activity.

Jun 23, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Practicing cry-it-out sleep training methods with a baby may result in early weaning from the breast and can lead to post traumatic stress disorder.

Jun 15, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Impulsive behavior is often the cause of other negative toddler behaviors such as hitting and toy grabbing. How can a parent help a toddler through the impulsive stage?

Jun 9, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Many people want to use cloth diapers to save money only to find out that cloth diapers are expensive. However, it is possible to find cheap cloth diapers.

Jun 2, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Empathy is the ability to understand how another person feels in a given situation. How and when do young children develop this ability?

May 31, 2008 - Barb Hacker

A key concept in gentle discipline is to recognize the behavior that is typical for the age and stage of the child.

May 23, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Blue Mountain Lake is the spot for a relaxing, family vacation. Enjoy camping, hiking, boating and a fantastic museum in this Adirondack Mountain town.

May 16, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Many people confuse the terms discipline and punishment.

May 14, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Cooperation during diaper changes may be difficult for some children, especially those toddlers who have become accustomed to fighting being changed.

May 10, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Cutting out artificial additives to improve a child's behavior sounds simple. But, following the Feingold Diet is not without its challenges.

May 1, 2008 - Barb Hacker

The best reviewer for the LEGO Star Wars games is a true gaming fan. What do a young LEGO fan and his parents think of this series of games?

Apr 26, 2008 - Barb Hacker

When a child has consistent behavioral issues, the parents should look at diet as a likely cause. The Feingold Association is a good starting point.

Apr 25, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Bedtime should be the most relaxing time of day with children. Find peace by developing a routine.

Apr 16, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Published in 1963, this richly illustrated cookbook is full of classic recipes that are as tasteful and delicious as the Pepperidge Farm products consumers love.

Apr 13, 2008 - Barb Hacker

It's no secret that sleep deprived children have a harder time with behavior than those that get adequate sleep. Fix the sleep issues to fix the behavior.

Apr 10, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Think ring slings are for baby wearing only? Discover the versatility of a Maya Wrap.

Apr 8, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Why you should avoid the American Academy of Pediatrics "Guide to Your Child's Sleep".

Apr 1, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Co-sleeping is an important part of attachment parenting. However, a family bed is not for everyone.

Mar 28, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Switching to cloth diapers can be hard for disposable diaper users. Learn why you should make the switch, the benefits of cloth and some tips to help you ease into it.

Mar 24, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Time-outs can be used to teach children how to calm down when things get stressful and overwhelming.

Mar 22, 2008 - Barb Hacker

For many parents, peaceful parenting and gentle discipline do not come naturally. It takes a strong will to overcome an instinct to yell or spank.

Mar 12, 2008 - Barb Hacker

With the myriad of building toys on the market today, why should you choose Bionicles? These toys are part of the LEGO family and truly stand apart from the competition.

Mar 11, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Learn how to prevent tantrums and difficult behavior by using this checklist of gentle discipline parenting techniques.

Mar 8, 2008 - Barb Hacker

In her 2005 parenting book, Pam Leo teaches us the importance of connecting with our children and offers some practical advice on how to build this connection.

Feb 25, 2008 - Barb Hacker

Trying to avoid the candy overload this Easter? Here are some ideas for alternative Easter basket fillers.

Feb 19, 2008 - Barb Hacker