Articles by Jodie Lynn

This Valentine's Day - Can you call me Sweetheart?
What does your hubby call you? "Sweetheart, Honey, Darling, Sweetie, Sugar Plum, Girlie, Sweetie Pie, Beautiful, Hon, Baby Girl, or Hot Mama?"

Yo-Yo Dieting Doesn’t Work
Summer will soon be here and everywhere you look, there are ads for this diet and that diet pill, regiment or a "lose 10 pounds the first day" plan.

Pregnant Moms Are Healthier When They Eat Fish!
Moms who ate more seafood while pregnant can expect to have children who are not only smarter, but also surpass their peers of moms who ate less or none.

Twenty MUST ASK Questions in Selecting a Preschool
Many parents will be visiting preschools as early as February with an eye toward enrollment for the upcoming fall. Everyone needs guidelines when it comes to choosing a preschool.  Don‛t just ask your friends and relatives - go check it out for yourself. Take your preschooler with you, but not if he/she is not tired, hungry or sick. Take a quick tour and come back later for more questions.

Don't Forget Unsung Heroes During the Holidays!
It was pouring down rain and my regular ride to school did not show up. Like many high school students, I car-pooled with other like-minded friends. My parents had already left for work and there was no one else to call.

Brainy Babies - Does Music Really Work?
Does music really help babies become smarter? The jury is still out on this one. However, it certainly couldn’t hurt. Just ask all of the parents who have sat up at 2:00 a.m. singing a song to an upset and crying baby.

Twelve Must-Do Rules for Back to School!
Parents will wait to the last minute to get everything in order but it need not be that way. Here are a few tips to squash back-to-school stress . . . before it gets the best of you. 

Making Room for Baby
In many instances, as soon as the mom-to-be finds out she is pregnant, she wants to go look at baby beds, bedding, color schemes and themes. It’s a fun and exciting time.

Toddlers and Separation Anxiety
Does your toddler become upset or cling to your body at daycare, an activity or any old time she is dropped-off or when you try to leave? If you have to spend more than fifteen minutes trying to calm her down, then separation anxiety is probably the culprit.

Little Ones and Bedtime Woes!
Younger children have so much life in them. Each day is an incredible learning experience. In fact, they are so pumped up about everyday events, that they hate the words, “time to do go bed.” 

Easter Fun for Little Ones
Have a Blast With Sponge Painting

Kids Who Head Off to Camp, May Need a Little Extra Help
Parents are always happy and eager to find the perfect camp for their kids. Needless to say, sometimes the kids are not as excited. Some experience separation anxiety, as well as other challenges.

St. Patrick's Day Activities!
Let’s Get It Together For Fun!

Potty Training 101 - Emotional Well Being 
I am not a fan of potty training children early. In the ten years I have been helping parents with potty training, I have never known even one who was completely trained when starting before the age of three.

Safe, Healthy and Wise Preschoolers
The stats for missing children continue to climb and many times seems to gain numbers for preschoolers. Not having the full details on why this age is so heavily targeted, many parents are extremely concerned. Here is an activity I created to help parents distinguish with their preschoolers just who is a safe person that the children can identify.

Teaching Tips on Reading Skills for Kids
Getting kids to learn how to enjoy reading, can be quite stressful and frustrating for a parent. Here are some tips to utilize that seem to work well for those reluctant readers.

Teach Your Kids Listening Skills (the REAL ABC's)
"Michelle, why are you still coloring your face with the red marker?" asked Mrs. Johnson. "We are lining up to go to lunch, didn't you hear the instructions?"

Holiday Stress: How to Cut it Out!
Plan ahead and organize to alleviate holiday stress for the whole family.