Just as for adults, it’s important that children exercise regularly. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and adolescents ages six and older get at least an hour a day (total) of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity. They should also participate in such bone-strengthening activities as jumping rope or running at least three days a week.

One of the topics from this month’s Family Table Time is “Sun and Heat Safety.” That’s because it’s vital to know how to protect your children during the hottest days of summer.

Like it or not, it’s in a teenager’s nature to be impulsive.

“Parents beware—Omegle might just as well be called “Pedophiles R Us,” warned one reviewer on Commonsensemedia.org. “I found out by chance that my (just) 14-year-old daughter has been using this site. Her conversations involve guys asking her for sex and to meet her in hotels for sex.”

When you’re running late for school and work, and your little one doesn’t feel the urgency, what do you do?

What one single parenting activity can:

What does it mean to be part of a family? Besides the bonds of love and—typically—genetics, it can also mean contributing in an age-appropriate way to the success of the social unit. Further, it’s about fostering success for each member of the group.

Whether from long-standing cultural practices, family tradition, or a sincere belief in its effectiveness, spanking children for misbehavior is a common practice. Nearly all studies have shown it’s harmful to their long-term mental and emotional health. But some parents insist it’s sometimes necessary.

Sometimes even the best of parents become overwhelmed and behave in ways they later wish they hadn’t. One solution that might help is a practice called mindful parenting. This is based on the larger concept of mindfulness, or being fully present in the moment. Such a process can help parents thoughtfully respond to situations, rather than react unthinkingly.

When children have a sense of purpose, it can help them make smarter choices when it comes to drug and alcohol use. One way to do this is to involve them in activities that let them feel they’re making a difference in the world.