According to new research, teens who reported drinking lots of soda were also more likely to have used alcohol or smoked cigarettes, which could explain why those teens who drink large quantities of soda seem to be prone to violence. Another study found antisocial tendencies among U.S. college students who consumed a lot of soda.

USA Today, 10/25/2011

Researchers have found that having a good relationship with their teacher may help reduce aggressive behavior among first-graders and also protect them from other students’ aggression. “Children’s relationships with teachers and with peers in school play a critical role in shaping their social-behavioral development.”

Yahoo! News, 10/26/2011

The 3 A’s, the three main marriage deal-breakers, include alcoholism, affairs and anger. Learn about these three marriage deal-breakers and some remedies for them.

Psychology Today, 10/23/2011

Getting separated from your child in a crowded, public place is a nightmare that most parents experience. Check out some tips to help you avoid this nightmare the next time that you are out and about, including having the talk, dressing your child in bright clothing, sticking together and having a safety plan.

iVillage, 10/21/2011 

When parents and children are temperamental opposites, the results can be explosive. Type A parents, driven by nature, often have to ease up on Type B kids, who are more dreamy and mellow. When the pattern is reversed, relaxed Type B parents often feel outpaced by revved-up Type A offspring. These matchups can cause conflict beyond the normal parenting challenges, and solutions may require parents to adjust expectations and tactics.

The Wall Street Journal, 10/19/2011

The American Academy of Pediatrics this weekend expanded its guidelines for diagnosing and treating kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), recommending that doctors evaluate all patients age four to 18 that show signs of the condition. The new guidelines update decade-old recommendations that focused on diagnosing and managing ADHD in kids age six to 12.  The new recommendations acknowledge that behavioral problems, overactivity, and trouble paying attention can show up earlier and can persist into adolescence or even adulthood.

Yahoo! News/ Reuters Health, 10/17/2011

One way to be prepare for natural disaster is to keep careful records of the belongings in your home in case you need to file an insurance claim. Three websites that help with this process are reviewed in this article, along with a software package that keeps home inventories. 

The Wall Street Journal, 10/13/2011

Toddlers as young as 3 can be generous, while others are inclined to hog. Here are some techniques for teaching toddlers empathy and generosity.

The Wall Street Journal, 10/11/2011

Being connected 24/7 is changing how our kids live.  And it may even be altering their brains.  Here's some good information for parents on how to keep kids safe and healthy in a hyper-connected world.

Parade, 10/7/2011

A new study, published in the journal of Translational Psychiatry, once again raises the question of nature versus nurture, finding that children are more likely to maintain happier emotions when exposed to positive parenting. The study focused on children with a gene variation that predisposes them to lower serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to a gloomier disposition. Benjamin L. Hankin, author of the study, says, “If you’re a parent, and you have a kid who has a difficult temperament, your parenting matters a lot.”

MSN, 10/4/2011

This Room-By-Room Guide to danger-proofing your house includes practical tips e.g. why you should take your shoes off when you walk in the door of your home rather than spread outdoor contaminants; how to clean your computer keyboard, mouse and remote controls with anti-bacterial wipes; how to cover your pillowcases with mite-proof covers, etc. 

Parade, 10/2/2011