The debate over a diagnosis: Are some kids ‘out of sync’?

The debate over a diagnosis: Are some kids ‘out of sync’?

Many children have sensory processing difficulties, but experts are split on the basis of the problem.

How a newborn baby’s scent affects women

How a newborn baby’s scent affects women

It’s almost as good as chocolate. The study didn’t look at men, so no word on how it affects them.

Common Sense Media releases report on kids and reading

Common Sense Media releases report on kids and reading

Reading rates drop among teens and tweens, and they aren’t reading for pleasure very often.

When approaching a child with a disability, the best policy is ‘Smile, Don’t Stare’

Lollipop Kids Foundation launches campaign in Montgomery County, including a video spot on local public television.

The power of a mother’s love

The power of a mother’s love

On this Mother’s Day, a pediatric nurse has a message.

Family Filmgoer reviews ‘Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return’

Family Filmgoer reviews ‘Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return’

Movie reviews with kids in mind: This week, a tacky-looking animated musical with forgettable songs.

The history of working mothers goes way back

The history of working mothers goes way back

What’s the history of mothers with kids at home working? It goes back further than you might think.

Discussion

On Parenting with Meghan Leahy

Parenting coach Meghan Leahy, of Positively Parenting, will take questions on parenting.

Helping new moms help themselves

Helping new moms help themselves

The Nurse-Family Partnership provides much needed resources to families who might be in need of a little extra guidance.

Advice for moms, from moms

Advice for moms, from moms

A few mothers, and one nun, offer advice to other moms on Mother’s Day

Winning gubernatorial slogan? ‘We parent on the fly’

Winning gubernatorial slogan? ‘We parent on the fly’

Gansler’s off the cuff remark at Wednesday night debate was meant to convey thoughtful parenting.

Is saturated fat a no-no in my kids’ diets?

Is saturated fat a no-no in my kids’ diets?

We hear we should cut saturated fats from our lives. Except when a study says it doesn’t matter. It’s tough figuring out what to feed kids.

Pregnancy discrimination? No maternity leave? Happy Mother’s Day, working moms!

Pregnancy discrimination? No maternity leave? Happy Mother’s Day, working moms!

Pregnancy discrimination, no maternity leave, no paid sick days. Happy Mother’s Day, working moms!

Why my coach didn’t let me quit cross-country

Some say extra-curriculars can hurt kids, but Coach Smith knew that was wrong, and saved me.

My tween is moody; how can I help?

My tween is moody; how can I help?

Her daughter has become moody and feels no one pays attention to her. How can she and her husband fix it?

Of carpool lines and smartphones

Do we remember how to have conversations?

Where is the best place to be a mom? Scandinavia.

Where is the best place to be a mom? Scandinavia.

An emphasis on quality prenatal and infant care and a high percentage of women in government make Finland the best place to be a mom in 2014.

Volunteer with your kids -- and friends -- at DC Diaper Bank

Volunteer with your kids -- and friends -- at DC Diaper Bank

The DC Diaper Bank provides much needed resources for local families, and is a great way to volunteer.

First Mothers: They’re just like us

First Mothers: They’re just like us

The book “First Mothers” gives us a glimpse into the lives of the mothers of presidents, and how, in many ways, they are just like us. (Really!)

Every year, they cooked for Mom. Until they didn’t.

Every year, they cooked for Mom. Until they didn’t.

A cookbook author remembers Mother’s Day brunch in bed, and the year it ended.

Family Filmgoer reviews ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’

Family Filmgoer reviews ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’

Movie reviews with kids in mind: This week, the comic book hero returns to the big screen.

Boy is afraid of the barber. Now what?

Boy is afraid of the barber. Now what?

He’s 3 and refuses to get his haircut. What’s a mother to do?

What We’re Reading: The Magic Treehouse series

What We’re Reading: The Magic Treehouse series

In another of our series where we review books we’re reading with our kids, this mom cheers her daughter’s choice as an antidote to the princess overload.

Hands Free Mama update: Social media free zones and embracing chaos

Hands Free Mama update: Social media free zones and embracing chaos

“Is this when I tell you to put down that phone?,” came the e-mail from my coworker, on a day off. Busted. Again.

I had ADHD and my dad knew what to do

I had ADHD and my dad knew what to do

I was a high energy kid with ADHD, and my dad figured out what worked to settle me down and make me smarter.

How to talk to your child about people with disabilities

How to talk to your child about people with disabilities

Michelle Sie Whitten of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation talks about teaching kids compassion, and how parents can put disabilities in context.

Five tips to live a better life and “Thrive“

Thrive, baby, thrive. Here are five tips to live a better life that real people can do.

Don’t need a conference to talk about this: How do you unplug?

Don’t need a conference to talk about this: How do you unplug?

I’m at a conference listening to celebs talk about how to live in today’s technological world. How do you do it?

Thrive with Arianna Huffington and friends. Maybe?

Thrive with Arianna Huffington and friends. Maybe?

Arianna Huffington and pals have a conference for people who want to learn how to make more out of their life beyond money and power. Can us regular folks really do more meditating, sleeping and unplugging?

What to look for in a bike for your child

What to look for in a bike for your child

Our Handy Guide covers everything from whether to get a bike with gears and hand brakes to the all-important helmet fit.

Family Filmgoer reviews ‘The Other Woman’

Family Filmgoer reviews ‘The Other Woman’

Movie reviews with kids in mind: This week, a comedy starring Cameron Diaz.

What we’re reading now: My toddler likes Moby Dick, the angry version

What we’re reading now: My toddler likes Moby Dick, the angry version

What we’re reading now: My 21-month-old likes the angry version of Moby Dick.

Poll: Do you think youth sports have become too intense?

Tell us why, and share your stories about over-the-top parents or coaches.

How to put the fun back in your child’s sports experience

How to put the fun back in your child’s sports experience

Sign your child up for a sport just so he can get some exercise and learn how to be a good teammate.

Help. My son needs endless attention and we can’t do it.

Help. My son needs endless attention and we can’t do it.

Marguerite Kelly advises how to parent a child who needs lots (and lots) of attention.

Column

Why Falls Church High is doing so well

The Fairfax County school has a rare designation as a demonstration school for college preparation.

Parents still spank their kids even when researchers are listening in

Parents still spank their kids even when researchers are listening in

Parents who spank their kids apparently aren’t bothered by the raging debate.

Babies and exercise: Some just do it

Babies and exercise: Some just do it

Some women come by exercising post-partum naturally. Others, like myself, have to work at it.

Should Captain Underpants be a challenged book? No way, says this mom

Captain Underpants on the most challenged list. We say poo to that.

Family Filmgoer reviews ‘Transcendence’

Family Filmgoer reviews ‘Transcendence’

Movie reviews with kids in mind: This week, Johnny Depp’s latest, plus “Heaven Is for Real.”

Discussion

Parenting advice: Help for raising children of all ages

Family Almanac columnist Marguerite Kelly discussed the ups and downs of parenting, and tips for helping children through challenging times.

Column

The looming empty nest

Ordinary events remind writer that one stage of motherhood is coming to an end.

The 8-year-old introvert: What can a mom do?

The 8-year-old introvert: What can a mom do?

Her son has a hard time making friends, finding his interests, and living beyond the screen.

Video

Schools restrict jeggings, shaved heads

Schools restrict jeggings, shaved heads

Rules on what can be worn in schools are up for debate in some parts of the country. So far the courts have sided with schools in an era when safety is paramount.

Time to Listen to Your Mother

Time to Listen to Your Mother

Listen to Your Mother, where local writers read their work on stage, is back. Here is an essay about the protective parenting we all do from last year’s show.

Matt Lauer has some parenting advice for co-host Savannah Guthrie

Lauer’s got some practice with his three kids and offers Guthrie some tips.

Video

Matt Lauer's parenting advice for Savannah Guthrie

Matt Lauer's parenting advice for Savannah Guthrie

The "Today" show has been abuzz with Savannah Guthrie's recent wedding and baby news. Guthrie's co-host Matt Lauer has some advice for the mommy-to-be.

Family Filmgoer reviews ‘Rio 2’

Family Filmgoer reviews ‘Rio 2’

Movie reviews with kids in mind: This week, the animated adventures of a pair of blue macaws continue.

Daycare costs more than college. Should it?

Daycare costs more than college in many places. But maybe it should.