Letter from the Editor
Now is the Time for Reassurance
By Gretchen Cook
If you’ve been listening to the news, it’s probably making you a little anxious right now. Even if things are going well for you and your family, it’s difficult not to worry when all is not right for others. (more)


Family Matters
Goal Setting: Make It A Family Experience
By Carrie Bevell Partridge
It's that time of year again! Without fail, millions of people around the world (myself included) choose the month of January--the beginning of a new year--to set goals for themselves. We vow to lose weight, manage our time better, watch less TV, exercise 12 times a week, end global warming, etc. etc. (more)


What's Cooking
Julie's Most Requested Recipe
By Julie Paul
After twenty years (and thousands of calories) later, I’ve stumbled upon the Holy Grail of desserts – a blissfully wonderful chocolate cake. As a bit of a chocolate cake nut, I’ve tried my share of recipes over the years. Okay, maybe more than my share. (more)


Camp Guide 2009
A list of the best Mississippi summer camps
Don't wait until it's too late to plan your child's summer activities.  Find out about the best summer camps in Mississippi. (more)


First Time at Camp?
Talking with Your Child
By Bob Ditter, L.C.S.W.
Sending your child away to camp for the first time is a major milestone for most families. One of the most important things you as a parent can do to help prepare your child for both these aspects of camp is to talk with your child about it before he/she goes. (more)


Off To Camp
Parental Anxiety versus Home Sickness
By Julie A. Chaffins
Susan watched the last of the children load the bus, and as the door shut and the bus pulled away, faces peered through the windows. Some of them were excited and some held a touch of fear, but she noticed her own child's face was lit with anticipation. Her own face wore a mixture of relief and worry. "What if he gets homesick?" she wondered. "What if he gets hurt?" (more)


Homesickness
Fighting The "Code Blues" Before They Start
By M. Scott Anderson
There are many things to think about when preparing for summer camp. For instance, have you written your child’s name on everything he is taking to camp? Is he taking enough underwear in case there is an accident some is lost? Does she have the essentials: a camera, bug spray, sunscreen, sleeping bag, etc.? With all these things to think about, there is one thing that may slip your mind: Will your child get homesick? (more)


Black History Month
Facts and Figures
To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. (more)


Valentine's Day Ideas
Crafts to Make For Someone You Love
Fun crafts to make for Valentine's Day. (more)


Marriage Education
How to Strengthen Your Marriage
By Randy and Sissy Lynn
For the vast majority of Americans, “until death do us part” remains an important goal and value. According to researchers Linda Waite and Maggie Gallagher, authors of The Case for Marriage, 93 percent of adult Americans hope to form a lasting and happy union with one person. Yet, between 40 and 50 percent of all marriages ultimately end in divorce. (more)


Hooked On Books
How to Raise Life-Long Readers
Books open a window to the world, taking readers to other times and other places — introducing them to new thoughts and ideas. Yet reading does much more than expand the imagination, especially for children. (more)


Cavities Are Contagious!
Simple Steps to Protect Your Child's Teeth
By Stephanie Myers, R.D.H.
Did you know that cavities are contagious? It’s true! Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that live and thrive on what you eat and drink. This is especially true with foods and drinks containing lots of sugar, such as sticky, chewy sweets, and many juices and sodas. (more)


Parents & Kids Magazine Calendar
January-February 2009
Family-friendly activities in the Central Mississippi area. (more)