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8 Ways to Communicate Better in Your Marriage

By David James

My wife and I recently went to a counselor for a little tune-up on our communication skills.

With two little ones running around the house, we needed it. Our marriage is strong and we have a solid foundation, but sometimes our communication slips among the demands of chores, cooking, and raising our children. We needed a communication refresher.

The counselor reminded us that a marriage is like the roof of a house and everything underneath it is protected by the marriage. Therefore, if the marriage falls apart, everything underneath it will also likely fall apart. The analogy means that mom and dad need to make time for each other, each day, every day. If the marriage is strong and thriving, the children will thrive and feel secure in the home.

13 Things College-Bound Students Should Consider Before the First Day of Class

By Maggie Wells

Congratulations! You've been accepted into the college of your first choice, or second choice, or perhaps you'll be attending reluctantly as a part of some sort of negotiation between you and your parents ("as long as you're living under our roof, you have to either be in college or get a job").

Freshmen Need Mental and Moral Support

Freshman year can come as culture shock. You need support. Here are a few supportive moves to get you psyched mentally for the challenge of your first year of college.

7 Reasons to Sign the Petition to Repeal the Monsanto Protection Act

By Alyssa Chirco

When President Obama signed spending bill HR 933 into law in March, it was primarily to avoid a government shutdown. But as is often the case in politics, there was language buried deep within the bill that will bar federal courts and local governments from being able to protect consumers from potentially harmful genetically engineered crops.

Opponents of the bill have dubbed it the "Monsanto Protection Act" and a petition is now circulating, asking Congress to repeal this dangerous legislation. Here's why you should sign it:

Free (and Cheap) Summer Fun for Families

By Nancy Flanders

The weather is finally warming up. Summer is almost here and like most parents, we're on the lookout for fun activities for the family. And as usual, the cheaper the better. But be warned, your children could have so much fun with these summer activities, they might just stay in their own bed all night.

4 Steps to Mastering Your Child's Car Seat

By Nancy Flanders

Car seats are awesome. They save lives and prevent injury. Some even have cup holders so our kids never have to be without their sippy cup. But car seats can be difficult. So difficult, in fact, that according to Safe Kids Connecticut, four out of five are installed incorrectly. This isn't just dangerous — it's deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the No. 1 killer of children ages 1 to 12 in the United States. Installing your child's car seat correctly really can mean the difference between life and death. Don't just assume your child's seat is installed right. Be sure of it.

We Reject Mommy Wars: Join Our Tweetchat Today, 05/23 at 2:00 EST for a Chance to Win!

By Rhonda Franz

Today, we're helping one another deal with (and do away with) the infamous Mommy Wars. Come share your advice, or grab some tips from other moms.

Avoiding the Mommy Wars

By Nancy Flanders

Mommy competitions have been around for probably as long as there have been two mommies in the same town. There are stay-at-home moms versus working moms. And breast-feeding moms versus formula feeding moms. And that's just the beginning. Women tend to compete and compare when it comes to everything, including mommyhood. But this type of behavior is destructive to our friends, to ourselves, and to women everywhere. The good news is that mommy wars can be avoided.

7 Books to Help Expand Your Child’s World View

By Nancy Flanders

We can't all be world travelers, especially with small children ruling ours. But we can still teach children about different areas of the world and different cultures. We can show them how other people live, eat, and travel. And we can do it through the power of books.

How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child With Special Health Needs

By Nancy Flanders

It isn't easy to choose a preschool. There's location, cost, class size, and schedule to consider. Plus, if your child has special health needs such as severe allergies or cystic fibrosis (like mine), the considerations you need to take as a parent seem to quadruple. You have to be thorough. You have to have a clear plan. And you have to ask the right questions.

What Your Community College Student Needs to Know About the New Financial Aid Policies

By Maggie Wells

Ah, Community College. It's the place to explore interests, knock out a few general education courses, and figure out what your major might be. We've all heard the joke about those community college students who are on the 10-year plan. Your local state and federal government is trying its hardest to make sure that the leisurely over two years attendance is a thing of the past.