It's an age-old taunt: girls rule, boys drool. But is it true? Stereotypes point to men being the stronger, faster sex, but here are some pretty solid reasons women may be tougher than men:

1. Women bleed for a week and experience cramps, bloating, fatigue, and more

It's "that time of the month," and, yes, it hurts. Men may think some women like to overreact or use PMS as an excuse for everything, but when it comes down to it, having a period hurts. And it happens. Every. Single. Month. Women win for being able to deal with Mother Nature's tornadoes.

2. Women with paid careers have even more to balance

Working women have to manage the pressures of their bosses, deadlines, schedules, AND family life. Men do too, but if a woman is still expected to take care of the house while she's working, there's more expectation on her shoulders. Single mothers are even more tough. Women have to work on their own health and happiness to make sure everyone else is healthy and happy too.

3. Women can carry and deliver a baby

It's a beautiful part of human life, and, yes, a woman gets to experience it all. Women are tough because they can carry 8 pounds of baby (plus more necessary added weight) on their bodies, survive morning sickness and nausea, and still post pictures about the whole ordeal. And there's absolutely no arguing about how tough a woman is when she's about to give birth. She wins, every time.

4. Women shave, wax and tweeze and don't shed a tear

Okay, sometimes we shed tears, but women scrutinize every little part of their bodies. Many women choose to go the "natural" route and avoid any pulling or plucking, but most women do some form of grooming. And it hurts. Men don't often wax or pluck or worry about shaving their legs every few days. Women go through a tough regimen to look and feel good.

5. Women can wear heels

Men can try on high-heeled shoes all they want, but women conquer this fashion. Some might argue that it's a woman's choice on what shoe to wear, but the simple fact that women can rock 4-inch heels is amazing. Women push the limits of their fashion choices when they want a night out on the town, and they look great too.

6. Women wear bras and rarely complain about it

Yes, a bra is important and takes care of everything going on, but men will never know the feeling of underwire, clips, straps and poking. These everyday irritations become commonplace to women, and even with the constant irritation women refuse to let it stop them.

7. Women experience uncomfortable annual exams

All the poking and pushing and hands everywhere - it's an unnerving experience that men and women go through. But men especially are prone to forgo such tests and procedures due to feeling overly uncomfortable about it, even at the risk of cancer.

8. Women experience worse stereotypes

A man who wants to date around and have fun is a "stud," but a woman who wants to have fun is considered a party girl or bad news. Women are categorized as bad drivers, bad mathematicians, and bad at understanding sports. Women have to be tough to break all these stereotypes (and more) and prove them wrong.

Though women are pretty tough, they can get worn out from doing all these things. Many mothers and wives have low energy and don't feel strong most days. To build up your immune system and get your strength back, try Immune-IQ, a supplement that works to strengthen the immune system at its core. Immune-IQ is a product from Cell-IQ, a company promoting "wellness from within." Find your wellness and stay strong.

The post Are women tougher than men? appeared first on FamilyToday.

We know the basic functions of the body, but some of these things that women's bodies can do are incredible:

Generally, women have a better memory

Maybe there's a reason your husband keeps forgetting to pick up that gallon of milk at the store. In a research experiment testing memory of future events, results showed that after going through memory tests, women were better at remembering to do something. They were better at linking the task to an event instead of linking it to a specific time in the future.

Many studies also showed females were often better than men at remembering people's faces. The Michigan Quarterly Review reviewed various studies on male and female memory and suggested women may be better with memories because they tend to be more emotional, so their memories are more emotional in turn. However, the review also states that perhaps neither gender is better at memory, but each gender differs in how and what they remember.

Women smell better than men

I don't mean a woman smells like strawberries and vanilla. Women smell - with their noses - better than men. And it's not just pregnant women who have a superior capacity to smell. New research may have more of an explanation as to why women have such a strong sense of smell, though complete answers are still unclear. Some researchers have even suggested women can smell body odor and other smells so distinctly because it's part of their process of choosing a mate.

Women can outlive men

Women are generally expected to live five years longer than men. Studies have traced the top causes of death and the reasons why women may live longer. Health.com lists some of those reasons: women aren't daredevils or risky with their health; female fetuses are generally stronger in the uterus; and women visit the doctor more in their twenties, thirties, and forties, whereas men don't go more often than women until their fifties, sixties, and seventies. Women's visits are more preventive and men's are more responsive to sickness and disease.

Women listen with both sides of their brain

More than a decade ago, research emerged showing how differently men and women hear. While listening to someone read aloud, men used only the left side of their brains, while women used both sides. This doesn't necessarily mean women are better listeners, but it does show women use more of their brains when doing so. The LA Times article also says that "girls usually speak sooner than boys, learn to read more easily and have fewer learning disorders, several experts suggest."

Women can stay in tune with their bodies through their period

A woman's hormones can do more than change her moods and body shape. Estrogen can make a woman more aware of her body, specifically the dry sockets in her mouth. Her period cycle can also keep her in tune with her schedule, moods and body changes. Many women who live together find that their periods begin to regulate and occur around the same time.
Women can make food (without using a kitchen)

Women produce milk and can feed their children without any forks or spoons. The hormones estrogen and progesterone assist in jump starting the production of milk. A woman's body can not only feed and energize the baby she also created, she actually passes immune system instructions to her newborn baby so that the baby's immune system literally knows things hers does about fighting illness. How cool is that?

There's a new supplement called Immune-IQ, that uses similar biological functions to supplement and strengthen your immune system. Immune-IQ comes from Cell-IQ, a company promoting "wellness from within."

One mother noticed the changes in her own body when breastfeeding her baby. She recognized a drastic difference in color, all because her child had a cold and her body was responding with the right kind of milk. Her immune system was teaching her baby's immune system how to fight back against the cold, and the photo she posted is incredible.

She explained, "...This doctor discusses that when a baby nurses, it creates a vacuum in which the infant's saliva sneaks into the mother's nipple. There, it is believed that mammary gland receptors interpret the "baby spit backwash" for bacteria and viruses and, if they detect something amiss (i.e., the baby is sick or fighting off an infection), Mom's body will actually change the milk's immunological composition, tailoring it to the baby's particular pathogens by producing customized antibodies.

Women have that sixth sense

There may not be any hard facts about a woman's sixth sense, but we have a name for it: intuition. Yes, men can have this gut feeling too, but when we call it "mother's intuition," we give this skill to the women. There's something strangely accurate (most of the time) when a mother can recognize something's not quite right.

Dr. Judith Orloff, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry, told WebMD, "The reality is, girls are praised for being sensitive while boys are urged to be more linear in their thinking rather than listening to their feelings."

Women's bodies won't be as hairy as men's

Men and women have hair on their bodies, but women have less of the hormone androgen, which produces facial hair. Women's faces and bodies can be naturally soft as well. This may just seem like a simple fact of nature, but a woman's body can miraculously stay womanly and beardless.
Women have more water than men (tear ducts)

According to Fox News Health, "women are biologically wired to shed more tears than men." Maybe males are taught to hold back their tears, and maybe women are highly emotional, but science also points to the truth that women have a difference in their tear ducts that allows for more water to fall. And once again, it's the hormones that make all the difference. Women have way more prolactin in their bloodstream. This hormone helps in lactation and tear production.

Move over Superman; Wonder Woman is here.

Women give birth

This one is obvious, but no one knows exactly how this feels until they live it. And that means only women will ever truly experience carrying another human being within their body and actually feel its creative process. It's mind-boggling to think about a seven-pound (or larger!) baby squeezing through such a narrow passageway. Women (with some important help) literally create human life, nurture it and allow it to enter this world. What a beautiful -and painful - experience.

Women, love your bodies, because they truly are miraculous. Men, it's great that you may be physically stronger, but appreciate the women in your life for the things they can do.

Male or female, our bodies do incredible things to help us in our lives.

The post 10 miraculous things women’s bodies do that you never realized appeared first on FamilyToday.

You're taking that toy out of your child's mouth

Research is now showing that babies put things in their mouths to better help their bodies. Your child will reach for anything he can get his hands on because he's trying to learn more about the environment around him-the textures, tastes, temperatures, and more. And his immune system has the chance to get even stronger. That doesn't mean you should purposefully put harmful things in your baby's way, but if you constantly take things away, your child may not be able to decipher what is good or bad in his environment.

Dr. William J. Hennen, PhD, said, "babies are natural scientists; they taste test everything! Early oral exposure to its environment allows a baby to adapt and develop immune tolerance to innocuous things. Without tolerance the person's immune system attacks dust as dangerous, and foods as foreign, triggering allergic reactions."

You're cleaning your whole house

You may think you want a spotless environment for your child, but she needs to learn-on her own-about the things that are good and bad for her. I'm not saying leave the window cleaner out in plain view, but let your child put that toy in her mouth. Additionally, when you disinfect with the harsh chemical cleaners, your baby could develop more illnesses. Babies can get many dangerous side effects from these chemicals.

Dr. Hennen added, "Over sanitation separates the child from its environment. Later, when these same things (dust, food) are encountered they are seen by the immune system as something new and foreign, triggering allergic reactions."

One article encouraged parents to let their kids roll around on the floor of a New York subway car. Why? So the children could be exposed to germs, allowing their immune systems to learn how to defend itself early on.

You're isolating your child

Any type of isolation in your child's life can bring on some serious issues. If your child likes alone time, that's a different thing. But if you're trying to quarantine your child, if you're cancelling playdates, or if you're worried about going to the grocery store with your child, you may want to take a deep breath and relax. Your child will become a stronger individual-better able to fight illness-through the process of going through sickness-you can't avoid illness. Don't isolate your child, because your child's immune system may become so used to one single environment that he'll start developing more illnesses anytime she goes outside.

You're giving them too much medicine

Or you're giving it to them the wrong way. Parents should never use kitchen tools like spoons or tablespoons to measure medicine. Children's medicine amounts should be determined by their weight, not their age. There are many medication errors that parents often make. For example, a higher amount of certain drugs, even pain reliever, could heavily sedate a small child. Your child could have worse allergies if they take the wrong medicine. Always be on the lookout for your child's symptoms and how you can administer medicine the right way.

You're treating them like babies

Yes, your babies are babies, but when you continue to treat them like babies for a long time, your patterns of treating them like an infant will flow into their toddler and even pre-teen years. Some parents rush to the hospital or pediatrician any time their child complains of an upset stomach (and yes, hospitals and pediatricians are great and protective parents are fine). Teach your children to learn about their bodies and their own immune systems. Encourage them to use natural methods to fight illness, but use medicine when necessary, not as a first resort.

High-quality supplements, properly applied can improve the body's foundational health. For example, Immune-IQ is a supplement that boosts the body's immune system. Immune-IQ comes from Cell-IQ, a health sciences company promoting "wellness from within." To learn more about boosting your health and keeping your immune system at the top of its game, visit Cell-IQ.

Above all else

Give yourself a pat on the back for being an attentive, nurturing parent, and then relax. The fact is that your child's body has been genetically programmed to fight almost all serious disease, and your ongoing care will provide any needed supplementation or medication she needs.

The post 5 things moms do to protect their kids from sickness that actually causes it appeared first on FamilyToday.

Each college has different strengths. If you love art, you'll look more carefully at those colleges that have strong visual programs. If you want to stay close to home, you'll find colleges nearby. Find what works for you, but don't forget about some of these great choices.

Harvard University

Harvard boasts a smart rating of 100 on StartClass, and it's clear this college is prestigious. Though the acceptance rate is at 6 percent, those who do make it into Harvard are almost set for life. Future employers drool at the sound of the name alone. In the Academic Rankings of World Universities, Harvard places No. 1. The campus is beautiful, but those attending may be spending most of their time hitting the library. The education is worth the price.

Brigham Young University

This college's smart rating comes in close at 97, and it shows. BYU's tuition is around $6,000 a year, the campus is clean and friendly, and Forbes Magazine ranked BYU as No. 2 in Best Value Colleges and No. 2 in the West. You won't run into trouble at this college. BYU has won Most Stone Cold Sober College for 18 consecutive years.

BYU offers a range of program choices, a high graduation rate and inexpensive tuition. For your best all-around choice, BYU is the place to go. BYU's hometown of Provo is small but alive, and the mountain ranges and nearby hub of Salt Lake City bring even more adventure.

Stanford University

The acceptance rate is even lower, but Stanford University offers its graduates higher wages and more opportunities. Stanford was ranked No. 3 in Forbes's America's Top Colleges of 2015, and there's no doubt it'll sit high on the list again this year. With its home in California, the campus and surrounding area almost always has ideal weather. Stanford sports often dominate, and students make time to stay active in social life. This makes the list because it's a classic "dream college" for many, and once you're in, you're good to go.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Taking the No. 1 spot on 2015's Top 50 Best Value Graduate Schools, the Georgia Institute of Technology has a lot to be proud of. Georgia Tech's ROI is probably the most impressive. At more than $750,000, the ROI is a strong pull for students completing their programs. This school has made leaps and bounds in the education arena, and now it competes with the best of the best.

University of California San Diego

This beautifully sunny college offers similarly impressive ROIs and an experience you won't forget. UC San Diego is known to be one of the best colleges in the world. Its acceptance rate is 33 percent, and you're sure to find the right courses and programs that fit what you love. UC San Diego's School of Medicine and School of Engineering rank high.

Cornell University

According to Value Colleges, those who are accepted to Cornell have "a full set of financial aid, making Cornell a spectacular investment - ROI automatically goes up when it costs you nothing." Cornell is up there in the Ivy Leagues with Princeton, Harvard and more, and the college town in New York is beautiful and active. It ranked No. 15 inBest Colleges in 2016, and it will probably stay high in the rankings for a long time.

University of Texas at Dallas

Ranking at No. 21 in Best Value, the University of Texas at Dallas has more than 80 graduate programs to choose from. UTD has strong engineering and business programs, and their audiology program placed No. 3 in the nation. The Southern charm and fun nightlife will draw friendly faces. You'll get the best of the East and the West if you choose to study at this fine university.

The post 7 graduate schools with the best return on investment appeared first on FamilyToday.

Big changes are scary, and we face them all the time. Moving to a new location, having another child or figuring out what job is best for you can be hard in this crazy, hectic world we live in. Maybe you're content with your life, but for those who want to push themselves a little further, maybe there are a few more steps you should take that will change your life for the better.

Read: 7 ways you are unknowingly keeping yourself from success

Here are five ways going to graduate school can change your life in the best ways possible:

1. Your resume and interviewing skills will improve

The Huffington Post offered 11 tips about graduate school, and one of them told readers to throw resumes away. Well, not really, but the article explained that resumes are not the main point of entry anymore.

What really matters is your online portfolio, experiences and even your social media standing. Resumes are still a necessary item to have, but if that's all you have, consider broadening your assets. When you have more websites, projects or samples, you'll appear more experienced and prepared.

2. Your relationships will grow

As you meet new people and begin to network, you'll be building much more than future references. Sometimes, the difference between being hired and being skipped over for a job are the personal connections you have made.

Your friendships - not just business ones - will grow too. Topuniversities.com wrote, "The very nature of graduate school makes finding friends who are motivated, focused and mature just that little bit easier; your grad school friends could be the ones you end up sticking to for longest."

3. You'll be laying foundation for the rest of your life

Some think graduate school means taking a few steps back in life, but the opposite is true. By going back for a little bit more work, you'll receive a lot more reward. You can lay the foundation for a new beginning, career or lifestyle. All it takes is one decision and a lot of dedication.

4. You will get even more experience - with everything

From stress to studying, hurdles and hard work, you'll be challenged again in new ways than before. Graduate school will make you even more well rounded, more efficient and more knowledgeable. There are just some memories that can only be made in certain places, and grad school is one of them. These challenging experiences are what change us the most - in a great way.

5. You will open new doors to success

US News reported that in the 1980s, someone could receive an entry-level job as "an admissions counselor, academic advisor or student services coordinator." But in the 2000s, people applying for these jobs weren't even looked at unless they had a master's degree.

The article continued: "While holding a graduate degree is not a guarantee of ultimate success, it certainly opens many more doors for employment."

The post 5 ways graduate school can change your life appeared first on FamilyToday.

I hear it all the time, especially with lovey-dovey couples or infatuated men or women who love being in a relationship: "He/She is my other half." I also hear "better half," but whenever I hear it, I don't like it. I don't believe it.

Why would someone make a fuss over something so small? It's a cute phrase, right? So who cares what someone calls somebody they love?

Well, for some reason, I care. I heard a woman talk about this once, and it's stuck with me ever since.

Here are four reasons I don't want someone to call me their other or better half:

1. We are not broken pieces

There are best friend necklaces that are split in half, and those always seemed so cute to me. But when I thought more about it, I realized I didn't want to be separated in half. Your spouse isn't broken or cracked, and neither are you.

2. We are so much more than half

I used to imagine a couple being split right down the middle whenever they said they were each other's halves. Does that mean he is the perfect match for you; does he love chocolate, and do you love vanilla? Maybe he dislikes pickles, and you love them. But that's not true either-you both are complete people, loving each other completely.

3. We don't think or act the same

You and your spouse or significant other are individualistic. He may enjoy football, and you like tennis. You don't always line up perfectly, like the two halves of a friendship necklace. In fact, you may be opposites or have different opinions about some parts of life. That's the beautiful part about each relationship-it's not two mirror images or people placed side by side.

4. I am a whole person

I am not someone's half-I am a whole person, with whole feelings and whole talents and whole emotions. I won't reduce myself to being half of anybody, because I'm unique. Once you see yourself as a beautiful individual, you won't have to struggle to find love. You'll be able to have alone time with yourself and be OK with it.

I used to sit alone at home on the weekends and be sad about it. I was sad because I didn't have a man to take me on a date. I wasn't in a relationship, so I thought I was only half a person. Once I saw myself as a whole, complete person, I was able to live a freer, more beautiful life. I didn't want to wait on finding a man anymore. I could do all the fun things I've always wanted to, even by myself, because I was learning to love myself.

Love is not about two broken, lost people coming together to create one relationship. Love is about two different, thriving lifestyles, full of talents, skills, and interests coming together to create an even better whole. You are a whole person. Your spouse is a whole person. Yes, saying "better half" is cute, but it's not true. You're not half of anyone, because no one can be like you.

This may seem silly to talk about, but it's something we hear a lot. Have you ever stopped to think about what the phrase really means?

The post Why I will never be someone’s “other half” appeared first on FamilyToday.

Welcome scary things (sometimes)

An unusual idea shouldn't be pushed away simply because it is new. Teach your children that rejecting something they don't understand could mean they are losing something great. Perhaps they'll even come across ideas that are new to you. Take the opportunity to learn about them together and decide if it's something your children need in their lives.

Stop spreading lies

Technology can spread ideas and positivity as well as lies and hatred. Teach your children how to pick out the best from the rest. Show them examples of how misleading information can be shared, even by people with good intentions - you can, no doubt, find countless examples on your Facebook timeline. Demonstrate that the truth is more important than "winning" in conversations about other people and ideas.

Don't be a bully

Bullying is a common discussion because, unfortunately, it happens so much. The problem worsens if you defend your children for bullying others instead of teaching them to be better people. Help them understand that starting mean rumors can be just as bad as punching in the school hallways. Coach your kids to stand up for anyone who is being bullied, especially if the bully is a friend.

Learn to read the TV

Teaching children media literacy simply means teaching them to understand the messages from media. For example, a commercial they watch may use a famous song to imply a product is popular, when it has nothing to do with the product. If children understand that, they will do better in our media-saturated culture. Resources, such as Media Literacy Now, have ideas parents can use to raise media literate children.

Some friends aren't forever

You want your children surrounded by happy influences, while also being loyal friends during hard times. If a friend needs help, they should do what they can as long as it isn't hurting anyone, including themselves. Otherwise, it may be time to let go of that friend. That doesn't mean your child should be unkind; rather, they need to do what is right for themselves and the people they love.

Take pride in your mistakes

You display the habits you want to see in your children, so let one of those habits focus on how to deal with mistakes. Being a good person does not happen by being flawless; it comes from admitting to and correcting errors. Instead of insisting your children (or you) be perfect, show them how amazing people admit they're wrong sometimes, and then they keep trying.

Tell me what you find online

You can both track your children's online activity and keep an open dialogue, so they come to you if they stumble across questionable material. If you keep calm, your kids will know they can tell you anything. When they do, you can explain why they should avoid certain websites or talk about something that may be new and innocent. Either way, you can feel safe knowing you've created a home with honest communication.

Say 'no' when your friends say 'yes'

Pressure can be subtle, and it's not always a case of right or wrong (although, sometime it is). Occasionally, it's just about your children choosing what they want to do, as opposed to what others want to do. Advise your children when to say "no," such as when offered a cigarette, and when to listen to different viewpoints and choose what they want, even if not everyone feels the same way.

The Internet is not your life

This will need to be emphasized with reminders and your example. While the Web should be used and enjoyed, you can tell your children that society is made up of people, not pixels. Ask them to look up from their screens (or, preferably, to put down their phones) and focus on the world around them.

I'm always here for you

On their best days, worst days and in between days, children should be able to rely on you for comfort and advice. Show them with actions, not just words, that they can depend on you.

Your kids need your guidance and direction. WebSafety is an app dedicated to helping parents start conversations with kids about what they are doing online and where he or she is physically.

One important tool is their www feature, which allows you to track all the URLs your child visits. When inappropriate websites are detected, you'll receive alerts. Visit WebSafety to see all the features available.

The post 10 truths you should teach to make your child a better person appeared first on FamilyToday.

Here are eight things some people do before going to bed that make their sleep a lot more comfortable:

Take a cold bath or shower

Lowering your body temperature may help you get to sleep faster. Only try this if you're OK with going to sleep a little bit colder. Your body will respond by putting you fast asleep. TIME Magazine referenced a study where insomniacs who slept in colder temperatures reported having better sleep.

Breathe through one nostril

That's right. One technique to better sleep involves covering the right nostril and breathing deeply through only the left. WonderHowTo suggests doing this trick if other options have failed. Some people can't limit their breathing at night, especially mouth-breathers. But if you find this technique works, save it for those sleepless nights.

Trick yourself by saying you want to stay awake

If you tell yourself you want to stay awake as long as possible, your body will subconsciously rebel against your wishes. Your body may listen to your brain, though, so don't use this method every night.

Go back in time (in your mind)

Think about the beginning of your day and then think about each task or activity you did that day. Try to remember who you talked to, what made you laugh and more. Thesecretyumiverse.wonderhowto.com says our bodies takes more energy in trying to recall events, so you'll feel tired a lot faster and eventually fall asleep.

Lay out your clothes for the next day

Lay your clothes out and pack your purse or bag for the next day. You'll spend less time worrying about what you have to do in the morning, and you may even squeeze in a few extra minutes of shut-eye.

Pick The Brain advises people to "spare a few minutes to make a to-do list, think of all the tasks - big or small - you need to get done tomorrow, even the nonessential ones. This way you won't need to remember anything and will know exactly how the next day will go."

Black out everything

Some people are extra sensitive to light and sound, and they don't even know it. Make your room completely dark - wear a sleeping mask if you need to. Block out all sound and make yourself a little sleeping cave.

Turn up the volume

On the opposite side of blacking out everything, many people think a nice, quiet room is the trick to a wonderful dream-filled sleep. But if anxious thoughts or little creaks keep you awake, turn on a fan, noise machine or soft music to get you to sleep. This may not work for you, but if you try it and find it comforting, keep it going.

Eat (only certain foods)

Most sources will tell you to avoid big meals before bed or midnight snacks, but some studies show that cherry juice or a spoonful of organic honey can calm your system and fight off insomnia. Even a piece of chocolate can change the way you sleep.

Sleep Squares offers a new, delicious solution to getting to sleep. Simply eat a chocolate square before bedtime and enjoy the benefits of a deeper, more comfortable sleep. Sleep Squares is different from other sleep aids because it will slowly wake you up the right way instead of making you crash from loss of energy.

The post 8 weird things people do before they go to sleep that actually work appeared first on FamilyToday.

Checking your phone every few minutes

Smartphones are amazing. They've brought the world to our fingertips and allow us access to a plethora of information with the swipe of a finger. That being said, pay attention to the world outside of that small screen. Children crave your focus and, when they see you're not giving it to them, they'll find someone or something that will. They also learn that it's OK to constantly check phones instead of checking in with people. Lead by example, and teach your children to leave phones in another room.

Taking a hands-off approach to social media

Many children have social media accounts, and it's up to you to decide what your child can handle and when. It's also up to you to keep an eye on what your child is doing online. If your child has a Facebook page, then so should you - even if your child is your only friend. Even better, take advantage of apps that monitor your child's social media use.

Staying silent on the dangers of the Web

Children should learn how to take advantage of the spectacular spectrum of online resources available. Knowing how to use the Web will help them learn, and they will function better in modern society. At the same time, there are drawbacks. The Web is a place where you can find the best and worst of people, so discuss with your children how to avoid the worst. Encourage open lines of communication by showing a willingness to talk to your children about anything. That way, they will feel comfortable telling you if they encounter something unusual or that scares them.

Inviting the television to family meals

It's easy to let the TV entertain while you eat, but it's a lost opportunity for connecting with each other. Family meals are a moment when everyone can come together and talk about their days, and research shows it has a mountain of benefits. Talking without distractions will help you get the most out of your time together.

Displaying irresponsible computer usage

Do as I say, not as I do - it doesn't really work. Children will emulate you, so set an example for them. Of course, they should know that rules are different for adults and children, but show them that time spent offline is valuable, and limit computer usage to benefit the entire family.

Allowing unfettered online access

No matter how much good is found online, spending time there can be addicting. You probably know how quickly opening a Web page to check one thing can turn into rubbing your eyes hours later and wondering where the time went. Help your children avoid this trap by designating a certain number of hours or a time of day that online access is allowed. Make sure they're participating in the necessities, such as homework, first.

Shifting parenting responsibilities to screens

Every parent knows that sometimes you just need to plop your children in front of a show or game and take a break. It may be the only way to maintain your sanity, on some days more than others. Avoid making that the norm by spending time with your children away from the screen. Teach them lessons you want them to know. If they learn something from TV or a website, encourage them ask you about it, and turn it into a conversation, so you can learn together.

In the end we know that every parents goal is to help protect and love their children to the best of their ability. WebSafety can help to show that you care by giving you the ability to monitor your child's social media usage and track your child's website visits.

WebSafety is an app that can be customized to any parents needs, from getting notifications to certain websites your child may be visiting, to setting protections on multiple devices. To learn about these and other online security features for your children, visit WebSafety.

The post 7 ways to show your children they don’t matter appeared first on FamilyToday.

To help out those young mommies, here are a few things you can expect in the not-so-distant future (so you're not caught completely off-guard!).

Hearing your teenager talk back

It's something all parents of older kids know about. And if you think your toddler's "no" is back-talk, just you wait. But remember — they really do love you, and this phase will pass.

Missing money in your wallet

Young moms don't have to hand out $20 for their son to go see a movie, but parents of teenagers may find themselves acting as a bank. It's important to teach your children the importance of saving money, and how to spend wisely.

Getting excited about a new vacuum

New baby clothes and strollers aren't exciting anymore. Parents of older children find joy in vacuums and vacations.

Receiving upsetting phone calls from school

The phone rings, and it's the school — again. Young parents don't have to deal with those parent-teacher conversations just yet.

Feeding your always-hungry teenager

FYI — your teenage son will still need help making his own sandwich. But just take pride in the fact that nothing tastes better (or is more comforting) to him than Mom's cooking.

Being outsmarted by your own children

You'll find yourself asking for your kids' help with electronics and slang terms, among other things.

Missing the "good old days"

Young mothers, you're in the "good old days." Learn to love each time your baby cries for your comfort, because one day she'll be a teenager crying over heartbreak. Love when your toddler makes a mess, because one day you'll have no more laundry to fold or dinners to make for him; and you'll miss it more than you think.

The post 7 things young moms don’t yet understand appeared first on FamilyToday.