Michelle Patelle

One wife of an American soldier talks about the kinds of things that can be mailed to military personnel in the field. Sending letters or care packages can be a great support to troops overseas.

Parents are always looking for quick dinner ideas for their children. Here are some specific ideas for you to try. Starting with some kind of bread or pasta is usually a good start for a quick meal.

Regardless of our own upbringing, we need to teach our children to recognize and name their emotions. We should be able to talk about all our emotions.

Keep your child safe online by teaching them about user names and passwords. Teach them to refrain from communicating with strangers or revealing too much about themselves online.

Children should be taught good work habits in both their school work and their home responsibilities. Give children plenty of recognition and praise for their accomplishments.

Child-proofing your home takes some thought and work, but it is worth the effort. Homes are not designed for child safety as a matter of course. Consider the safety of your staircases, fireplaces, heavy furniture, windows and more.

There often appears to be a lapse between women's experience and what a doctor says she should feel. As examples this article discusses pap smears, Braxton Hicks contractions and latent labor in pregnant women.

Acknowledge all the things you love about your child. Enjoy your children as the children they are.

Some of us are more adept at handling bumps in the road better than others. We can all improve at handling life's trials with more calm by letting go of the small frustrations so we will be better prepared to handle the big ones.

Summer can be a great learning time for your kids. Try a few of the activities or check out the programs offered by your local library, church or recreation department.