Have you ever been out in public and someone really ticked you off? But your child was with you, so you bit your tongue?

Teaching your child how to deal

Truth is, shouldn't we be able to handle ourselves -- and our conflict -- the same in front of our children as we would without them? Give-or-take a curse word, of course. We asked experts to give us a lesson in conflict resolution 101 -- and the basics we should teach and show our kids.

It's hard to be a good role model...all the time

Your children are always watching you. They're constantly taking cues from you about everything from distinguishing right from wrong, to how to interact with people. But when it comes to emotions -- you know, when those hot buttons are triggered -- it's not always easy to do or say the right thing, even when those little eyes and ears are watching and listening.

"In an ideal world, we would handle conflict the same way whether our kids are watching or not, right? Clean language, strong posture, good eye contact, respectful but firm words. In the heat of the moment, it is hard to argue with someone in the way that we might wish we had afterwards. Our children can be a great motivator to help us strive for that ideal!" says Deborah Gilboa, MD.

When deciding how to respond to conflict, ask yourself two questions

So what do you do when you find yourself smack in the middle of a potential battle? You're not looking for a fight, you're simply shopping, seeing a movie or out to dinner, but you encounter a person who does something that rubs you the wrong way. Or maybe you're the culprit -- you do or say something that makes another person upset. And your child is there to witness the event. Kristi Fowler, LMFT says there are two questions that need to be answered in your head before responding to the conflict:

1. Is this person offending you or your family?
2. Is this just an annoyance?

"Is the answer to the first question is 'yes,' then it doesn't matter if your child is with you ‹ you need to respond. The key is standing up for the right thing, not just entering conflict for conflict sake. If you do, ‹especially in front of your child, ‹you accomplish a couple of things: 1) You protect your family and in so doing, make your child feel safe; and 2) You model to your child how to stand up for what is right."

Biting your tongue can be hard, but it's the right thing to do

You don't have to shy away from conflict. You can still stand up for yourself by taking the higher road and not attacking the other person.

Most people will agree that many of these tips are easier said than done. When you're in the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to take a step back and breathe. But if you remember that your child will eventually find himself in a conflict, and could look back on this encounter as his model of what to do, it may help you do a better job of biting your tongue. Because in the end, what's more important, reading Susie Q the riot act or teaching your child that conflict can be handled without aggression?

Teach your child that conflict has a goal

When you're in a conflict with another person, it's also important to ask yourself what you want the outcome to be. Simply being mad and letting your anger take over isn't going to get you anywhere . Gilboa adds that it's important to teach our children that conflict should have a goal. "So first, we need to figure out what we hope to accomplish. Do we need the other person to do something, like give us money back, move their car, stop smoking in the seat next to us? Do we just want the other person to understand how we feel? Or do we want them to handle the same situation differently in the future?"

Teaching kids to handle fights with friends >>

Read more about teaching your kids conflict resolution

How to teach your kids to fight fair
Teaching your kids about forgiveness
How to explain to your kids why parents fight

The Delta Urban Street LX stroller is a practical, stylish and comfortable stroller for both child and parents. This lightweight stroller offers all the must-have features of an umbrella stroller with an attractive price.

Price: $80
Age and weight range: To 35 pounds
Features:

• Multi-position reclining seat has reflective accents, sturdy fabric and adjustable foot rest.
• Adjustable padded 5-point harness.
• Large canopy with clear peek-a-boo window.
• Shock-absorbing front swivel wheels.
• Large under basket and parent cup holder.

The great stroller debate >>

The trendy and stylish Chicco Capri is ideal for traveling families. The lightweight aluminum frame, attached carry strap and included carry bag make this stroller an on-the-go favorite.

Price: $80
Age and weight range: To 37 pounds
Features:

• Large, adjustable and removable canopy.
• All-wheel suspension with front lockable swivel wheels.
• Padded, adjustable 5-point harness.
• Multi-position recline.
• Lightweight aluminum frame weighs only 11 pounds.

The First Years Ignite stroller will last you through the toddler years as it can comfortably fit a child up to 50 pounds. The Euro-styled frame and contemporary fashions make this everyday stroller stylish and fun to push.

Price: $70
Age and weight range: To 50 pounds
Features:

• Wide, comfortable and reclining seat has an easy-adjust 5-point harness.
• Taller handles for parents for comfortable strolling.
• Upper storage console and under basket provide ample storage space.
• Large sun canopy is also removable.
• Weighs only 14 pounds and has a one-handed fold for easy transport.

The BabyTrend Passport offers practical and easy-to-use features for both parents and Baby. The one-handed fold makes this lightweight and sturdy full-sized stroller a parent favorite.

Price: $45
Age and weight range: To 45 pounds or 40 inches
Features:

• Large under basket with easy access.
• Ergonomic, padded handle with attached parent console.
• One-handed, compact fold.
• Swing-away child tray with cup holder and snack area.
• 5-point harness, folding sun canopy and multi-position recline.

Hollywood mamas love their strollers >>

The popular Graco LiteRider is perfect for active families. The lightweight design, simple fold, practical features and infant car seat adaptability mean you’ll only need one stroller from birth through the toddler years.

Price: $65
Age and weight range: Birth to 40 pounds
Features:

• Padded, 2-position recline for sleeping on the go.
• Compatible with all Graco infant car seats as a travel system.
• Lockable front swivel wheels and durable suspension provide a smooth ride.
• Removable child’s tray and fixed parent tray with two deep cup holders.
• Extra large, drop-down storage basket is easy to access.

The features and style of the Combi Flare make this stroller a must-have for all families. When used with a Combi Shuttle 33 infant car seat, the Combi Flare becomes a lightweight and compact travel system.

Price: $100
Age and weight range: To 55 pounds
Features:

• Easy 3-second standing fold.
• Removable cup holder and padded bumper bar.
• Multi-position, washable, easy-adjust seat with 5-point harness.
• Adjustable sun canopy with storage pocket.
• Attached carry strap for easy transport.

More on strollers

Best all-terrain strollers
Double strollers: Which one is right for you?
Stroller snob moms

Teen moms? Not at this school

A charter school in Delhi, Louisiana, is making headlines for a controversial school policy that requires students suspected of pregnancy to take pregnancy tests — and kicks students out who test positive. Does this policy have any merit?

At Delhi Charter School, a K-12 school in Delhi, Louisiana, you will never see teen pregnancy in the halls. And a student daycare center? Totally unnecessary. Pregnancy pacts? Not even a possibility.

The school has taken a harsh stance on teen pregnancy. Its Policy Manual outlines how suspected student pregnancies are handled — and not tolerated. “If an administrator or teacher suspects a student is pregnant, a parent conference will be held. The school reserves the right to require any female student to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not the suspected student is in fact pregnant,” the policy states. It goes on to say, “If a student is determined to be pregnant and wishes to continue to attend Delhi Charter School, the student will be required to a course of home study that will be provided by the school.”

And if a student refuses the test? Well, then she is treated as pregnant and turned away from the classroom regardless.

What message is this sending?

The school’s policy, which states it is in line with the high standards of behavior expected of students at the school, singles out teen mothers at a time when they are particularly vulnerable. Education experts say this could change their lives forever.

“Beyond issues of discrimination and illegality associated with policies such as the Delhi Charter School’s, such policies send clear messages to teen girls that 'you don’t matter, and you don’t belong here.' This can be a devastating blow for an already-vulnerable young woman," says education expert Celine Provini, Ph.D., editor of Education World.

This is more than likely the end of a girl's high school career, statistically speaking. "Given how they are often treated, it is not surprising that about 70 percent of teen mothers leave school. And once they leave, the odds are not good that they will complete their education. Fewer than four in 10 mothers who give birth before the age of 18 have a diploma,”  says Provini. “We know that lacking a high school diploma profoundly impacts one’s future earning power. So keeping pregnant teens in school is more important than ever. Sadly, girls who leave school due to pregnancy report that they would have stayed in school if they had received more support from the adults at school.”

Wrong answer

What do parents think? The parents we talked to said that this policy misses the mark. "I don't think shaming kids or making them wear a scarlet letter is the answer. While parenting and the setting of good values and decision making skills begins at home, continuing education and a strong support system from the school is important as well. Making someone feel ostracized, wrong, or shamed will only exacerbate the situation and lead to more problems down the road," says mom of two, Cate O’Malley who writes Sweetnicks, a blog about food and family.

More on educating your teen about sex

Sex facts: Clueless teens are getting pregnant
Teen talk: Does oral sex count?
Discussing sex and birth control with your teen

When some young adults get to college, the temptation to spend grows somewhat exponentially. There’s no one looking over their shoulder, credit card offers are endless, and student loans feel like lottery winnings.

College kids don't need to be poor

If we don’t begin with healthy financial habits at a young age, it can be very difficult to break bad habits later in life.

Overspending $1,000 on a credit card can easily morph into a life of overwhelming debt and a vicious cycle of high interest payments, poor credit scores, and limited financial prosperity. So the question is, are your kids really ready for college?

Here’s how parents can prepare their college-bound kids for financial fitness:

I’m rich from all that graduation money

Where is all the graduation money they received? Did it go toward new clothes for college or was it placed in a savings account with their bank? Your student is on the right rack if at least 50 percent of their graduation money went into savings. Though when it comes to savings, the more the merrier. But I want to buy that $500 pair of jeans I saw in the Nordstrom catalog! Set a goal for your college-bound student so she learns to save and learns the value of prioritizing. Whether it’s $50 to save for those hair highlights, a coveted video game, or $5,000 for a down payment on a first car, your college student should arrive on campus with a basic understanding of “need” over “want.”

I can own part of Apple?

College kids don’t have to be trust fund babies to "own" a company by purchasing a stock. If Apple is their favorite store, show them the different ways they can participate in the markets. There are great simulated websites where they can build their own stock portfolio, such as www.weseed.com, which provides a fun way to learn about investments with “play money.”

Budgeting and saving is too hard

This may be a common complaint amongst our youth, but explain to them that it’s as simple as counting their money. Take out the Monopoly money and make two piles; one is for the monthly income and the other is for monthly expenses . They can start making different piles for each expense if they’d like. This way they’re touching the money and physically putting it in piles, giving them a better visual and tangible understanding of what comes in and what goes out.

I thought the government didn’t own my money

This is something that is sometimes left out of the money conversation between parents and working college students. Show them on their pay stub how much is taken out for Federal and State income taxes, along with the Medicare tax and explain why.

I have a $2,000 credit card limit — let’s go party

Credit card interest rates can tend to dumbfound college students. It is one thing to hear a number, but to see how a minimum payment does not pay off a balance can be very impactful. Some students don’t understand the concept of interest and paying off their balance. Explain to her that it’s best to spend a little on a haircut and immediately pay it back in full. Your student needs to know that he shouldn’t spend it on a weekend in Las Vegas and expect to only submit monthly minimum payments without interest. If your child spends his $2,000 limit at once, he will have to pay that plus the interest if he makes the small monthly payments. It all adds up in the end!

We’re in love and we’re going to get married when we graduate college, pre-nups need not apply

Before they put a ring on it, explain to them that while marriage can be blissful, there are realities that come with it. With your attorney, show them the benefits of a pre-nup and being able to map out the couple’s financial success before they head down the aisle. You never know what can happen. Suggesting pre-marital counseling can go a long way. Your child can discuss with his new partner how they intend on approaching finances. Seeing how this is a large contributor to divorce in this country, it may be wise to begin discussions sooner rather than later.

Handling finances when you’re new to the idea of available “free” money can be tricky, daunting, but still fun. Help ease the mind of your college-bound student by showing him the foundation of income and expenses. The importance of saving by explaining the difference between spending now and saving for later is a vital lesson. Sharing your experiences in a fun way with “play money” or using the mentioned online tools are great ways to get your soon-to-be university scholar engaged and prepared for his financial future.

More about college students

Your college freshman's first mistake
Quiz: What's your college parenting style?
Starting a college savings plan for your kids

Reese Witherspoon

Sophisticated mama! Pregnant Reese Witherspoon looked sophisticated in a silk navy dress paired with tan heels and a leather bag as she left Hugo’s Restaurant in Los Angeles after having lunch with a friend. The 36-year-old mom of two is expecting her third child with new husband Jim Toth later this month, and hasn’t let pregnancy slow her down.

In addition to promoting her movie Mud at the Cannes Film Festival, she has been filming a new movie and has also continued exercising throughout her pregnancy.

“It’s not easy. I’m always feeling like I’d like to eat everything in sight!” she recently told reporters about her pregnancy cravings.

She has also had a famous house guest staying at her $7 million ranch in Ojai, California — Robert Pattinson! The Twilight star is hiding out at her place after photos surfaced of his girlfriend Kristen Stewart cheating on him with her married director, Rupert Sanders.

Next up: Pregnant Megan Fox’s growing baby bump!

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Megan Fox

Pregnant Megan Fox showed off her cute baby bump in a black maxi dress and platform wedges as she celebrates husband Brian Austin Green’s 39th birthday. Fox and Green took his son, 10-year-old Kassius, to a church service before continuing his birthday celebration that day.

Fox, 26, is expecting her first child with Green and hasn’t officially announced the news, however this recent photo of her bare baby bump in a bikini did the talking for her!

The Transformers actress said in the past she would “love to have kids” but that she and Green weren’t planning a pregnancy, preferring to let things happen naturally.

“I mean, it's going to happen when it's going to happen, but it's not something that I've planned against or for,” she said.

Next up: Tori Spelling’s uncomfortable baby bump

Photo credit: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling is due next month with her fourth child — and it looks like she might be experiencing some pregnancy back pain as she holds onto her lower back as she and her husband, Dean McDermott, take 10-month-old Hattie out shopping.

Her most recent pregnancy was a bit of a pregnancy surprise! “All my friends keep asking me and I'm like, 'Seriously? Hattie was one month old. Do you think it was planned?'" she told Us Weekly.

The busy mom is not letting pregnancy slow her down, as she just announced a new line of children’s clothes, called Little Maven by Tori Spelling, which will launch in JCPenney on September 1.

“Everyone knows I've had a passion for designing kids clothes for years. So that's why I'm unbelievably excited to announce my partnership with JCPenney,” she writes on her website. “My designs have found their perfect home! Now I get to create chic baby and kids clothes that also combine fashion and functionality at very affordable prices! With baby number four on the way, all of these elements are even more important to me! Can't wait to meet Baby and bring him or her home from the hospital in new Little Maven Layette.”

Next up:  Vanessa Lachey’s third trimester style

Photo credit: Celebrity Baby Scoop - Celebrity Mom and Baby News

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Vanessa Lachey

Ice cream cravings! Pregnant Vanessa Minnillo Lachey was glowing and gorgeous while eating Edy’s ice cream as she helped raise money for Operation Smile. Lachey paired a white blazer with the Camilla Intermix Exclusive Waterfall Maxi Dress and accessorized with stacked gold bracelets.

The TV personality has been a big fan of maxi dresses throughout her pregnancy, as she was spotted in a striped maxi dress from A Pea in the Pod, as well as a black and white maxi dress while promoting her show, Wipeout.

Lachey has been tweeting about her preparations for her baby boy that will soon be making his arrival.

“Watching the Olympics while @NickSLachey puts together the cutest Babyletto mini-crib for our family room,” she tweeted.

Next up: Tamera Mowry’s glamorous baby bump

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Tamera Mowry

Pregnant actress Tamera Mowry wore a blue colorblocked dress paired with strappy heels at the Hallmark Movie Channel’s TCA Summer Press Tour. The Tia & Tamera star is expecting her first child, a boy, in October.

The actress has just landed a new role in the movie Christmas Angel in which she will play a mom!

“It was just so much fun because I kind of got to see what I’m gonna be going through, well in 10 years. I know with my family, every Christmas, it’s a tradition for us to just get together [and watch a Christmas movie]. I can’t wait to share this one with my family — my son will be born then — and my mom and my dad,” she said.

From Anna Paquin to Kristin Cavallari, check out more celebrity baby bumps here >>

Photos: WENN unless otherwise noted

Tips from moms on Beating the bulge

Have you made it one of your personal goals to lose weight? Find out how other moms have tackled their weight issues head on — and won — with these tips.

Earlier this year, I read Why Women Need Fat: How “Healthy” Food Makes Us Gain Excess Weight and the Surprising Solution to Losing It Forever by William D. Lassek, M.D. and Steven J. C. Gaulin, Ph.D. The book talks about America's weight problem and suggests that returning to our early 20th century eating habits will help our bodies reset to their natural weights. That means butter and bacon are OK. Corn oil, soybean oil and foods labeled low fat? Not so much. It encourages women to take control by ending the dieting cycle and mindfully eat.

I gave it a shot, working to stop obsessing over what I ate. And for a little while, my weight stayed steady. But then everything started to change and I rapidly put on 15 pounds. By the time my birthday rolled around, I didn't recognize myself — and I didn't like it. In not obsessing, I stayed too far from the healthy diet I should have.

Since then, I joined a gym and started going several times a week. I worked on eating less and being more careful about what passed my lips. And I increased my overall physical activity. A lot. So far, it's working. I've shed about five pounds in the last month and my body looks and feels trimmer again. But it's far from over.

All of this got me wondering: how do trim mamas do it?

Ending the cycle

Roni Noone of Just Roni, mother of two, had struggled with weight for years. "It was Weight Watchers that finally helped me break the yo-yo dieting cycle of hell, as I call it, but I'm not sure another reputable plan wouldn't have worked just as well," says Noone. "Honestly, what worked for me was accepting myself, my body. I stopped focusing on constantly trying to be thin and started to change my habits."

Postpartum fitness tips >>

Noone lost more than 60 pounds and has kept it off over the last four years. Though she no longer counts points, she still keeps a food journal when she needs accountability for what she's eating.

Easing into fitness

For Noone, the road to health was a slow one that started with her eating habits and progressed to include exercise. "At first I was completely anti-exercise! I decided that I had to lose weight my way or it wasn't going to work, and my way did not include hours at the gym. Instead I focused on my diet and incorporating more activity into my daily life," she says. "After about a year of getting my diet under control and being more active, I started to want to work out. That's when I joined a gym and started running. Now I'm a fitness nut and it still blows my mind!"

These days, Noone works out about six days a week. "Honestly, it's the only thing I do consistently for me. I take a BodyPump class twice a week which I love, I try to run at least 30 minutes at twice a week, yoga once a week and I have a friend who is a trainer; we'll work out about once a week too," she says.

Check out 5 ways to ditch the baby weight without exercise >>

Involving the family

Mom of two, Suzanne Riley of Fit Minded Mom says that several of her family members have passed at earlier ages than they should have. So eating well and exercising for her is a must to prolong her life.

She encourages her kids to be active as well. "Fitness is about being active in your everyday life and there are many ways to get your family involved. Riding bikes together, or jogging while the kids ride along side of you, jumping on a trampoline or pushing the kids in a jogging stroller," says Riley.

As for eating, as tempting as mac and cheese is, Riley also encourages healthy eating habits in her kids. "I stock the house with healthy foods for myself and the kids. Most children like healthy food once they adapt to it but so many adults assume they will not like it that they are never given the chance to like it," says Riley.

Prioritizing exercise

For both Noone and Riley, mornings are their time for workouts. "I set my alarm early and wake up before [my kids] do but it wasn't always that way. I used to work out in the evening after they went to bed. It comes down to prioritizing and compromising. Things change and you have to be willing to readjust your schedule as they do," says Noone.

Riley wakes about 45 minutes before her children. "Yes, it is hard but this way, I have no excuse to miss my workout. I take this time for myself and I am not rushed or stressed trying to work it into my day while my kids are constantly needing me," says Riley.

More from Chasing the Dream

How to renew your motivation
How to find happiness as a mom
Managing your priorities

Alanis is now a Mommaloguer

Our newest celebrity vlogger

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette is more than just an artist — she's also a wife and mom. And for the month of August, she's a SheKnows Mommaloguer.

You've gotten to know some popular mom bloggers on Mommalogues and now you can find out more about Alanis Morissette because she's our newest Mommaloguer.

Celebrity vlogger

For the month of August, Alanis Morissette is SheKnows' guest vlogger and she'll be sharing her thoughts about life and motherhood with our regular Mommaloguers. You'll love learning more about the singer-songwriter, guitarist, record producer and actress as she weighs in about balancing her life as a mother, wife and artist. Morissette will share her thoughts about health and wellness, modern parenting topics, family values and much more.

Morissette, who is the mother of a toddler, follows other celebrity moms that have raised their voices on the Mommalogues including Candace Cameron Bure, Cindy Crawford and Mayim Bialik. Morissette is married to Mario 'Souleye' Treadway. The couple's son, Ever Imre Morissette-Treadway, was born on Christmas Day in 2010.

Havoc and Bright Lights

Morissette's eighth studio album, entitled Havoc and Bright Lights, will be released in the U.S. on August 28.

Morissette began writing the songs on Havoc and Bright Lights shortly after giving birth to Ever. “Once my son was born, I immediately felt this surge of ‘I have to write this record,’” Morissette says. “Of course the timing couldn’t have been worse. Post-partum is not the time to be doing anything other than post-partum-ing. Because I'm an attachment parent, I wanted to be near him 24/7.”

She turned the first floor of her home into a makeshift studio. “It was this unusual but perfect blend of mom-hood and artist,” she says. “It was a challenge to do both at the same time, but I had no other option. I was called to show up 100 percent for both, so this was the only way to do it. I developed a deep affinity and gratitude for coffee and falling asleep sitting up, for the first time in my life,” she says with a laugh.

Havoc and Bright Lights is now available for pre-order on iTunes in the U.S.! Pre-order the album here or get the deluxe version.

All about the Mommalogues

In addition to the Mommalogues' celebrity vloggers, the online conversation includes eight regular well-known and up-and-coming mom bloggers who discuss topics such as how real moms juggle careers, marriage, hobbies, family health and wellness and the chaos of modern parenthood.

While the moms and celebs provide plenty of content, readers are encouraged to share their own experiences with the Mommalogues community through the reaction buttons, social media share features and comments sections.

More on the Mommalogues

Cindy Crawford joins the Mommalogues
Candace Cameron Bure joins the Mommalogues
Mayim Bialik joins the Mommalogues

Well, well. Looks like it isn't just teens who are using their phones to get some action these days. According to recent studies, the newest group jumping on the sexting bandwagon? Parents.

Teens aren't the only ones sexting anymore

Guess who's sexting now!

While teens who use their smartphones to send racy or explicit text messages has been a hot topic in parenting over the past few years, it seems that parents have been taking tips from the younger crowd. According to recent studies from Lookout Mobile Security , one in five parents are using their smartphone to sext and 30 percent of moms and dads with children under the age of 18 have admitted to sending and/or receiving explicit photos via their phone. Gasp! And those are only the parents who are admitting it! Are you giggling yet? We are.

How sexting can help your relationship

What's that phrase? Oh, yeah: Don't knock it until you try it.

According to these moms who admit to participating in sexting on occasion, it's not nearly as dirty and scandalous as you may think. Both moms chose to stay anonymous, for obvious reasons, but they agreed that sexting is a great way to enhance an already strong relationship with your spouse or partner.

"My husband is out of town a lot for work," one mom tells us. "Sometimes we use sexting to fill in the gaps when we haven't seen each other in a while." This mom, who has two children under the age of 10, continues by saying, "It's not a replacement for sex for us and it's usually at night, when we'd normally be having sex anyway."

Another mom, who has a teenaged son, shares that she was actually the one who initiated sexting with her husband. "He was so shocked, in a good way, that putting myself out there really helped our relationship — both in the bedroom and otherwise." She also says, "It's not something we do every day, just another fun way to spice things up."

While sexting itself is already pretty adventurous, sexting as a parent carries its own special set of risks. How many of us hand our smartphones over to our kids without thinking twice? You might want to reconsider if you are a parent who sexts, and especially if your child is old enough to read on their own. Yikes.

A few tips to keep your sexting life and your parenting life as far away from each other as possible:

More on sexting

Talking to teens about sexting
Sexting and teenagers: Educate or prosecute?
The Best Sex of Your Life: Phone sex

You're not alone — even though you think you are

When you're at the grocery store, they're shopping in the aisle next to you. When you're dropping your kids off at school, they're driving carpool in the next lane. When you're watching your kids play soccer, they're also daydreaming of other places they could be. These are moms who are faking it, who are smiling on the outside even though they feel unfulfilled on the inside. Moms searching for happiness.

”I think we have all been there; parenting, like anything, has its highs and its lows. It is important to understand a few things about the relationship between thoughts and feelings before you beat yourself up about dreading another trip to the park or secretly wishing you could trade places with your kid-less friends for a day,” says life coach Jennie Aguirre.

By making some simple changes, you can turn your fake smile into an authentic one.

Talk about it

In this case, silence is not golden. Keeping your feelings of unhappiness inside will only make you feel more isolated and alone. If you open up to other moms you might be surprised what you find out from them .

”It's extremely important to talk to people about your struggles as a mom. We all have them, some more than others. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. Surround yourself with a supportive, honest group of other mothers to be friends with and share the ups and downs of parenting. It can be so validating to hear another parent struggling with the same issue you might be [having],” says Lori Freson, a marriage and family therapist.

A negative thought can be just a thought, nothing more

If you have a negative thought about being a mom, it can make you feel terrible inside. But Aguirre urges mothers to understand that just because you have a thought doesn’t mean you believe it. ”You choose what thoughts you hold on to and if the thought is creating the feeling you don't want to be having, change the thought. As you go through the day, pay attention — if you are feeling sad, what are you thinking? If you feel frustrated, what are you thinking? Change the thought and you change the feeling,” stresses Aguirre.

6 Reasons you aren't happy and how to change it >>

Have couple time

How much time have you and your partner spent together lately? As parents, it can be easy to fall into a routine of just parenting, but reprioritizing your marriage can make you happier. Sharon Gilchrest O’Neill, a marriage and family therapist and author of A Short Guide to a Happy Marriage says moms should look at their marriages as a way to become more fulfilled.

“Often women 
throw themselves into parenting, and without realizing it, have relegated 
their partner to second, third or fourth priority, with the assumption that they 
will again make their partner No. 1. The time goes by and that goal 
seems impossible. 
Stop and consider that one of the greatest gifts you can give your 
child is a happy marriage and you and the rest of the family will 
suffer if this is not your first priority.”

You've heard it before, but the key really is balance

Your life really doesn’t have to be ’all mom, all the time.’ Freson says, ”It is so easy to get wrapped up in being a mom , that we often forget to take care of ourselves. This then leads to stress, anxiety, exhaustion, depression… the list goes on and on. In order to be both a good parent and truly happy requires you to find the time to create balance in your life, not always an easy task. It is especially challenging if you are a single parent.”

”Stop ’hostessing,’” says Aguirre. ”This is what I refer to as the woman who always puts everyone else ahead of herself but as a result she gives too much away. So often we think good moms put themselves last but this really isn't true. Great moms understand that you cannot pour from an empty pitcher. When you fly on a plane what do they tell you to do if the plane is about to crash? Put on your own oxygen mask first. The same applies in life.”

Read more about moms and happiness

Chasing the dream: How to find happiness as a mom
New book explores secrets to being a happy mom
Dads are less miserable parents than moms

The face of the stay-at-home mom has changed since the days of June Cleaver. Lately, SAHMs reflect a sign of the times.

Statistics find SAHMs may have changed

According to the Census Bureau, more SAHMs are younger, less educated and have limited job skills or difficulty finding work.

When political pundit Hilary Rosen took a jab at Mitt Romney's wife for never working "a day in her life," Ann Romney instantly became the public image for stay-at-home moms in America. Raising a troupe of five boys was a career path for Ann, and she has openly expressed that her family was fortunate to have the financial freedom to make that choice. Ann Romney embodies the holistic image many think of regarding a stereotypical stay-at-home mom: polished, educated and wealthy. It's a throwback to the June Cleavers of the 1950s. But the numbers argue otherwise. Today's stay-at-home moms are starkly different than the Ann Romneys of this cohort.

The numbers don't lie

Looking back on the 2007 U.S. Census numbers, the most recent set of data on the subject we have available, show Ann Romney's 'choice' is not typical for most of the new stay-at-home mom sector. The Census found the 5.6 million stay-at-home moms in the U.S. were younger and more likely to be Hispanic or foreign-born than mothers who were in the labor force. The report also found that 19 percent of the stay-at-home mothers did not have a high school degree, and the same was true for only 8 percent of mothers in the work force. Additionally, 32 percent of the stay-at-home mothers had at least a bachelor's degree, compared to 38 percent of their working counterparts. Also noted was the fact that about 65 percent of moms who stay home with children have a household income of less than $75,000.

Complementing the trend was a Gallup Poll released last May that found stay-at-home mothers are on average depressed, sad and angry. In fact, the mental health of stay-at-home moms fared far worse than employed moms at every income level. The poll measured laughter, enjoyment, happiness, worry, stress, learning something interesting, and having a high life evaluation rating, which middle- to high-income stay-at-home moms do as well as employed moms.

The implications for moms and kids?

It doesn't take a therapist to recognize that an unhappy mom means unhappy children. By looking at the data it's clear that moms with less financial resources have a harder time raising kids than those with wealth. But quality jobs are hard to come by and daycare isn't cheap; there's no one-size-fits-all shoe for this issue.

"We are still reminded of the mom in the 1950s, the June Cleaver with the pearls from an upper-middle class background, but that is not reality, now," said Pamela Stone, professor of sociology at Hunter College in New York City and author of Opting Out?, a book that examines the phenomenon of high-achieving professional women leaving their lucrative jobs to return to full-time family life.

Stone points out the new stay-at-home moms are up against a "number of disadvantages" such as the cost of daycare, low wages and the lack of sick days needed to take care of a child if needed.

"It's hard to find jobs to begin with, especially in this economy, and we know being a mom doesn't help," Stone said. "It's tough for women who are less skilled because there are a lot of hurdles out there."

Read more on stay-at-home moms

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While the words "family fitness" can be dirty words to kids, getting your family moving without the resistance can be fun — especially when they don't realize you're sneaking in exercise!

Sneak in family fitness

From finding fun exercises for children disguised in play, to breaking a sweat and exercising with your kids, discover six ways to trick your family into exercising.

Disguise exercise for children in play

Not all forms of exercise for children have to involve a gym and a personal trainer. "Kids are a lot like adults, if we find activities that they are interested in, and people they love to be around, fitness is very easy," suggests Jeffrey Cumro, Certified Personal Trainer, Better Life Chiropractic and Wellness. Instead of setting time aside for a formal fitness routine, play Frisbee, go bowling or engage in a game of tag. Just be sure not to let the cat out of the bag; let kids think they're just having fun despite the fact that you're actually sneaking in exercise as play.

Need more ideas on how to get moving? Check out these heart-healthy family activities >>

Reward kids for getting moving

Whether you strap on a S2H REPLAY active activity tracker on your teen, reward them with codes for video games or offer incentives like screen time for taking time for fitness, kids are less likely to resist exercise when there's something tangible in it for them. Set goals and offer different levels of prizes to let them know they are in charge of their own results for a life lesson on staying fit.

"At the moment, statistics on childhood obesity show that one in five children is diagnosed with obesity and this trend is increasing, regardless of ethnicity or social status," shares seven-time Olympic Medalist Shannon Miller, Shannonmillerlifestyle.com. "Obese youth are more likely than youth of normal weight to become overweight or obese adults, and therefore more at risk for associated adult health problems." And, while these six ways to trick your family into exercising can help sneak in fitness now, set the goal to ultimately send your brood the message that exercises for children can be fun!

Read more on family fitness

Learn to exercise with your kids
How to raise happy and healthy children
Family fitness: fun ways to play your way into shape

Toilet training tips

Potty training is a challenge to all parents, but can be a greater challenge to parents of a child with special needs. Determining if you should encourage your child to begin the process can be a difficult decision for parents.

Make the process easier on everyone

These readiness tips can help you decide if your special needs child might be ready for the potty training process.

Is your special needs child ready for potty training?

Potty training a child with behavioral, physical, intellectual or developmental delays or disabilities can be a long and challenging process for both Child and Parent. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, potty training in general is a huge step in a child’s overall growth and one that should be celebrated with positivity by the child's parents. “Rather than focus on their child’s mistakes, which are inevitable in any case, they can use this opportunity to discover how he learns best and to demonstrate to him that he is able to progress.”

These questions will help you to determine if your special needs child is ready to begin the potty training process:

• Does your child recognize the difference between being wet and dry?
• Can your child sense if he or she needs to urinate or have a bowel movement?
• Can your child get to the toilet in time with or without your help?
• Can your child dress and undress him or herself?
• Can your child stay dry for at least two hours at a time?
• Is your child motivated to begin the process?

If you have any concerns or questions pertaining to your child’s development and potty training, consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Every child is different

It’s best not to compare your child’s growth and progress with other children beginning or in the potty training process. Every child, with or without special needs, develops at their own pace and while physicians have a general age range that they like to see a child fit in for developmental milestones, like potty training, the range and expectations become more individualized and accepted for a child with special needs. Instead of comparing your situation to others, surround yourself with a good support system to gather ideas and tips or just to talk about your struggles and accomplishments.

Patience is a virtue

Potty training a special needs child also requires a large amount of emotional prep for parents. “Children with special needs often begin toilet training later than other children, frequently completing the process at age 5 or even later… Learning to use the toilet can be physically painful to some, initially incomprehensible to others,” according to the AAP’s parent website, Healthy Children.

Emotional preparation for parents can also come in the form of support from each other, a therapist, pediatrician, family and friends. It’s best to find the humor in the situation and keep an even level of patience for your child while he or she musters up the courage and skills to take this big developmental step.

18 Best potty training books and videos >>

Potty training prep and must-haves for special needs children

If you think or feel your child might be ready but you're still unsure, consult your child’s physician, specialist or occupational therapist for an expert opinion. A trained professional can guide you with readiness preparations and offer specific insight based on your child’s individual needs — including any special equipment your child might benefit from. Some positive behavioral ideas include a visual reward chart, reward incentives, daily schedules and extra time doing a favorite activity.

It’s also important to stock your home full of potty training essentials to help make the process easier on everyone involved.

Brolly sheet

A breathable and easy to change bed sheet like the Brolly Sheet is not only great for potty training during naps and night time, it's good for children with Sensory Processing Disorder due to its non-toxic materials and the low odors emitted.

BabyBjorn chair

It might take time to find out which style of potty your child prefers. Consider trying both a toilet potty seat, like the soft Munchkin Deluxe Potty Seat and a child-sized potty, like the BabyBjorn Potty Chair to determine which one your child likes.

Travel trainer

You don't have to stop potty training while on vacation or on the go. For travel and time away from the house, keep a Travel Potty Trainer in the car to maintain a consistent routine and positive progress in the right direction.

How routines help special needs kids thrive >>

Source: Healthy Children

More about children with special needs

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How to deal with bullying and special needs kids
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Squeeze me-time in every day

During the course of every day, you may find yourself begging for just a few more hours to make your to-do list for the following day or read that article on parenting that you've been dying to finish.

SheKnows helps you organize your week so you can give yourself a bit of daily me-time .

Sunday check-in

Make Sunday a family organizational day. Have a casual family meeting every Sunday evening to check in with everyone on schedules, special school outings or projects, late/after work meetings, the carpool rotation and reminders about chores and homework. A weekly check-in to organize the coming days will save time for everyone in your family throughout the week — most importantly you.

Check out these tips on starting a family chore chart >>

Creative multi-tasking

We’re not talking about emailing clients while you’re coaching your son’s soccer practice. Find a way to multi-task that includes a little indulgence for yourself. For example, you may have little time for reading these days, but surely you can listen to an audio book while you drive the kids to school, right? Just keep your eyes on the road!

Check out our summertime audio book roundup for the whole family >>

And since you’re already in the kitchen while you are making dinner, use that time to prepare the kids’ lunches for the following day. This will give you a few minutes of extra time before bed or in the morning to chart out your to-do list, read a quick article or scroll through Facebook.

Organize your errands/chores

Organize your errands for the week so you don't waste time doubling back or going all over town to tackle all your weekly chores. Instead of going to three or four different stores, try to pare down the number of stops you make and the places you need to go. If possible, stock up on specialty items that you need to go out of your way to purchase.

More on me time

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Epidurals are often hailed as the golden standard of childbirth pain relief, and generally go off without a hitch, but there are real risks involved. How likely is it that you will experience a side effect?

What are the real risks?

Epidural anesthesia is the most common childbirth pain relief requested in the United States — it is estimated that more than 50 percent of mothers laboring in hospitals have one administered. The anesthesiologist will go through the risks of the procedure and you will need to sign a release form , but do most moms really understand the risks involved?

Likelihood of risks

We asked Jaime Arruda, MD, assistant professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Colorado about how likely it would be for a mother-to-be to experience a negative side effect from epidural administration — and her answer was very reassuring. “Very unlikely,” Dr. Arruda shared. “Most epidurals give excellent pain relief with few side effects. There is a small risk of a ‘spinal headache’ following epidural. Occasionally a mom's blood pressure may lower right after the epidural which could require some medications or IV fluids to correct.”

That said, there are several things that can go wrong, although permanent disability and death are extremely infrequent, it is still a very remote possibility. Here is a rundown of the most common side effects.

Blood pressure drop

Sometimes Mom’s blood pressure can plummet shortly after the epidural is administered, which is dealt with by increasing your fluids , administering medication or providing oxygen. Even though it's usually easily taken care of, the experience can be uncomfortable and sometimes scary.

Spinal headache

One mom we spoke with described the spinal headache that she experienced after her fourth child was born as “a special kind of hell that the name ‘spinal headache’ cannot possibly convey.” A spinal headache occurs when there is leakage of spinal fluid into the epidural space, and it creates a headache like no other, and one that is made worse by bright light and sitting upright.

A depressing way to start your baby’s life, most spinal headaches heal on their own but some moms have to go back to the hospital to have a blood patch administered to provide relief. Spinal headaches occur less than 1 percent of the time, but when they do happen, it can be really miserable.

Labor slowdown

Most practitioners will wait until your labor is well into the active stage and some hospitals even have a minimum dilation needed before an epidural is administered. Even when these thresholds are met, however, labor can sometimes slow down or even completely stop, which can lead to additional interventions such as augmentation with Pitocin or even a C-section.

Even with these potential risks, most moms who get an epidural feel that the benefits outweigh any potential problems. And as long as you know the risks beforehand, it can make any issues that arise easier to deal with if you know what to expect.

More on childbirth pain relief

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What you need to know to conceive

If you suffer from endometriosis — a condition when some of your uterine lining abnormally implants outside of the uterus during menstruation, conceiving can be challenging. Here's what you need to know about getting pregnant after endometriosis.

If you are one of the over 5 million women in the United States who have endometriosis, you may be wondering if you'll be able to get pregnant naturally or easily.

I know the physical and emotional pain endometriosis can cause, as I had a pretty severe case of it. A few years after having a laparoscopic procedure to remove scar tissue, I wanted to have a baby. My doctor told me, "Since you have a history of endometriosis, give it six months to a year to get pregnant." Much to my happy surprise, I conceived immediately. I'm one of the lucky ones — for many women, pregnancy after endometriosis doesn't happen right away — or even at all, without medical assistance.

More about understanding endometriosis>>

Dr. Charles Dubin, founder of the Endometriosis Center of Southern California, explains, "There are two major ways endometriosis can impact fertility. The first is mechanical. If the disease is advanced it can distort anatomy making it difficult for sperm [to] transport through the tube — for example adhesions — or damaging the ovary and interfering with ovulation or ovum pickup by the fallopian tube. The second mechanism — even in the presence of a small amount of disease — is by endometriosis making chemicals that can interfere with fertilization."

Here are Dubin's answers to three common questions about pregnancy after endometriosis:

Will I have a harder time conceiving than a woman who never had endometriosis?

Dubin says, "Endometriosis can reduce the fertility rate per month leading to sub-fertility making it harder for women with the disease to conceive. This results in taking longer to get pregnant than the average fertile woman. In cases of severe amounts of disease a woman may be unable to conceive by natural means."

Learn how to protect your fertility>>

What types of procedures can help women with endometriosis?

Dubin explains, "Surgical removal of endometriosis — laparoscopic excision of disease — has been demonstrated to improve fertility rates in women with endometriosis."

About how long after trying to conceive should a woman who had endometriosis be concerned/consult with a specialist?

"In general, women should seek help if it takes more than six months of trying without conception in women older than 35 years, or one year if they are less than 35 years. However, in cases of pelvic pain or when severe disease is identified, intervention earlier may be warranted," Dubin says.

Dubin adds, "It is best to seek advice earlier than later from a medical professional experienced in the management and treatment of endometriosis. In particular someone experienced and knowledgeable in fertility and advanced laparoscopy — particularly excisional techniques."

Read more about fertility

Help for endometriosis sufferers
Infertility: What it is and what can be done
10 Fertility-boosting tricks

Organizing your day-to-day documents

Save your sanity

Most of us have a spot in the home where all of the day-to-day family paperwork lives. It might be inside the front door in a basket, some corner of the kitchen, or shoved away in the office.

Before the madness of fall takes over, learn how to organize your paperwork effectively. Here are tips to create a family household binder to stay on top of important papers and information.

Do you have to sift through piles of paperwork every time you need to sign a permission slip or RSVP for a birthday party? Learn how to beat the mess this fall by keeping an organized family binder for important papers. Add a dose of contact and emergency information, and you have a great tool for sharing need-to-know info with guests and babysitters.

Discover 10 Quick tips for organizing the playroom >>

Learn how to get your kids organized and save your sanity >>

More organizing

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Does gender make a difference?

There's a new trend where more and more moms are hiring mannies — not nannies — to care for their children. Some nanny placement agencies have seen as much as a 10 percent increase in male nanny applicants in the past year.

Is a male nanny right for your kids?

The only difference between the words nanny and manny is gender. But is that the only difference for you? When it comes to your family, may the best woman — or man — win? Read on for reasons why mannies are becoming more the norm for many families and why you might want to consider hiring one.

Mannies on the rise

As you embark on your nanny search, you will likely find a greater number of males who want the job. Ingrid Kellaghan, child development expert and founder of Cambridge Nanny Group in Chicago says that she's seeing an increase in male nanny applicants. "I'm meeting men with experience in education, coaching, and social work. The vast majority of our mannies are college educated and have been unable to find jobs in their respective fields because of the current mancession, a term that was coined during the financial crisis of 2008-2009 during which men bore the brunt of job losses in the United States."

Kellaghan believes employing a manny is a trend that's here to stay, particularly among single moms and families with boys. "Just yesterday I spoke with a single mom who runs the U.S. division of a global company. She came to our agency seeking a nanny but after learning about our mannies she concluded that a male caregiver was the best option for her bright and active 5-year-old son."

Top 5 interview questions to ask a potential nanny >>

Manny vs. nanny

Although many experts agree that when you're looking for a caregiver for your child, it should boil down to who the best candidate is, not their gender. Shaun Sturz, a manny and star of ABC's Beverly Hills Nannies says there are certain things a manny can offer that a nanny sometimes can't.

"Heavy lifting, fort building, dirty play dates. A manny can do it all, plus he adds his own masculine touch that unfortunately a nanny can never do."

Sturz says although he "never in a million years" thought he'd be a manny, he loves it, especially the term manny which makes him feel as if he's in a special club that only a few people have access to. "People were always asking me to be their manny, because they saw how I got along with kids. I enjoyed it and realized that I am actually quite good at it."

Hiring a nanny: The top 5 steps to take >>

Mannies can be role models

Single mom Samantha Gregory says with the absence of a man in her house she believes that there would be an advantage to hiring a male nanny. "He could be a positive influence on my 12-year-old son and perhaps offer a valuable male point of view for my 16-year-old daughter regarding men in general and boys as she is beginning to think of dating."

A manny will never be Mom

When hiring a caregiver for your child, you have to follow your instincts and go with the person who will be the best fit for your child and for you. And for some women, hiring a man eases their worries about feeling replaced. Katie Bugbee, managing editor at Care.com says, "Some moms might feel concerned that a female motherly figure will replace them. They feel there might be tension between them, so they hire a manny."

Bugbee adds, "We always tell families to trust their instincts. If you know you need a nanny but feel uncomfortable if your baby ends up calling her 'mom' by accident, consider a manny, or a daycare center. Either way, something is telling you that the female caregiver isn’t the right fit."

Does my child love her caregiver more than she loves me? >>

Boys will be boys

Some moms are hiring mannies because they feel a male may be more involved in physical activities with their child. Kevan, a mother of two boys, says she's found that mannies have brought a higher degree of engagement. "They are happy to run outside and toss a ball around, go for a swim, race radio control cars — all the things young boys like to do. The last female sitter I had convinced me that mannies were the only way to go, after my older son, then 6, said, 'Mom, all she does is text and chew gum.'" Kevan added, "Of course, they're not all like that, but who better, I find, to entertain and engage boys than another boy?"

More about choosing childcare

How to find a good childcare program for your child
Chasing the dream: Do you need childcare?
Hire a nanny with her own kids in tow?

Kristin Cavallari

Kristin Cavallari tweeted the arrival of her baby boy with her fiance, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, on August 8.

“We are thrilled to welcome Camden Jack Cutler into the world,” she tweeted. “He was born this morning weighing 7lbs 9oz. Everyone is doing great!”

Perhaps her son will take after Daddy, as Camden Cutler sounds like a great football player name! Camden is a Scottish name in origin that means “from the winding valley.” The name has been rising in popularity since it ranked number 362 in the year 2000, according to the Social Security Administration. It was ranked at number 160 last year.

Why do you think Cavallari picked this name? Perhaps she wanted to keep the “C” theme going with her last name and Cutler’s last name? Or perhaps she loves the Camden area of London? Tell us what you think of the name Camden Jack!

Bobbi Kristina Brown

Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, took to Twitter to share her thoughts on what would have been her mom’s 49th birthday.

“Once it hits 12 am mommy it's your birthday & I am going2celebrate it2thee fullest! Bc YOU deserve it da** it,” she tweeted.

She then wrote that she was going with her boyfriend to get a tattoo “for you mommy,” and then later posted a photo of her arm and her boyfriend's arm with the tattooed initials, "WH."

“Tat tat tatted YURP.. ;) now your truly ALWAYS with us mommy you have to fork over some money to find out how she is handling baby number two. At least we have this little bit of info from the cover: “Kourtney opens up about her first days home with Penelope and how Scott’s stepped up as a dad "

Jennie Garth

Jennie Garth has been spotted out looking quite a bit thinner recently, however the busy mom has had quite a year with the public divorce with Twilight star Peter Facinelli and she has also been busy promoting her new reality show, A Little Bit Country. The couple has three daughters together, Luca, 15, Lola, 9, and Fiona, 5.

Garth, seen here in June with daughter Luca, seemed to be trying to address that weight loss chatter with the tweet, “eat me,” with a photo of her holding up a cupcake.

The former 90210 star recently explained to Entertainment Tonight Canada about her weight loss. “I think anybody who has been through something like what I'm going through and have been going through for the past couple years, can definitely relate that your body changes with your emotional state of mind sometimes," she revealed. “I think a lot of women can relate to that."

"We have so many fruits at our ranch where we've been living... so eating healthy, especially with three girls, body image is something that I try to set a good example for them," she continued.

Alicia Silverstone

It looks like Alicia Silverstone is getting in on the Chik-fil-A debate with this tweet.

“Stick it to Chik-fil-A with this yum-looking #recipe @PETA” she wrote, with a link to a vegan recipe.

“Chik-fil-A is pretty all around awful, so if you know someone who likes their sandwiches, hit ‘em with this recipe, courtesy of PETA,” she wrote on her website.

Selma Blair

Speaking of Alicia, Selma Blair tweeted this little funny nugget:

“Baby is asleep. This mosquito is not. Really?? I am sorry Alicia silverstone, but I wish I could kill it,“ she wrote.

Pink

Singer Pink is the new face of Covergirl cosmetics, and fellow Covergirl model Ellen DeGeneres welcomed her into the family.

“ Welcome to the fold, @Pink! Being a Covergirl isn't just easy. It's also breezy, and beautiful,” tweeted Ellen.

“hahahahaha yes. Exactly!” responded Pink.

From Gwyneth Paltrow to Snooki, check out more sweet, inspiring and wacky celebrity mom tweets >>

Photos: WENN

Using the proper terminology

Flower or vulva, winkie or penis

When it comes to genitals, some parents come up blank, and others have "pet" names for their child's nether regions. But many parents feel that kids should be taught the proper terms.

Which kind of a parent are you?

Children are curious about their body parts, and their genitals are no exception. But many parents feel uncomfortable using the proper names for their child’s private parts. We spoke to parents and found out how they felt about using proper terms for what — to a toddler — is just another body part.

Why proper terms are important

Some adults squirm at the mere thought of our children as sexual beings, which of course includes the future use of their genitals. However, our job as parents is to teach them that their parts, private or not, have a real name that they shouldn’t be embarrassed to discuss. We don’t make up silly names for ears or toes, so why should we for a penis or vulva — or give the underwear-area a broad term such as “down there?”

It can give off the impression that the real words for these parts should not be used or that there is something secret or shameful about them. “I want him to grow up thinking it's just a body part and nothing to be uncomfortable about,” shared Haley, mom of one.

Quite a few parents agreed that using proper terms for genitalia was the right thing to do. “I think it's really important to use the correct terms for genitals,” shared Lexi from the U.K. “Especially as we don't nickname our other body parts — I want her to be comfortable with her body.”

Safety issues

Still more moms felt that the correct terms were vital for their child’s safety. “Proper names are important to teach your kids,” explained Vicki, mother of two. “Not only for educational purposes, but for safety. I need to know that my kids are able to articulate exactly which part is which in the case that someone might touch them inappropriately.”

“My wife is a DCFS worker and she’s had to wade through too many interviews with children who can’t say exactly where they were touched or with what because they lack the proper vocabulary,” shared a parent at Babble.com. “We want to be sure that our children know the proper names of all their parts, and aren’t afraid to use them. Even if it does mean that some evenings out we have to deal with our 2-year-old asking everyone if they have two nipples, too.”

Avoid confusion

Using proper names from the get-go can keep a lot of future confusion at bay. Take Shelly, mom of two, for instance. “When I was little, my parents referred to my vulva as a ‘daisy’ and a penis as a ‘willy,’” she told us. “I distinctly remember being very confused the first time I was told that a pretty white flower growing in the field was also called a daisy. And I remember feeling awkward when I met a guy named Willy.”

Proper terms when they are older

Another thought that can keep your level of public embarrassment down is waiting until they are a bit older, like Skye from Oregon did. “I actually wanted to avoid embarrassing public moments like a 2- or 3-year-old shouting about their penis or vulva. And I didn't really think that the potential visible discomfort of members of the general public was beneficial to forming a comfortable and healthy body image.”

While there are definitely two schools of thought on using proper names , it’s important to keep the lines of communication open with your children.

More on kids and embarrassment

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Bonding with your kids

With summer coming to an end and school about to start, your family members’ schedules are about to fill up. But don’t forget to pencil in some family time! Whether your kids are 5 or 15, it's important to make some time to connect as a family.

Increase family time

Check out these easy ways to increase your family time and connect with your kids.

Between late work meetings and kids’ soccer practice, it might be a little unrealistic to assume everyone will gather around the dinner table for a meal and conversation on a nightly basis. Regardless how hectic your schedule, make time for family dinner at least one or two nights a week.

Check out these tips for fitting in family time >>

Don’t let mealtime pass by without talking! Between bites ask how school was, where the next ballet recital is going to be held or who your kids played with on the playground.

Bring your family closer by planning some fun family outings that all ages can enjoy. Check out a trampoline park, mini golf or bowling lane in your area where everyone in your family can participate. We guarantee a few laughs, too.

Check out our top 10 family time activities >>

Increase family time by starting up a family hobby or routine. This could be anything from taking a bike ride around your neighborhood after dinner to working on a scrapbook of family vacation photos from the summer.

Pick an activity that everyone in your family can do and enjoys doing together. Find time once or twice a week to join together to foster your family hobby.

Doing something new or exciting together is sure to bring your family closer. If your kids are involved in adventure/nature clubs, volunteer to help out on a group camping trip or plan an adventurous weekend outing of your own.

Camping with your family is a wonderful way to connect with your family while you reconnect with nature. While out on your adventure, engage your kids by asking for their help or pointing out interesting things .

To connect with your family, sometimes you have to disconnect. From technology. When you are having scheduled family time — whether you're engaging in Sunday dinner conversation or game night fun, insist that cell phones be turned off or put in another room so your kids aren’t texting their way through this bonding time. They may growl at you now, but they will thank you later.

Find out how to fit in family time tonight >>

Regardless of the activities you and your family do, remember to use your time together to open the lines of communication. You can start out slow so your child doesn’t feel as though he is being interrogated. Simply talking with your kids every day can bring your family closer.

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