Articles by Michelle Maffei

How I told my son about his medical condition

You pride yourself on always knowing the right thing to say to your kids, but when your kiddo is faced with an unfavorable diagnosis, it's a totally different ball game. From learning disabilities to childhood cancer, get tips for talking to your kids about their health and find out how I told my son about his medical condition.

How to apologize to your kids

Even the most patient of parents loses her cool, but being the mom of a tween doesn't mean you can't learn how to say sorry to your kiddos. From seeing things from a child's point of view to letting your youngster know that you make mistakes, learn how to apologize to your kids without handing over the reins.

6 Birthday cake cocktail recipes

Every mom deserves a drink on her birthday, but now you can have your cake and drink it too with these adorable libations! From chocolate birthday cake martinis to birthday cake jello shots, check out these six birthday cake cocktail recipes that really take the cake.

Kids' resources to fight back against bullying

By the time kids reach their tweens, they don't always want mommy to step in and fix things, even when it comes to bullying. But, standing by and watching your youngster stand up against bullying for himself or others without guidance isn't the answer either. So, before you risk alienating yourself from your child by trying to fix it all, discover four kids' resources to fight back against bullying... safely.

DIY recycled crayon crafts

The amount of crayons your kids seem to accumulate could span the length of your neighborhood, but it doesn't mean you have to let those rainbow-hued craft supplies go to waste. From crayon "letters" that will spruce up any playroom to the stained glass DIY crafts you remember from your childhood, take a peek at these four DIY recycled crayon crafts that will brighten up your kiddo's day!

How to protect your kids' digital photos online

Instagram's recent scare about selling your photos had parents scrambling to delete photos of their kiddos from their accounts, but the reassurance from the online photo site has already put parents up in arms. So, when it comes to Facebook, Instagram, blogs and photography websites, find out how to protect your kids' digital photos online.

When does alcohol expire?

It's a crime to let a bottle of wine go unfinished, but do you know when alcohol expires? From wine expiration dates to the shelf life of beer and other spirits, find out how long you have to empty your liquor cabinet.

Latest breast augmentation surgery for moms

While many moms have had to put off breast implants in the past, Flash Recovery Breast Augmentation now makes your dream of ditching deflated mommy breasts with a boob job an option. From reduced recovery time to more natural results, discover the latest mommy makeover surgery from Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Ashkan Ghavami.

Inexpensive St. Patrick's Day crafts

It's fun to go all-out for the holidays, but even with one celebration after another, you don't have to worry about breaking your budget with these affordable St. Patrick's Day projects. From dollar store crafts like shamrock pasta magnets to creations using supplies you already have at home (like paint and toilet paper rolls), discover six inexpensive St. Patrick's Day crafts that won't cost a pot of gold to make!

5 Marshmallow Peeps crafts

Sweet puffs of marshmallow delight can be good for more than just giving your kids a sugar rush with the right inspiration for Easter crafts! From bunny banners to marshmallow chick topiaries, you won't be able to resist these five marshmallow Peeps crafts.

How to photograph your kids

We all know kids grow up too fast, but photography can be your best friend when it comes to helping you archive those little moments you never want to forget. Even if you don't consider yourself a shutterbug mom, you can still learn how to photograph your kids like a pro with these tips from professional photographers. From how to capture personalities on camera to cutting cheese from your vocabulary.

St. Patrick's Day cupcakes

This green-tinted holiday only comes once a year, but these St. Patrick's Day cupcakes are worth whipping up all year long! From stout beer cupcakes with Irish cream frosting to rainbow-hued cupcakes, discover pint-sized sweets for kids and grown-ups alike!

Valentine's Day breakfast ideas for kids

Candy and valentines for kids are standard, but you can easily whip up a Valentine's Day breakfast for your youngsters that put those sugary sweets to shame with a few simple tricks! From heart-shaped cinnamon rolls to Valentine's Day cake batter pancakes, kick off the morning with these four Valentine's Day breakfast ideas for kids.

How to deal with a difficult child

The idea that toddlers stop being difficult after the age of 2 is an out-right lie. Their defiance, tantrums and path of destruction can linger long into their preschool years! But, before you lock yourself in a closet until these challenging years pass, discover tips on dealing with a difficult child, from understanding their pursuit for independence to reinforcing good behavior.

4 Mardi Gras crafts for kids

Despite the fact Bourbon Street has an adults-only rep, Mardi Gras is filled with family fun. But, even if you don't head for the French Quarter, you can still celebrate at home with these four Mardi Gras crafts for kids, from decorated masks to Fat Tuesday bead necklaces.

4 Chinese New Year activities for kids

Mark the beginning of spring along with China with activities and crafts for kids that help teach about the Far East. From decorating chocolate-dipped fortune cookies to learning about the animal of the year, discover four Chinese New Year activities for kids.

Easy Mardi Gras king cake recipe

It's easy to bring the French Quarter to your kitchen and indulge in some king cake, also known as monkey bread, when you start with refrigerated biscuit dough. Sink your teeth into this easy Mardi Gras king cake recipe before Fat Tuesday has come and gone!

4 Tips to get your kid to poop

While kids would rather run and play than sit a spell on the toilet, there's no denying that kids are grumpy, picky and downright don't feel good when they aren’t relieving their bowels regularly. But, waiting for a constipated child to go isn't your only alternative to a dreaded suppository. Whether your toddler is withholding his bowels during potty training or your kiddo is simply backed up, discover four tips on how to get your kid to poop.

How to teach your child manners

While getting your toddler to remember to put the toilet seat down may be a few years off, youngsters can still teach kids to be polite and respectful in early infancy. From coaching kids proper table manners to being a good role model, discover five tips on how to teach your child manners.

DIY wine bottle crafts any mom can make

Once the kids are asleep, emptying an entire bottle of wine may help you recoup from your crazy day. But it can also inspire a little craftiness too when you discover things to do with empty wine bottles. From wine bottle oil and vinegar dispensers to chalkboard painted vino bottles, before you toss that used container into the recycling bin, uncork these DIY wine bottle crafts any mom can make.