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Easter basket sugar cookies

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Forget cheesecake or pie this Easter. Serve up these adorable sugar cookie cups instead! Each cookie is shaped like an Easter basket and then stuffed with jelly beans and sweet cooking icing.

Easter basket sugar cookies

These gorgeous cookie cups will be a huge hit at your Easter brunch or dinner party. And don't think only the kids will love them, the adults will be snacking on them, too!

Easter basket sugar cookie recipeEaster basket sugar cookies

Recipe inspired by Betty Crocker

Yields about 13 cookie cups

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 pound sugar cookie mix
  • 1/2 egg
  • 1/2 tablespoon flour
  • About 3 tablespoons soft butter
  • Green sugar cookie icing
  • Jelly beans
  • Wire, pipe cleaners or twizzlers

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally grease a mini-muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Mix the sugar cookie mix, egg, flour and soft butter with a spoon. Then, using your hands, mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Take the dough and form about 12-13 balls. Carefully squish the dough into the greased muffin tins, pushing the dough up the sides and the tops of the muffin cavity .
  4. Bake for about 13 minutes. If the cookies look like muffins, carefully push down the center of the dough with your finger as soon as they come out of the oven.
  5. Let cookies cool. Then fill with green cookie icing. Top the icing with green sprinkles and jelly beans. Twist the wire pipe and stick to the top to create the basket handle.

More Easter dessert recipes

3 Healthy Easter desserts
Fun easter treats to make with your kids
Birds' nest cupcakes


Peter Jackson wants to direct Doctor Who episode

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The Lord of the Rings director has even named the fee for his directing duties: One Dalek, please.

Peter Jackson at the Hobbit Premiere

Before he was a great big famous Oscar-winning director, Peter Jackson was just a little boy watching Doctor Who from behind the couch.

"My first real vivid memory is the story about the abominable snowmen, the Yeti," said the director of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in this week's Entertainment Weekly. "They were big, furry monsters and they had these metal balls that would roll around chasing people." He was only 6 or 7, and he was terrified.

Old habits die hard: Jackson has been watching the five-decades-old series ever since.

In fact, he met his longtime partner Fran Walsh while working on special effects for a TV series with Jon Pertwee, who played the Doctor in the early 1970s. Jackson writes that his "memory of meeting Pertwee is somewhat affected by the vision of the gorgeous woman who was discussing his script pages with him — that was writer Fran Walsh and we've been together for 26 years now!"

Aww.

Stephen Colbert to run "Hobbit-themed" week of shows>>

Walsh has apparently gifted Jackson with several Dalek figures, and Jackson has Doctor Who costumes, including a Tom Baker one with an endlessly long scarf.

Jackson also writes that he saw Doctor Who producer Steven Moffat over Christmas and impressed upon him that he wasn't joking.

Entertainment Weekly contacted Moffat for comment, who said, "We're theoretically on board for anything" as long as "we've got a great story."

"They don't even have to pay me," writes Jackson in the magazine, "but I have got my eye on one of those nice new gold-colored Daleks. They must have a spare one ."

Doctor Who is the cover story in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly; the second half of the new Who season premieres on BBC America March 30.

Image courtesy Dan Jackman/WENN.com

Why your baby needs tummy time and how she can get it

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You know your baby needs tummy time, but what if she screams when you lay her on the floor — and what can happen if she doesn’t get enough? We talked to an expert to get tips that every mom can use.
Tummy time for baby

You know your baby needs tummy time, but what if he screams when you lay him on the floor — and what can happen if he doesn’t get enough? We talked to an expert to get tips that every mom can use.

Think beyond the blanket on the floor

Tummy time in your home may be easy as pie, or it may be fraught with stress and screams from your little one who doesn’t appreciate the chance to help build up his muscles. After all, he isn’t a little body builder, is he?

The thing is, tummy time is important from the get-go and developmental delays can occur if he doesn’t get enough.

Why it’s important

We spoke with Kayte Langner, a parent educator with the Saint Joseph Parents as Teachers organization in Missouri. She says that tummy time is so important because it aids in the development of muscle and bone strength in the head, neck and core of a baby. “Muscle develops from the head down to the foot so it starts with just lifting the face off of the floor,” she explained.

How to be successful with tummy time

The traditional tummy time exercise involves laying your baby on the floor, on her tummy, and allowing her to try to lift her head off the floor. “The best way to go about it is to think of yourself as Baby's personal trainer,” said Kayte. Your goal is to do tummy time in spells of 3 to 5 minutes at a time, with a goal of around 20 minutes a day. Tummy time on a hard floor is best because it offers the most resistance.

Kayte said that if you work directly with the baby, you’ll get better results. “Get down on the floor with the baby,” she explained. “Have interesting things to look at. Talk and sing. Make eye contact. If someone is there with them then it will go better and last longer.” She shared that a mom of triplets had an extra large diaper-changing area, and she would do tummy time with each one after a change. “This way it was easy to make time for it with each baby,” she said.

Alternate tummy time exercises

Kayte explains that if floor time doesn’t work out, there are other ways you can try to get tummy time in. However, “... alternate tummy time methods do not build as much muscle as quickly, so keep in mind that you will have to work at it longer,” she shared. If you carry your baby on your hip, facing out, it can help build muscle in the same way as tummy time on the floor does. You can also lay down with your baby on your tummy or your chest. Employing an ergonomic baby carrier can help build core muscles too.

Other ideas:

  • Baby can also lay on your arm facing the floor. Just hold on tightly to a leg.
  • If Baby resists on the floor then roll up a flannel blanket and place it under the chest just below the armpits. This will help the baby keep her face up.
  • Putting the bent arms under her chest will also help Baby push up off the floor.

What if there is no tummy time?

Not getting enough tummy time can lead to a number of issues, Kayte said. “If these muscles aren't strengthened, then Baby will have delay in gross motor milestones like sitting and rolling over,” she explained. Muscle development consists of building blocks, with one muscle group building from another.

Also, babies who spend too much time on their backs can develop problems such as flat spots on their heads or torticollis, which is an abnormal, asymmetrical head position. Some of these conditions require treatment, physical therapy or other measures, such as corrective helmets.

What to keep in mind

Kayte stresses that your baby’s mood must be kept in mind for tummy time sessions to be successful. “No matter what happens, always keep in mind that a crying baby is frustrated and no longer learning or working on muscles,” she said. “Pick them up and love on them. Try again later. Set yourself up for success. Do it when Baby is rested and having some quiet alert time.”

More on infant development

Your baby's health and development: What's normal?
Does "mother-ese" help or hurt verbal development?
How different styles of play encourage child development

Justin Bieber murder plotter is still plotting

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Icky new details on the fella who hatched a bizarre plan to have to associates kidnap and castrate Bieber and his bodyguard for $2,500 per testicle.

Justin Bieber in a hand brace

Takeaway from a short, icky story in the New York Post: Dana Martin is one creepy dude.

The inmate who hatched an insane scheme from prison to kidnap, castrate and kill Justin Bieber and his bodyguard is apparently still "stewing," according to the Post.

"It's still on," Martin said in a jailhouse interview with Details writer Kevin Gray. "This isn't going away. Do you really think that I would stop?"

Martin, already serving life in prison for the 2000 rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl, was apparently set off after Bieber didn't respond to the several love letters Martin, 46, had sent.

Justin Bieber: Stop loaning out your cars!>>

He hired a couple of loser acquaintances to meet up with Bieber. Supposedly one draft of the plan had the hit men attacking him at one of Bieber's shows. Good luck with that, you'd have to get through a heck of a lot of screaming 13-year-old girls.

Anyway, the hit men were going to receive $2,500 for each testicle they "snipped" off with "a pair of Fiskars Durasharp pruning shears," the Post reported in 2012.

Yeeeikes! The plan didn't come off after an ambivalent Martin told a prison guard of his plan and the bumbling would-be assassins took a wrong turn and wound up at the Canadian line, presenting ID.

The Page Six story from today notes that Martin has a jailhouse tattoo of Bieber on his calf and "creepily" said to Details writer Kevin Gray, "I shaved it for you… I always tell people you need to have a shaved Bieber. Believe me, you do not want a hairy Bieber."

Ugh.

Image courtesy WENN.com

Maternity wear you'll want to flaunt

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Being pregnant and having kids is no excuse to stop wearing plush and playful lingerie. This Mother's Day, treat yourself — and your baby too!

Maternity lingerie

Pregnancy is the time to let your inner and outer beauty shine. This means it's time to show your sexy curves beneath those loose maternity pants! We found some playful, yet tactful, lingerie and sleepwear sets that will keep you looking sweet and sexy before, during and after pregnancy.

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Cake Lingerie: Dark Toffee Set

Cake Lingerie lets you look sexy in your maternity and nursing lingerie during all stages of pregnancy, as well as post birth. They have a wide variety of pieces that are as unique and cute as your constantly-changing body. This dark pair of boy shorts and matching silky nursing bra is perfectly sweet and comfy.

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Belabumbum: Mom & Baby Set

Don't keep all the cuteness and comfort to yourself! This sweet nursing chemise and matching baby gown from Belabumbum are perfect for both you and your baby. Because the creators of Belabumbum are moms themselves, they understand that both mom and baby need to be pampered. This super soft pima cotton floral print set is perfect for this Mother’s Day.

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You Lingerie: Playful You! Bra and panty set

These shimmery lace maternity and nursing bras with decorative bows give "hot mama" a whole new meaning. You! Lingerie has plenty of sexy and comfy sets that provide lots of comfort while still spicing things up. This super chic "Playful You" collection shows off all your curves in all the right ways!

More related links

How to pick out the right lingerie for your body
Mother's Day: Wellness gifts for women
Sexy maternity style for hot moms-to-be

Selena Gomez: Wingman for her dad at Hooters

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On Thursday night, Selena Gomez revealed her love for Hooters thanks to her dad, who used her as a wingman back when he was single and on the prowl.

SelenaGomezhooters

Have you ever acted as a wingman for your dad? That's exactly what Selena Gomez did as kid with her single father when he took her to Hooters.

Gomez was on Chelsea Lately on Thursday night to promote her latest film, Spring Breakers, with co-star Vanessa Hudgens, when the story was revealed.

Chelsea Handler addressed the topic with the actress, "I also know your history of your love for Hooters. You spent a lot of time going to Hooters. I don't see any hooters on you."

The audience laughed while Gomez grabbed her chest and smiled.

Handler probed, "You spent a lot of time there. Why do you love it?"

That's when the audience received a surprising answer.

The former Disney star said, "When I was younger, I think my dad wanted me to be a boy."

The quick-witted talk show host jumped in with, "Or a Hooter."

The 20-year-old actress continued, "And so I'd go to Hooters to watch the Spurs game, and all the waitresses would come over and I'd color them pictures. So I was kind of, like, bait for [her father] in a way. It was cool."

It was cool because Handler confirmed that her dad was indeed single at the time of the Hooters outings. There's nothing like getting a date over a basket of chicken wings and fries!

Selena Gomez: Justin Bieber's a crybaby!>>

The topic then naturally turned to Gomez's current dating status which she revealed is: single.

When asked if she is enjoying her current date-free life, the Wizards of Waverly Place star confidently replied, "Yes, I really am."

That's when Handler offered up this advice: "You better enjoy this, girl. You're 20 years old. You got a lot of men ahead of you."

Even if she doesn't have a lot of men ahead of her, Gomez does have a movie opening ahead of her. Spring Breakers will be released nationwide on March 22.

Image courtesy of HRC/WENN.com

"Fluffy" Pippa Middleton dropped by book agent

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Pippa Middleton's been dropped like a hot potato by her literary agent. After abysmal sales of Celebrate, what lies ahead for the perky sister of pregnant Kate?

Pippa Middleton

Pippa Middleton's future as an author is looking grim. But while the Celebrate author has unfortunately been dropped by by her book agent, we may not have heard the last of Kate Middleton's little sister's way with words.

"I am very sorry it has happened, but yes, it is true: I no longer represent Pippa," her former agent, David Godwin, said last night as news of the dropping spread. "I wish her every good luck."

Pippa Middleton wants a Today Show gig >>

"Theirs was a tricky relationship," the Daily Mail quotes a literary world insider as commenting. Shedding light on what may have gone awry, the source elaborated: "David was not an obvious choice for Pippa. His writers are heavyweights while Pippa's niche is fluffy and commercial. In the end it was clear the union was not a happy one."

Kate, Pippa and other royally cute celebrity siblings >>

So what's next for Pippa Middleton, aside from becoming auntie to Kate Middleton and Prince William's baby, due in July?

The 29-year-old is still signed on to pen a column for Waitrose Kitchen magazine titled "Pippa's Friday Night Feasts" in April. And let's not forget that a sequel to Celebrate has been discussed. Showing she's got a stellar sense of humor even under pressure, the brunette beauty suggested her next book be titled Bottoms Up!

Other reports claim a book about weddings may be in the works, which likely has the folks at The Irish Sun cringing in fear. Panning Pippa Middleton's initial effort, they wrote, "It is clear that by writing the book Pippa set out to prove that there is far more to her than her pert bottom. But the fact is, there isn't."

Do you think Pippa Middleton should try for another book after being dropped?

Image via WENN

No-bake coconut bars recipe

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Love coconut? Then this recipe is going to blow your mind. This no-bake recipe for coconut bars uses only a few simple ingredients such as shredded coconut, agave nectar and coconut oil, which are blended and chilled creating a really interesting treat.

One bite of these coconut bars, and you'll be hooked! These are so simple to make and taste really delicious. The coconut flavor is not overpowering and actually offers just enough coconut flavor to make these bars truly special. This is also a great vegan/vegetarian recipe to show others that these sorts of treats aren't boring.

No-bake coconut bars recipe

Adapted from chocolate covered Katie

Yields 6-8 bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded coconut, plus 1 extra tablespoon for garnish
  • 1/4 cup agave or pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 small square container or baking pan

Directions:

  1. In a food processor, add all of the above ingredients except baking pan. Blend until the mixture is well incorporated and very sticky.
  2. Line the container with parchment paper and scoop the coconut mixture into the container and press down firmly to help pack it. Sprinkle with the extra tablespoon of shredded coconut if using and chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to allow the bars to firm up.
  3. Remove and cut into bars. Store remaining bars in the refrigerator.

More coconut recipes

Homemade coconut butter
Coconut oatmeal cookies
Coconut zucchini banana bread


Gwyneth Paltrow's spring fashions total over $450,000

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Gwyneth Paltrow reveals her spring fashion picks with couture site Net-A-Porter, but the wardrobe finds are out of most Americans' budgets.

Gwyneth Paltrowe

While most of us find cute fashions at Target and perhaps splurge at Nordstrom, Gwyneth Paltrow is recommending a spring wardrobe for an entirely different budget. On Thursday, the actress released her Net-A-Porter spring fashion edit via her website, GOOP. The fashion haul totals $458,003.

The timing of the expensive suggested wardrobe comes on the heels of some indirect criticism from fellow actress, Jessica Alba, who suggested Paltrow might be a bit out of touch with reality.

Alba told the New York Daily News while promoting her new book, "Alicia Silverstone is a vegan, so she's the extreme side of it. Gwyneth Paltrow probably lives a very similar lifestyle, but I didn't grow up with a bunch of money, so my tips are much more grounded: repurposing things and making things at home."

Some of the highlights from the spring collection include an "Everyday Punk" look, where shoppers can browse a Valentino studded leather iPad case for $795. The actress also guides her readers to a pair of Helmut Lang leather leggings for $920.

Her "Pretty Pastels" suggestions tell readers to "bring both tailored shorts and pastels into your daytime basic attire." However, the prices are extraordinary. The costs range from $168 for a J.Crew Haley cotton-and silk-blend jacquard miniskirt to $1,950 for a Proenza Schouler textured-leather shoulder bag. It is doubtful that a majority of these items are in most Americans' wardrobe budgets.

Gwyneth Paltrow reveals miscarriage that nearly killed her>>

This type of criticism aimed at the Oscar winner is not new. It has been pointed out in articles before that her champagne tastes do not reflect most of her fans' income.

In her recent Self cover story, the Sliding Doors star addressed that exact situation, revealing, "I feel a sisterhood emerging around me. I'm less threatening now that I'm 40 and not 26-with-an-Oscar. They know I've been through a lot of pain and suffering — some public, some private — and I keep going. Or maybe it's just that I was the first one who could afford therapy!"

Maybe the actress assumes we all aspire to a life like hers? Or perhaps she is out of touch with the way most people live?

Either way, over $450,000 is a lot of cash for just a spring wardrobe.

Image courtesy of Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

How to add green to your wardrobe

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You don’t need the luck of the Irish to give you some green flair. From spring-green shoes to emerald-colored accessories, here are some of our favorite, and easiest, ways to incorporate green into your wardrobe.
Woman wearing green scarf

How to... wear the color green

You don’t need the luck of the Irish to give you some green flair. From spring-green shoes to emerald-colored accessories, here are some of our favorite, and easiest, ways to incorporate green into your wardrobe.

Step 1: Know your green

If neutral colors rule your wardrobe, keep your choice of green in the same tone. If your fashion palette is wild and bold, keep it wild and bold. You don’t need to spend money on green items that you will only wear once. Instead, think of items you like to wear and explore those in greener shades.

Step 2: Accessories are necessities

The easiest, and often more affordable, way to incorporate green is to add a green accessory. Whether it's a green belt to go with your favorite jeans or a frilly green scarf to liven up a casual outfit, these one-item wonders will go far and aren’t overwhelming.

Step 3: Mint is green

We love the spring trend of pastel colors, and mint looks great on every skin tone and with every style. Consider investing in mint-colored items like a pair of mint skinnies, a minty blazer or even a pale green nail polish.

Step 4: Think toe to head

Target green braided sandal

While a pair of green-framed sunglasses can be fabulous, be sure you take your whole outfit into account. Sometimes the best way to add a pop of green to your wardrobe is with clover-colored heels, sandals or flats. One of our favorite sandals is the green Erin Braided Sandal from Target for $15. And remember, don’t overdo it. A couple green items are enough for an outfit, but too much can make you look like a leprechaun.

More green items

Green accessories for St. Patrick's Day
8 Green shoes that rock
5 Green dresses for St. Patrick's Day

HGTV's Lara Spencer offers tips from Flea Market Flip

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When she's not working as co-anchor for Good Morning America, Lara Spencer is on the hunt for a killer deal. The host and executive producer of HGTV’s Flea Market Flip spoke to SheKnows and shared her secrets for navigating the flea market scene.
Lara Spencer hosting Flea Market Flips

When she's not working as co-anchor for Good Morning America, Lara Spencer is on the hunt for a killer deal. The host and executive producer of HGTV's Flea Market Flip spoke to SheKnows and shared her secrets for navigating the flea market scene.

From trash to treasure

Her day job might be working as Good Morning America's lifestyle anchor, but Lara Spencer is passionate about all things antique and vintage. Over the years, her love for decor turned into a side career where she moonlights as a decorator for friends, including pal Kathy Griffin.

I Brake for Yard Sales

Her love for nostalgic decor has opened the door for other ventures. She wrote a book called I Break for Yard Sales to share her own shopping adventures and owns an antique shop at Hamptons Antique Galleries in Stamford, Connecticut, a destination must for designers. Spencer's now working as executive producer and host of HGTV’s Flea Market Flip, a show where contestants get $500 to score a flea market find they can buy, fix and flip for a profit.

Spencer first learned the ins and outs of thrift shop decorating from her mom, who would take her to yard sales and thrift shops on weekends.

"Through osmosis, I learned through her how to spot a diamond in the rough and how to transform it," Spencer told us. "I also learned that you don't need to have a lot of money to have great style."

After years of hunting down the best deals and steals, Spencer has picked up a trick or two when it comes to antique decorating. Check out her tips for working the antique scene.

Antique shopping basics

Determine what your style is. Are you midcentury modern or French provincial? "Follow your heart, because it won't be a bargain or a great find if you don't use it," Lara advised. She suggested combing through design magazines and ripping out photos that appeal to you to help pinpoint common themes you're attracted to.

"It's sort of like it's a racehorse. If a table or a chair has a broken leg, it's never going to be the same."

Look for solid pieces."Give them a shake. Make sure the table's legs aren't wobbly. Make sure there are no cracks and lines," she said. We love her analogy for why you should find the right piece. "It's sort of like it's a racehorse. If a table or a chair has a broken leg, it's never going to be the same."

Check for labels. Spencer says to turn a furniture piece over and look for labels or some indication of who made the furniture. "There are some wonderful midcentury designers like Kittinger and Baker [furniture companies], and if you see a label then you can rest assured that you're finding a great-quality piece of furniture."

What not to look for? Spencer said you shouldn't worry so much about details like finishes, paint jobs or fabrics, since those things can all be changed. You really want to just make sure a piece has good bones, good lines and a classic shape.

Buyer beware. Shopping at flea markets and thrift stores can be super fun, but you still need to do a little work. "You need to do your homework; you need to know what you're looking at, because they're not going to take it back," she said. If you haven't examined an item properly and there's something wrong with it, there's no one to blame but yourself.

Navigating the flea market scene

Flea markets can be incredibly overwhelming. "There's a lot of junk," Lara admits, and it can be hard to find the diamond in the rough. Here's her advice for staying on track during a shopping trip:

Take two trips through. You'll see different things each time.

Train your eye. Regularly browse through design magazines and books and walk around quality antique shops so that when you spot those diamonds in the rough, you'll know it immediately.

You snooze, you lose. If you spot a great piece and don't snap it up immediately, it's gone. These pieces are vintage and one-of-a-kind, so if you see something you like, grab it, or you'll never see it again.

Don't go crazy. Don't buy something just because it's a good deal, otherwise you might end up with a garage full of stuff and have to hold your own yard sale, like Spencer herself had to do.

Buy things you love. Ultimately, you should pick items that are special to you. Don't worry about whether they'll make you a fortune. Worry about whether they're going to make your house a home.

On a time crunch?

If you don't have a full day to spend leisurely browsing a flea market and only have an hour to spare, Spencer says you can still pick up some good finds with the right strategy.

"Dealers often give better prices when you pay with cash versus a check."

Keep on moving. Bring a rolling cart or tote so you can throw your pieces in there and keep on moving.

Cash is king. Have cash so you can better negotiate and move quickly. Dealers often give better prices when you pay with cash versus a check.

Trust your gut. Do your homework and hone your design eye so that when you're running through there you'll be able to zero in on the great gems waiting to be transformed.

Grab it and go. And move on to the next find.

Easiest antiques to flip

One of the easiest items to transform is a dining room chair. Reupholstering dining chairs "could not be easier," Lara told us.

Simply pop out the seat using a screwdriver and apply new fabric using a staple gun. You typically need less than 1/2 yard of fabric per chair, and you can use "any fabric under the sun." Since you need such a small amount of fabric, you can afford to splurge a little.

"Ask your fabric store if they sell remnants, because those are a fraction of the price. Since you don't need a lot, you can get these great little scraps for next to nothing and transform your dining chairs or desk chair."

The power of paint

"Spray paint is every DIYer's best friend," Spencer explained. "Learning how to properly repaint a piece can completely transform it."

She said everyone should learn "how to properly sand, prime and paint a piece." Look it up on online, buy a book or consult a pro. "You will be so happy with the results."

Once you learn the right technique, pretty much anything is game. Dining room chairs, an old table, a random yard sale steal.

"Using bold colors or glossy white can breathe new life into an otherwise tired, old piece."

The best flip?

Bicycle Flip

We asked Spencer to tell us the craziest item she's seen flipped. She said she was "completely blown away" by a team who found an old 1950s bicycle and somehow was able to transform it into "the most fabulous tavern table."

They bought it for only $50 and were able to sell it for almost $100. Spencer said it was "worth every penny."

"It was one of a kind. It was so chic, totally unique, and I would've never thought of it."

Tell a story

Spencer doesn't just flip antique pieces for profit; she regularly incorporates special items in her home. She's lived in everything from a 1901 carriage house in Connecticut to a 1960s home in Beverly Hills and constantly changes up her decor to fit the home. Her current house is a 1920s Connecticut farmhouse where the style is a combination of midcentury modern and antiques.

The key to incorporating older pieces in your home is to mix it up, she said. "When you start to get too one-note, it starts to feel like a hotel room," she explained. "An eclectic mix of pieces that tell a story about where you come from and your history really make your house uniquely you."

"I love a room that tells a story," Spencer said. "Every single piece in my room has a story, and I love to share it with my guests."

watch Lara

Catch Lara Spencer on HGTV's Flea Market Flip, Fridays at 9 p.m.

Photo credit: HGTV

More decorating tips

Home makeover tips that reflect your personality
Holly Becker's favorite decor trends
Staying sane during a home renovation with Laurie March

Alan Ritchson to play Ninja Turtle

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Alan Ritchson will star in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot.

Alan Ritchson

Another hot young actor has signed on to star in the forthcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film!

Deadline reports that Alan Ritchson will play Raphael in the film.

The 28-year-old cutie will soon be seen as District 1 tribute Gloss in the highly anticipated The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

The former model will also be seen in the TV movie Super Fun Night, with Rebel Wilson.

Audiences will recognize Ritchson from his small-screen roles on shows like Smallville, 90210 and Hawaii Five-O.

Now that he has two major films set to be released, it's safe to say that his days of brief TV guest stints may be coming to an end.

The reboot of the popular Ninja Turtles franchise will be a live-action version of the classic cartoon of the same name.

It was announced last month that Megan Fox has signed on to star in the film. The role will re-team her with Transformers director Michael Bay. The pairing of the two proves that their public falling out following statements Fox made comparing Bay to a "Nazi" is behind them.

Fox will play the iconic April O'Neil in the flick.

Megan Fox and Michael Bay have buried the hatchet >>

Originally set to be released on May 16, 2014, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been pushed back to June of next year.

Image courtesy Wenn.com

DJ Steve Aoki talks new album and tour

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DJ Steve Aoki talks to us about working on his latest album, heading out on tour this year and all the various ways he's donating to charity.

Steve Aoki on CW's Arrow

Steve Aoki is a very busy man. In addition to guest starring on an episode of Arrow this week, he's also been working on his next album, launching a new tour, helping his fans donate to charity, helping his friends to become more healthy and working on some TV shows exclusively for his YouTube channel.

With a schedule like that, it's hard to believe the man has time to breathe, let alone chat. But SheKnows was lucky enough to steal a few minutes of Aoki's time to talk about everything on his plate for the coming year.

Justin Timberlake promises more music is on the way>>

SheKnows: What's happening with your new album and tour?

Steve Aoki: I'm about 40 percent done with my second album, and it's called "Neon Future." I have two residencies coming up, and both are called "Neon Future." One will be at Hakkasan Las Vegas at the MGM Grand, where I'll be playing about once a month, and the other is at Privilege Ibiza, where I'll be doing about once a week during the summer.

I'm touring relentlessly. I live in Los Angeles., but every month I only have about one or two days in Los Angeles. I did about 300 shows last year around the world, and I'll probably end up doing close to the same this year. I'm also doing a three-week bus tour across the U.S. in April, then here in Miami.

SK: Can you tell us about the charitable fund that you set up?

SA: I had been trying to put this together for a while, and it took me about a year because I'm so busy. Last year, I did a big birthday bash for my annual Los Angeles show, where I introduced the fund. I wanted it to be more interactive with my crowd, because I want my crowd to be involved with what I'm doing. Everything I do is about the interaction with the crowd. So I took a dollar from each ticket sold at that show and put it into the charity. I'm going to start doing that at all of my shows.

That way everyone is involved in raising money for a charity that they can actually vote for. So at the end of this year — and I'll do this every year — I'll pick five charities and then everyone can vote for where the money will go. I'm just trying to get more people involved and make it more like more of a crowdsourcing experience. Because you can have fun at the shows and go wild and crazy and enjoy your time, but at the same time you can be supporting communities and people who need help, or help research that needs money. You won't even know it, but you just did it.

Music review: Phoenix's "Entertainment">>

Also, I have all of these clothes because I tour so much, and I'm literally shedding all my clothes and selling them online and giving all of that money to charity. So I'm finding more ways where I can raise money. Plus, at the end of the year, I'm matching the money up to my birthday. For instance, I turned 35 last year, so I'm going to match it up to $35,000. This year I'm turning 36, so I'm going to match it up to $36,000.

SK: Sounds like you're really busy. What else are you up to these days?

SA: There are some other personal things I'm doing, like I'm really into fitness, and I'm getting all my friends healthy by working out and eating healthier. So I have all of these workout bets. I have about 15 of them going on with different people. So by the end of the month, if they don't keep up with their workout plan — by working out so many times a month — they actually have to pay the fund. And if I don't keep up, I have to pay the fund. I'm just trying to find every possible way to raise money that I can.

SK: Are you designing the workouts?

SA: I'm really into Insanity, and I'm a really big Shaun T. supporter. I do that all of the time in my hotel room, so we're trying to find some funny viral ways to share that.

On my YouTube channel this year, we have five new TV show concepts that I'm going to do. They are really funny, and I can't wait to start debuting stuff on my channel. One of them is going to be some weird workout thing that we've been talking about.

It definitely sounds like Aoki is one of the busiest men in music!

What do you think about his upcoming album and tour, plus all of his charity work?

Photo courtesy of The CW

Christina Aguilera weight loss: Xtina's toned and tan

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Christina Aguilera's weight loss is making headlines, as fans of the singer lean in for a closer look at her freshly toned arms and fresh-faced look. Check Xtina out!

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera's weight loss success has the singer looking at little less like The Voice coach we've watched the last few years and a little more like the Xtina we remember from back in the day!

Check out the 32-year-old's slimmed-down, toned-up look above on the right, when she turned up at The Voice's Season 4 premiere screening in a black dress on March 20. Her hair is much longer than that blunt-bob style she was sporting last November — and check out the sassy smile she's now rocking!

Christina Aguilera, Ke$ha and Pitbull to perform at Kid's Choice Awards>>

Is Aguilera's appearance at the event a hint she's not yet done with The Voice?

"I can't say anything right now," she told reporters. "I can only do what feels right for me in the moment and right now what's important for me, and this is why I love the show, and why I'm coming back in support."

Sharing a bit of advice for new mom Shakira, who is set to join the show, the blond beauty added, "Everybody figures it out at their own pace, you know. It is a juggling act — it's a balancing act to take on your responsibility in front of the camera and then be Mommy behind. Shakira seems like a tough girl that can hold her own, especially with these boys!"

Xtina's fellow The Voice judge says to lay off her weight>>

While news outlets have been touting headlines about Xtina's weight loss, it's important to note she hasn't worried too much about her figure fluctuating over the years.

"I've always been one to make it very clear, love me or hate me, take it or leave it, this is who I am," she said previously. "I embrace my body, and I embrace everything about myself."

What do you think of Christina Aguilera's fresh look?

Images via WENN

Once Upon a Time preview: "Selfless, Brave and True"

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Mary Margaret is still not herself, Neal's fiancée comes to town, and we finally find out what happened to August when magic came to Storybrooke.

Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time Season 2 continues on Sunday, March 24, with an episode called "Selfless, Brave and True." Check out the synopsis and preview videos below to find out more about the episode.

Work begins on Once Upon a Time spinoff>> 

Here is the official synopsis from ABC:

While Mary Margaret goes off on her own in an attempt to come to grips with what she did to Cora and how her deed has affected her, she stumbles upon August, who has hidden himself away from the others and is completely made of wood — ashamed at the actions he has taken in life; and Emma is shocked when Neal invites his fiancée, Tamara, to come to Storybrooke. Meanwhile, before the curse was cast, August is introduced to a man of magic who may be able to prevent him from turning back into wood — but at a steep price.

From that, we get the impression that August is in real trouble. Now let's take a look at the preview video for the episode.

In the preview video, we see that some of the characters have much bigger roles to play in the episode than we might think from the synopsis. The preview seems to suggest that Neal's fiancée's intentions to visit Storybrooke could be more sinister than Neal realizes. It also seems to suggest that August could be the one to save them all, despite the fact that he is nearly completely made out of wood.

In the first sneak-peek video, we find Greg walking into his hotel room to find Regina waiting for him. She remembers him from when he was a boy, and he finds it interesting that she looks exactly the same as she did back then. Regina tries to write off her agelessness to a great cleansing routine, but it doesn't look like he's buying it. Greg tells her that he is looking for his father, and Regina tries to convince him that the man left Storybrooke a long time ago. Something tells me he's not going to buy that story, either.

Once Upon a Time recap: The price of vengeance >>

In the second sneak-peek video, Mary Margaret, Emma and Marco are walking through the woods. Marco decides to come clean about the lie he told about the wardrobe being able to hold only one person. When Mary Margaret realizes that she could have traveled with her daughter to keep her safe, she loses her temper and slaps him. The move surprises them all and forces Mary Margaret to realize she is not herself.

In the third sneak-peek video, we see that Henry and Neal are still bonding as father and son. Henry brings his storybook to Neal and asks to be told all about what life was like there. Neal is happy to tell Henry whatever he wants to know, but he needs to talk to Emma first. It seems that Hook has escaped his bonds in the basement where they left him and that his fiancée is on her way to Storybrooke. When Emma hears the news, she is much more upset about Tamara's visit than about any trouble Hook could cause them.

Once Upon a Time recap: Who will die?>>

The only bad thing about these clips is that none of them feature August, but I guess I can wait a little while longer before I see one of my favorite characters come back.

What do you think after seeing the sneak peeks from this episode of Once Upon a Time?


Revolution featured at WonderCon

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Get your costume ready because WonderCon is almost here, and this year, Revolution is joining the convention with exclusive screenings and a cast panel.

Revolution

WonderCon is fast approaching. The 2013 science fiction, comic book and motion picture convention has a pretty impressive lineup, including events from the Revolution cast and creators.

Revolution exclusive screening

The weekend will start on Friday with exclusive screenings from fan-favorite series including Revolution, which will be hot off its spring premiere. Warner Bros. TV will unveil the world premiere of new, previously unaired episodes of Revolution. Other shows that will be screening episodes include The Following, Teen Titans Go! and Arrow.

Billy Burke spills on Revolution love triangle>>

Revolution cast Q-and-A panel

Following the screening, Revolution will continue the weekend with a cast-and-creators panel on Saturday. All your favorite cast members — including Elizabeth Mitchell, Tracy Spiridakos, Zak Orth, David Lyons, Daniella Alonso and Tim Guinee, along with executive producer David Rambo — will be in attendance. Here are some burning topics the panel is sure to address:

  • Bass' plans for the expansion of the Monroe Republic
  • The long-awaited Matheson family reunion
  • Theories on what really happened to cause the blackout

The cast will be revealing exclusive information about the remaining episodes of the first season. With the return of Revolution on March 25, we're sure there will be lots to talk about.

Other shows hosting panels at the event include Vikings and Falling Skies.

J.J. Abrams talks Revolution Season 2 >>

How to attend WonderCon

The convention will be held March 29–31 in Anaheim, California, and the weekend is packed with TV premieres, expert panels and cast Q-and-As.

Three-day badge passes are available for $40 in advance or $50 at the door. The WonderCon website says that passes for all three days are likely to sell out before the start of the convention.

Are you planning on attending WonderCon this year? Don't worry if you can't make it — SheKnows will be covering the events as they happen, so stay tuned for updates!

Teaching phone manners to kids

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Got manners? Learning proper manners for using the telephone is an important life skill for your kids. Whether they are old enough to answer the phone or simply having a chat with grandma, using manners is important.
Child on phone

Got manners? Learning proper manners for using the telephone is an important life skill for your kids. Whether they are old enough to answer the phone or simply having a chat with grandma, using manners is important.

Phone Manners,
respect and safety

Even when your child is young, they are paying close attention to you when you use your phone. Infant toy telephones and toy cell phones offer a good chance to model appropriate phone behavior.

So much more of our day revolves around the phone now that learning proper manners early is important.

Making a call

Phone manners are all about respect. A great early experience for using the phone is calling a grandparent to say hello or a friend for a play date. These are relatively safe phone calls to make. Teach him to identify himself first, by saying, "Hello, this is Joe. May I please speak to John?" Discuss how to ask to leave a message if someone is not available and to always say "Thank you" and "Goodbye."

Sometimes kids need to call coaches, neighbors or other adults they don't know well. In those cases, teach them to introduce themselves more completely, as in, "Hello, this is Joe Smith," and then move on to the question or reason they have called. Again, they always need to say "Thank you" and "Goodbye." These types of calls are more difficult for kids and require more practice. Make sure they remember to listen carefully to the information they are given and to take notes if they need to remember something.

Some of the embarrassing things kids say>>

Answering

What a child says when he answers the phone is as much about safety as it is respect for the person on the other end. When answering the phone, she takes on the role of information gatherer more than information giver.

"You might have a rule that if the kids don't recognize the caller ID, they don't answer the phone."

Giving a name — or any other information, for that matter — isn't always appropriate. Caller ID is a great aid in discerning how much information to give, or whether to answer the phone in the first place. You might have a rule that if the kids don't recognize the caller ID, they don't answer the phone. If it's a valid call, the person will leave a message, and you can call them back.

For calls they do answer, kids should be taught not to give their names or any additional information — who is or isn't at home, address and so on. When in doubt, your kids can pass the phone to an adult, or ask the caller to leave a message or to call back another time.

Messages

Taking appropriate phone messages is a sign of respect for the caller and for the message recipient. Plenty of adults even struggle to take and deliver proper messages. Have a pad of paper near the phone for messages and plenty of writing instruments located at each phone location. Cordless phones may not always be in the base, so be sure to have extra pads and pencils at strategic locations throughout the house.

At the very least, your child should be able to get a name and number of the person calling, and note what time the call was received. Teach them to verify spellings if they are unsure. They can even ask the caller, "Can I please have my mom call you back for those details?" if the message seems complicated. Delivering the messages is also important. Show your child a good place to leave phone messages for all family members, since it's easy to forget about them hours later.

Everyone wants polite kids>>

Teaching phone manners is a process that takes time and practice. Start teaching your kids early about phone manners, and they soon become second nature.

More on kids and manners

Benefits of good manners go beyond the table
5 Table manners rules every kid should know
Kids and manners: Start with the basics

Are we empowering our kids too much?

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Everywhere you look, the world is increasingly being geared toward kids. Parents take pride in treating their children like mini adults and empowering them to make choices. Ask almost anyone of the current grandparent generation and they will agree – kids these days have too much power. Have we given our children an edge or set them up for trouble later?
Little boy is the boss

Everywhere you look, the world is increasingly being geared toward kids. Parents take pride in treating their children like mini adults and empowering them to make choices. Ask almost any current grandparent and they will agree — kids these days have too much power.

Treating them like
little adults backfires

Have we given our children an edge or set them up for trouble later?

Everyone wants to give their children a bit of the childhood they never had. Many modern-day parents were raised to be “seen and not heard,” not often asked for their opinions or allowed to make many decisions. Fast-forward to a generation that is raising children whose opinions carry almost as much — if not more — weight in the family unit as that of the parents. What could be wrong with treating kids like adults?

What’s good about empowering kids?

We all want to raise children who are capable of making competent decisions and able to problem-solve on their own. This is difficult if we haven’t given them chances to succeed — and fail — at choices and decisions as they were growing up. The key is to balance the power you give them with the responsibility that comes with it.

Deborah Gilboa, M.D. — also known as Dr. G — is a board certified family physician, parenting expert, author and mother of four who loves to help parents increase their knowledge and follow the parenting instincts they already have. “We do our kids a great service when we empower them,” she says. “The ability to express their feelings, make informed decisions and navigate the world around them are crucial skills that only practice will develop.” Teaching our kids from a young age what it means to express his opinions, yet still be able to work together with others is a life lesson well spent. “Empowering helps, as it encourages children to use the power they have in a way that benefits themselves, the family and society,” adds Dr. G.

Why time-outs don't work>>

Too much of a good thing

Many people who became parents in the 1980s and 1990s pushed away from their authoritarian upbringing and swung to the opposite extreme — being permissive. “Live and let live, let kids be free,” said Carol Bruess, head of the Family Studies program at the University of St. Thomas, when she described a style of parenting mostly centered on kids’ self-esteem and happiness.

"We do our kids a disservice when we put them in charge."

While all children need a healthy dose of self-esteem, too much focus inward makes it hard to work together for a common purpose. These same kids have difficulty as young adults, when they begin to enter the workforce and need to blend into a work culture with structure and expectations.

Dr. G cautions that there is a difference between empowering our kids and putting them in charge. “We do our kids a disservice when we put them in charge,” she says. “Kids need to know how to express those feelings respectfully. Their decisions may not override our decisions.” She adds that as our kids navigate the world, they must be bound by our family rules and values. “Kids and teens need to see the consequences of their actions and learn to serve others — these two lessons will make sure that empowered doesn't become entitled,” she concludes.

You can become a more easygoing mom>>

Find the middle ground

How can you give your kids the power to feel confident and able to make decisions, yet keep them from feeling better than everyone else? Start by letting your child make simple decisions — partially controlled by you — from a young age. For example, a 3-year-old boy is perfectly capable of choosing his own shirt for preschool if you provide him with two or three acceptable choices. You are still controlling the outcome, but he’s making the choice and learning.

As your kids get older, raise the stakes a bit. Tweens can plan a family meal or make decisions about which movie to watch for family movie night, while an older teen may be allowed to choose a destination for a weekend day trip. Trial and error is the key to learning, so support their decisions as they learn but be their safety net. They need to see that you are in charge — but are trusting them to make decisions.

Kids need self-esteem and happiness — just make sure you balance it with structure, rules and compassion for others.

More parenting styles

5 Parenting styles for a new generation
Jada Pinkett Smith defends her parenting style
Spoiled rotten: Why you shouldn't coddle your kids

Consistency: The golden rule in good discipline

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Whatever family rules you prioritize, values you want to instill or behaviors you wish to decrease, there is only one major rule that must be followed to see any change. That one golden rule is consistency.
Mother and daughter

Whatever family rules you prioritize, values you want to instill or behaviors you wish to decrease, there is only one major rule that must be followed to see any change. That one golden rule is consistency.

Say what you mean and mean what you say

Parenting with complete consistency does more than improve a child’s behavior. It also creates a sense of security, encourages responsibility, reduces anxiety by increasing predictability and allows children to be accountable for their own choices by controlling their own outcome.

The importance of consistency

Consistency is essentially having the same clear expectations for a certain behavior at all times, across all situations and between all major caregivers.

"What feels easier in the short run... often makes things more difficult in the long run."

Dr. Fred Jones, psychologist and author, explains that when it comes to consistency, there are no in betweens. You are either consistent or you are not. There is no “sometimes” or “almost always.”

Although consistency is so important, it is one of the most common parenting pitfalls. That is because consistency is not easy. If it were, everyone would be a master at it! It requires dedication even on days when you feel exhausted, things are hectic, and you just want to make life easy and your child happy. What feels easier in the short run, however, often makes things more difficult in the long run.

Maintaining consistency

The key to consistency is to say what you mean and mean what you say — always, every day. Here are common problems to consistency and how to work around them.

1

Disciplining before instruction

Discipline that seems arbitrary to a child is because rules and expectations are not clearly defined, established in advance and reinforced daily.

Solution: Create a few clear family rules and the consequences for breaking them. Rules should stay the same no matter who, what, when, where or why.

2

Emotional reactions

Emotional responses that come from parental frustration or anger are by their very nature inconsistent and unpredictable.

Solution: Respond to problem behaviors with swift, emotionally-detached warnings and consequences to avoid emotions from building up and dictating your response.

3

Empty threats

Threatening too big and not delivering.

Solution: The consequences to breaking the family rules should be realistic so you can carry them through and in proportion to the transgression.

4

Busy and distracted

Letting things slide when life gets hectic and you are tired or overwhelmed.

Solution: Commit to just a few family rules that do not change depending on the day, your mood, the situation or the environment.

5

Aiming to please

Parents don’t want to be the bad guy.

Solution: Children need a parent, not a buddy. Your child will always love you even if you make them temporarily unhappy.

6

Lots of talk, little action

Too much explanation or ranting can reinforce the wrong behavior by giving it attention, albeit negative attention.

Solution: Keep feedback concise, stating only the family rule, the expectation and the consequence.

7

Overlooking the good

Focusing on the bad behavior and treating the good as an expectation with little fanfare.

Solution: Give lavish praise when a child is exhibiting positive behavior.

8

No means yes

Caving in after you have said "no."

Solution: This can easily undermine all of your hard work. If you are not sure you can hold true to your “No,” try saying “Maybe” or “We’ll see” instead. Then if you crack, at least you didn’t deflate the power of your “No.”

9

Mixed messages

Each parent says and does something different.

Solution: Make sure all caregiving adults are on board with the rules, even if it means some compromising.

More about discipline

Stranger discipline: Does it cross the line?
I can’t say “no” to him…
Stop being the good cop

What to do about your child’s dying social skills

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In a world dominated by digital communication, parents worry about their children’s ability to develop the necessary face-to-face social skills required for successful interpersonal relationships. Social skills need not die in an era of technology if they are introduced and practiced as early as possible.
Kids on iPad

In a world dominated by digital communication, parents worry about their children’s ability to develop the necessary face-to-face social skills required for successful interpersonal relationships.

talking face-to-face

Social skills need not die in an era of technology if they are introduced and practiced as early as possible.

Digital communication such as texting, emailing and social media are increasingly replacing old-fashioned, face-to-face communication. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of 7-1/2 hours a day using some type of electronic device such as an iTouch, cell phone, or computer to both entertain and communicate. While technology can connect us in many positive ways, when it is introduced to young children as a way to occupy and/or appease them, it may result in long-term difficulty with the ability to initiate social interactions, emotionally regulate, resolve conflict, and engage in small talk or spontaneous reciprocal conversation.

How to build strong social skills in a high-tech world

The basic skills for face-to-face communication will remain under-developed without parental coaching and modeling, consistent reminders, rehearsal and repetition. There are several fundamental building blocks to the development of healthy social skills that can be easily practiced every day.

Eye contact

Face-to-face communication requires eye contact. Encourage your children to look people in the eye when they are communicating, even if it means interrupting your children’s play or rerouting their attention.

Proper volume

Give children feedback on the proper clarity, tone and volume of their speech. In other words, remind them to speak up and speak clearly when communicating.

Conversation starters

Rehearse some basic conversation starters with your children so they are prepared to engage in the art of small talk and feel comfortable initiating dialogue. Review a few good questions for the more introverted child to ask in order to keep a conversation going.

Good manners

Good manners speak volumes about you, whether you are a child or an adult. A child who is courteous, respectful, and mannerly will often have excellent social skills because she has been taught how to demonstrate thoughtfulness toward others.

Practice greetings

Practice greetings when visiting others or welcoming guests. Make sure your children stop what they are doing, look the visiting party in the eye and say ‘hello’ at arrival and ‘goodbye’ upon departure.

Taking turns

Turn-taking is an important skill to develop in very young children. A child who learns to take turns with a toy or a swing is also learning about reciprocity in communication.

Dealing with down time

Allow children to tolerate unstimulated downtime rather than succumb to electronic devices. This provides more opportunity to communicate with family or peers or simply to have an internal dialogue that stems from thoughts and daydreams.

Being a good role model

Model good social skills by recognizing your own reliance on, and distraction by, electronic devices. If you find yourself texting and checking your smartphone every five minutes during a face-to-face conversation or a family dinner, remember your children are learning through your example.

Technology can bring people together but if poorly monitored and misapplied it can become a detriment instead of a supplement to communication in the 21st century. A parent’s role is to minimize the drawbacks of an overly-technological world and prioritize social skills at an early age. Doing so will ensure a lifetime of mutually gratifying professional and personal relationships for our future generations.

More about raising kids

Mom vs. Dad: Technology and your kids
Eat, move, nurture: Raising healthy kids
Raising a sensitive child

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