The Gerber Life Parenting Blog

With the cost of a college education in the United States still on the rise, people keep seeking increasingly creative ways to help pay for tuition and other expenses. After doing some legwork, we compiled a list of 10 college scholarships that may have passed under your radar, which your child may be eligible for but may not have considered.

Whether your child’s interests are in business or social change or animal rights, he or she may be able to uncover a new or unexpected frontier that could help pay for his or her college education. For starters, here are 10 scholarships to help pay for college, in the areas of fire safety, community improvement, corrective eyewear, livestock, groceries, sandwiches, potatoes, animals, ducks, and … candy:

By age one, toddler’s brains are on overload with so much data and stimulus, notes John Medina, Ph.D., author of Brain Rules for Baby, that the information can be overwhelming and make it hard for little ones – with their limited verbal capabilities – to accurately understand and express their feelings in a clear way. So what happens? The dreaded toddler temper tantrum, he says.

It’s important for parents to teach their toddlers how to express themselves and their needs in ways that are more productive than a tantrum, and that can help them to be heard and feel satisfied.

At the early stage of ages 1 to 3, the parent is a coach who is training a toddler how to express himself or herself without exploding. To do so, your toddler needs:

A toddler’s world is a toddler’s school, and you, as parent, are the most influential teacher. To pass along good habits to your child, start with what’s most in your control: your behavior. Children do what they see, not necessarily what they’re told, and so setting a good example for your little one starts with you. Here are some tips to help you set a good example:

Free Online Tools for Filing Your Taxes

Taxes are inevitable and often unpredictable. For families living on a tight budget, paying a certified public accountant (CPA) to calculate, prepare and file taxes each year may not be feasible financially. Instead, consider using the many free resources provided by tax preparation companies and the IRS. From tax planning calculators that you can use year-round to user-friendly software that makes filing a cinch, there are plenty of online resources that can help ease your tax season.

Keeping up with each family member’s unique needs and schedule can be challenging. Between your spouse’s and your children’s schedules and demands, it may often feel as if something’s got to give. No one is perfect, but ideally you can learn to effectively prioritize the needs of your spouse and children – as well as your own – so that the entire family can thrive. These tips can help: