It's that time of year again! The kids are off from school, relatives are coming to visit, and your to-do list is getting longer and longer. It's easy to feel the stress building along with the holiday excitement, and it can be very tiring.

Holidays are a wonderful time to share family traditions or invent new ones, especially in the kitchen.

One topic that often comes up this time of year is teaching gratitude. Many parents approach me with questions about how to help them instill feelings of gratitude and thankfulness in their young children.

Sharing and giving are an essential part of social-emotional development, and the holiday season is the perfect opportunity to help your child develop these important skills. Here are five fun things that you can do at home to get into the spirit of giving.

My mother's kitchen was the center of much learning during my childhood. There, she taught me how to read the alphabet, follow a recipe, set a table, and more.

Teaching cooperation and how to get along with others helps kids develop important life skills, and it's never too early to start. We all want our children to be happy, and are hopeful they will make friends and be included during playtime.

Oh, the playground . . . just the word conjures up images of lovely green spaces, children laughing, parents chatting, and everyone getting along peacefully. Sometimes, however, it can feel more like a war zone.