A new study of 1,430 7^th-grade students released last month reveals that many 7^th-graders are dating and experiencing physical, psychological and electronic dating violence. More than one in three (37%) students surveyed report being a victim of psychological dating violence and nearly one in six (15%) report being a victim of physical dating violence.

The study also found that while some attitudes and behaviors associated with increased risk for teen dating violence are pervasive, nearly three-quarters of students surveyed report talking to their parents about dating and teen dating violence. Parent-child communication is considered a protective factor that reduces the risk for teen dating violence.

The study was conducted by RTI International (RTI) on behalf of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Blue Shield of California Foundation as part of an independent evaluation of their Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships (Start Strong) initiative. The data released today is the baseline for this larger evaluation to access the overall impact of the program.  Start Strong is one of the largest initiatives ever funded that targets 11- to 14-year-olds to promote healthy relationships in order to prevent teen dating violence and abuse.

But wait, there`s more! »

I recently found myself plagued with the decision to replace an expensive appliance: the refrigerator. The existing one just wasn't cutting it anymore but I knew this big-ticket buy would make a serious dent in our bank account.

When the time came to pull the trigger on this pricey purchase, I took on the challenge of finding as many money saving ideas as possible without sacrificing quality and style. In the end, I saved approximately 17 percent and am extremely pleased with the look, features and price of our new refrigerator.

With Labor Day sales behind us, you may think your opportunity for saving on an appliance has passed. However, big bucks can still be achieved by following these money saving ideas:

But wait, there`s more! »

I've had the fortunate opportunity to review many different VTech toys so far.  My daughter's had the V.Reader, the InnoTab and the MobiGo.  All of these educational toys have one thing in common...you can get free downloads, books and apps by using the included VTech Learning Lodge software.

Through the years, I've received numerous questions and concerns from folks all over the country about how to obtain this free material.  So this time, when I reviewed the InnoTab 2, I decided to also create a step-by-step tutorial illustrating exactly how to use the VTech Learning Lodge software.  I hope you find this guide helpful, and as always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Using the VTech Learning Lodge Software

It was a tragic lesson in the risks of consuming a fast-food, sugary diet:

Dr. Mona Meighan’s normally punctual 26-year-old son, Luke, did not show up for work one morning in 2009. A concerned co-worker stopped by Luke’s apartment and found the young man dead in his bed. An autopsy determined he died from complications of undiagnosed diabetes.

"For seven years, through college and into his work life, Luke lived on pizza and fast foods, sodas and sweet desserts," says Meighan, an education consultant and author of What Are You Doing for Lunch?: A Friendly Guide to Brown Bagging as a Better Way to Lunch.

"Since we have no diabetes in our family, I can only believe Luke’s diet contributed to his death. Too often, young people aren’t aware of how food affects their health. As an educator, I thought the best way to remember Luke was to give people the tools to change their lunch habits. By brown-bagging, you can avoid a lot of processed foods loaded with calories and carbohydrates. It’s healthier – and less expensive!"

But wait, there`s more! »

With warmer weather fast approaching, it’s time to dust away the winter blues and refresh your home for spring.  Clean your home with natural, food safe Arm & Hammer Baking Soda instead of harsh cleaners.  It can be used in almost every room in the house and it only costs about $1 for a 1 lb. box!
 
Below you will find a variety of ways to incorporate baking soda into your spring cleaning routine.  Keep reading to learn more!

But wait, there`s more! »

Sleep-away summer camp represents an epic moment for both kids and parents – a time for kids to take a big step toward independence and a time for parents to begin letting go.

Amidst the frenzy of planning for this childhood milestone, Moms need to turn their attention to one important area to ensure that these best-laid plans don’t spiral into disaster: bugs!  These little pests represent a natural part of summer camp but left unchecked, bugs – including mosquitoes, bees, ticks, horseflies, chiggers, ants, lice, and bedbugs – can render even the most outdoorsy kid into one who crosses summer camp off his list for good.

Here are Stacy’s mom-friendly tips to avoid the summertime swarm:

But wait, there`s more! »