Q: I have started to work outside the home and when I come home from work my list of chores is so long.  How can I reconnect with my kids and get dinner on the table? A: It is a challenge.  Dinner is a chore that needs to get done almost every night. Organization is the key. You can prep, cook, and clean up together.  Setting and clearing the table are things that most any age child can do.  You may want to switch to plastic dishes depending on the age of the children.   A plastic knife or a chopper are safe ways for children to help with prep.  Most vegetables and fruits can be cut with a …

Q: My oldest is asking for her own cell phone and wants to start texting. I'm nervous about entering this new territory with my kids. Any suggestions? A: Modern technology has added a whole new set of challenges to parenting.  First I would ask yourself,  does your child have a need for a cell phone?  Is she responsible enough to keep track of one?  Cell phones can be a handy way for your older child to call home for a ride when practice is over,  or let you know where she is when out playing with friends etc. So if you think she's ready to keep track of an expensive item like a cell phone, …

Q.  Help! We're leaving for Spring Break in a couple of days and I don't know how I'm going to travel with all these kids.  My kids are ages 3, 5 and 9 and we're taking our first airplane trip as a family and heading to Disney World in Florida.  I'm just so nervous;  we've spent a lot of money on this and I want to make sure everyone  has the best trip ever!!!! A. Whoa!  Sounds like you will have lots of opportunities to make many happy memories,  but it will be very helpful if you reign in your expectations and dial down the superlatives like "best ever."   Your vacation will have some …