Blog Posts by Yahoo! Contributor Network

Switching up your 'do is one of the easiest ways to make a statement this summer. In the same way a fresh wardrobe makes a mom feel like a new person, a new head of hair can do the same. Summer 2012 is all about keeping things fun, playful and youthful. Check out the following four summer 2012 hair color trends and convince yourself to change things up a bit for the hot months.

Blonde Locks

What's more appropriate for summer than natural-looking blonde hair? Skip the super platinum and instead opt for multi-dimensional blonde blocks. Think darker or brassy roots, buttery highlights and hints of champagne. If you're going blonde for the first time, head to the salon to have the work done. Not only will a hair stylist ensure your hair looks natural, she'll make sure it doesn't get damaged in the process.

Pop of Color

Whether you're bold enough to go permanent or simply want to try a bit of color for a day or two, consider adding a pop of color to your coiffure at some

Growing up, I was fortunate to have parents that were deeply involved in my life. They cheered for me during softball games, applauded proudly at every dance recital, and took me out for ice cream after every high school art show and awards ceremony. I'm not even embarrassed to say (okay, maybe a little) that my mom even recently surprised me with flowers after my latest big accomplishment at work - and I'm 30 years old!

As a kid, I knew how it felt to be supported and encouraged by your parents. Now that I have two young children of my own, I understand the importance of cheering on your kids in all aspects of their lives - from sports, to school and even in the little everyday things. Here's why it's so important to be cheering on your kids in:

1. Sports and activities

Every child needs a #1 fan! No matter their age, every kid wants to hear support, shameless cheering and encouragement when it's their turn at the plate. Even if the crowd or their teammates are cheering, it's so

Give your morning some patriotic pop with these healthy red, white and blue themed breakfast ideas. Pledge your allegiance to eating right with the all-American starters, which have all been kid-tested. Get your own kids in on the act by asking them to brainstorm as many red, white and blue breakfast ingredients as they can. Then let them help prepare the breakfasts with you. It's a great way to get kids excited about starting their day the healthy way!

Patriotic Parfait

3 cups vanilla Greek yogurt

8 strawberries, sliced

1 cup blueberries

Low-fat whipped cream

Red white and blue cookie sprinkles

Rinse and clean the strawberries and blueberries in a strainer and pat dry. Slice the strawberries into four pieces each. Place a handful of blueberries into the bottom of a clear drinking or parfait glass. Spoon half of the yogurt on top of the berries. Gently layer the strawberries on top of the yogurt. Carefully spoon the remaining yogurt on top of the strawberries,

How do you help your kids balance school and extra activities?When your child tells you he or she needs more free time, you may be inclined to chuckle. It's hard to imagine that the average six-year-old in first grade who plays soccer, or the 14-year-old high school freshman needs more free time. However, if you ask most kids in any age group if they wish they had more free time, the answer will most likely be yes. So, how do moms and dads who are struggling to balance their own hectic schedules help their kids balance sports and life?

Lead by example - The best way to teach kids to find a balance in their own schedules is to make time in yours. If the kids are always seeing mom and dad running around frantically, showing up late to every event, and forgetting essentials at home due to a time crunch, they'll fall into the same pattern.

Prioritize - Parents need to prioritize tasks and teach kids to do the same. Use a dry erase board, a chalkboard, or a shared family calendar to number and prioritize events, from the "must do" and "would like to

Try olive oil for smooth strands.

Having a glorious head of hair has always been a top priority for many women. Shiny, lustrous hair is not only pretty to behold -- it's a sign of good health and proper hygiene. Unfortunately, toxins floating around in the air, heating products and over-washing can lead to hair that's less than ideal. Whether you're dealing with fried and frizzy to lackluster and limp, sometimes hair just needs a pick-me-up.

In no particular order, here are 5 tips that will do just that:

Do Monthly Hot Oil Treatments

Walk into your kitchen, open the pantry door and select a rich oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, pure coconut oil or even avocado oil. Warm it up to body temperature in the microwave, apply it to your hair, cover with plastic wrap or a cap and let it set for 45 minutes to an hour. Rinse out with shampoo and voila -- your hair will instantly be shinier and healthier looking. Repeat this once a month.

Get Enough Vitamin D

According to a report in the Archives of Internal

Youth sports will help build your child's character.

During a recent soccer season, my daughter's team went to the regional finals. The final game of this big event went into overtime, and still tied in overtime, it then went to penalty kicks. The drama of the game had attracted many more spectators than most youth soccer games would have, and this only added to the intensity of such a close finals game. My 10-year-old daughter had the opportunity to take the final penalty kick of the game. During this pressure-filled moment, as a parent, I didn't envy her. My own experiences with team sports as a child, as well as with performing in front of a crowd, were limited. I never really experienced so much pressure to perform well on my shoulders, and it crossed my mind that this was too much pressure for my little girl to experience herself.

Yet she rose to the occasion. I saw her take a deep breath, focus on the goal and shoot. The ball went high and to the left while the goalie dove to the right. While she won the game for her team,

Easy red, white and blue decorations. This summer, there will be plenty of occasions to show off your USA pride. Besides the traditional patriotic holidays from Memorial Day to Flag Day and July 4th, there's one extra special reason to display the red, white and blue. With the London Olympic Games only a short time away, there's no better excuse to get crafting and show your team spirit.

Here are four ideas for homemade red, white and blue decorations to get your home in tip-top patriotic shape, whether you're throwing a holiday barbecue or cheering on the home team:

1. Red, white and blue paper tube banner

This banner is a perfect way to recycle those empty paper towel and toilet paper tubes. For a bright, colorful look, use acrylics to paint each tube red, white and blue. Or - for a more homemade, primitive look - cut fabrics in varying shades and patterns of red, white and blue, then use craft glue to cover each tube with fabric. Add sparkle to your blue tubes with white or silver sequins. String all your tubes in a

I want my three daughters to succeed in everything from schoolwork to after school activities. I hope they'll find something they love and that they can excel at. I want them to be happy and well-adjusted.

In short, I want it all for them. How can I help them on the road to success?

1. Teach them to lose gracefully.

Kids who always win aren't going to be ready for the real world. Teach your child how to deal with disappointment. Let them see you try and fail while maintaining your composure.

2. Encourage perseverance.

Children need to learn to get back up after they fall. When you fall down, get back up and try again. Successful individuals are persistent people.

3. Be a constant presence.

Be there when your child needs help with their homework, a ride to soccer practice, or someone to talk to. The key to raising successful kids isn't an expensive present - it's your presence.

4. Cheer loudly.

Be your son or daughter's biggest cheerleader in whatever