Blog Posts by Yahoo! Contributor Network

My daughters' smiles can light up a room-from my toddler's giggling glow to my kindergartener's open-mouthed smile and down the line to my oldest daughter's toothless grin, there's nothing quite as inspiring as a child's smile. When we take care of these winning smiles and nurture the positive attitude and behavior behind them, I know my daughters will have all the components for a happy, healthy, confident life ahead.

Brush, floss, and gargle.

There's more to a healthy smile than a cursory brush at morning and night. Teach your children to brush their teeth for the entire length of "Happy Birthday," floss before the rinse, and then gargle with mouthwash (preferably one that's specially-conditioned with fluoride or for children). Don't just make these three things a chore. Teach your children that they are just as important to healthy bodies as eating dinner and drinking water or milk! It's a lifestyle, not a burden.

Protect your smile.

An active lifestyle is an absolutely

Read More »from Mom's Guide to Building Confidence and Winning Smiles

If your child plays sports, he or she will inevitably lose at least a few games. Even the most skilled and talented of teams will meet their match or have an off day. While losing a game may be common, it is never easy. It is far more difficult, however, when the loss is at a big game like a championship game or one against a big rival.

My daughter's soccer team had struggled through a rather rough season recently. The team was plagued with illness and injury. Most games of the season, they played a full hour of soccer with no subs or even with less players on the field than an opposing team had. This was in a year of record-breaking heat in Texas, and many games were played in temperatures in excess of 100 degrees. The girls persevered and managed to earn a spot in the district championship tournament.

At the district championship, they played a total of six games over the weekend, thankfully in cooler temperatures. They won the first four game easily. Their fifth game, the

Read More »from What to Say If Your Kid Loses a Game

My family always has fun in the kitchen in preparation for 4th of July. Every year it's fun to see the different flag cakes and red, white and blue treats on the picnic tables.

In addition to making patriotic-themed treats with the red, white and blue colors, we also make treats that remind us of the sounds of fireworks. We use popcorn because it "pops" and rice cereal treats that crackle to get all the senses in involved.

Red, white and blue popcorn treats

Before heading out to see the fireworks, we fill up clear plastic bags with popcorn. The bottom layer has popcorn that we tint red, the middle layer is the plain popcorn and the top layer is popcorn tinted blue.

To make the popcorn, we put ¼ cup butter and 3 T light corn syrup in a sauce pan on medium heat. Then I add ½ cup sugar and 1 box (3.5 ounce) of red or blue colored gelatin mix. After stirring, I bring to a boil and reduce heat. I simmer for five minutes. I then mix with 8 cups of popcorn. Finally, I spread

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As a child I never had the chance to be involved in sports until I was in high school. Although I wish I would have started playing sports at an earlier age, I know those four short years really helped me become the successful adult I am today. As a parent, I wanted to make sure my children had a chance to try different sports while they were young. So, when my daughter was six years old we signed her up for AYSO soccer . My husband and I knew nothing about soccer so we learned with her. Now, six years later we realize that putting our kids in youth sports was one of the best parenting decision we ever made. Our kids have tried soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, football, and swimming. I have two very responsible, self-confident, and respectful children and I know it is because they are both actively involved in youth sports.

Here are 10 reasons why you should consider having your children in youth sports.

Live a healthy lifestyle.
In youth sports your children are moving and

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Keeping your smile healthy involves more than just brushing those teeth (though it often starts there!). How you care for your smile should be a part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and when your smile shines, so will the rest of you. How can you make sure that you've got a winning smile, and the positive attitude that goes with it?

Eat a healthy diet. What you eat and drink matters when it comes to a healthy smile and a healthy lifestyle. There's a place in your diet for that occasional cup of coffee or a cookie here or there. But be mindful of moderation and the effect it has on your teeth and your overall health and well being.

Floss and rinse, too. As any good dentist will tell you, brushing is only half of the battle when it comes to fighting cavities, plaque, and gum disease. Flossing and using mouthwash are also absolutely essential components of a healthy smile.

Receive regular dental care and physicals. There's more to a healthy smile than a visit to your dentist

Read More »from Healthy Tips for a Winning Smile

Every party I've ever thrown since the birth of my children has been more successful if the kiddos have been involved and invested in its success. Perhaps it's the sense of ownership they feel when we've put together a party together, instead of me putting together a party and them staying out of my way. Whatever the reason, you can't fail when you get your children involved in helping put together the decorations for your 4th of July party.

Tie-Dyed Tablecloth & T-Shirts for Guests

Get a white cotton tablecloth and white t-shirts out, and purchase red and blue tie-dye. Teach the kids the fine art of rubber-banding your garments to get that perfect spiral. Then, let your creativity shine! Tie-dye a tablecloth for your buffet table and smaller tables where guests will sit, if you have them. Make t-shirts for all of your pint-sized party guests. They'll love this take-away favor and they'll be perfect little living decorations!

American Fingerprint Flag

Get out your finger

Read More »from July 4th Decorations the Kids Can Create

undefinedHaving a nice smile is more than about appearances - it's also about being healthy and having the confidence to take on life's challenges. The hectic nature of the average family's day-to-day routine can put oral health on the back burner.

Maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile does not have to be time-consuming or costly. By following these easy habits, you and your family can enjoy the self-assurance and fortitude associated with a sparkly, confident smile.

Make it a family affair. Regular brushing is essential to preserving those pearly whites. Getting yourself and your kids into the habit is as easy as establishing a collective routine. Each morning before leaving the house for the day and each night before bed, make a point to stop what you're doing and brush together. By organizing a consistent habit and working together to be sure you stick with it, you and your family will secure the foundation to a healthy smile.

Use fun equipment to engage your kids. Dental health doesn't

Read More »from Easy Habits for a Beautiful, Healthy Smile

It's a rare night my house when something isn't spilled across the table, down someone's shirt, or on the (not so white anymore) carpet. I've learned to roll with the punches--kids make messes! Thankfully, not every drop of spilled milk needs to turn the night sour.

Milk around the house

My toddler still drinks her milk from a sippy cup, which she carries with her at all times. That means I've found spilled milk in some pretty unfortunate places when the lid has leaked--on my couch, the hardwood floors, and on the carpet. If you catch the spill early, wipe it up quickly and go about your business. If it sits long enough to curdle, you may have to use a scraper, heavy duty carpet or floor cleaners, and (potentially) a nose plug.

Food and drink in car cup holders

If you're constantly running to and from school, gymnastics classes, and soccer practice, your car might look a little bit like mine. The worst mess always seems to be in the kids' cup holders, where trash, leaky

Read More »from Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk--Literally!