Dear Doctors Beasley,
My family is scared to death of tornados! My husband recently transferred to Oklahoma from Washington, D.C., but we have seen the pictures of tornado damage on the national news. How do people in Oklahoma live with the potential of being hit by a tornado at any time? But more importantly, how do we help our three-year-old twins handle their fears?

All babies go through a normal period of separation anxiety sometime between 8-14 months. Separation can be as simple as mom or dad leaving the room or as complicated as hiring a sitter to watch the baby while parents take a much-needed break.

The child’s anxious response is one of distress—crying, clinging and calling out. In most cases, the child can be distracted or comforted and is ready to start over from a small separation. But what about the parents? Separation can be difficult for them, too.

Drs. Beasley,
I have two daughters, a 3 year-old and a 14 year-old and I am going to be home with them this summer. I anticipate that both of them will be active and I would like to plan activities for both of them that engage both ages. Do you have any suggestions? ~ Lydia

Dear Beasleys,
I am the mother of a 16 week old infant girl. She is my first child and I looked forward to her birth from the day I first confirmed I was pregnant. But I can’t enjoy her. I’m exhausted! She’s not a difficult or demanding baby, but I just can’t find enough hours in my day to get everything done and tend to her needs also. My husband recognizes that I am stressed out and offers to help me, but I think I ought to be able to do it all without help. I guess I’m just wondering how other moms meet the needs of their baby, their husband, and themselves at the same time. Can you help me?

Dear Drs. Beasley:
We are embarrassed. We have always lived beyond our means. However, finances have been extremely tight for several months and Christmas was especially difficult this year. We have three children, ages 8 months, 2 ½, and 4. My husband and I are determined to live without debt and are sticking to a tight budget, but we both worry about the negative effects that our austere new lifestyle might have on our children. What are your thoughts?
Michael and Kitt

Dear Drs. Beasley, My husband attended college on a tennis scholarship and still enjoys the game. However, he wants our four year old son Nicholas to take up golf and uses Tiger Woods as an example of how early coaching can lead to a big income later in Nicholas’ life. My husband even bought Nicholas a toy golf club and some plastic golf balls to play with. I’m afraid he is going overboard and will burn our son out on what could be an enjoyable pastime later in his life. What do you think?

My husband was transferred to Oklahoma City and we arrived in June. We have a two-month-old boy who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Since our child was born, we have been trying to move closer to Oklahoma to be near our families so I am looking for services available to children with special needs here in Oklahoma.

Our first annual Baby Product Guide introduces you to some of the terrific items we’ve found. From revamped classics to innovative inventions, these are great ideas.