Health Care Reform. Who knew those three little words could evoke so much interest, emotion, and confusion all at once? Health care reform is arguably the most divisive issue to hit Washington in decades, and the entire country has responded with strong opinions in both directions. What does the proposal really mean for the average American family? It seems the answer to that is about as clear as mud, if you’ll pardon the cliché. MetroFamily columnist Shannon Fields digs to find the answers and shares them here.

The Dickinsons have always had a place in their heart for the disabled, especially those with Down Syndrome. They’ve been active in fundraising efforts and have known several children who have been afflicted with the disability, including the child of a good friend. Their relationship with this child helped them to see that there was room in their hearts and home to do more.

What is a Helicopter Parent? And is it a good parenting philosophy or not? Columnist Allyn Evans of Stillwater helps answer these questions. After reading the article, join the conversation on this important topic. Let us know your opinions.

Amanda is a highly successful attorney who decided to work from home part-time after her second child was born. Previously she worked a very busy 10-hour day with no noticeable loss of energy. Now, she finds she is running out of energy quite early in the day. So how does Amanda and how do you handle this problem?

Heat Paks make great gifts and are easy to make, inexpensive (you can make one for less than two dollars), durable, and welcomed with sincere gratitude by the fortunate recipients. Expectant mommies who have low back pain, elderly folks (who use Heat Paks not only to soothe tight muscles but also as foot warmers or seat warmers), and hardworking moms and dads who need some help dissolving those awful kinks that show up in tired shoulders after a hard day’s work—at home, at the office, on the farm, or in the driver’s seat—have all appreciated receiving this gift.

Learn how to make these gifts here.

Whether a dad to the quarterback of the Pee Wee football team, or a soccer mom to a rising star, one thing is for certain: nothing a little athlete meets on the field compares to what has to be tackled post-game in the laundry room. Here are tips for getting the stains out.

October was “Let’s Talk Month,” a time when Advocates for Youth and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Child and Adolescent Health Division encourage parent/child communication about sexuality. But it’s not only a topic that should be discussed in October, parent’s should strive to maintain a dialogue with their children throughout the year. Developing an open dialogue with your children makes it easier to discuss the tough topics, like sexuality.

With cold and flu season upon us, you will probably find yourself spending an unexpected day or even a week at home with a sick child. Try to resist the urge to catch up on work or housework and take the day to spend time with your child. If you have multiple children and don’t feel like you get to spend one-on-one time regularly, sick days can be great opportunity to spend time together.