Brenda Nixon, M.A., Email One Time Reprint Rights Offered 1.       A Competent Parent, 395 wds - "Want to be a good parent? Most do. Nobody's ever called my office asking how to fail in this task. Rather, I get calls appealing for advice, answers, or assurance. …" This succinct, insightful piece offers ways to succeed at parenting but, uniquely written from a child's point of view. 2.       Actions Teach Better than Words, 1169 wds - How to effectively discipline through using consequences. A practical article with examples. 3.       "Am I a Normal Parent," 620 wds - Humorous list of things most "normal" parents do. 4.       "Beating the Bug," 665 wds - You know the symptoms; feeling isolated, restless, easily agitated, complaining of boredom. For families, here are creative ideas to beat cabin fever. 5.       The Binky Blues, 599 wds - Specific answers and help for breaking the pacifier habit. 6.       Thumb Sucking Sally, 532 wds - Insight and guidance to get a child to stop sucking her thumb. 7.       "What's the Right Preschool," 1,057 wds - Tips and questions to ask on finding the right preschool for a child. AEYC recommendations included. 8.       Decibel Dangers, 475 wds - Can you afford the real price of loud toys? The earsplitting buzz, bang, and blast of many fun toys can damage your child's hearing. This informative article gives suggestions on which toys are too loud and how to protect a child's hearing. Perfect for a Health or Better Hearing issue. 9.       Father Facts: How dads make a difference, 805 wds (without Sidebar) - This one's for the men. Research affirms how and how much of a difference a dad makes in the life of his child. Ideal for Father's Day. 10.       Finding Quality Childcare, 715 wds - Checklist for parents searching for the right childcare. Includes AEYC guidelines. 11.       First Foods: When to start solids, 974 wds - Developmental news and guidance for parents of infants. 12.       Good Gift or Good Grief?, 699 wds (with 40 wd Sidebar) - A list of gift ideas that meet three basic standards for a good gift and will bring joy to the kids. This article helps adults make the right, age-appropriate selection from tots to teens. December is Safe Toys and Gifts month. 13.       Guiding Kids through Grief, 988 wds - Practical and sensitive insights for anyone who lives/works with children. From preschoolers to teens, this article reveals; how each age group perceives death, may respond, and what adults can do to help. Suggested Sidebar of books and resources. 14.       Better Communication with Teens, 487 wds - Diffuse arguments and improve your relationship with teens by understanding how brain development affects communication. 15.       Save a Life: Practice Summer Safety, 647 wds - Dangerous possibilities lurk outside. Safety tips parents/grandparents/babysitters must know. Includes bullets and sidebar. June is National Safety month. 16.       Before Regrets; Cover Outlets! 560 wds - Safety proof tips for parents of infants. Ideal article for September's Baby Safety month and March's Poison Prevention month. If interested in an article for your publication, email Brenda Payment can be made to Brenda Nixon; P.O. Box 1302, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050