With most schools back to seminormal operations across the country -- that is, in-person classes with standard COVID-19 precautions) -- families have to think about how to keep everyone safe at home and in their respective day-time environments.

Sleep is so important for young children’s overall health, wellbeing and development, yet many parents face an uphill battle settling their little ones down to sleep every night.

Sibling relationships are one of the earliest and most long-lasting relationships we have — but just try to explain that to a 7-year-old and a 5-year-old both intent on playing with the same thing at the same time.

While these types of family fights are headaches for parents, studies show that sibling rivalry can actually be beneficial, teaching kids skills such as negotiating, compromising and resolving conflicts.

Sibling rivalry is often taken as an unexamined fact of family life — as much a part of parenting as potty training or bedtime storie

By JUDI LIGHT HOPSON, EMMA H. HOPSON & TED HAGEN. Tribune News Service 

If someone took a poll on what supports good mental health, it’s likely this concept would make the list: “Have two great parents who love you.”