Wire Moms

By mid-May the temperatures are rising in many parts of the country. But we don't want pressures rising as well. Blood pressure that is. May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. Blood pressure is considered normal when systolic pressure (the first and higher number) is less than 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure (the second and lower number) is less than 80 mmHg.

Nia Vardalos didn't enter motherhood with ease. This Canadian-born, Second City-trained actress and author (most well known for writing and starring in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding,") pulls back the curtain on her struggles to become a mom in her new book, "Instant Mom" (Harper One, $26.99).

The Whale Pod, a wall-mounted product for storing children's toys in the tub, immediately gained my affection. That's because after my daughters piled all of their tub toys inside there was still room to add in that lonely Barbie doll at the top.

Party food is my favorite food. Small bites. Finger foods. Hors d'oeuvres. Whatever you call them, those perfect one- or two-bite bits are so much fun.

At the convenience store, my 5-year-old agonized over his choices: the miniature Reese's cup or the mini-Tootsie Roll?

Summer is a time for enjoying the great outdoors. When you are aware of your child's dominant sense you can be a little more prepared for their unique set of behaviors and needs, making the experience even more enjoyable and safer.

The big news in baby names recently was the Most Popular Names 2012: Top 1, Top 10, Top 100, Top 1000.

With divorce rates so high, I think it's important to remember how this huge change can impact families with children, as well as how you, as parents, can put aside your differences to help your kids through it.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Amy Grant has sure had a busy spring season. She recently partnered with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and created a public service announcement (PSA) for them focusing on the need to be prepared when making tough family decisions. The mom of five also has a new album coming out soon.

A few months ago, Cheetah Boy ran away from a party when the cops came. Yes, my 15-year-old son was almost busted. When he came home and told me this, I nearly fainted. Really, I thought he'd be old enough to drive at least before he embarked on a life of crime.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to summer and with that, barbecue season. It can be tempting to load up on all your favorite calorie-laden barbecue staples - cheeseburgers, chips, dips, potato salad, pies and cakes - but there are ways to indulge while also keeping your calorie count in check. After all, with summer also comes swimsuit season.

Names that convey wisdom may not, by themselves, be enough to make your child wise, but they can't hurt.

When a 3-year-old asks you what is for dinner and the reply is "shepherd's pie," well, all he hears is "pie."

Each week we strive to provide a host of nutrient-rich recipes for your whole family to enjoy. This week we're spotlighting beef in honor of National Beef Month. New research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that eating a protein-packed breakfast, including high-quality protein like lean beef, leads to improved appetite control and satisfaction throughout the day.

Sheryl Sandberg's book, "Lean In," has set off a national conversation about how women can make lasting progress toward professional equality and changes in the workplace that will help working mothers balance career and family. Sandberg, chief operating officer at Facebook, encourages women to lean in to their ambitions and make their voices heard in the workplace.

As the weather gets warmer we often feel the need to organize and clean our homes. May is a great time to do this and getting our children to help not only makes our lives easier it also teaches them wonderful life skills. Our dominant sense affects not only how we interpret information but also what our natural skills are, even when it comes to cleaning.

How do you know when your child is ready for camp and it's worth the expense? Clinical psychologist and author Julia Simens, of Incline Village, Nev., has worked with parents who face this exact decision. With more than 20 years as a school counselor, this mother of two has had endless conversations with parents about summer camp and how it impacted their children. She offered us some insight:

The two worst words in the English language are "You're grounded." And not just for the child who's being punished, but for the parent who uttered them.

Children come into the world curious. No one knows this better than parents who spend the first few years of a child's life simply trying to keep them from hurting themselves as they explore the brand new world. However, something happens by age 13 and that curiosity evolves into an "I know it all" mentality. That means there is a critical window of time in which to develop your young entrepreneur. It starts with encouraging curiosity.

Bringing home baby is one of life's most treasured moments, but it also can mean the beginning of chaotic days and sleepless nights for a while.

Do your kids wear Abercrombie & Fitch clothes? You might be interested in what the CEO, Mike Jeffries, has to say about fat women.