Long Island Parent Talk

Whether your kids are 5, 10 or 15, it's never too early or too late to start saving for their future. There are many small changes you can make now that will yield big results for your children's college funds.

I reached out to Jean Chatzky, bestselling author, finance expert and television commentator who is teaching a series of interactive, monthly, college-style online personal finance...

As a mom of a 2-year-old daughter with another on the way, I'm always on the lookout for what's new in the parenting world, whether it's products, clothing, tips or tricks. When I came across a list of trends on BabyCenter.com I was a bit surprised by the things parents are buzzing about this year. Take a look:

1. Breast milk jewelry: Forget lockets with your baby's picture in it or a simple...

Manhasset students have acquired a green thumb. Recently, children in grades K-12 broke ground at Munsey Park School, Shelter Rock School and the Secondary School for a special garden project and outdoor classroom called Planet Manhasset.

The idea of organic gardening at the schools came from the Manhasset School District's SCA (their version of a PTA), and the school board in hopes that the...

Only one-third of mothers believe their children ages 18 and younger are well prepared for their financial future according to a new study.

McGraw-Hill Federal Credit Union surveyed 300 mothers (polled by Toluna, PLC) and found 49 percent believe their children are unprepared to get a job, 44 percent believe their children will not be able to finance college and nearly one-third feel their...

Can visiting a place really change your child’s life? Keith Bellows, a writer and editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine, argues “Yes” in his new book, “100 Places That Can Change Your Child’s Life, From Your Backyard to the Ends of the Earth” ($18.95).

“I am the person – and journalist – I am today because of what I experienced at a very young age,” he writes. “Seeing the world...

Are the French better at the whole parenting thing than we are? American author Pamela Druckerman writes about her experiences with her young family in Paris, learning 100 keys to French parenting that she shares in her new book, “Bebe Day by Day” (Penguin, $19.95).

Here are five of the ways she recommends we consider doing it like the French:

No. 4: “The Fetus Doesn’t Need Cheesecake”...

From cake pops and baked goods to party planning, photography, clothing design and more, 'momtreprenuers' are popping up everywhere.

According to local mom blogger, Amanda Khalil of Port Washington Mama, a 'momtreprenuer' is a business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and entrepreneur. "Often times, she leaves an established career (and paycheck) to spend more time with...

Looking for things to do with the kids this weekend? From turtles and butterflies to "The Little Princess, festivals and more, there's much to do on Long Island. Here are my top five picks for fun, family friendly activities this weekend:

1. Tyler's Turtle Time at South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center (377 Bridgehampton / Sag Harbor Tpke., Bridgehampton). Learn about turtles...

If you're looking to get outside this weekend, you won't want to miss the 8th annual Brooke Jackman Race for Literacy 5k in Oyster Bay to raise money to support literacy for at-risk children. The 3.1-mile race will take place on Saturday, May 18, and run through the towns of Oyster Bay and Oyster Bay Cove.

The Brooke Jackman Foundation is a nonprofit organization created by the Oyster Bay-based...

Looking for baby gear and products on a budget? The Kids Kloset, which hosts seasonal consignment sales, is coming to Long Island this weekend.

The sale will be held at Mitchel Athletic Complex (1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale) on Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Hundreds of consignors will bring their clothes, toys, baby gear, equipment, sporting goods,...