Healthy Moms, Healthy Families

Dear Parents,

Most parents in a blended family find that building a loving, close relationship with their stepchildren takes hard work. In this issue, learn the common and unrealistic expectations about stepfamilies, the mistakes you should avoid, the secrets to successful stepparenting, and the steps to stepfamily success.

Also in this issue: teen depression. We all have our ups and downs, but true depression is longer in duration and more intense in nature. Do you know how to spot teen depression? Are you wondering whether your teen's sleep pattern is normal? Find answers to your questions here.

Finally, we offer helpful information on how girls and women can stay healthy through all the stages of their life: proper nutrition during menstruation and menopause, symptoms and treatment of menstrual problems -- including irregular periods, and how to talk to your daughter about sex.

From the Editors at FamilyEducation.com

Stepparenting
Become aware of the potential stumbling blocks in stepparenting, learn how to keep your balance, and find strategies for success.

Common and Unrealistic Expectations Nine Steps to Stepfamily Success Stepfamilies: Defining Values Stepfamilies: Problem Solving Twelve Secrets for Successful Stepparenting

Twelve Mistakes to Avoid Stepparenting: A Smooth-Sailing Household Celebrating Your Victories When the Stepfamily Needs Help More About Stepparenting

Your Teen's Emotional Health
Find out how to recognize teen depression, how to handle serious problems, and how to go about getting help for a troubled teen.

Teenaged Depression Beyond the Blues Quiz: Can You Spot Teen Depression? Teens and Sleep Suicide Threats and Teens

Self-Abuse, Eating Disorders, and Addiction Dealing with Depression Getting Help for a Troubled Teen Your Teen's Doctor More on Teen Health

Female Life Stages
As girls and women pass through the various life stages, their nutritional needs and reproductive health may change. Here's what you need to know.

Life Stages for Girls and Women Nutrition and Menstruation Menstrual Problems: Symptoms and Treatment Irregular Menstrual Periods Coping with the Symptoms of Menopause Nutrition and Menopause

First Visit to a Gynecologist "How do I deal with my daughter's sexual activity?" Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Mom Worries About Putting Her Daughter on the Pill Teen Pregnancy Talking About Sex with Teens

		Join in this discussion on our Message Boards about kids and junk food: "I try to get my daughter to eat right. I serve well-balanced and healthy meals at home (okay, most of the time), but once she leaves the house, she gorges on junk food.... Is there any way I can control her eating habits when she is out of the house? I think a little junk food every now and then is ok, but not on a daily basis." — bernio

Meals with Less Effort and More Fun
Learn how to stock a healthy kitchen and find hundreds of recipes in our Food & Recipe database. Search by ingredient, and sort results to find meals that are low-fat, kid-friendly, and quick to fix. With just a little help you'll make the most of your family's mealtime!

Have a Fourth of July Feast
Declare your independence from hot dogs and potato chips this year! Celebrate the Fourth with some elegant but easy-to-fix recipes.

Summer Food Safety
Government studies show that cases of food-borne illness rise in the summer. Read tips on preparing and storing foods safely during the summer heat.

Summer Safety: In the Swim

		Make sure your children understand the rules for swimming and pool safety. Swimming Rules Safety Precautions for Residential Pools Using the Pool Safely When to Start Swimming Lessons