Home Remedies

Most complaints from your pint-sized patient can be soothed without a trip to the doctor. Get a healthy dose of quick cures.

by Teri Cettina

Cuts and scrapes fall neatly into two categories: those that need a kiss and those that need stitches. Your child’s headache or stomachache, however, are more confusing, especially when “I don’t feel good” is really a case of “I don’t want to go to school.” So how do you approach simple ailments without panicking? Follow the advice of the medical experts here, who weighed in on common conditions that can be treated by Dr. Mom before calling in a real doctor should symptoms persist. The prescription for a stomachache may be prune juice. Not exactly a spoonful of sugar, but she will be on time for kindergarten.

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Choosing a Kid's Best Friend

How to find the right pet for your family? Follow your animal instincts—or this guide to popular furry (and scaly) friends.

by Teri Cettina

Finding a four-legged companion can get hairy. You have fond memories of your childhood pooch Popcorn but have conveniently forgotten those predawn walks he used to demand. Your kids are cat crazy, but with their allergies, they are barking—or, rather, meowing—up the wrong tree. And is a hamster the best choice for a sensitive six-year-old who won’t understand when his short-lived pet has gone to the great exercise wheel in the sky? Real Simple offers pros and cons for the most popular breeds of dogs and cats—plus smaller pets, like turtles and fish—to help you fetch a winner.

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