About.com Child Care: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.

• Kids Enjoy Thinking Ahead
  Making resolutions for the New Year can be a fun family activity as well as one led by child care providers or daycare center teachers alike as well. After all, everyone has goals for improvements for the new year, and talking about them and then working to make sure they're achieved is a great family or team activity. Here are ways to get started.
• The Pros and Cons of Nannycams
  A growing number of parents are using surveillance devices to ensure that their child's caregiver is performing the job hired to do. There are pros and cons about utilizing such a device; but if your decision is to acquire one, there are plenty of options.
• Answers Can Narrow Choices
  You've decided what your looking for in a daycare or child care setting. Now, ask your potential provider these 10 questions to determine whether it's the right fit for you and your family.
• Be Sure Needs Are Met
  You like the location and accept the established rate. What other questions should you ask before making a decision regarding a child care center for your kid? Here are 10 top questions to ask in determining whether the child care provider choice is right for you and your family.
• Daycare Costs Vary
  Cost is always a factor when choosing childcare, so how much can parents expect to pay if they choose a daycare center?
• biting child
  What can a parent do to stop the destructive habit of a biting child?
• Bed Time Tips
  Your children have their own beds. So, why won't they stay in them all night? Here are some tips for helping the transition to bedtime a more smooth one.
• babysitter pay
  How much is the going rate for babysitters?
• Think Unique, Fun, and Useful!
  Forget the coffee mug. Resist candy. If you're looking for a creative gift idea for your kid's teacher to celebrate the end of the school year, summer care, a special holiday or occasion, or just to say "thank you," consider these practical and personal suggestions for teacher gifts!
• Toy Donations Bring Smiles
  Kids outgrow toys as they change and grow, but gently-loved toys are always appreciated by those less fortunate. Other key toy donation times include following Christmas and birthdays, when duplicate or unwanted/underappreciated toys and items are sometimes received. But before you send them off to charity, please be sure that the toys are worthy of sharing and are in guarantee of a smile on a child's face.
• Teach Kids Appreciation Early
  Good manners is something that should be emphasized by parents and child care providers alike, and it's never too soon to start. Teaching kids to give thanks by writing thank you notes is a gesture that should be taught, and kids should understand that expressing gratitude is a part of opening presents.
• Biting Child
  What can a parent do to stop the destructive, painful and socially unacceptable child behavior of a biting child?
• Bad Babysitter
  Short of using a monitoring system or nannycam that truly captures all activities throughout the home, how do parents really know if the babysitter they've hired to watch their kid is doing a good job? Here are telltale signs to watch for you need to find someone else to watch your kids.
• Terrible Twos And More
  Toddler behavior like temper tantrums, fits, and all-around bad behavior can make a toddler seem like the boss. Here are ways to help toddlers overcome the terrible terrors of misbehaviors.
• Child Care Trends
  Child care is changing, and most agree it is for the best. What are some of the latest trends in child care and what should parents be looking for when making an all-important child care decision?
• 10 Ways To Say Thanks!
  You absolutely love your child's caregiver or teacher and want to give him or her something to show your gratitude. But, what can you give that will express your appreciation without breaking the bank? Luckily, the choices are seemingly unlimited. Just remember, a kind word and a big hug from your child is all your child's caregiver really craves. Everything else is just, and pardon the cliche, icing on the cake!
• Quality Child Care Abounds
  Quality child care abounds in most areas: the key is knowing where to look and what to look for. An important first step is determining what type of child care is right for your family. Quality child care options can include day care, in-home child care, nannies, au pairs, pre-school, and even you as the provider. Check out these options!
• Get The Scoop On A Kid Flick
  Before parents or child care providers take children to a movie or pop a video in for afternoon viewing, they might want to read reviews first. Here are some ways to learn more about what your children might watch.
• Parent-Child Relationships
  Building a positive relationship between parent and child is one that requires work and effort. Here are 10 simple ways to enhance the bond between parent and child.
• Child Care Is Serious Business
  Child care is a profession, not "just" a baby-sitting service. And, as a business, there are certain things that the care professionals would like everyone to know. Here are 10 things the rest of us need to know about child care providers.
• 16 Questions for Daycare
  In shopping for a quality daycare, what questions should you ask? Parents should be able to make an informed choice about a caregiver service with these 16 questions.
• Create Memories For Kids
  Your child's class is exchanging token gifts for a special occasion or holiday, or your kid's care provider, coach or teacher wants each parent to contribute something special to be placed in a goodie bag. What can you do and how much should you spend? With a little creativity, you can create a memorable gift from the heart without spending much dough. Here are gift ideas for under $5 each.
• drop-in care
  Craving for an evening out with your spouse without kids? Or, did the babysitter call in sick an hour before she's due at your home? More and more families are opting for a guilt-free and cancel-proof option of using drop-in child care. As a result, centers are prospering and may be popping up at a location near you!
• Slumber Party Ideas
  Slumber parties are a rite of passage for growing up with many kids, and having a successful sleepover requires some preparation and planning on the part of parents.
• Child Tax Credit
  The April 15 deadline to file tax returns is not the only time parents should think about taxes and credits. But, surprisingly, child tax credits, child and dependent care credits, and earned income tax credits intended to ease the tax parents of families that parents sometimes forget. Don't be one of them.
• Child Care Providers Wanted
  child care provider
• Cherish the Family Time
  Seeking some of that holiday magic for you and your family this year? Here are some ideas to help families reconnect with the spirit of the season.
• Wrong Reasons to Choose Care
  Many parents pick the wrong child care, or even type of care, and then wonder why their child is unhappy. Avoid these pit