From socialization skills to language development, research shows that play has a positive impact on a child’s academic performance. These ten tips can help parents and children engage in meaningful, productive play, with long-lasting benefits!

When 12-year-old Kai Keevis heads outside, he’s always on the hunt for snakes.

The condition causes the Chesterfield girl's proteins to not develop properly, and her neurotransmitters don’t fire properly.

The new law will provide coverage for medically necessary care for individuals with autism of all ages under state-regulated, large group plans starting in January 2020.

Sarah Bloom gives a first-hand review of personalized books from the company Hooray Heroes.

Research clearly shows that play has a positive impact on a child’s academic performance - and the more often children engage in play, the more likely they are to find success both inside and outside the classroom.

The Fatherhood Initiative in two areas of Central Virginia helps give dads the tools and support to be successful.

The XBox Game called Driving Essentials XE teaches new drivers some of the rules of the road.

The app lets you choose an avatar for you and your child. You can then practice conversations before you have them with your real child. (Source: samhsa.gov)

From visits with the bunny to Easter on Parade, we’re teaming up with some of the best family friendly event finders in Central Virginia.

In addition to proof of residency documents, a school entrance health form and immunization record are also required before the start of school.

If you’re trying to fill the summer gap with fun camps for your kids, it’s time to get signed up.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia, located at 2500 West Broad Street.

The Chesterfield-Colonial Height’s Family First program holds a diaper drive in March. Last year the group collected more than 18,000 diapers.

A social media expert says parents should treat the internet like a playground.

Apex Legends has only been out a few weeks, but it’s already blowing Fortnite records out of the water.

Friday is World Sleep Day, which is an annual reminder of how important sleep is and how to get more of it.

159 cases across 10 states have been reported. Luckily, Virginia isn’t one of them right now.

Simple changes to the way you interact with babies and toddlers could make all the difference in life.

The guide aims to assess SOL scores, attack chronic absenteeism or suspension and observe patterns of improvement or concern.

A Bon Secours St. Francis certified nurse midwife and a soon-to-be mother of three share insights and benefits about a unique program that engages a community of pregnant women who have similar due dates.

A new survey found that early visits to the dentist were not “standard” practice in most families with young children.

Co-housing means families buy smaller individual units and share a larger common space within the building with their neighbors.

The group recently organized together to put together a truckload of supplies to TSA workers who are working without getting a paycheck.

Finn’s heart is the center of this story. He was born with a severe heart disease- not expected to live past birth.

With a needle and thread, a pile of socks and a smile on her face, Rebecca Floyd patiently hand sews dolls.

As a pediatrician and clinical social worker, Dr. Valmores and Mrs. Graves share some basic information for parents about ADHD and when to have a talk with your pediatrician or care provider about screening your child for ADHD.

Any parent knows the “balancing” act of coordinating work, kids, activities, meals, and life is more of a dodgeball game.

A Bon Secours St. Francis certified nurse midwife, a Bon Secours certified pelvic floor therapist and a new mom share insights and advice about how to prepare for the first 12 weeks following the birth of a baby, a period known as the fourth trimester.

Technology is an easy option for kids at Christmas - it’s fun, it doesn’t take up a ton of space and it can keep them busy. But there are a few things to keep in mind, if you go this route.

Whether it’s packing the car, or cramming a suitcase, holiday travel is always a heavy “load.” Add kids to the mix, and there’s SO MUCH STUFF.

He’s a tough guy to track down this time of year. Santa is busy and so are you, trying to get everything done for Christmas.

It’s easy to do when your kids or grandkids are acting up: you grab your phone.

Kristen Chase from the Cool Moms Network has some tips for Black Friday shopping for some of this year’s most popular toys and gift for kids.

The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are not always easy to spot.

The Department of Education is launching several new tools for parents of children with disabilities, including a web-based guide and training sessions.

Could you walk through your kid’s room and find warning signs of substance abuse? A recent event put some Hanover parents to the test.

Tuckahoe Orthopedics embraces a team approach to the treatment plan for every patient, resulting in better outcomes for the athlete’s return to peak performance.

Local update for parents on watching for and responding to Acute Flaccid Myelitis, a rare polio-like illness.

Banzai teaches kids financial literacy in an age-appropriate way.