4 magic compliments to boost your child's self-esteem

Your children are bombarded every day by messages that influence how they feel about themselves. This influences their self-esteem — how they feel about their internal qualities or who they are.

The struggle to live and the fight to die

Pediatrics is filled with contrasts.

Parental 'potty talk' can forge family's identity

When we sat down at the dinner table recently, I didn’t expect anything special to happen.

Good news: Your husband can't make you happy

I remember the day I got married as one of the happiest days of my life. I knew it was probably the only time we would get to be with family and friends from both sides of our family at once. Everyone was dressed in their best attire, I was having my best hair and makeup day ever, and to top it all off there was cake. A happy day, indeed.

How moms can help their children's brains grow

According to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, babies who hear their mother's heartbeat and voice show stronger signs of development in their auditory cortex, which, among other functions, is a part of the brain primarily known for helping people hear.

Here's 5 movies that celebrate childhood

Did you know that March 15 is Absolutely Incredible Kids Day? The holiday was created by Campfire USA to show kids how special they are. Such a day allows parents and grownups to focus on the absolutely incredible kids in their lives.

Lose the game but not your sportsmanship

The Golden Rule is a credo for daily living espoused by many religions and world cultures all through the ages. Sometimes termed “the ethic of reciprocity,” it basically means treating others like we want to be treated.

Have You Seen This: Drop a beat with your pen

MUSIC CLASS — When a pen and a desk is your instrument, the whole world is your recording studio, as long as you have a pen and a desk.

Why my kids always wear sleeves

Modest is literally the hottest.

A bossy mom and a fun dad

“Dad is the one who plays with us, and Mom is the one who bosses us.”

How to say “I wouldn’t change one single thing about you” and actually mean it

The song says, in part, “All of me loves all of you…love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections…I give you all of me, and you give me all of you.”

Raising a reader: How parents can instill a love of the written word in kids

Keli Dean didn’t read much as a kid.

4 ways to guarantee your spouse feels loved

Your relationship with your spouse is important and needs to be nourished and strengthened daily. The question then becomes, “How do I help my spouse feel loved?” Since each person feels loved and appreciated in different ways, the answer is not straightforward.

College is 'worth it' but majors matter

Unemployment rates are falling for most college majors, and the employment gap between college graduates and those with merely a high school diploma continues to make college a good, almost necessary bargain, says a new report using Census Bureau data.

What moms say versus what dads hear

You don't have to be a fly on the wall in the homes of millions of Americans to see this common phenomenon. You know, that phenomenon where one spouse says "I didn't say that" only for the other spouse to respond with the predictable "Yes, you did." You don't have to be a fly on the wall because you've probably seen it in your own home enough times. Heck, you've probably seen this kind of conversation in the grocery store, at the park, or at the restaurant you went to last weekend.

Let's make national park status happen

I recently attended the National League of Cities conference. This annual event, attended by representatives from thousands of cities, provides local leaders with resources, contacts and continuing education. The League is focused on helping cities build stronger communities. Advocacy, job creation, economic growth, effective policy making, and feasible collaboration are only a few of the topics we explored for continuing and creating sustainable, vibrant communities.

Steve Wayne Dixon

Mr. Steve Wayne Dixon, 49, of 1483 Dixon Road, Elgin, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 10, 2012. Born in Blaney, he was the son of Carolyn Dixon Outten and Spence English, and husband of Jacqueline Wilson Dixon.

Follow your passion with practice

"Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul"-Plato

Ariail for March 16, 2012

Retaining records

It's good to see that Gov. Nikki Haley, who hasn't won a reputation for openness in her administration, has agreed to a plan which will result in better retention of records in the governor's office. Haley and the S. C. Department of Archives and History agreed to the plan, which is partly a result of The State newspaper's discovery a few months ago that e-mails and other records were being routinely destroyed.

How about a 'GED' for college?

Could millions of college dropouts get a second chance through a GED-style equivalent of a college diploma? In today's age of blue-collar blues and online education, the idea of college-equivalency exams doesn't sound so outlandish anymore.

Williams, Mathis set records in Knights' track victories

The North Central boys' track team won a home tri-meet with Andrew Jackson and Central on Tuesday.

CHS vs. L-E contests highlight Saturday, March 24 Dogfest

DogFest, a celebration of being a Camden Bulldog, will be held on Saturday, March 24 at the Camden High School baseball/softball complex.

Bulldog netters edge Irmo, 4-3

As he looked ahead to this week's back-to-back pairings with Irmo and Wilson Hall, Camden High tennis coach Roger Smoak was hoping to get, at least, a split of the two matches.

Wrapping up Sunshine Week

Discount sale of Cup tickets ends Saturday

Saturday is the final day for patrons to secure discount general admission tickets for the Carolina Cup steeplechase races.

Holliday golf outing set for Friday, March 30 at Camden CC

Golfers can kick off their Carolina Cup weekend, while helping a local cause at the same time, by playing in the Vonnie Holliday Foundation Golf Outing.

Crestwood is no match for CHS girls

So far, Region 6-AAA play has been a walk in the park for the Camden High girls' soccer team.

South Carolina Senior Sports Classic on tap May 16-19

Every year, senior adults (age 50 and older) come from all over the state to compete and socialize with each other.

For the record -- March 14, 2012

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