Every parent hopes their child will be healthy, but the reality is children get sick and sometimes need surgery, requiring an anesthetic. "We probably anesthetize 18,000 infants and children a year," says Dr. Larry Roy, chief of the Department of Anesthesia at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Children can need elective surgery for everything from heart issues to hernias–here's what you should know about your child's trip to the hospital.

Most little kids have better things to do than worry about whether their hands are clean or their teeth are brushed – and many wouldn’t pass the white glove test. It can be hard to convince kids that good hygiene is important, says Jennifer Kolari, a parent and child therapist in Toronto. “Kids think in the now, so a cavity six months from now doesn’t mean anything — and this is true right up to adolescence.” Here’s how to help small children take responsibility for “routine cleaning,” whether it’s their teeth, nails, hair or hands.

Highly sensitive children can be wonderful, but challenging to parent. They are emotionally delicate in many ways and as parents we worry about their ability to cope in the world with everyday struggles. Often these highly sensitive children are very intelligent and many are gifted. Here's how to tell if you are parenting a sensitive child and how to deal with his emotions:

When it comes to baby toys, is wood better than plastic? Dora better than Sponge Bob? Turns out toys are important for your child’s development – here's how to choose the best ones.

Plain pasta with butter? Grilled cheese? Chicken fingers and fries? If these are your child’s three favourite food groups, here are some easy, expert tricks you can try – guaranteed to tempt even the pickiest eater!