Push-up bathing suit tops for a 7 year old? There has been plenty of dialogue in the carpool line and in the media about just how far are some compaines going to attract younger and younger retail buyers. Just what message are we sending young girls?

Current guidelines suggest that children and teenagers get at least an hour of moderate or vigorous exercise every day — equivalent to a brisk walk or jog, respectively. But less than half of U.S. children, and even fewer teenagers, manage to work this much exercise into their routines.

If your middle-years child seems to have distortions and confusions in gender identity, discuss boy and girl, male and female behavior directly with him or her. For instance, talk with your child about the specific gestures or behavior that may provoke reactions from others, and identify together some that might be more appropriate.

Stereotypes of masculine and feminine behaviors and characteristics permeate our culture. And when a child's aptitudes and interests deviate from these accepted norms, he or she is often subjected to discrimination and ridicule.

Too many children are getting much of their water from sweetened beverages rather than plain old H2O, the researchers found. The study also revealed that those who drink water consume fewer sweetened beverages and eat fewer high-calorie foods.

How to keep your college student child healthy and what to pack when they get sick.

Strategies to parents can use to raise confident, courageous girls today.