What Should I Look For In A Parenting Support Group? Support groups can be an incredible aid to parents. Whether you are a parent of a toddler, coping with elementary school issues, dealing with a testing teenager or are managing the challenges and successes of having a child with special needs, knowing there are others Read More
Parents and Teachers: Friends or Frenemies?
Parents and Teachers: Friends or Frenemies? Ok, so right off the bat, I feel it’s important to clear up the fact that I’m not generally a “slang” user. But in this case, if the shoe fits… It’s a question that actually makes me quite sad, but nevertheless, hangs in the hallways. When you send your Read More
You’re Not Perfect: Accepting Your Parent Self
You’re Not Perfect: Accepting Your Parent Self You’re not perfect. And neither am I. Not a perfect person. Not a perfect parent. And thank goodness for that! A few years ago I went on a business development retreat where the group leader put us through many of the same steps I guide my parent clients Read More
Parenting Tips: Stop Over-Scheduling and Start Playing
Stop Over-Scheduling Your Children and Start Playing Summer brings with it for many adults who interact with children, the opportunity to stop over-scheduling. Often, children receiving special services take vacations and have therapists that do the same. More structured school environments are replaced by more laid back camp experiences. And my mind goes immediately to Read More
Why Shouldn’t Children Exercise?
Hello, my name is Katrina Phillip, and I am a fitness trainer who specializes in children. I am also one of the trainers on Bonita Porte’s Energetic Juniors team. I was recently asked to list a few reasons why children should exercise…However, I believe the true question we should be asking ourselves is – WHY Read More
Mindful Parenting: Reflecting On Your Child’s Development
Mindful Parenting: Reflecting On Your Child’s Development One of my most important, and sometimes challenging, tasks with a family, is to keep them current with their child’s development and their parenting skills. I help them spend time thinking about what their children can do now that they couldn’t do in the past. What new strengths have Read More
Parenting Tips: Consistency and Non-Negotiables
Parenting Tips: Consistency and Non-Negotiables One of the basic tenets of the parent education I provide is that consistency is essential to successful parenting. Take, for example, the client whose daughter was potty training. Most days she woke up in the morning and was changed from a diaper in to underwear. However, on some days Read More
Sibling Rivalry: Setting Children Up For Success
Sibling Rivalry: Setting Children Up For Success Realistically, it’s difficult to expect young siblings to agree to disagree. I know many adults who have a hard time with this concept. So when does a parent step in, when do they leave it to the kids, and how do they promote a positive relationship between their Read More
Play, Sing, Move & Listen: 4 Ways to Help Your Child Grow & Develop Through Music
Play, Sing, Move & Listen 4 Ways to Help Your Child Grow & Develop Through Music Most children respond naturally to music – calming to a lullaby, dancing to a Laurie Berkner video, or making up songs about every day happenings. Music is a multi-sensory experience – processed through more than one sense – Read More
Signs of Potty Training Readiness
Signs of Potty Training Readiness When it comes to potty training, having realistic expectations, following your child’s lead, and knowing the signs of readiness are essential before you begin. Often we see these signs between 2 and 4 years old. Doctors say that the vast majority of children under 18months do not have the ability Read More