I hear theses phrases a lot from parents. “Why won’t my kid listen?” or “How can I get my child to listen to me?” Typically, my first response is, “Do you want him to listen or to comply?” Because often, children are listening to what their grown ups are saying. For better and for worse. But do Read More
If We Take Something Off The Table, Have We “Lost?”
Q:If we take something off the table, have we “lost”? A:”Lost what,” I ask? An example, many parents report morning routine’s to be a struggle. Children drag their feet. Parents are trying to accomplish many things in a short period of time. No one wants to feel harried in the morning. Maybe your daughter Read More
The Importance of Knowing What is Developmentally Appropriate
Every few weeks, during sessions with parents or children, I say something that has a parent reacting: “Wow! Really?” Typically, I’m not saying something I think is shocking or unusual. But there is so much information, advice, parent peer pressure, and “the-right-way-to-do-it” messaging out there, that parents are surprised when they hear something different. Here Read More
Get Comfortable With Your Child Being Uncomfortable.
Get comfortable with your child being uncomfortable. Possibly one of my favorite parenting phrases. Discipline and limit setting are hard. Your child crying in response to your discipline can make it even harder. During a recent workshop many parents voiced concern about this. “What happens if my child cries when I set a limit?” A Read More
You’re A Mean Mommy!
You know you’ve heard it before “You’re a mean mommy (or daddy, or caregiver).” “I don’t like you anymore.” “You never let me do anything.” It’s not unusual to hear children say these things. Especially when they’re angry or disappointed, or not sure how to express their feelings. The problem is, even when we know Read More
Dana’s Kids Tips: What Should I Look For In A Parenting Support Group?
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