Next time you’re compelled to jump in & “fix” something for your young child, count to 10 and give them a little more time. Being able to problem solve strengthens a child’s sense of self and reinforces their ability to make their needs known while taking into account the points of view of others. Problem Read More
An Alternative to I’m Sorry
Try a “check in.” Rather than simply insisting your young child say “sorry” after they have hit or upset another child, ask them to “check in.” This can mean asking if the other child is okay, saying sorry, offering a tissue, ice, or hug. By doing this, children are learning to show empathy rather than Read More
One Strategy to Wipe Out Whining: Use A Regular Voice
When your child whines, remind them that when they can use a “regular voice” to tell you what they need, you’ll be happy to help them. When you start using this technique, be mindful of positively reinforcing the behavior (the “regular voice”) when they do it…even if it means an extra cookie. You’ll be pleased Read More
How Can I Bond With My Baby?
If you are asking, “How can I bond with my baby?, follow these helpful hints. “Take time each day to cuddle, talk, laugh, play, hug, smile, and show [your baby] affection in a way that feels comfortable. Some ideas include wearing your baby in a sling, snuggling in bed, listening to music or taking a Read More
A Case Against Time-Out
I believe strongly in giving people the benefit of the doubt. So when I think about time-out, I’m sure it was created with good intentions. Having a child sit on a spot, in a naughty chair, or on a step, one minute for each year of their age, must have come from someplace good. Both Read More
Disney Tips 2013
Parenting strategies for successful family outings. I sit here Monday evening, after a weekend at Walt Disney World, equally happy and exhausted to tears. There’s a wide variety of families, children, and ages that visit Disney each year. Most people have a “plan of attack” that works for their brood. Below find the tips Read More
Life After EI: What’s Next?
Life After EI: What’s Next? Does your child receive Early Intervention services? Will he or she turn 3 in 2013? Come hear a free presentation by Sarah Birnbaum of New York Special Needs Support on how to: Figure out whether your child will still need services after EI Obtain the best evaluations and guidance Find Read More
Baby, Its Cold Outside! (Part 1)
Yet another way of empowering parents, caregivers and teachers. Let’s be honest, as it gets darker and colder, no one really wants to take young children to the park. It’s always been remarkable to me that children don’t seem to feel the frigid temperatures in the same way adults do. From an educators’ standpoint, gross Read More
The Great Potty Debate
When a parent comes to me for advice about potty training, I always start the conversation the same way. Let’s consider what it takes to pee on the potty. A child has to be aware that they need to pee, let you know, hold the pee, get to the bathroom, adjust their clothing, sit on the Read More
Fun and Developmentally Appropriate Gifts 2012 (Birth-3)
The holiday, gift-giving season is upon us once again. And while you’ve probably already read 10 different lists about what to buy for your infants and toddlers, I thought I’d throw in my thoughts about fun, but developmentally-appropriate toys. Toys that are developmentally appropriate are designed keeping in mind the way in which children develop, Read More