advice

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

Giving Thanks

Today on Thanksgiving, but really every day, it is important to think about raising children who are thankful and appreciative.  How can a parent or teacher instill these traits in children? When children are about 18 months old, they can repeat the phrase “thank you.”  While they will not truly understand what it means until they Read More

A Wonderful Sight: Grown-Ups Playing

I try to balance my blog posts to cover child development, current issues, ideas for support, and simple, feel-good stories.  Today is a day for a smile!  The last time it rained I noticed how many adults were wearing tall, whimsical, rainboots.  While these are usually reserved for children, I’m so glad to see this trend for Read More

My Favorite Things: Infant Bath Sponge

Afters years of working with infants, I’ve come across and created lots of tips to help ease some of the anxiety new parents often feel.  Bathing a tiny newborn is certainly one of these times.  They might as well have signs that read “slippery when wet!”  With time and experience this jobs gets easier, but Read More

The Value of “Grown-Up” Breaks

Let’s face it, parenting is exhausting at times.  For this reason, parents need to give themselves a “grown-up” break.  When I say a break, I mean two things:  A break can be time away from your child with the help of a caregiver, friend or family member.  Even a video.   This time allows you to recoup your patience and energy, refresh Read More

Talking to Young Children About Death

Let me start by saying, I’ve had this post ready to publish for months.  I’ve held on to it waiting for the “right” time to make it public.  The bottom line, is that this is a sad, difficult, personal topic, and there is no “right”time. The way one explains death to a child is a very personal decision. Read More

Review: “No More Mrs. Nice Mom”

Please take a look at the article “No More Mrs. Nice Mom” in the NY Times. I’ve read the article and watched the news report and I’ll respond to them the way I do to so many others…what happened to the middle ground?! We have certainly had a trend in parenting where grown-ups want to Read More

My Favorite Things: Kissing Dots!

When a child says “help me please,” how can you resist? It feels so good to be able to give your child what he or she needs! But parents and caregivers should be aware that self-help skills are incredibly important for young children. Sometimes, adults don’t realize how capable children are. Toddlers can help put Read More

Happy New Year!

As we enter 2011, may we all feel more empowered and appreciated, a little bit more understanding and better understood, more patient and consistent, and most importantly, happy with ourselves and our families.  Parenting is a challenging and rewarding job.  You can do it!  I am here if you need me. Be well, Dana Dana’s Kids.  Empowered Read More