How many times in your life have you said “I’m sorry” to another person? It’s natural that when the children in our lives do something that hurts, upset, or bothers another person, we encourage them to say “I’m sorry,” as well. But what does “I’m sorry” really mean and does it teach children anything? In Read More
behavior
Immediate, Natural Consequences
Whenever I speak to parents about discipline, amongst other things, we discuss developmentally appropriate expectations, consistency, positive alternatives, and immediate, natural consequences. Immediate, natural consequences are particularly important to explain because often, they don’t come immediately or naturally, to a grown up. First things first: what is an immediate, natural consequence? Using positive discipline begins by teaching Read More
My Toddler Won’t Get In The Stroller!
Ah, toddlerhood! You can see the pleasure on your child’s face as they relish in their new found capabilities. But this time can also bring challenges. I hear it all the time…my squirmy toddler won’t get into the stroller! My advice? Grown-ups need to have a bag of tricks. Early walkers and toddlers hoping for Read More
Effective Parenting Begins with Consistency
Read my new article about the importance of consistently setting limits and expectations for your child. http://www.bigcitymoms.com/EffectiveParenting.php
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
Love Is In The Air
Happy Valentine’s Day! February 14th is a day when we think about love and our connections to others. If those thoughts don’t lead directly to our feelings about children and our families, I don’t know what would. Three months ago upon the birth of my nephew, my father told my brother (the new daddy), “all 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
From the NY Times: An Article on the Importance of Play
Take a look at this article about the importance of play and the movement to bring it back into the daily lives of children. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/06/garden/06play.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&src=tptw
Caught Being Good
I was recently on line at the supermarket behind a woman and her daughter. The child was probably about 6 years old and she and her mother were discussing what they were going to eat for dessert. They suddenly realized they had forgotten the ice cream cones. The mother calmly said to her daughter “You go Read More
Why Isn’t This Working?!
Many parents set up an appointment with me when they are feeling frustrated, exhausted, helpless, or a multitude of other emotions. Most come in to our sessions with an open mind and an open heart, and are willing to try almost anything to make their situations better. One of the first things I tell parents is that “change Read More