Recently, in many of my parent groups and private sessions, tantrums seem to be the topic of choice. Tantruming is not new to childhood but it seems that every day an expert has a new way to end your child’s tantrums. I say stick with the tried and true… Before your child tantrums, think about what sets them Read More
challenges
The Parenting Dance
Many parents go through a period where they struggle to understand what their children are telling them. In more challenging situations, parents can have a hard time connecting with their babies. I often suggest they try considering these times in a new framework. Consider parenting to be a dance. Starting from the first moment you hold your infant in Read More
Quitting: When Is It Okay?
Young children begin taking formal “lessons” in activities for a number of reasons: Mom or Dad thinks it’s a great idea, the child has expressed interest, friends are participating, they liked the leotard or karate outfit, etc. Most of the time these activties are wonderful and children thoroughly enjoy them. But what happens if your Read More
Discipline Is Not A Bad Word!
Many parents today are concerned about disciplining their children. Some don’t want to be “mean,” others don’t want to “damage” their children. Some want to be “friends” with their kids, and others just aren’t sure how to do it. The key in positive discipline and limit setting is to teach cooperation! You can start Read More
Parenting On The Same Page: Building Relationships
Having a successful relationship with your partner helps you both be more effective parents. Here are some tips for building that relationship. Be a team: We often hear “there’s no /i/ in team.” This is never more true than in building a spousal relationship. If one of you has an issue, it is a problem for 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
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
Weeding Through Well-Meaning Advice
I recently wrote a guest blog post for a wonderful website: www.motherhoodlater.com. “Motherhood Later… Than Sooner, founded by Robin Gorman Newman, is an international organization devoted to those parenting later in life. If you became a mom for the first time, or again, at age 35+, we welcome your participation. Our mission is to inform, Read More
New York Family Magazine: Special Needs Article
Concerned about your child’s development? Check out the new article I contributed to for New York Family Magazine. “Understanding the Special Needs Landscape in NYC: Parents Of Children With Special Needs Face A Maze Of Evaluations, Programs And Services. Here’s Some Expert Advice”
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