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
developmentally appropriate
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
Restaurant Sanity Savers
Dana’s tips for teaching appropriate restaurant behavior. Having a child shouldn’t mean you can’t go out for dinner without hiring a babysitter. Taking your young child to a restaurant holds the possibility of a wonderful experience in a new place with new foods, as well as an enjoyable time for you and your partner. It can Read More
Children On Leashes
Today I walked down a New York City street and noticed three young children on leashes. Sure, two were dressed up as cute little monkey backpacks with tails for the parents to hold on to, but still….they’re leashes. After years working with toddlers, 2s and 3s, I get it. They can have selective listening, can 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
Princesses: Perfectly Pleasant or Potentially Perilous?
Recently, many articles have surfaced on the web concerning the visuals and message the Disney princesses and their stories present. (I’ve included links to a few below.) Peggy Orenstein has written 4 books and numerous articles about women and girls coming of age. Her most recent, Cinderella At My Daughter, considers what “girlie-girl” culture may Read More
Drill and Kill for Toddlers
Where to start? Where to start? One needn’t looking any further than the first photograph in Kate Zernike’s recent New York Times article, “Fast-Tracking to Kindergarten.” The poor munchkin in that picture looks so overwhelmed. And why shouldn’t she be? Developmentally, her mind and body are not ready for this work. I’m all for enrichment Read More
Developmentally Savvy Gifts For Infants and Toddlers!
Check out my recent post for Savvy Auntie! While the article is geared for aunts, it’s a great list for anyone buying items for infants and toddlers. You’ll find my favorite developmentally appropriate picks at under $25, under $50, under $100, and “Splurge-Worthy” price points. Enjoy! Savvy Auntie’s founder, Melanie Notkin, is releasing her first book today. Read More
My Favorite Things: Using Photographs with Children
All children love seeing themselves and the important people in their lives in photographs. For babies, photo albums can be used to support language development, recognition of their loved ones and caregivers, and are a great transition object for day care. Toddlers enjoy labeling all of the people and things they know. For twos and threes, photographs help Read More