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

Drop the “Okay?!”

“Okay,” let’s talk for a minute about the power of language and tone with young children.  Parents of toddlers know that a well-placed, excited “ooh” or “ahh” can redirect their child’s attention away from the cleaning of a hurt boo boo (although, first you should reflect and acknowledge your child’s emotions and pain).  Those words and the Read More

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

The Two Spoon Rule

Anyone who’s ever fed a baby knows that getting the spoon to their mouth before they grab it can be a challenge….and a mess.  I have a solution.  Follow the two spoon rule.  Give your child a spoon of his or her own to hold while you are feeding them.  Every now and then, dip Read More

Plan to Play: Feed The Baby

As far as I am concerned, all young children (yes, even boys) should have a baby doll.  Feeding a baby doll is a great way to introduce young children to pretend play. What You’ll Need: -Baby Doll -Real or pretend spoon, bowl, saucepan, bottle, napkin, and any other items you might use to prepare a meal Read More

Can You “Kid” With Kids? How Humor Can Be Helpful

Many of us know adults who use humor to diffuse the tension in situations, but did you know that humor is a wonderful technique with children, from toddlers on up?  When they are about to tantrum or fight, catch them off guard with humor.  You could try saying “Hey wait a second.  Where did my child Read More

Little Lunch Launchers

Lately I’ve been hearing the same thing from parent after parent….”My toddler/2/3 won’t stop throwing his food.  I put him in the high chair to eat and almost immediately the food is flying.  And the best part is, when I say ‘no throw,’ he laughs!”  Here are just a few  ideas that can be helpful:   Read More

A Follow Up To “Restaurant Sanity Savers”

A parent recently had a great response after reading “Restaurant Sanity Savers.”  This mother of three, whose eldest has special needs, created similar “kits” for her middle child when he accompanied his older brother to activities and therapy sessions.  The eldest had a kit for when the middle child needed to be fed as an Read More