parenting

9/11 and Children: Seize An Opportunity

Like most people, I have spent today reflecting.  I have been thinking about our world and where I was 10 years ago.  If you haven’t done so already, I would encourage you to take a moment now.  Talking to children about the events of 9/11/01 is a very personal choice.  Certainly, parents should consider their 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

Sippy or Straw Cup? And the Speech Therapist Says…

…Straw Cup! According to speech therapists, straw cups promote more mature oral motor development. Sippy cups encourage children to rest their tongues on the under side of the spout, which can cause what is called “tongue thrust.” Tongue thrust can lead to articulation issues. Straw cups on the other hand promote lip closure, tongue and Read More

Showing Emotions to Children

I recently wrote about how aware children are of what their parents are communicating through language and behavior. This is true both after extreme events and during the typical day. When a parent is anxious during separation at school, the child knows. When a grownup holds the child’s hand just a little bit tighter while Read More

Plan to Play: The Animals on the Bus

For most children, farm animals are a standard toy chest item. Two of my favorites are Soft Touch Baby Farm Animals and Aurora My Barnyard Friends Carrier with Sounds. For a barn and animal set, the Fisher Price Little People Animal Sounds Farm is a favorite! The problem is, one can only play with animals Read More

A Post About Bin Laden’s Death

Whether talking about his life or death, I struggle with giving this man more than his 15 minutes of fame.  To be sure, in my opinion, he didn’t even deserve that much.  Many people have strong feelings about last night’s events.  Many will be discussing them today and for days to come.  When doing so, Read More

Why Does He Have That?

Recently, more and more early childhood programs have opened their doors to children with a variety of needs.  These integrated and inclusive communities are wonderful places for all children to learn and are fantastic in a multitude of other ways.  The law says that children with special needs must be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).  Read More

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