Baby, Its Cold Outside! (Part 1)

Yet another way of empowering parents, caregivers and teachers. Let’s be honest, as it gets darker and colder, no one really wants to take young children to the park. It’s always been remarkable to me that children don’t seem to feel the frigid temperatures in the same way adults do. From an educators’ standpoint, gross Read More

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

Bullying Prevention Starts With Teaching Tolerance

Needless to say “bullying” has been in the news a lot lately.  What’s been happening is nothing short of tragic.  It would seem to me that whether you have a child or are educating children, your goal is to give them the support and tools they need so that they become positive, active contributors to our 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

By Myself!

Coming in a close second after “mine!” on the list of most frequently used toddler phrases is “by myself!” It’s truly exciting when your baby starts exerting her independence, using language, and more actively exploring the world around her. But the world of toddlers and 2s brings with it a new batch of challenges. How Read More

Tips To Tame Tantrums!

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

Giving Thanks

Today on Thanksgiving, but really every day, it is important to think about raising children who are thankful and appreciative.  How can a parent or teacher instill these traits in children? When children are about 18 months old, they can repeat the phrase “thank you.”  While they will not truly understand what it means until they 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

Tips For Preparing Your Child For Nursery School

The most important way to help your child feel comfortable with the idea of beginning nursery school is to make sure you are comfortable with the idea of him or her beginning nursery school.  If you have questions or concerns call the school and speak with your child’s teacher, the director, or the school’s early Read More