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

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

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

My Favorite Things: Homemade Play Dough

Next time there’s a snow day (or sick, rainy, “I’m bored” day), be prepared!  Keep the ingredients in your pantry and you’ll always have a project. Homemade Play Dough 1c Flour 1Tbsp Oil 1c Water 1/2c Salt 2Tbsp Cream of Tartar Food Coloring of Choice Mix all ingredients except food coloring in a pot. Nonstick 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

What Do You Mean Sensory Issues?

Over the years I have met many children who were either overly sensitive, or not sensitive enough, to the world around them.  Today, sensory integration disorder, sensory processing disorder and sensory issues are phrases that get thrown around by educators and therapists frequently.  But for parents these words can be scary and unclear.  When we describe 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