There is Often No Script for Parenting
After a wonderful Saturday in the park playing and picnicking, Mom, Dad, Grandmother, Uncle and 6 year old son head home to get ready for a meal in a restaurant to celebrate Mom’s birthday. Everyone
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When to Explain Rules to Children
It is often more effective for parents to review guidelines and rules before they are put in place. i.e. If a Mom or Dad is teaching their child to hold an adult hand while crossing
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Helping an Overwhelmed Child
A child can feel like they “always lose” when they are overwhelmed by pressures at school, tension with friends or siblings or upsets stemming from an overtired Mom or Dad. When this happens it can
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Helping a Child Who is Having a Hard Time
A seven year old girl, Kayla, had just moved and was going to a new school where there was an overabundance of boys in her class. She was a middle sibling and usually much quieter
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Young Teen Keeps Mom from gyn Visit
Dear Sharon, My daughter has just turned 14. She wants me to make an appointment for her to see a gynecologist and I am very upset. She also wants to go alone. What should I
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Discussing the First Days of School
It is useful for a child to share their thoughts and reactions to their first few days of school. It can help them feel less alone and more able to cope with any challenges they
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Beach Story (Using Time off to Reduce Tension at Home)
Beach Story (Using Time off to Reduce Tension at Home) The parents of two young daughters were concerned about their eldest, 6 year old “Tamara”. She was refusing to do anything they asked and spent
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Tweens and Household Chores
Dear Sharon, Our 12-year-old daughter is being asked to do a few household chores to help out. Nothing major, but small chores that we want her to do on a regular basis to help her
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Should Our Child Sleep with Our Dog?
Dear Sharon, Our five-year-old son sleeps with our dog every night (a loving and tender Irish Setter). We’re concerned that he is too dependent on him for company and will not be able to sleep
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Helping Children Communicate
When my oldest son was a teenager he would come home from school in a sulky and uncommunicative mood. He would usually make a hamburger when he first walked in the door. If I said
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