Screen Time and Junk Food
What do you recommend parents do to get their kids more physically active. My son is only 10 years old but he’s getting a gut and is glued to screens of one kind or another
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Thoughts for Parents who Work Long Hours
A dad and mom came to talk with me about the eldest of their two children, Marty. He was becoming increasingly stubborn and upset at home. The family had been fortunate in many ways; mom
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“You Don’t Love Me! I Don’t Want to Go to School!”
Dear Sharon, How do you respond to a child who says “You don’t love me…. if you did you wouldn’t send me to school.” Dear Parent, Dramatic statements such as “You don’t love me!” or
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One Way to Avoid Power Battles
“You are a bad Mommy!” “I hate you Daddy!” These phrases are sometimes said when children are upset with their Mom or Dad. Parents of course are often alarmed or hurt by such powerful emotions.
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When Can “Time Outs” Work?
“Time outs” can work best when they offer a “cooling off” period for child and/or parent. If someone can get “their head on straight” from a break in the upheaval then usually things get better.
Teens and Tweens Need to Keep their Parents Informed.
A basic rule that I share with parents of teens and tweens is that whenever possible Moms and Dads should know where their children are, who they are with and when they will be coming
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Intertwined 12 Year Old Twins
We have identical twin daughters who rely on each other for just about everything. They dress alike, act alike and are each other’s best friends. They are 12 and we are concerned that they are
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Picking your Battles
Sometimes Moms and Dads find themselves saying “NO” to their child almost all of the time. It is easier for young people to take in guidance if parents can pick their battles, offering one suggestion
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When Should Children Get a Cell Phone?
Our 8 year old daughter wants her own cell phone. What do we do? She says other kids have them. Help! Dear Parents, As the particulars of families vary widely I believe that there is
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Lengthy Bedtimes
Some children keep their parents engaged in unwanted lengthy bedtime rituals. Here are a few suggestions that might help things go more smoothly: 1. Play actively with children for as long as you can before
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