Oatmeal? Helping an Upset Child
A story about my daughter, Elizabeth, who had just recovered from a broken arm and several other medical interventions in the period right before this incident. One morning my four year old daughter got very
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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 Children Process the Illness of a Beloved Relative
Dear Sharon, My mother lives with us and is terminally ill. Do you have any advice for us as to how we talk to our children about this and how we tell them? They are
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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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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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New Mom Has to Go Back to Work
Dear Sharon, Three months ago we had a second child and just now I have returned to my job. It hasn’t been easy leaving the baby and going back to the office, but we need
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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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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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After School for Young Children
Dear Sharon, My son is having a difficult time being left at After School. He’s in Kindergarten and has to make a change on a bus to a different location. In the meantime he watches
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