Shortly after having my first baby, I decided I was going to be the perfect parent. I immediately began to keep an intelligent library of child-rearing books on my nightstand and would replenish the stock as each book was absorbed into my sub-consciousness and checked off the “read” list. My…
The idea of owning a cell phone appeals to most kids, especially tweens, who are forming social groups and getting involved in after-school activities. But how do you know when it’s time to let them phone home with their very own phone? The first thing to investigate is whether or…
Imagine you run into a high school friend whom you haven’t seen in 20 years; you hug, you quickly play catch-up and she says; “You haven’t changed a bit!” It’s easy to take that as a compliment, particularly if you were prom queen and head of the cheerleading squad, but…
They may not wring their hands, yell or furrow their brows, but kids do experience stress, just like adults. Childhood may not be one big picnic for all kids, all the time. And just like adults, kids need healthy ways to relieve stress and relax. A calm, stable and reliable…
I learned the truth about Santa Claus from our big brother. I was skeptical at first, so we sneaked out to my grandparents’ trailer and he showed me all the gifts we had asked Santa to bring. He was telling the truth! My brother had somehow stumbled upon an amazing…
Computers and the internet have become a way of life. Telling your kids that they can’t go on the internet is like telling them they can’t breathe. Not only has the internet become a social aspect for kids, it is also educational. Kids are expected to know their way around…
A new baby is a big change for everyone in the house, but the transition from a three-person household to a four-person household may cause the most turmoil for the firstborn child. You might be excited about the potential for your child to have a lifetime playmate, but he or…
It’s not their party, but they can cry if they want to. We’re talking the dreaded odd man out experience where your child isn’t invited to a party or gathering. It can happen to the best of us, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Being left out is never…
Think about your interactions with your children today. How many things did you notice they did wrong? What did you do or say to them because of their wrong doings? Have they engaged in the same kind of behavior before? What did you do or say the times before? Is…
“Your hair is a mess.” “Why can’t you do better in school?” “Do you ever watch where you’re going? Are you constantly criticizing your children to the point where even you’re beginning to wonder if you’re too hard on them? By now you’ve likely heard the notion of choosing your…