Screen time rules are really hard
Screen time rules are really hard. On the one hand, there is a growing body of research telling parents that too much screen time is clearly associated with a variety of problems, including lower grades, anxiety, loneliness, and sleep problems. (citations below) On the other hand, those devices sure are fun and our kids love them and it creates conflict [...]
Mommy, did you ever get segregation when you were a kid?
photo: mikedish CC My 7 year old asked me this question not too long ago. It took me a minute to understand what she was saying—her pronunciation was 'creative,' plus the topic took me by surprise. But once I figured it out, I was both sad and grateful to her for asking the question. I told her [...]
Recommended books for talking with kids about sex
Recommended books about sex for kids In my workshops, I love to recommend books. I also frequently get emails asking for book recommendations–both for kids and parents. If I had to pare down the options to just 5, this is what I would choose. What’s the Big Secret is my recommendation for any age. It talks about pregnancy, sex, relationships, [...]
Finish Line vs Growth Parenting Moments
Imagine that interactions about behavior in your parenting life can be neatly divided in to two categories of situations. Overly simplistic, yes, but work with me here for a minute. Depending on the category, I propose that two distinct types of situations, goals, and behavior management strategies apply. And, knowing which category you are dealing with (and keeping an eye [...]
60-40-0
Think of a time recently when your child was upset, maybe really upset. What he was upset about wasn’t a major life loss, or a safety issue. Rather, he was just very displeased about something, for example, he wanted the green one instead of the yellow one. Or he was really excited about going to the museum but you just [...]
Gavin de Becker’s Test of 12
Although Gavin de Becker's book Protecting the Gift is a most uncomfortable read, I recommend it to parents whenever discussions of child safety come up. One of the many practical pieces of advice is how to tell when your child is ready to be left alone--ready to play a major role in assuring their own safety. Can you answer yes to [...]
Book Recommendations for a New Parent
The organizer of one of the local parenting groups I've worked with before recently asked me if I could recommend a sort of "Best of" book list for a new mom who was joining their group. It ended up being a really fun reflection for me--which books I like the most, which would be helpful for someone who is [...]
The Best Version of Yourself
photo: gordonramsaysubmissions cc Like ice cream comes in different flavors, I, too, come in different versions of myself. When I have slept well and enough, eaten healthfully, gotten exercise and happy time with loved ones, and don’t have big worries hanging over my head, I am generally a good version of myself. I’m more patient and peaceful, [...]
Behavior is Communication–Video
The Arc of the Tantrum video has been hugely popular, so I've made another one. This one is on a topic I speak about in various ways all the time: Behavior is Communication. Click below for 2 minutes and 38 seconds' worth of coaching on understanding your child's misbehavior. (and see directly below for a rudimentary transcript.) Behavior is Communication, notes from [...]
The Arc of the Tantrum–video
This short video--just 3 minutes--is a little experiment in sharing information through video as opposed to written articles/blog posts. I hope you like it! Won't you tell me what you think?
