Blog Feed: Notes on Parenting

Cultural Variations in the "Mirror Test" of Self-Recognition

Published on 2013-05-16 10:38:00

Among child development researchers, the "mirror test" is a classic experiment. This test is meant to help researchers understand when a young child begins to have a sense of self. The way the test typical goes is that a researcher places a red dot o

Creating a Good Relationship with your Daughter, Especially if you haven't one with your own Mother.

Published on 2013-05-15 07:00:00

This is my story, it may not ring true for everyone, but if it can help one person understand or feel better about their blessed life they lead-then my job here is done. Given this is the week following the celebration of Mother's Day, I find this p

Top 10: Ways Parents can lead by Example

Published on 2013-05-14 17:18:00

by Dyan Eybergen Good leaders must lead by example; and who is in a position to lead better than a parent? Through a parent’s actions, which are aligned with what they say, they become a person their children want to follow. When parents say on

A Boy "Achievement Crisis": The Research Behind the Headlines

Published on 2013-04-18 02:00:00

There have been several high-profile news articles out recently that discussed the state of boys’ educational achievement. Some authors point out that boys have fallen behind girls in many measures of academic achievement such as grades, Advanced P

Allow them to be themselves

Published on 2013-04-16 10:05:00

I think if we could let our children and youth frolic in the fields throughout their upbringing, we would see child and youth mental health issues decrease. I have been noticing an interesting trend amongst the children and youth I am working with. T

Diaper Bag Essentials

Published on 2013-04-11 17:20:00

My sister just gave birth to the most perfect little bundle of joy, and with me being a parent for almost 12 years, I was happy to give her some advice and send her a little bag full of must-haves for the diaper bag! I thought I would share it with

My In-Laws are Driving me Nuts: New Research on In-Law Relationships

Published on 2013-03-27 08:35:00

In-law struggles seem to be a natural part of the transition to marriage. Movies are continuously made that address the topic of in-law relationship problems (i.e. "The In-Laws", "Meet the Parents", "The Son-in-Law", "Monster-in-Law"). Just this week

Swords, Guns, and Pretend Violence: Just Kids Play or Something More?

Published on 2013-03-21 02:00:00

Have you ever watched a group of preschool-aged boys play together without much direction from adults? Having a 3-year-old boy myself, I see this quite often. Inevitably, by the end of it, there will be some sort of pretend fight, wrestling match, or

Autonomy Under One Roof: A step-family story

Published on 2013-03-20 04:00:00

So this weekend was action packed. I and my youngest modeled for a bridal expo, and my fantastic partner took my eldest to two different 2hr away venues to play volleyball. All while his children awaited my return home to be fed and to go shopping.

Help Create Safety and Security at Home While Travelling

Published on 2013-03-19 12:19:00

One observation I am having when working with parents is that children who come from a two parent house seem to go to bed better when both parents are home and engaged in the bedtime routine. There is a sense of sense of safety and security for child

Tips for Making Homemade Baby Food

Published on 2013-03-05 13:30:00

Save money with a stay at home vacation

Published on 2013-03-05 07:00:00

Are you dreaming of your next vacation, but wondering how on earth you're going to afford it? Family holidays give you the opportunity to get away and spend some quality time together, but they don't have to cost a fortune. Staying close to home can

Is Your Child Scared of the Dentist?

Published on 2013-02-26 07:00:00

A trip to the dentist can be daunting for most adults, but the sights and sounds of the dental treatment room can be particularly scary for young children. Dental practices are filled with strange noises, unfamiliar people and smells, and white masks

How to Help Your Teens with Peer Pressure

Published on 2013-02-25 07:00:00

One word: relationship. That is the key to helping your children with peer pressure. Building a strong relationship with your child from the moment they are born, being able to communicate on every level, and giving them the security of your uncondit

Top 10 Tips for Managing Your Kids Video Game Playing

Published on 2013-02-23 07:00:00

In the current day and age computer games are highly popular; from Tom and Jerry games to football games – there is something for all ages. A lot of parents worry that their children spend too much time playing video games. Whilst a healthy dosage

Communication with Kids: Does Tone of Voice Matter?

Published on 2013-02-21 01:30:00

Have you ever wondered how the emotion used in your voice affects how your kids listen or understand what you tell them? No doubt most of us have had moments where we “lost it” with our kids and raised our voice or yelled at them. This expression

The shaming behind excessive TV use

Published on 2013-02-20 11:23:00

Did you see the latest headlines on February 18? That TV and antisocial behaviour are linked? There was a lot of attention garnered by this recent study released from New Zealand that was published in Pediatrics. This study linked “excessive” tel

Infographic: Are Energy Drinks Healthy?

Published on 2013-02-19 20:56:00

The consumption of beverages with high caffeine levels has produced addictions in young adults across the nation. While caffeine has been a staple of coffee drinkers throughout many generations, the high levels in today's popular beverages has raised

Eating Crow

Published on 2013-02-08 13:55:00

I think we all said some interesting phrases before we became parents.

Teaching Children About Road Safety

Published on 2013-02-05 07:00:00

Children usually do not have the exact same ability as adults to judge speed, distances and directions of traffic. This is why they need proper 'education' in terms of road etiquette and how to stay safe while out on the street. After all, if one is

Effective Communication with Aging Parents Takes Practice and Time

Published on 2013-01-30 07:00:00

My father was notoriously stubborn. And my mother, who is eight years younger, wasn’t exactly a submissive woman herself. Both feared change immensely, particularly my mother. That meant when the effects of aging began taking a physical and ment

Dealing with Common Skin Disorders in Children

Published on 2013-01-29 07:00:00

Unfortunately for parents, kids don't come with care manuals, and it's difficult to know when something that crops up is a minor affliction or potentially life threatening. This is particularly true with skin disorders. Although we know that most o

How Does Marital Satisfaction Influence my Child's Learning?

Published on 2013-01-23 13:52:00

As a family therapist, I often meet with couples who have neglected nurturing their relationship, often excusing such behavior in the name of "the kids." When I ask more specifically, what about "the kids" causes their lack of time together I hear a

Book Review: How to be Angry

Published on 2013-01-17 00:30:00

Anger is a normal emotion that we all experience from time to time. Most adults have learned ways to deal with anger and not have it cause problems for their lives or relationships. Children and teens, however, have less life experience to know how t

10 Things Learned as a Parent and a Child.

Published on 2013-01-16 06:00:00

Sitting on a 8 hour flight to Paris, sans my children, the metaphorical pun intended phrase hit me; Part of teaching your kids to fly, is really to fly yourself. I do not mean this so much in the literal sense but rather that our children run off of

New Years Resolution: Take time to be with your family

Published on 2013-01-15 08:34:00

As the holiday season concludes, it is usually a time when we look back and re-evaluate our priorities. Typically over the holidays, we remember family members and friends, and spend time with them. But come January 2nd, or shortly afterward, thos

Teaching Your Teen to Handle Money

Published on 2013-01-10 07:30:00

Most kids are familiar with how money works well before they reach the age of 10, some at half that age. You give it to someone in exchange for stuff that you want. Hooray! Stuff! The problem is that children, teens, and sometimes adults never really

5 Ways in which we can keep the Spirit of the Christmas Season Going all Year Long

Published on 2013-01-08 23:02:00

By: Dyan Eybergen W.C. Jones once wrote of Christmas: The joy of brightening other's lives, bearing each other's burdens, easing others' loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas. These

Teaching Children About Money

Published on 2013-01-04 15:25:00

One of my goals for the year is to teach my kids how to handle money and respect it. The best thing my parents ever did for me was to deny me the things I wanted except when I requested them for birthdays and Christmas (they would buy me candy bars

Adding Relevancy and Rewards to our Goal Setting

Published on 2013-01-03 09:43:00

As we start of a new year, it is goal setting season! If you have ever attended a workshop on goal setting, most likely the workshop covered the aspect of SMART goals, which is a specific formula for reaching your goals. SMART goals need to be specif

How to Manage Both Your Toddler and Your New Baby

Published on 2013-01-01 10:27:00

Coping with both your toddler and a new baby can be a quite difficult task, especially if no one assists you. It can be a little easier though if you get organized. Here are a few things to consider... Preparing a toddler plays a vital role. Most of

Is There a Connection Between Co-Sleeping and Marital Satisfaction?

Published on 2012-12-20 01:30:00

Whether you are a new or veteran parent, you are well aware of the challenges that often come with finding suitable sleeping arrangements for you and your newborn. Newborns, of course, wake often during the night and finding a sleeping arrangement th

Christmas Memories

Published on 2012-12-07 21:03:00

I have had some very eye opening experiences this past month or so, which have led me to work on preserving our memories.

Custody Agreements for Preschoolers: Fostering Parental Bonds

Published on 2012-11-30 07:30:00

For most adults, there is not enough time in a week. Time passes quickly. The older we get, the faster it seems to go. Monday morning arrives relentlessly, without apology, regardless of whether or not we have had time to catch our breath and recover

Honest Emotional Expression is Good for your Relationship.

Published on 2012-11-28 07:47:00

Attachment Theory A familiar and important concept in family science is Attachment Theory. Attachment theory is typically used to describe the relationship between parents and children as children grow from infancy to adulthood. The theory states th

Three Gifts of Christmas

Published on 2012-11-26 19:52:00

Jone-zing with the Jones’

Published on 2012-11-21 07:00:00

(Originally posted on November 15, 2011 by cjsparkle) How to “keep up with the jones” on one income? Should you even try too? No! The comparative game, can you top this game, is for people with time and no sensible self-esteem. You don’t ne

Creating a Safe Haven & Secure Base

Published on 2012-11-20 11:31:00

It’s been almost two years since Brene Brown delivered heryoutube sensation TED talk about being vulnerable.

Comic Books and Reading Development

Published on 2012-11-15 02:00:00

If you have a young son, like I do, you are probably familiar with what I call the “superhero phase.” We are just in the beginning stages at my house, but the idea of superheroes, “good guys” vs. “bad guys,” and all things Superman has ta

How To Know If Your Teenager Has Suicidal Behavior

Published on 2012-11-09 08:00:00

Teenagers are usually excellent at hiding their problems, pain, concerns and fears, especially from parents and caregivers. It is important to listen carefully to what a teenager is saying and to take her seriously when she is talking about suicide.

How to Encourage Children to Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle

Published on 2012-11-07 08:00:00

As a stay-at-home mom of four kids and a freelance writer, each and every single day tends to be fully packed for me. My kids' health and well-being is a top priority to me, and I make time each day to promote and encourage exercise and healthy eatin

Six ways to Positively Influence a Child

Published on 2012-11-06 15:30:00

By: Dyan Eybergen

Dealing With Leftover Halloween Candy

Published on 2012-11-02 13:41:00

Like many parents, I am dealing with a plethora of Halloween candy.

Why It Is Important to Exercise During Pregnancy

Published on 2012-10-30 07:00:00

One of the best things that expecting mothers can do for herself that will also help the health of her baby is simple--exercise. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women get at a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day five days out of the week. As an experienced pregnant woman, exercise always seemed like the last thing I wanted to do, but with the motivation of my family and friends, I made the time for physical activity and always felt better aft [..]

Helping Your Freshman Overcome College Fears

Published on 2012-10-29 08:12:00

For students, college may be scary. The thought of moving out of their own homes and comfort zones can be frightening. Aside from that, there’s the fear of flunking, being left out, becoming broke, facing the mean roommate, getting fat, being intimidated by professors, and many more. While it is mainly the student who makes the actual decisions, parents should also be proactive (without being a pest) in helping and guiding their incoming freshman deal with the transition. Below are some tips [..]

Parenting Children with Chronic Illness

Published on 2012-10-22 14:58:00

The parents of children with chronic illness have additional roles beyond that of typical parenting.

Allowing Media to Enhance Family Connections

Published on 2012-10-21 22:10:00

by Jason Caillier It is not unusual to hear parents complain about how much their teenagers over engage in the use of media. From mobile phones to video games, it seems that teenage culture is saturated in digital media. While there are researchers who propose that media is a culprit that pulls families apart, the researchers at Brigham Young University recently published a study supporting the premise that various forms of digital media may in fact be associated positively with family [..]

Materialism and Unhappiness Linked, Even Among Children

Published on 2012-10-18 00:00:00

We've

Take the Genogram Challenge: Looking back at past family habits

Published on 2012-10-16 21:24:00

A family therapist, Murray Bowen, believes that you can understand a family and a person within that family unit when you investigate and analyze their past three generations.

5 Tips for Getting Your Toddler to Eat a Balanced Meal

Published on 2012-10-13 08:22:00

Toddlers have notorious reputations for being an incredibly stubborn age group, especially when it comes to eating dinner. Not only do toddlers tend to be incredibly picky about what foods they put into their tummies, but they are usually also pretty particular about various other aspects of mealtime. Common toddler peculiarities include (but are certainly not limited to) how the food gets from the plate to their mouths, what color the food is, what shape their food makes on the plate, and eve [..]

Parenting with Simplicity

Published on 2012-10-11 08:00:00

We hear so much these days from news, schools, TV, and even movies about declining ecosystems and how important it is to be environmentally conscious. We’re also told we need to give our children the very best and help them have every opportunity to grow up into highly successful and accomplished adults. This often means our goals for simple living get trampled by our actions. Why? Because it’s expensive to try to give our kids everything. At www.parentcoaching.org we peek beneath the surfac [..]

5 Rules of Netiquette for Kids

Published on 2012-10-08 12:00:00

1. Choose Your Words Carefully

Teens And Facebook

Published on 2012-10-05 12:38:00

To Facebook or not to Facebook.

 Turns out, Father Doesn't Know Best Either!

Published on 2012-10-03 10:53:00

Posted by: Dyan Eybergen

How Parents Can Help Their Bullied Child

Published on 2012-10-03 08:27:00

These days, you can’t turn on the television or go online without seeing a story about bullying and anger in children. For those of us whose children are being teased, taunted, or physically harassed, it’s frustrating, scary and downright heartbreaking. As a parent, I understand how it feels when you just want to make it all go away so your child doesn’t have to suffer. While most kids will have his or her feelings hurt by a classmate from time to time, bullying, on the other hand, is a [..]

The Poor Folks Guide To Halloween

Published on 2012-10-02 07:30:00

The scariest part of Halloween shouldn't be the price tag. Americans spend a total of $6.8 billion dollars on the spooky holiday each year, averaging $72.32 per person, according to a report from consumerist.com. From the costumes, to the parties and accessories, Halloween doesn't have to clear out your wallet. These tips will help your wallet stay in shape this ghoulish season! Entertaining? Try a BYOP Party! Pumpkins are a perfect party gourd, and a gift that keeps on giving. Kids and adult [..]

Stopping Bullying: 10 Small Things Educators and Youth Care Professionals Can Do to Make a Big Difference

Published on 2012-10-01 13:46:00

Bullying among school-aged children poses a real challenge to educators and youth care professionals in the United States. If there was a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem, it would have been suggested and implemented long ago. You wouldn't be thinking about it and I wouldn't be writing about it. Getting a handle on bullying in schools and in cyberspace is a complex challenge that leaves many educators and youth care professionals feeling overwhelmed and helpless.

The Pros and Cons of Pacifiers

Published on 2012-09-28 08:08:00

Binkies, Pacifiers, Soothies, Nuks... they have a lot of fun names, but are they a good thing? I'm going to list some pros and cons in this article... but of course each parent chooses what is best for their child. My three babies were all binky babies. :-) First we will start with the cons, because I like to get the bad news over first! Binkies can be a hard habit to break. Babies can get "addicted" to them, and parents can get "addicted" to using them instead of helping the baby self-soot [..]

Parent Conflict can lead to Child Behavior Problems

Published on 2012-09-26 21:34:00

Earlier this month Cummings, George, McCoy and Daives (2012) published a study showing a longitudinal connection between parental conflict when children are in kindergarten and depression, anxiety and

The dog ate my homework: Taking the bite out of howmework time

Published on 2012-09-24 09:00:00

TV Time as Beneficial Downtime?

Published on 2012-09-20 02:30:00

Since becoming a parent, I have heard several parents mention that they allow their children to watch TV or other entertainment as a form of “downtime” to help them recharge their energy. I have often wondered if this activity actually serves that purpose. As adults, we often use TV as a form of “downtime” to let our brains take a break or relax after a long day of work. Does this idea really work for children? Unfortunately, there is not much research on the idea of using TV as a way [..]

An education through eating: A multifaceted food battle.

Published on 2012-09-19 07:00:00

If you haven’t already noticed, through my blogs, my FB page, my LinkedIn, twitter, etc. accounts, I feel very fortunate for everything I have and the wonderful things and people around me. Being a minimalist and an environmentalist has opened the doors and my eyes to so many things. To me it is so natural-but I know to others, this natural flow and transition is not. This was not a change in me that came over night, but one that came in pieces over the course of years since about 2005. I h [..]

Pursuing what matters most in life; Being in the moment with those around you

Published on 2012-09-18 10:13:00

It has begun to strike my heart that life is fragile, that this daily routine of striving to make a living and being with family can be gone oh so quickly. A year ago, my family relocated to a new city, we were in the process of transferring records and the like. When my, then 3 year old daughter started complaining of back pain to the point of wanting to see a doctor. And when your child, at that age asks to see a doctor, you take them. We went to a new doctor, because we were in a new locat [..]

How To Prepare Your Teen For College

Published on 2012-09-17 08:20:00

Your child has grown up in a matter of what feels like minutes and now they are applying to colleges. Before you empty your nest and send your teen off to school, there are several things a parent should do: Start early: The earlier you start preparing your teen for college the better. It gives you more time to do things you need to do to get them ready. The last thing you want to do is to rush through the college departure process. Start working with your teen the beginning of their last year [..]

Take Our Survey on Blogging and Social Networking

Published on 2012-09-12 08:57:00

Hello everyone! I would like to invite all of you to take a survey on social networking and blogging. As a parent, blogger, graduate student, and family researcher at Penn State, and earlier at BYU, I am very interested in the ways that media and family life connect. It is clear that we use the internet on a daily basis, and blogging and social networking have exploded in recent years. This may affect us, our relationships with others, and our families in a variety of ways. Little is known ab [..]

10 Tips for a Successful Start to Your Child’s Pre-School Year

Published on 2012-09-10 07:30:00

For as long as he can remember, your little one has dreamed of the day that he’d be going to school, just like his older siblings or the “big kids” on the block.

Dealing With Worry

Published on 2012-09-07 10:16:00

There are a lot of things parents don't consider when they make the decision to have a baby.

4 Free Online Classes That Would Benefit Any Parent

Published on 2012-09-06 08:20:00

As a parent, it feels like you never stop learning, but, somehow, never feel like you know enough. Maybe that just goes along with being a parent, but it would be nice, once in a while to get in some structured learning, especially if it will help you become best parent you can be. Moms and dads give so much time and attention to their kids, that it can be difficult to spend time on outside learning. Fortunately, there are plenty of free online courses available from MIT for anyone who needs to [..]

Girls with ADHD are More Likely to Cause Self-Harm!

Published on 2012-09-05 12:43:00

A recent study (published August 13, 2012 in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology) by Hinshaw and Colleagues found that girls who were diagnosed early with ADHD had

School's in Session! 4 Rules for Helping Your Student STANd Up to Bullying

Published on 2012-09-03 08:06:00

As sure as kids will go back to school each Fall in the U.S., bullying will be encountered in the classroom each school year.

Go ahead dad, it is time to pinch in

Published on 2012-08-28 09:43:00

Extracurricular activities: Allowing children to discover themselves

Published on 2012-08-27 09:00:00

Extracurricular activities are typically offered through after-school programs, community organizations, or private organizations.

Learning Team Leadership from Cartoons

Published on 2012-08-17 15:52:00

by Jason Caillier Near the beginning of the summer,

Is Recess Time Needed in Schools?

Published on 2012-08-16 02:30:00

With kids returning to school soon (if they haven’t already), I thought it would be a good time to discuss the importance of recess in relation to children’s behavior and academic achievement. If you are like me, you remember fondly time spent on the playground during recess at school. We had at least one, if not two, lengthy recess times. This was a time when friendships were forged, games played, knees skinned, and occasionally fights fought. Today, with the pressures of high-stakes testin [..]

SODAS for Classroom Success: Simple Problem-Solving Skills for Kids

Published on 2012-08-13 08:00:00

Backpack or messenger bag?

Getting Your Early School Aged Kids Ready to Go Back to School: An Insider’s Look at What Teachers Really Want

Published on 2012-08-07 15:20:00

Stores are a’buzzing this time of year with back-to-school shoppers and nervous anticipation of the school year that is about to begin.

Captain No Beard Book Review

Published on 2012-08-06 20:44:00

Overall Summary: Likes: - Fun Storyline and Pirate Lingo - Bright, colorful illustrations - Imaginative story Dislikes: - Too much text - Illustrations too crowded at times - Some children may lose interest sometimes I was sent the book to review from the publisher, so here is my review: The illustrations and the story line of the book are a lot of fun, as was the pirate lingo. However, there were some points in the story where there were no illustrations, only text, and I could tell tha [..]

Discipline Shows Love

Published on 2012-08-03 18:02:00

It's hard to be tough on kids, but when you give them consequences, you are showing love.

How to Help Kids Deal Better with a Divorce

Published on 2012-07-25 07:36:00

Helping children cope through and with a divorce can seem like an insurmountable task. When parents look at news articles or hear about research about children of divorced parents, they are often drawn to many of the negative statistics that are associated with this group of children. Many times the one thing that is missing is an explanation of what will help children the most throughout this difficult family transition. While the research has been clear on this topic for some time, I still fin [..]

Vacations: Luxury or necessity?

Published on 2012-07-23 09:00:00

I have fond memories of vacations from my childhood and early adulthood.

Family Dinners: Magic Bullet or Myth?

Published on 2012-07-19 02:00:00

Do you strive to have a family dinner every night? Most of us have heard all the research about how important family dinners are to kids’ long-term outcomes. Just a few years ago, journalist and filmmaker Miriam Weinstein wrote a book entitled, The Surprising Power of Family Meals: How Eating Together Makes Us Smarter, Stronger, Healthier, and Happier, in which she outlines the research that supports the role that family dinners play in kids’ lives. Reading this research, it really sounds li [..]

Teen Pregnancy: The what if's.

Published on 2012-07-18 07:00:00

I want to talk about something, we as parents, don’t want to think about happening to our kids.

Dealing With Your Child's Eczema

Published on 2012-07-12 08:00:00

Eczema is a condition where the skin becomes inflamed, red and irritable. It is very itchy and that is why it is brings so much discomfort for the person who has it. Unfortunately, there are many children who also have this particular skin condition. Eczema on children not only causes the children discomfort, but the parents end up suffering as well because of the great discomfort it brings to their child. When a child has eczema it’s considered by most people that it was genetically passed do [..]

Making Friends with Anger: A Role-Modeling Challenge for Parents

Published on 2012-07-09 07:30:00

I have no shame.

Grandma Sabotage

Published on 2012-07-06 13:47:00

If you live near your children's grandparents, you probably know what I mean by the title.

Words of Wisdom from a Breast Cancer Fighter

Published on 2012-07-02 07:30:00

I have this most wonderful, inspiring, wise, strong, witty, brave, glowing light of a friend who has been battling Stage 4 breast cancer for the past two years.

Teaching Children to Dress Themselves

Published on 2012-06-30 08:00:00

Getting ready in the morning is enough of a hassle, between preparing breakfast for the family, packing up lunch boxes and finding shoes that went missing the night before. One way to relieve some of the stress is to teach children how to dress themselves, so that you do not have to do it in the morning! Here are the best methods (from my own experience). Watch and Learn Many children are very visual learners. See if you can find some books or videos at the library or store that show children h [..]

Sleep Stages: How much sleep is enough for my child?

Published on 2012-06-25 09:00:00

"Enjoy getting some sleep while you still can" is a common phrase new mother's to be hear.

Childhood Food Allergies: Are We Too Clean for Our Own Good?

Published on 2012-06-21 03:00:00

Before having a child I hadn’t given a lot of thought to food allergies. I knew that many kids had them, but no one in my immediate family had ever had problems with food allergies. Around the time of my son’s second birthday we discovered that he had sensitivity to peanuts (technically not an allergy but he still has to stay away from them). After discovering this I became much more interested in the topic of how these allergies develop. If it seem to you like many of your child’s cla [..]

To My Loved Ones: Living With Alzheimers

Published on 2012-06-19 09:49:00

My friend and colleague, Lindsay C., wrote this poem about living with Alzheimer's. To my loved ones; I have experienced many things in my life, which I cherish and hold deep within me. I wouldn’t trade them for the world, because I am able to re-live them in my memory. I have noticed slight changes in myself, from wrinkles, energy, mood and mind. But I don’t let it bother me, because a long happy life is hard to find. At times I am forgetful, and my memory isn’t as sharp as it was in [..]

Educational Summer Television for Kids

Published on 2012-06-13 07:00:00

Kids Continue to Study Through the Summer with Help from Word Girl, Sid the Science Kid, Kai-Lan and Other Spunky Television Characters School will be out in just a few short weeks, which means kids will have lots of free time on their hands. Parents try to fill summers with vacations and camps, but there’s still a lot of spare time, which is often spent vegging out in front of the tube. “Students can lose more than two months of knowledge over the summer,” said Deme Clainos, a s [..]

5 Strategies for Figuring Out What's Really Angering Your Child

Published on 2012-06-11 09:52:00

Not long ago, my daughter, her best friend, and I had a full day’s worth of activity and adventure, enjoying carnival games at a local festival, eating bags of salty popcorn, running through icy cold fountains when the day’s heat became too intense, and following it all up with a late afternoon movie.

Reading through Summer Vacation

Published on 2012-06-09 07:00:00

Summer is around the corner. The kids will be out and family vacations will be underway soon. However, it's also important to view this as a time to get your child ready for the new school year ahead. Parents often find it hard to figure out what to do to ensure that their children are productive throughout the summer. There is more than one way to keep your child learning and growing while they still have fun. The truth is you don't want to stop the learning process even though it is summer. [ [..]

A Conversation with a Fat Kid: Talking to Your Child About Healthy Habits

Published on 2012-06-07 13:04:00

He was a generally loving, roly-poly, 11-year-old. But Robert had a problem. He snacked. And he piled food on his plate. And he took second helpings. If there was candy, Fritos, soda or chips within 100 yards, his radar located them. When people thought of Robert, they automatically described him as: “Robert, that nice, blond, fat kid.” So when this perception seeped in and became a part of Robert’s unconscious identity, he didn’t even realize it. Robert’s parents knew he ate too mu [..]

4 Reasons you Might Need a Parenting Coach

Published on 2012-06-05 14:02:00

When we think of coaches and parents, we usually conjure the image of parents who take on the role of sports coaches in their children's soccer or baseball leagues. But parenting coaches, on the other hand, are not for children, but for parents. They aren't psychologists, and they aren't nannies or babysitters. They're a parenting aide when nothing else seems to work, and they're only a phone call away. Parenting coaches, according to a 2005 New York Times article, are relatively recent phenom [..]

45 Ideas for Summer Fun with Kids

Published on 2012-06-04 18:52:00

Ever struggle with the sense that your kids are growing up too quickly and far too much of their childhood is taken up by the drudgery of adulthood?

Parenting With Humor

Published on 2012-06-01 11:58:00

Sometimes we as parents take things too seriously and are too quick to get angry.

The Sleep Training Debate ~ By Amy Webb

Published on 2012-05-31 14:48:00

I just wanted to bring to everyone's attention that a really great article was written by one of our author team members, Amy, over on her site in regards to the baby sleep training debate. Here is an excerpt: By Amy Webb

Maternity Leave: How does a new mommy prepare to return to work?

Published on 2012-05-28 20:24:00

I was working a part-time retail job prior to having my son.

Practical Ways To Keep Your Marriage Strong

Published on 2012-05-24 12:08:00

From my experience, a successful marriage hinges on the following key habits:

How To Increase Your Child's Sleep Quality

Published on 2012-05-23 04:09:00

By MichaelI'm a big fan of John Gottman and his Emotion Coaching approach to parenting (Gottman & Declaire, 1997). So when I read the research article by Teti, Kim, Mayer and Countermine (2010) I was very intrigued by their work. For those unfamilair with Emotion Coaching, it is a style of parenting John Gottman discovered while researching couples and families. The basic premise is that parents are emotionally aware and available to help "coach" their children on how to deal appropriately with [..]

Can Church Help a Single Parent?

Published on 2012-05-18 18:34:00

The Power of a Community “It takes a village to raise a child.” Although the origin of the proverb is not easily ascertained, the truth it represents is widely accepted. While this blog site primarily focuses on the importance of parents in the lives of children, the community within which a child is raised also plays a significant factor. Parents have long depended upon a greater community in the successful raising of children. While all families can benefit from the social capital that [..]

Over-Reacting May Worsen Toddler Tantrums

Published on 2012-05-17 08:15:00

If you are the parent of a toddler, as I am, you know that it is a somewhat tricky time as a parent. Your child is asserting his/her independence, often in ways that make your life difficult or test your patience. If your child is anything like mine, the words, “I do it by myself” is a constant refrain. Add to this, the fact that toddlers are often testing limits, and you have a recipe for many potential high-stress situations. Well, a recent piece of research should give you a little h [..]

(Un)Holy Hormones!

Published on 2012-05-16 08:00:00

I am fairly certain that

Substance use in Adolescence

Published on 2012-05-15 14:58:00

I recently had the chance to chat with and listen to a seminar delivered by Dean Nicholson around substance use and sexual abuse.

What Parents Can Do About Cyberbullying

Published on 2012-05-14 07:00:00

I remember with clarity the day my daughter “discovered” the internet.

"Are We Just Talking About It More?" The Good News About Bullying

Published on 2012-05-07 07:00:00

In both my scheduled workshops and my casual conversations on the topic of bullying, professionals and parents often ask me, “Is bullying really worse today than it was when we were kids, or are we just talking about it more?” My answer to that question is an emphatic, “Yes.” The 24/7 availability of cell phones, instant messaging, e-mails and social networking sites have intensified the impact of bullying, giving young people private ways to humiliate each other under-the-radar of [..]

Parents: Don't Be So Hard On Yourselves

Published on 2012-05-04 11:39:00

Too often parents view their children's behavior as some kind of failure on their part.

Five Essential Steps to Parenting a Child with a Special Medical Need

Published on 2012-05-03 13:56:00

Parents who have a child with a chronic illness or special medical condition are faced with some very difficult and special challenges. I, Lisa Greene, mother of two children with cystic fibrosis, spent many years learning how to deal with the special challenges of children who fight over food and medications.

Fussy Baby

Published on 2012-04-27 21:30:00

Establishing Trust With Your Infant

Published on 2012-04-24 19:25:00

According to Barbara and Philip Newman infants (birth to two years old) experience the psychsocial crisis of Turst vs Mistrust. A psychosocial crisis is a predictable life tension during a certain stage in life. Psychosical in this sense draws to the point that the crisis is due to societal and cultural influences as well as psychological. Crisis in this sense refers to a normal stressor instead of an extraordinary event. It is a crisis, in that an infant will either develop trust like attri [..]

Working mother’s stress: Is work causing you to have depression?

Published on 2012-04-23 09:00:00

Sometimes workplace stress and depression symptoms can take on the mindset of “which came first, the chicken or the egg?”

Helping Preschoolers Learn to Read

Published on 2012-04-21 08:11:00

Have you ever really considered what is involved in learning to read? Most of us learned so long ago, we do not ever remember not knowing how to read. For young children, however, written language begins as a jumble of symbols and code that they simply do not understand. Some new research is offering more insight into how parents and teachers can help children decode and make sense of language in order to become effective readers. Simple strategies in how adults read to young children can ma [..]

Helping Children Deal with Anger and Stress Lowers Future Healthcare Costs

Published on 2012-04-20 16:51:00

by Jason Caillier A hot button issue in politics today revolves around healthcare. Regardless of one’s political persuasion or philosophy on how best to deal with the complexities of providing and funding healthcare, there is one area that nearly every parent agrees: they want their children to grow up and have healthy adult lives. Recent research shows there may be something parents can do to impact healthcare costs of the future (and it does not require voting!) The authors of the [..]

How to Create a Successful Relationship with the Nanny

Published on 2012-04-16 07:00:00

Hiring a nanny can offer the perfect solution for families where both parents need to work, though it’s not a decision that is ever made lightly. Leaving your child or children in the care of one person can be a little on the scary side and for it to run smoothly the parents and nanny have to have a harmonious and balanced relationship built on a mutual trust and understanding. It can be difficult for all parties involved, the parents, children and the nanny, to adjust to the new situation and [..]

5 Great Reasons to Introduce Music to Your Child

Published on 2012-04-14 07:00:00

I was planning on introducing my children to music, just because I love it and it has brought me so much joy through my life. But, as I was reading up on the various ways to do that, as well as which instruments, I learned so much more about why all kids should be introduced to it. So, I’m glad that I already made the decision to move forward with it, and probably will start with the piano. But, I was so intrigued by what I learned that I am going to share some of the reasons why so many expe [..]

5 Breastfeeding Misconceptions

Published on 2012-04-12 07:00:00

There are so many breastfeeding misconceptions that sometimes, it is difficult to know where to start. While most have the best of intentions when sharing information, there are many myths that are often believed to be fact. These are five of the most common breastfeeding misconceptions. Breastfeeding Misconception #1: Some women do not produce enough milk. The truth is that most women actually produce more milk than a baby needs in the beginning. The problem does not lie with the moth [..]

What Parents Can Do When Bullying is Downplayed at School

Published on 2012-04-09 08:00:00

Dads and Bonding

Published on 2012-04-06 12:20:00

Few things make me smile more than seeing a dad walking around town pushing a stroller or carrying a baby.

How to Teach Children to Take Responsibility for Health Issues

Published on 2012-04-05 11:33:00

Responsibility. Parents want their kids to take more of it and kids just don’t want it.Responsibility is kind of like that gooey, green slime kids love to play with.

What to Do When Your Daughter’s Friend is a Bully

Published on 2012-04-02 08:00:00

In our kids' early school years, we spend hours arranging playdates and planning parties. We become the architects (some call it "cruise directors") of their positive social development. With nothing but the best of intentions, we strive to help our little ones develop the skills to make and maintain friendships. Until the day they make—and tenaciously maintain—a friendship with a mean girl. Then what? Your once uber-confident, joyful gal is now anxiously and obsessively trying to please [..]

Are iPads Appropriate for Children?

Published on 2012-03-30 07:00:00

With iPads and other tablets appearing in growing numbers of households across America, more and more children are coming into contact with what was originally a high-tech gadget for adults. Many parents are already concerned about the amount of time their children spend exposed to screens and technology, while others embrace technology as a way to both entertain and educate their kids. It seems inevitable that a certain number of kids will spend some amount of time using iPads despite some pare [..]

Child Centered Play: Increase Learning and Decrease Defiance!

Published on 2012-03-28 05:00:00

Imagine a room full of toys. The only restrictions on the toys is not to break them. You are free to play with them in anyway you like and for as long as you like, just don't break them. Sounds like most any child's fantasy; a room full of unrestricted access to toys. However, as a family therapist who uses play therapy a lot, I am often confronted by the following question by far too many children: "What should I do?" More often than not, the parents of children who ask this question (or a

Parenting In The Information Age: How Do You Best Learn About Parenting?

Published on 2012-03-26 09:00:00

I vividly remember coming home from the hospital with my first born.

Enjoying The Outdoors With Your Infant or Toddler

Published on 2012-03-23 05:00:00

As a new mom, I was pretty nervous--to hold the baby, to bathe the baby, to take it anywhere! But then I realized that my baby loved to be outdoors! I had three summer babies and a good stroller. They're eyes would light up at the sights and sounds. They would turn their little faces to the sunshine and the breeze. At first, I just took them on walks. Soon I was laying a comfy blanket on the ground in the shade and watching their precious faces gaze at the trees. When they were big enough, we go [..]

Gleefully Stinky: Mother/Daughter Puberty Conversations

Published on 2012-03-21 07:00:00

Hi Parentals!

How Parental Monitoring Can Help Your Teen

Published on 2012-03-19 18:07:00

by Jason Caillier PARENTING A TEENAGER 007 I always wanted to be a spy. The idea of going undercover on a covert, cloak-and-dagger operation to surreptitiously acquire secret information absolutely fascinates me. In fact, after leaving a movie with such a plot, I typically put my headphones in my ears and play the James Bond theme song while I sneak around corners and light poles in the parking lot in order to get to my get away car. So, imagine my delight when I read that parental m [..]

Sneaky Vegetables: Smart or Shortsighted

Published on 2012-03-15 04:30:00

Many parents struggle with getting their young children (especially toddlers) to eat a balanced diet. Vegetables are often the major point of contention, with many youngsters have no interest in them, even though they may have eaten them earlier years. I know I struggle with this issue as my toddler son will barely touch, not to mention eat, hardly any vegetables. In recent years, it has become more popular to "sneak" vegetables into other foods that kids normally enjoy like breads, pasta, or ev [..]

How to Teach Your Kids to Share

Published on 2012-03-14 07:00:00

Sharing is an important life skill that all children need to learn. Sharing will help them when they make new friends and when they are asked to share with others in your absence. 1. Seeing is Doing Children, like adults, learn by what they see. The first people they see are their family members, and that is why it is so important for parents to model this kind of behavior to their children. It is a known fact that children who feel close to their parents and loved by them find it easier to [..]

Eliminating the Poor-bashing around us

Published on 2012-03-13 13:07:00

It was about five years ago that the CBC reported that forty percent of the world’s wealth was owned by one percent of the world’s population. There has been an ever increasing gap between the wealthy, and the common-day worker, as the occupy movement so overtly showed. It has been claimed that the wealthiest in North America are so out of touch that they needed to go undercover and perform work expectation tasks (that they usually cannot complete in adequate time) in a reality show called [..]

What To Do When Your Daughter Acts Like a Bully

Published on 2012-03-12 12:03:00

I knew this day would come. I was, of course, hoping it never would—hoping that my daughter would never be mean to someone else’s daughter—but as they say, I wrote the book on girl bullying in elementary school, so I knew that there was a pretty good chance that despite all of my best efforts, one of these days, my girl was gonna act like the mean one. This morning, she told me about it. Not in a confessional kind of way, mind you. Rather, in a completely casual, half-delighted voice [..]

One Couple's Struggle with Meningitis

Published on 2012-03-10 11:23:00

Sometimes, as a married couple, you face hardships in life. I want to share a story about a challenge my husband and I endured. In 2003, my husband was diagnosed with meningitis. This traumatic experience tested our resolve as a married couple. Here is our story. I was a full time Ph.D. student at Université Laval in Quebec when I received a call from my husband. At the time, he was a truck driver and came to see me every two weeks. He said: “Julie, I am coming home early…I am not feeling [..]

Are Active Video Games Worth It?

Published on 2012-03-09 07:00:00

Parents, let me ask you a question. What is your policy on video games? That may elicit a wide range of responses, but the majority of you would likely agree that video games are harmless in moderation, and that your kids can only play after they’ve done all the chores and homework for the day. Video games are a luxury to indulge in sparingly. Parents who oppose video games usually do so for three fundamental reasons: Some games can depict graphic violence or inappropriate content They di [..]

Raising Children on Natural Fruit and Vegetable Juices

Published on 2012-03-08 07:00:00

Most children take immediately to drinking juices; unfortunately it’s usually the sugar-rich commercially prepared and bottled juices that they favor. Getting children to take to the more healthful natural fruit and vegetable juices, made fresh at home in a quality juice extractor like the Breville BJE510XL Juicer, can be a bit more challenging for parents, but it can be done. I’ve been through it with my children, who are now grown and training their own little ones. It’s much easier to [..]

Girl Bully Meets Passive Aggressive Mom: Game On!

Published on 2012-03-05 06:00:00

When I co-wrote The Angry Smile, I did not intend it to be a How-To book. In fact, I know lots of ways to be assertive, direct, and emotionally honest with others. But let’s face it, sometimes a situation calls for a little passive aggressive behavior… My 8-year old daughter has a frenemy. She has known this un-friend–and experienced the girl’s on-again, off-again spitefulness–since they were in pre-school together. The girl, in fact, is the subject of a previous article tha [..]

Teaching Kids Necessary Skills

Published on 2012-03-02 13:04:00

As a parent who has sometimes taken the easy way out, I am here to tell you that it is a mistake and I believe it sends multiple messages to our kids. I would like to claim that I'm the perfect parent, but I'm not. I didn't have the patience to teach my son how to tie his shoes when he was little. It led to him howling in frustration and it was too appealing just to get some velcro or slip on shoes. I would teach him how to tie his shoes later. But then I had a 6-year-old who didn't know ho [..]

Keeping Hope Alive During Tough Times

Published on 2012-03-01 12:23:00

Photo by Photostock I pull into the carpool lane to pick my kids up from school and am yet again touched by the sight of a service dog with a bright pink lunch pail hanging from her mouth as she trots alongside a young girl in a wheelchair. Then there is the computer-generated voice that says “Amen!” at just the right moment during church. I am inspired by the young family in the front row as they minister to the physical and spiritual needs of their disabled son who is barely visible amids [..]

Blogging May Help Women Adjust to Motherhood

Published on 2012-02-28 11:56:00

Reporter Kristin Todd, from BYU Weekly, shows us how some moms are using their computers to adjust to their new role as a mother. If you cannot see the video, you can go watch it HERE. To read more about this research, Amy wrote a great post about it HERE, entitled Parenting in the Digital Age: New Mothers and Media Use.

4 Easy Ways Your Kids Can Re-Make Their Old Clothes

Published on 2012-02-27 07:00:00

All parents know how expensive it can get to keep your kids clothed, and most of us will use the clothes the family already has on hand to pass down as kids outgrow them. As handy as this method is for us, it can be less than exciting for kids to have to wear clothes that their older siblings have already claimed as their own. Instead of fighting it out with a resistant 10-year-old, try letting them create their own unique styles out of their or their siblings old clothing. It saves you money, g [..]

5 Tips to Help You Break the News: Second Child is Coming

Published on 2012-02-23 07:00:00

No matter the age of your first born, your child will react in some way, whether it is good or bad. Most of the time, it is a difficult concept for the first born to understand. For however long your first born has been alive, they have been the one and only in mommy and daddy’s life. The best thing to do is to prepare the little one for the newest additions arrival. When should you tell? Sooner the better. The more time that your child has to try to grasp this new reality is best. Once y [..]

Is Spanking An Effective Way Of Disciplining?

Published on 2012-02-21 19:02:00

Does spanking your child work? Or does it not work? Is it an effective tool for disciplining your child and teaching them to be obedient? According to a University of Manitoba Professor, Joan Durrant, the answer to the question is: spanking does not work. Answering questions from Stockholm Sweden, she said that spanking, and other types of physical punishment, displays an aggressive conflict resolution model; which is a very ineffective model for resolving conflict because of its negative o [..]

Guided Play: Helping Kids Learn Through Play

Published on 2012-02-16 04:00:00

As a parent, you may wonder if all that time you spend with your child playing with blocks and puzzles really helps them learn anything. In an age in which new, high-tech toys are showing up on shelves everyday, it is tempting to think that "old fashioned" toys like blocks and puzzles are boring. However, new research is showing us that this is far from the truth. A recent study by researchers at Temple University showed that young children who played with blocks along with an interactive adult [..]

5 Tips for Managing Passive Aggressive Behavior

Published on 2012-02-13 14:50:00

Amber had been giving her mother the silent treatment all week. She was angry about not being allowed to sleep over at a friend’s house. Late Thursday night, she left a note on her mother’s pillow, asking her mom to wash her uniform before Friday’s soccer game. When Amber returned home from school on Friday, in a rush to pack her gear, she looked all over for her uniform. She finally found it in the washer—perfectly clean, as per her request—but still soaking wet! Amber was late f [..]

3 Things to Stop Saying to your Kids in 2012

Published on 2012-02-09 07:00:00

Parenthood—it's something that's perfected over time and is learned through trial and error. But too many errors can ultimately cause damage to your child's self-esteem, especially when it comes to the way we speak to our kids. To make sure that you don’t say these top three phrases that child experts and psychologists say can ultimately do harm to your child, continue reading below. 1. "What do you know? You're just a child" One of the first things that will come to your child's mind wh [..]

Teaching Acceptance to Children: 5 Golden Rules

Published on 2012-02-08 09:03:00

by: Dyan Eybergen When children know about and are comfortable with people of different cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds, there are fewer incidences of intolerance and prejudice bullying. When children are taught acceptance they do not factor in exclusion criteria for being friends with someone of a different colour or religion; they are willing to accept people for who they are, not for how they appear. Set a good example. Many behaviors are learned. When it comes to cultural [..]

13 Common Phrases to Let You Know Your Child is Being Passive Aggressive

Published on 2012-02-06 08:00:00

Is your child a foot stomper? Does he scream and shout when he is feeling angry or is he more likely to withdraw and pout? Kids express their anger through a wide range of actions—some more overt than others. Children who tend toward indirect anger expression use passive aggressive strategies to communicate their feelings. Passive aggression is a deliberate and masked way of expressing covert feelings of anger and involves a variety of behaviors designed to get back at another person witho [..]

Being Productive With Small Children

Published on 2012-02-03 12:21:00

Last night I attended a women's meeting and the theme was dealing with being overwhelmed. We have an endless list of things to do, it seems, and having small children makes it more complicated. Here are some ways to cope with this situation. 1. If you're on a mission to get a lot done, first give your kids your undivided attention. Sit down and do something with them rather than just expecting them to just sit at the table and color. You might feel like it's cutting into your day, but it l [..]

How to get your child ready for school

Published on 2012-01-30 06:00:00

There comes a time when every child needs to get ready to enter the school system. It can be a daunting and emotional experience for many parents since their child will always be thought of as being 'their baby'. Remember, though, that going away to school will be an equally frightening experience for them, too. Here, we will look at some tips to nurture your little one into being school ready. Skills Your Child Will Need Kindergarten has changed a lot since parents were in school. Back then, [..]

Knowing when to ignore a tantrum

Published on 2012-01-26 06:00:00

My daughter Elizabeth just turned three. As toddlers are notorious for their prolonged tantrums I would like to share with you what works for me. For the most ridiculous reason she will stomp and kick until she gets her way. I find it very frustrating dealing with an uncompromising young lady who doesn’t listen to reason. When she gets unreasonable it’s too late for me to step in. It’s only at the beginning strains of a tantrum that I can deal with it and nip it in the bud. One great t [..]

Is texting really an effective mode of communication?

Published on 2012-01-24 08:55:00

In the world right now, there is one cell phone for every two people. In June 2000, 12 million text messages were sent worldwide. By June 2006, 12 billion text messages were sent worldwide. And my favourite factoid about cell phone domination is: in London they are putting up padding on lamp posts because people have been hurt walking into lamp posts while texting and walking. How dominant have cell phones really become? Well let’s do some number crunching through an example. There is this [..]

The Power of Sensitive Parenting

Published on 2012-01-19 05:00:00

In recent days, I've been reading some amazing research about the long-reaching and profound effects that sensitive parenting (or lack there of) can have on children. This may not seem surprisingly, of course. We all know that parents are the first and perhaps most profound influence on their children's lives. Recently, however, with advances in neuroimaging and long-term longitudinal research, researchers are able to see even more clearly the impact of sensitive parenting. A couple of areas of [..]

Schools Out For The Summer; Now What?

Published on 2011-07-05 13:22:00

Exams are completed, graduations are coming to an end, and your children are now piling home for the summer. For nine months the home was yours, now your offspring and co. are invading your premises. It is a transition that comes every year, some par

Teaching Kids the Meaning of the 4th of July

Published on 2011-07-02 04:00:00

When we think of the Fourth of July, images of fireworks, flags and barbecues come to mind. It's also a great time to talk to our children about the founding of our country and why we celebrate Independence Day. As we teach our children about Am

How To Know If Your Child Is Ready For Piano Lessons

Published on 2011-07-01 06:00:00

As a piano teacher, I am asked frequently, "At what age is a child old enough to take piano lessons?" The answer is: It varies with each child. Consider the following. 1. Does your child have a good attention span?2. Can they

What do you get when you search for hope?

Published on 2011-06-29 19:16:00

Watch this wonderful video: If you can't see the video, you can view it here. Find out more about the Hope Search here: http://www.facebook.com/HopeSearch What do you hope for? ***************************************************** Enjoy what y

How To Handle Infant Nighttime Wakings

Published on 2011-06-29 06:00:00

Healthy individuals go through periods of deep and light sleep. According to the University of Michigan, babies have a lot more light sleep cycles than adults do. An entire sleep cycle for an infant, including both deep and light sleep, is sometimes

Increasing Your Child's Good Behavior

Published on 2011-06-24 09:33:00

Many parent training programs use a strategy known as Child's Game to improve a child's good behavior. The purpose of Child's Game is twofold. One purpose is to provide parent and child with one on one interaction time. This is important because chil

Father's Day for the Fatherless

Published on 2011-06-21 10:46:00

In a world where divorce is common place, and some fathers-to-be remove themselves from the family picture it is important to recognize the children in these situations. While I do realize that I have primarily focused my topics with the mindse

Early Literacy and Social Behavior: Is There a Connection?

Published on 2011-06-19 17:47:00

Anyone who has worked in a classroom of young elementary students knows that two of the primary goals teachers focus on with their students is: learning to read and learning to get along with their classmates. On the surface, it may not seem like the

Sleepy Kids: How to make sure your child is getting enough sleep.

Published on 2011-06-17 23:00:00

It's summer. The sun sets late and the weather is perfect for outdoor late-night fun. My kids are staying up late almost every night. I only wish I knew how to get them to sleep-in each morning to make up for the

How Fathers Can Get Involved During the Bedtime Routine

Published on 2011-06-16 06:00:00

As any parent will tell you, nighttime is one of the most difficult times for new parents. After a day full of baby bottles, blowouts, and tantrums a busy parent desires only a smooth and easy trip to bed. One of the best ways to make bedtime run mor

Fathers Day Gift Giving Ideas

Published on 2011-06-15 08:21:00

I usually don’t write about gift giving ideas for Mother’s Day, because most people are aware of how to make this day work, and know what to give for gifts. However, when it comes to Father’s Day, there is mass confusion, and a distortion

Teaching Kids How to Say No…and Really Mean It

Published on 2011-06-13 08:12:00

Do you remember your child’s first word? Chances are, it was something close to “Mama,” “Dada,” or “Milk.” Chances are even better that shortly after uttering those first precious syllables, he learned the word “no.” “No

Summer Swim Safety

Published on 2011-06-09 07:00:00

With these 100 degree Texas temperatures and a family beach vacation next week water safety has been on my mind a lot lately. As the temperatures heat up and children get out of school for the summer, many families will be heading to the pool, lake,

Finding Toys that Our Kids Will Play With

Published on 2011-06-07 09:55:00

I sat down recently and watched the documentary “Babies” with my wife for an at home date night. A mistake in selection for my wife, because I sat down to critique the movie. Now let me first say that documentaries usually contain bias, ina

Assertive Anger Expression for Kids: Arguing vs. Disagreeing

Published on 2011-06-06 08:00:00

Do your children bicker? Mine sure do. In fact, asking if they bicker is like asking if they breathe; it comes so naturally to them that some days it seems like a life-sustaining function. I try to remind myself that sibling rivalry, while not

Summer Adventure Awaits at Your Public Library

Published on 2011-06-04 05:00:00

When I was nine years old, I saw The Pagemaster for the first time. For any who haven't seen the movie, it is about a shy boy who, while visiting the library, is transformed into a cartoon and must work through obstacles from classic books to re

How To Survive Camping With Children

Published on 2011-06-03 08:00:00

Are you planning a campout with children? I have some tips that might come in handy. 1. Plan for the worst case scenario. Don't think that this won't be the night your child vomits, because it could be, especially after they fi

Setting Boundaries within Your Home: The Importance of a Work Space and a Play Space

Published on 2011-05-26 09:26:00

As our society evolves into an even more tech dependent entity, distinguishing the line between work and play has become increasingly more difficult. With smart phones, nonstop internet access, portable computers, and all of the other technological w

Get Ready for Summer: Keeping kids Sun-safe

Published on 2011-05-24 14:53:00

By: Dyan Eybergen BA, RNLong gone are the days where we paid very little attention to protecting our skin from the UV rays. We didn't know what we know now about sun causing melanoma cancers, wrinkles and skin discolouration. And we were certainly no

Getting Your Child To Eat Vegetables: A Green Smoothie

Published on 2011-05-23 09:52:00

 It was the advice that only a best friend could give. I was desperate. My 2 year-old hadn't so much as touched a vegetable in weeks and was starting to turn her nose up at fruits too. "My kids are not much better," my fri

Screen Time and ADHD: What's the Connection

Published on 2011-05-18 19:23:00

Many parents are often mystified by the fact that their child can sit for hours (if allowed) in front of a screen watching TV or playing a video game and yet cannot seem to sit still and focus on school work or homework. Teachers may suggest that the

The Importance of Relationships to our Children

Published on 2011-05-17 14:58:00

I was recently exposed to Gordon Neufeld, PhD, a developmental psychologist from the University of British Columbia. I was watching his Relationships Matter DVD with a colleague. I am just going to touch on one of the many points Neufeld

Children with ADHD

Published on 2011-05-13 11:49:00

Having a child with ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can present many challenges. It requires a lot of energy and can be very exhausting. However, as parents, there are many things we can do to help our children succeed and manage the

The 3 Best Things My Mother Ever Taught Me

Published on 2011-05-09 08:08:00

Mothers are known for giving advice—both the asked for and the unsolicited kind. This year, I celebrate all of the wisdom that my own mom passed on to me through her words and more importantly, in her actions over the years:Don’t Worry About

May is National Bike Month: 5 Ways to Celebrate as a Family

Published on 2011-05-07 18:26:00

Spring is in full swing, a time that many of us clean out the garage and dust off our bicycles. With the trees blooming and the sun shining, it is no wonder that May is National Bike Month. Biking as a family is beneficial on several levels. There is

Preparing Your Child For A New Sibling

Published on 2011-05-06 08:00:00

Preparing for the birth of another child is a joyful experience, but it also comes with concern about your older children's feelings. Below are some helpful tips on making this transition easier for your family. 1. Read books about

How to curb the downward trend in our children’s academics

Published on 2011-05-03 11:22:00

A National study was released in Canada about 15 year-olds and their academic achievement. It used results from the national tests in math, reading, and science. The results of 2009 were paired up against results from the previous nationa

Hoodwinked Too &The Three Little Pigs: Two Great Ways to Build Empathy in your Child

Published on 2011-05-02 08:00:00

Pirates of the Caribbean, Cars and Kung Fu Panda re-makes, step-aside. 2011 is the summer of the sequel, but the one I am looking forward to most may not be the biggest blockbuster. Do you remember the 2006 kid’s film, Hoodwinked? Tagged as

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day - May 3rd

Published on 2011-04-30 10:17:00

It is estimated that 26 percent of children in the United States will experience or witness a traumatic event before the age of 4. Traumatic events can include physical and sexual abuse, domestic or community violence, natural disasters and economic

Parenting in a Technological World: Blogging and Social Networking

Published on 2011-04-29 16:14:00

I felt like it would be interesting to explore the potential benefits of technology on parenting -- leaving parenting websites out of the equation due to their obvious role in helping parents. You know that old saying, “It takes a vill

Things To Think About Before Having More Kids

Published on 2011-04-28 06:00:00

After having one child, I started introducing my son as my first and last kid. Having a baby was the most wonderful and most difficult thing I had ever done and at no time could I have ever imagined wanting another. But like many moms, as my baby bec

Phases of Identity in Adolescence

Published on 2011-04-22 08:39:00

Adolescence can be a time of much confusion and frustrations. A lot of this centers around the formation of one's identity. It is in adolescence when our kids really start trying to figure out who they are across a variety of contexts such as career

Autism and the Family

Published on 2011-04-19 07:38:00

April is Autism Awareness month. April 2 was World Autism Awareness day. I was not made aware of this until a friend of mine wrote about autism and her family on her blog. One thing she was grateful for was that it was one

What is the Goal of Preschool?

Published on 2011-04-17 09:47:00

Have you ever wondered what the goal of preschool really is? Honestly, I never spent much time pondering this question until recently. Even as a graduate student in child development, I do not remember this issue being discussed much in any of my cla

Come What May and Love It

Published on 2011-04-16 07:00:00

I played a clip of Elder Wirthlin's talk while I cleaned up the house and before I knew it, the talk was over, and I hadn't heard much of what he said. So I replayed it again and sat down to watch it this time. I was touched by the line,

What Happy Working Mothers Know

Published on 2011-04-12 15:12:00

By Dyan Eybergen, BA, RNFemales have been nurturers and care takers since the dawn of time. And even with advanced improvement in societal acceptance of what dad can do to help balance the load, mothers are still seen as having the pivotal role in al

Four Rules for Cell Phone Use by Kids

Published on 2011-04-11 07:50:00

There is much debate these days among professionals and parents about the “right” age for youngsters to begin carrying a cell phone. From “safety” to “convenience” and even the not-to-be-dismissed “fitting in with peers” argument

Grocery Shopping & Preparing Food

Published on 2011-04-09 10:24:00

Basic skills for living is something that all of us need. I have a friend and colleague, Carly Ducheminsky, who recently became a part of a organization that helps provide online resources for basic skills to live, particula

Arguments at Chore Time: 4 Steps for Effectively Confronting Your Child’s Passive Aggressive Behavior

Published on 2011-04-04 08:00:00

Do you ever feel like parenthood has got you engaging in the same conversations over and over again? Too often at our house, we have a recurring exchange that goes something like this:Children: Can we get a dog? We really want a pug.Parents: W

Growing Family Unity

Published on 2011-04-02 19:36:00

Growing Up and Growing Together With Spring in the air and the warmer weather slowly rolling in, I am reminded of my childhood and my family's gardening adventures. I lived on a small farm so every Spring we would pull out the gardening gloves

Dealing With Picky Eaters

Published on 2011-04-01 07:00:00

Getting your child to eat anything healthy is one of the biggest challenges we parents have to face, but I have some useful tips as a parent and as a former picky eater. 1. Let your kids help you cook. I find that my children are more lik

Becoming A Parent: 10 Tips For A Successful Transition

Published on 2011-03-30 06:00:00

By Brandon The transition to parenthood can be a very exciting time; however, like any family transition it brings with it certain hazards and stressors that you need to be prepared for. Over the last 3 years much of my research has focused on

Parenting Tips to Help Your Child Reach Their Potential

Published on 2011-03-29 12:54:00

At the conclusion of a book titled Hayley Westenra: The World at Her Feet there are recommendations from the parents of this internationally known signer. Of course, their parenting tips do not mean that your child will become famous, but they

Please Help Japan

Published on 2011-03-28 11:55:00

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a long history of assisting others around the world in times of trial and disaster. Many people have asked the Church how they might assist or make donations to the Church’s relief efforts in Japa

Benefits of Youth Sports

Published on 2011-03-26 09:38:00

We don't usually watch professional or collegiate sports games in my home because my husband and I don't really follow or care about them. It just doesn't matter to me who wins the big game. That being said, my boys who are 8 and 6 are playing soccer

Nature and Nurture

Published on 2011-03-25 13:09:00

Over the years there has been much debate about what really influences children. Is it the environment that they grow up in? Or is it there genetic make-up? While for years people argued one side or the other it is becoming more apparent that nature

If You Support Marriage, Read This

Published on 2011-03-24 08:35:00

The Proclamation states, "The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows

"He said.. She Said" Parental Communication

Published on 2011-03-23 06:30:00

“But Dad said.....” How many times have you heard these words? How did you respond? How have you and your spouse prepared for this inevitable milestone in your teens development? Children learn early to ply one parent against another. As par

Little Boys Need Help with Big Emotions

Published on 2011-03-20 21:08:00

An article in Social Development recently attracted my attention. It considered the role that parents play in helping toddlers, especially boys, learn to manage difficult emotions. It struck my attention because, first, I am the mom to a toddler boy

What I Didn’t Learn In My Parenting Classes

Published on 2011-03-19 07:00:00

I took a few parenting classes at BYU and was sure by the completion of the classes that I was going to be an awesome mom. But there is a good chance I missed a class. No, I must have missed a class! I must have missed the class that tells you that b

Is The Media Taking Over Family Life?

Published on 2011-03-17 07:00:00

We should each examine how we are spending our time each day. Work and leisure are both key elements of a balanced life; 2 yet, how much time are we spending on each one? Important questions could be: Do I feel out of balance? How about spiritually?

King of the Road : Teens Behind the Wheel

Published on 2011-03-16 16:12:00

When our oldest turned sixteen it felt like I was turning sixty. The days of playful parenting had been replaced with teaching her how to be a responsible driver. With her new driving license she was often behind the wheel of a car!

Positive Parenting Program

Published on 2011-03-15 11:19:00

There is a new parenting initiative that is being piloted in the Province of Manitoba. It is called the Positive Parenting Program, or Triple P, for short. It's an adapted program from the one offered in Australia. This is a parenting pro

Early Childhood Caries

Published on 2011-03-12 09:21:00

I still remember how shocked I was to find out my friend's son had so many cavities. He was barely two and had six cavities! Why? They ate a healthy diet and he had never had a bottle, so it couldn't be baby bottle mouth, could it? The dentist told

Celebrating Birthdays

Published on 2011-03-11 10:34:00

Families have a variety of rituals and traditions one of which can be celebrating birthdays. There are many ways to celebrate birthdays and it does not have to require spending a lot of money. Lee (2009) looked at how low-income rural mothers make th

"Yes Sir!" Teaching Respect for Authority

Published on 2011-03-09 00:13:00

My grandfather turned to hear me and firmly, but lovingly asked,“Excuse me, What did you say?” “Uh huh” I heard my teen-age self mumble.“Yes? Did you mean to say Yes?” "Yeah"“Yes? Did you mean to say Yes?” only this time he

Preventing Bullying

Published on 2011-03-05 10:12:00

It seems that bullying is more prevalent today than it has ever been and, as parents, this is a scary thing. It is important for us to teach and protect our children from such abuse. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has started a ca

How To Prevent Bed Wetting

Published on 2011-03-04 08:00:00

A couple weeks ago, I attended a two hour seminar at a urology clinic. It was required before I would be able to schedule an appointment for my son to discuss his problem staying dry at night. I was skeptical that I would learn anything n

Preparing Young Adults for Life

Published on 2011-03-02 23:06:00

“Mom”. Yes Honey... It was a phone call from our college freshman.“Thanks” “Okay.. for what” “For teaching me how to make my lunch.” I had to hide my amusement with a quiet smile. I remember when she used to get mad at

Balancing Quality & Quantity Time With Your Child

Published on 2011-03-01 14:37:00

Working from home is becoming a popular thing to do. The reason often cited for working from home is so that one can create their own work hours, and so that they are home with the family. While that is a great motivator, the goal of deve

Research on Toilet Training

Published on 2011-02-26 11:54:00

"Mommy, poopy." she said, patting her bottom, indicating her need for a diaper change. I was nine months pregnant and my daughter was showing all the signs of readiness for toilet training. But I waited until my newborn was three months old before be

Mental Illness Stigma

Published on 2011-02-25 17:43:00

While we live in a society that is becoming increasingly aware of mental illness and how to interact with people who struggle with mental illness there is still a profound stigma that exists surrounding mental illness. As a society we understand that

DIVORCE IS AN ADULT ISSUE: HELPING KIDS ADJUST ACCORDING TO THEIR STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

Published on 2011-02-22 19:14:00

By: Dyan Eybergen, BA, RN Today's statistics suggest that 50% of all marriages end in divorce. Every year more than a million kids endure the break-up of their parents. This means about 1/3 of all children in the United States live in divorced h

Want Your Child to Succeed? Focus on Self-Control

Published on 2011-02-21 06:58:00

Another study was released this week showing the strong impact that learning self-control early in life can have on children’s long-term success. Numerous studies in recent years have shown the relationship between preschoolers’ self-control and

Mindful Parenting: How To Stop Reacting To Your Child

Published on 2011-02-19 07:00:00

Mindful parenting can be defined as when "parents intentionally bring moment-to-moment awareness to the parent-child relationship" or "acting with awareness." There are certain qualities and skills that must be developed in order to accomplish this,

Making the Scriptures Come Alive for Our Children

Published on 2011-02-18 23:59:00

It is difficult, I find, to get kids excited about a book written in archaic English about people who lived thousands of years ago. Exciting things happen in the scriptures (wars, triumph over evil, a savior appearing to the people, etc.

Dad, it’s okay to play video games – just include your daughter!

Published on 2011-02-16 09:35:00

It’s a cause to celebrate! Especially for dad’s who still play or want to play video games. After years of research indicating that video gaming has negative influence on an individual, Brigham Young University researchers have found a posi

What do you do for Valentine's Day?

Published on 2011-02-14 08:18:00

Hello readers! My wife and I had a hard time finding a babysitter or anything, so we stayed in for our Valentine's weekend. We had strawberries and we dipped them in chocolate while we watched a chick flick together. Then, I made her

Speak your child's love language

Published on 2011-02-12 09:00:00

Valentine's day is a celebration of love. As parents, we love our children and want them to feel loved. How do you best show love to your children? Just as we must be mindful of the love language of our spouse, we need to consider that each of our ch

Involving Your Children in Valentine's Day

Published on 2011-02-11 08:54:00

Valentine’s Day is often thought of as a holiday for adults or for people in romantic relationships but Valentine’s Day can be a holiday for everybody. Children often celebrate Valentine’s Day in school by giving Valentine’s to classmates. As

THOUGHT BLOCKING ANXIETY

Published on 2011-02-10 10:12:00

Thought blocking or thought stopping is a cognitive behavioural strategy that can help kids let go of thoughts that cause them to feel anxious. The idea is to stop negative thoughts in their tracks in the brain and replace them with more peaceful, se

A + College Communication

Published on 2011-02-09 17:16:00

A + College Communication “Do I call you enough? I mean while you at school, did you want me to call you more?” For my college junior once a week was enough. Her response was… “Like no” “…Anything more would be annoying…. You c

Improving Your Spending Habits

Published on 2011-02-07 11:38:00

We’ve all made purchases we ended up regretting. Here are a few tips to help you improve your spending habits and avoid buyer’s remorse: Don’t rush it. This is especially important to remember when you are looking to buy a home, vehicle, or

Tips for Reading with Your Baby

Published on 2011-02-05 09:55:00

I love to read. I partially attribute this to the fond memories I have of my mom reading to me as a young child. So naturally, one of the things that I was looking forward to the most when I got pregnant was the opportunity to read to my baby. Many s

How to Survive Shopping With Children

Published on 2011-02-04 10:00:00

It occurred to me recently that perhaps I have some advice to offer on how to survive a shopping trip with children. I’ve been pleased with the frequent compliments I receive about my kids’ behavior in the grocery store and resist the urge

Mentor A Teen: Change A Life for the Better

Published on 2011-02-02 16:49:00

We set the time and date. Mike would walk to my house after school for science and math help. He and my son had become “scout-buddies” and it was clear that he was very bright and capable but needed extra support. When his Aunt approached me afte

Parenting with Positive Discipline

Published on 2011-01-31 21:38:00

Positive parenting is a style of parenting that is catching more and more attention as a better way of "disciplining" or "pre-disciplining" our child. A more prevention focused way of parenting than reaction focused. Dr. Joan Durrant was

The Power of the Ordinary: Resilience in Child Development

Published on 2011-01-31 11:06:00

Today, I just wanted to share a thought with you about resilience in child development and family life, and I would love to hear what you have to say about it. "Resilience does not come from rare and special qualities, but from the everyday magic of

The Importance of Playing in a Child’s Development

Published on 2011-01-29 08:00:00

Many of us probably have fond memories of childhood games and make-believe play. Like all children, though, we grow up. We have work, dishes, laundry, and grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, let alone a few moments just to relax. By the time our chi

How to prepare for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Published on 2011-01-28 18:22:00

Many parents find themselves being asked to attend an IEP meeting about their child and having no idea what to expect. First of all, what is an IEP meeting? IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. The purpose of an IEP meeting is for the parent

Relative Age in Adolescence: Helping Teens Find Their Place

Published on 2011-01-26 12:28:00

For the Right Reasons “Redshirting?” I sat across from the principal’s desk and tried to pick my jaw up from the floor. Keeping my composure, I asked, “You believe that I want my son to repeat a grade because of football?” I ha

PREPARING FOR SOCIAL HARMONY: ITS NEVER TO EARLY TO START THE TEACHINGS OF SOCIAL COMPETENCE

Published on 2011-01-25 18:12:00

By Dyan A key element to professional success is the ability to communicate well and work together as a team. Knowing that communication is a teachable skill, we would like to see it taught in more schools, right along with the three R's; however, s

When Should My Child Give Up Her Blankie?

Published on 2011-01-21 08:00:00

My little one, Lizzy (age 4), can’t resist bringing her pink elephant Ellie everywhere she goes. Her attachment to the stuffed animal is both cute and cumbersome. When we go out together, I need to find Ellie to avoid World War 3 with my toddler in

Creating A "Kid Friendly" Home

Published on 2011-01-20 18:50:00

Having a “kid friendly” home is more than just having breakable objects too high to reach and medicine cabinets locked. I believe that there are a lot of other ways to make your home a fun place for your children to learn and grow. After all, onc

Measuring Up - Helping Our Teens Mark Spiritual Strength

Published on 2011-01-19 16:05:00

-Body and Spirit -Marking Growth While in the home of a friend I noticed four wooden rods vertically mounted and evenly spaced on her wall. They were painted to compliment her décor and had dates, events and numbers etched upon them. Bec

Self Esteem more important than Sex

Published on 2011-01-17 23:09:00

New research shows that youth like getting a self-esteem boost more than they do sex, money or food. For example, they would prefer getting a good mark on an exam, or getting a compliment from someone. Unfortunately there have been some people,

In Good Times and Bad: Religion's Role in Family Life and Family Crisis

Published on 2011-01-16 18:48:00

Despite media images to the contrary, the vast majority of Americans (90%) report believing in God or a higher power and large proportions (60%) say that religion is “important” or “very important” to them. Given these statistics, I was surpr

Teaching your child to read

Published on 2011-01-15 09:00:00

I scared my oldest son away from reading for awhile. I pushed too hard when he was four because I wanted him to read early and prove to the world that he was a genius and I was an amazing mother. Besides overwhelming him, we lost the joy of just read

Helping Others

Published on 2011-01-14 16:37:00

I came across a fantastic story about a high school senior who takes time out of his schedule everyday to help a family who is in need. Watching the video and reading about this story made me think about how important it is for us to teach our childr

Getting Your Children to Help You Clean

Published on 2011-01-13 13:11:00

Most of us probably remember doing chores, but I doubt we think about when we started or what it took for our parents to teach us. I think at some point we look around our children’s messy rooms and wonder when they’ll ever pick it up so you don

The Name Game: The Power of Identity and the Family

Published on 2011-01-12 21:40:00

***************************************************** Enjoy what you just read? Subscribe to our posts or become a follower. The Name Game: The Power of Identity and the Family Identity We once knew a couple that named their son and daughte

REFLECTIONS OF CHRISTMAS

Published on 2011-01-12 16:33:00

As January the 6th, the Epiphany is my cue to rid my house of Christmas past and the last of the tinsel was vacuumed up, I found myself reflecting on the holidays and the blessings my family are grateful for. Having moved several thousand miles from

Richard and Linda Eyre's "Making Kids a Priority"

Published on 2011-01-06 08:26:00

I watched a local morning show today (Studio 5). They had Richard and Lind Eyre, the authors of parenting books, as their guests and I thought I would share a link to what they talked about today. They talked about making kids a priority b

A Teen Connection: Family and Friends

Published on 2011-01-05 21:26:00

***************************************************** Enjoy what you just read? Subscribe to our posts or become a follower.by Linda Shaw A Teen’s Connection: Family and Friends At a recent family gathering we asked our children t

Making Goals, Not Wishes For The New Year

Published on 2011-01-05 12:11:00

A New Years tradition with my family is going out for breakfast on New Years Day. We went to a restaurant. While we were there we ran into some of my wife’s clients. They joked with us about how they were going to start their diets after breakfast.

New Year...New Budget!

Published on 2011-01-03 11:24:00

For the first time, one of this year's most popular New Year's Resolutions is to improve financial health - an excellent choice, due to the impact your finances have on your family, your future, and your own well-being.I challenge you to improve your

Parenting goals for 2011

Published on 2011-01-01 07:01:00

What are your parenting goals and resolutions for 2011? Do you have specific things you want to improve in your parenting this year?Regular reflection and goal setting in parenting is important. By choosing to be proactive and not reactive, we can wo