Recently, I added the topic “hindsight” to my blog categories. Perhaps a bit self-indulgent, allowing me to reminisce about 31 years of marriage and the raising of our only child and reflect on some of what I would do differently… if I knew then, what I know now. What I really hope to do by [...]
Summer has officially begun in communities around the country. Bicycle and foot traffic will increase as children excitedly head toward various activities and outings. This is a reminder to parents of kids on foot and bikes that the “listen” part of the old safety adage “stop, look and listen” is no longer reliable. I drive [...]
The Babble post “Does My Three Year Old Have Race Issues: An Ugly Statement Gets to a Complicated Truth” brought me back to the 90’s when my daughter was in elementary school. We were living in Long Beach, CA, where I still live and work. Long Beach is a very diverse community, but with many [...]
My friend Audrey and I had babies four months apart. Our first-borns are now twenty-three. Audrey went on to have a second and third born. That choice was made naively, having never previously taught a child to drive. Fortunately, I was blessed with infertility so I avoided a second-go-round with driver’s training. Audrey’s second-born turned [...]
Today, the death of Osama Bin Laden dominates our news outlets. Isolating children from the conversation is almost impossible. Avoiding your children’s questions will be equally as difficult.Here are some thoughts on talking to young children and provide a basis for conversation with older children.“Osama Bin Laden was a man who hurt people that didn’t [...]
Imagine a world where people realized their self-control was waning and they would excuse themselves until their coping skills returned. They would retreat to a place where they found comfort, perspective or distraction. Meditation is a kind of time-out, so is reading, or an afternoon nap. School detention, Juvenile Hall and prison are also time-outs. [...]
“I don’t like you” is a common refrain of the three-year-old, quickly replaced at four by “you’re not my friend” and “you’re not coming to my birthday party.” Preschoolers, who are just beginning to engage in reciprocal relationships, wield this power over their peers and attempt to wield it over their parents. Don’t take it [...]
My 3 ½ year-old-son wants a princess bike for Christmas. I have no objection to his preference, but want to purchase a bike that will last for a few years. He rode a black bike at the store and loved it. When we came home, he reiterated his desire for a princess bike. Should I [...]
Our neighbor is 6 and has a passion for Hannah Montana and ICarly- which I'm disheartened to see is being past along to our 4 1/2 year old. I think the content is too "grown up" for both girls. Am I on track and when would the content be deemed appropriate? If we chose to [...]
When my child doesn't get his way, sometimes he will strike out at me, either kicking me or hitting me, and/or using angry words ("If you don't let me do XYZ, I won't ABC!!"). I try to stay calm and explain that I won't let him hurt me, but I would love some suggestions on [...]