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Environmental influences

Loose Parts

by on Apr.23, 2012, under Behavior, Brat-Proofing, Child development, Environmental influences, Expectations, Learning, Parenting

For years I have extolled the value of empty cardboard boxes—the ones in which your big appliances arrive—in the lives of children. You see cardboard box to be recycled; your child sees secret cave, fire station, beauty parlor, club house. But Caine Monroy has broadened even my... Read more...
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Tantrums: Doing What Comes Naturally.

by on Mar.22, 2012, under Behavior, Brat-Proofing, Child development, Discipline, Environmental influences, Expectations, Parenting, Public Behavior, Toddlers

There’s nothing like a toddler’s tantrum or an older child’s melt down to bring a parent to her knees.  It’s one of those behaviors that makes you feel inadequate and helpless, to say nothing of incompetent. Put that tantrum in a public place—a restaurant, the grocery store, the... Read more...
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Children Should Be Seen and HEARD

by on Feb.06, 2012, under Adolescents, Behavior, Child development, Communication, Environmental influences, Parent modeling, Parenting, Relationships, Safety, School, Sensitive Topics, Toddlers

The horror at Miramonte Elementary School in Los Angeles has my blood boiling, to say nothing of my stomach turning in disgust. The story is still unfolding, layers added every day.  (A 30 year veteran third grade teacher, uncovered by a photo lab technician who alerted police... Read more...
: 12 Comments

Your Kids are Watching You…Drive

by on Jan.11, 2012, under Adolescents, Behavior, Environmental influences, Learning, Parent modeling, Parenting, Safety

The thought of getting a driver’s license is thrilling to teens. To most parents, it’s terrifying. Attached to the little paper that brings wheels and freedom to your child is an expanded list of worries for you.  Not only are all the other drivers on the road... Read more...
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The Un-Resolution

by on Dec.31, 2011, under Child development, Communication, Environmental influences, Holidays, Parent modeling, Parenting, Relationships

I don’t like New Year’s resolutions. They scream failure. It doesn’t start that way. But inevitably the best laid plans… Two weeks into that new diet, that exercise routine, that tidy bedroom, and it’s back to square one and self-flagellation. Oh well, maybe next year. That doesn’t mean... Read more...
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Look At That Lady’s Nose!

by on Aug.07, 2011, under Character traits, Environmental influences, Parent modeling, Parenting, Toddlers

Young children notice difference. As they try to make sense of their world, they pay attention to regularity and irregularity, what is familiar and what is not.  And there is no judgment involved, just recognition of difference. Truth be told, most people notice difference.  It’s no big... Read more...
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Roaring Back at the Tiger Mom

by on Jan.17, 2011, under Environmental influences, Expectations, Learning, Parenting

Was your parent one who asked, when you brought home an A-, “Why didn’t you get an A?” So many adults have a version of this tale to share. They have never forgotten it, twenty or thirty years later. Most children really do want their parents to be proud... Read more...
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Call Off the Race

by on Sep.15, 2010, under Environmental influences, Expectations, Learning, Parenting, School

For months I’ve waited for the chance to see Race to Nowhere, an incredible documentary film. The trailer was circulated around the web ages ago and caught my eye. I tell you now, run, don’t walk, to see it. (www.racetonowhere.com). That’s how important it is. When... Read more...
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Your Children Are Watching You!

by on Jul.19, 2010, under Communication, Environmental influences, Parent modeling, Parenting

“Coach Accused of Punching Son”  The headline in the LA Times caught my eye.  A youth baseball coach is facing a simple assault charge for punching his 9 year old son in the face after the boy was ejected from a game.  Are they kidding? I read... Read more...
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Leave the Babies Alone?

by on May.13, 2010, under Attachment, Environmental influences, Parent modeling, Parenting

It’s hard not to love the movie Babies. That’s what I chose to do for my Mothers’ Day observance.  It was kind of like eating chocolate… all good! There were none of the not-so-fun parts of babies, like colic and diarrhea and sleepless nights. Just one... Read more...
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