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Learning

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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Holiday Envy

by on Dec.17, 2011, under Child development, Communication, Holidays, Learning, Parent modeling, Parenting

Let’s face it, Christmas is everywhere. Even in cities heavily populated by Chanukah celebrants, Christmas rules, as the streets are dressed in sparkles and twinkle lights and red and green and fa la la.   It’s no wonder that cries of “I want to have a Christmas tree!”... Read more...
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“Is Santa Real, Mommy?”

by on Dec.04, 2011, under Communication, Holidays, Learning, Parenting, Sensitive Topics

One of the signs (sometimes laced with a bit of sadness) that your child is growing up is when the inevitable question comes, Is Santa real? While it seems so simple, it is one that puts many a parent into a tail spin.  What should I say?... Read more...
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A Must Read–More Fall Out from the Tiger Mom

by on Aug.11, 2011, under Learning, Parenting

Simply put, the following is a link to an article that I believe is a must read. “10 Unsettling Education Trends Started By Tiger Moms” http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2011/08/10/10-unsettling-education-trends-started-by-tiger-moms/ Not only is the information powerful and important in the lives of parents and children, but it is incredibly thought provoking. Let me know... Read more...
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The Lazy Days of Summer? No way!

by on Jul.09, 2011, under Learning, Parent modeling, Parenting, Public Behavior

First it was red jello. Then it was sugary juice. Now summer is the enemy!  And it’s getting a bad rap. Summer Slide. Brain Drain. Whatever you call it, what was once the most carefree and welcome season of the year is being vilified as a threat... Read more...
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Toddler Tutoring?

by on May.18, 2011, under Child development, Expectations, Learning, Parenting, Toddlers

They’re getting younger and younger! Now there’s Junior Kumon, a program to teach your two year old academics. Seriously!  In a recent New York Times article, Fast-Tracking to Kindergarten, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/15/fashion/with-kumon-fast-tracking-to-kindergarten.html?_r=1&emc=eta1 author Kate Zernike highlights the proliferation of the new Kumon (and other) tutoring programs designed to  jumpstart... Read more...
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A Parent Should Be A Parent…Not A Friend

by on Apr.04, 2011, under Behavior, Child development, Learning, Parenting, Peers, Relationships, Safety

Every time I hear a parent brag that her child is her best friend, I cringe and think, “Well, that’s too bad.”  The job description of parent is mighty long—nurturer, teacher, advisor, consultant, guide, spotter, disciplinarian, consoler, cheerleader.  But I am quite sure “friend” is not on... 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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The Gift That Keeps On Giving

by on Dec.25, 2010, under Character traits, Holidays, Learning, Parent modeling, Parenting

 Every year my friend Freida gives me a surprising gift.  Far out pop-up books, foodstuffs from the Homeboy Industries-Homegirl Catering and Kitchen, DVD’s of documentaries I might have missed. But this year’s is the best: Of Thee I Sing: A letter to my daughters by Barack Obama.  I... Read more...
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Fifty Years Later

by on Oct.04, 2010, under Learning, Peers, Relationships, School, Transitions

I answered the door at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning, to find a good looking, gray haired gentleman. “Yes?” I said, somewhat perturbed that my racing to set up for the 12:30 p.m event was being interrupted. “I am Jeff Hearn” said the guest who was supposed to... Read more...
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