Relationships

Children Should Be Seen and HEARD

by Betsy 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...

:Safety; Child Safety; Safety in school; Child Sexual Abuse; Teachers and sexual abuse; Teachers' lewd conduct; Communicating with children; Listenting to children 8 Comments

The Un-Resolution

by Betsy 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...

:parenting; mindful parenting; active parenting; new years resolutions; resolutions; TED talks; Louie Schwartzberg; 2 Comments

Right in Your Own Yard– A Blog for Father’s Day

by Betsy on Jun.14, 2011, under Parent modeling, Parenting, Relationships

The window at my kitchen sink gives me a bird’s eye view of the happenings on my street. Recently, I witnessed a scene fit for a Norman Rockwell painting. Five year old Owen was side by side with the gardener, mowing the front lawn. Two guys pushing... Read more...

:Appreciation, Attachment, connectedness, Enrichment classes, Experiences, father and child bond, Fathering, fathers, Overscheduling, Parent as teacher, Parental attachment 5 Comments

A Parent Should Be A Parent…Not A Friend

by Betsy 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...

:Boundaries, Drinking, Kids and Alcohol, Limits, Melt downs, Overscheduling, parent as parent, Parent as teacher, saying NO, Tantrums 7 Comments

The Experience of the Holidays

by Betsy on Dec.06, 2010, under Holidays, Parenting, Relationships

It’s all about gimme gimme gimme right about now, the middle of Chanukah and three weeks before Christmas. Well, of course it is, because the world—the media, advertisers, merchants—focus our children’s sights on the stuff they’re going to get. Ugh! In the end it is the experiences that... Read more...

:Chanukah, Christmas, Experiences, family, Family meals, games, gimmies, Interactive learning, Reading, Rituals, traditions Leave a Comment

Fifty Years Later

by Betsy 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...

:classmates, Education, Elementary School, interactive learing, Peers, School, Teachers 3 Comments

Playing Favorites

by Betsy on Aug.31, 2010, under Attachment, Parenting, Relationships

“Mother always liked you best” claimed Tommy Smothers of the old comedy duo of the 60’s and 70’s, The Smothers Brothers. They were comedians, but that gag struck a chord, as the audience laughed and cried at the same time. “Who do you love the most?” No matter... Read more...

:family, Father-Child Bond, Favoring one child, favorite child, Feelings, Mother-child bond, Parental attachment, Playing favorites, Siblings 7 Comments

A Trip Isn’t Always a Vacation

by Betsy on Jul.01, 2010, under Holidays, Parenting, Public Behavior, Relationships

The approach of summer is laced with so many expectations—relaxed schedules, lazy days, warm evening bar-b-ques, no homework, lighter responsibilities, and vacations! So many parents have memories from their youth of family vacations that were fabulous. And for the kids, vacations are usually just that… fabulous! But that’s not always... Read more...

:family, Family Trips, Family vacations, silblings, Trips, vacation, Vacations 1 Comment

Bffs Rock!

by Betsy on Jun.25, 2010, under Adolescents, Child development, Parent modeling, Peers, Relationships, School

I just hung up the phone from my very own bff who was rushing to her mother’s hospital bedside in San Diego. Her world is falling apart. Loaded with her own issues of life and work and now her very ill mother, she needed to complain and... Read more...

:Best friends, BFF, bullying, Gossip, Modeling, social skills, Values 3 Comments

The 4 R’s

by Betsy on Apr.16, 2010, under Environmental influences, Learning, Parenting, Peers, Relationships, School

What an amazing experience I had last weekend when I lunched with two women with whom I went to elementary school, one of whom I have not seen since I graduated from 6th grade. Seriously! Keep in mind that I graduated from Seeds UES in Los Angeles,... Read more...

:Peers, Relationships, School, Teachers 1 Comment