Safety

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 12 Comments

Your Kids are Watching You…Drive

by Betsy 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...

:Teens; Driving; Learning to Drive; Modeling; Parent modeling; Distracted driving; Safe Driving; Driving safety 5 Comments

Let’s Hear it for Sleepovers!

by Betsy on Sep.26, 2011, under Attachment, Parenting, Safety

First Night Away From Home (Franklin Watts, 1960) was one of the many books written by mother, Myra Berry Brown. In this sweet story, we follow 5 year old Stevie from proudly packing his suitcase to noticing, as bedtime gets closer, that “David’s room looked different at... Read more...

:Sleepovers 2 Comments

“Mommy, What is 9/11?”

by Betsy on Aug.23, 2011, under Communication, Parenting, Safety, Sensitive Topics

As the ten year anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the media is heating up with programs and references to that tragedy. Ten years ago already. Wow! As was the case when Kennedy was shot, many can easily answer the question, “What were you doing when you heard the... Read more...

:9/11, Anger, Anger management, Feelings, Media, talking to children about terrorism, Terrorism Leave a Comment

Keeping Your Child Safe

by Betsy on Jul.21, 2011, under Communication, Parenting, Safety, Sensitive Topics

Every time I offer my seminar, Keeping Your Child Safe, I am reminded that this is the number one job of every parent on this planet. I know that all parents try to do so, but what a daunting task this really is. Look around and you... Read more...

:Child safety, Child sexual abuse safety, Safety Leave a Comment

Revisiting 9/11: Talking to Children About Terrorism

by Betsy on May.10, 2011, under Communication, Parenting, Safety, Sensitive Topics

Following the news of Bin Laden’s death, I received a rash of calls from parents wondering how to explain 9/11 to their elementary school age children. Most of these children were a mere twinkle in their parents’ eyes on September 11, 2001. Referencing that horrible event was... Read more...

:9/11, Parent as teacher, talking to children about terrorism, Teachers, Terrorism 2 Comments

Should You Discipline Someone Else’s Child?

by Betsy on Apr.18, 2011, under Discipline, Parent modeling, Parenting, Peers, Safety

It’s hard enough to raise your own child—teaching him the rules of the road, guiding him as he learns how to “play nicely”—but what happens when a child who is not yours is in need of some pointed guidance (a swift kick in the pants, perhaps!)? You’re having... Read more...

:Beliefs, correcting someone else's child, disciplining someone else's child, Limits, Manners, Misbehavior, Modeling, Parent as teacher, parent bad behavoir, playdate, playdate rules, Values, when to intervene with another child 16 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

Talking to Your Kids About the Disaster in Japan

by Betsy on Mar.13, 2011, under Communication, Safety, Sensitive Topics

As we all try to grasp the horror of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, you might be confronted by questions from your child. Children of different ages will require different responses from you. For all children, especially those six years and younger, I urge you... Read more...

:Earthquakes, talking to kids about disasters, Tsunami 7 Comments

At What Age Should My Child Have a Cell Phone?

by Betsy on Nov.02, 2010, under Adolescents, Parenting, Safety

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a clear answer to this question? There isn’t. As with every decision you will make regarding your child, this one is about your particular child and you. The only thing I know for sure is that “all my friends have... Read more...

:bullying, Cell phones, inappropriate content, privileges, technology 1 Comment