How amazing is it that all kids seem to whine at some time or other? Seriously, how is it that they all use the same tone? Is that capacity just part of the factory-equipped model of child? Truth be told, it kind of is…the capacity, that is. Children whine at different ages for different reasons. No one can say exactly when whining will start, but it can even be as young as 18 months. It is interesting that early talkers seem also to be early whiners. The toddler whiner often feels … [Read more...] about Want Some Cheese With That Whine?
Whose Halloween is it?
Yesterday I watched a neighbor’s nanny drape the front shrubs with that spider webby stuff in anticipation of Halloween. Such fun, I thought. Then I noticed her charges, two little guys ages 8 and 5 were right there…watching. As far as I could tell, their job was to stand there and yell “Car coming!” when necessary. At the risk of repeating what I wrote in last year’s Halloween blog (Let Halloween Be the Kids’ Holiday), it’s time to remind you that the degree of memory-making fun in this … [Read more...] about Whose Halloween is it?
Let’s Hear it for Sleepovers!
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 night.” Some parts of the book are laughably outdated, like a 5 year old walking alone to his friend’s house, a few blocks away. Not in today’s world, unfortunately. But so much about this story still rings true. Sleepovers … [Read more...] about Let’s Hear it for Sleepovers!
In Celebration of Parenting Pathways®, Inc’s 10 Year Anniversary: 10 Pieces of Parenting Advice
Ten years ago this month I founded Parenting Pathways®. (This is my business through which I offer parents of children, toddlers through teens, a variety of services including private consultations, monthly parenting groups, and individual topical seminars.) Who knew I would reinvent myself? Who knew how much I would learn? Who knew how many times in a week I’d address the complaint, My kid doesn’t listen to me! I took a risk and made something from nothing. Voila! Parenting … [Read more...] about In Celebration of Parenting Pathways®, Inc’s 10 Year Anniversary: 10 Pieces of Parenting Advice
“Mommy, What is 9/11?”
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 news of 9/11?” That’s how big it was in our lives. To children fifteen years and younger, 9/11 is another event in American history to be learned. But learning about it from history books is quite a different story from seeing graphic … [Read more...] about “Mommy, What is 9/11?”
Look At That Lady’s Nose!
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 deal, or it shouldn’t be, anyway. Problems arise when difference is viewed as unacceptable. I know many adults who could use a lesson in tolerating difference. Last week on the bike path at the beach, a … [Read more...] about Look At That Lady’s Nose!