Kids of all ages are getting a whiff of election politics at its worst. It’s unavoidable. I'll bet you think I am going to say, “Shelter them! Turn off the radio, TV, computer.” Not this time. This 2016 presidential election (which seems interminable) is an opportunity. It is filled with important lessons for our children, elementary school age on up. Remember, children learn a great deal by making mistakes and by seeing the mistakes of others. It is what I call “ambient learning.” So, … [Read more...] about Politicians Behaving Badly: Talking to Kids About the Election
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No More Tattling!
In case you didn’t know, tattling should be illegal in your family. Many parents don’t realize that. When parents come to me for help with their kids’ fighting, I always ask is if their kids are tattletales. Just about 100% of the time the answer is YES! And they don’t even flinch at the look of horror on my face! The funny thing is, it’s parents who perpetuate the problem. Tattling is seen as necessary and useful. Believe me, it does more harm than help. Tattling at school and tattling … [Read more...] about No More Tattling!
Talking to Your Children About the LAUSD School Closure
Boy, do I ever dislike having to write this, the safety threat which caused the Los Angeles Unified School District wide school closure today, December 15, 2015 But to help you and all our children, may I remind you of a few things. 1. No one knows all the facts yet. Do not say what you suspect or do not know. 2. Turn off your radios, TV’s, computers. Kids who have NOT be exposed to this breaking news, need not know about any of it…until they need to know. Kids who have heard some news … [Read more...] about Talking to Your Children About the LAUSD School Closure
Talking to Your Child About the Paris Attacks
Sadly and not surprisingly, I have received a rash of emails from parents wondering how to explain to their children the heinous, violent terrorism that happened in Paris. These were parents of children of all ages. How I wish one could actually explain something that is so monstrous and actually unthinkable. None of us can comprehend what went on; we are stick to our stomachs. As little as we understand, how can we expect a child to get it? For all these years your child has been taught to … [Read more...] about Talking to Your Child About the Paris Attacks
What is the Right Age to….
Knowing when is the “right age” to give permissions and allow age related activities challenges all parents, especially with that first born child. After all, it is often the parent’s first experience not only with a child of that age, but certainly with YOUR child of that age. In addition, it may not be something with which the parent hasn't had any experience, and she is traveling blindly. As is the case with most of parenting, there is not one clear cut answer to any question; there is not … [Read more...] about What is the Right Age to….
Get Ready for the New School Year!
It's mid-August... that means summer vacation is creeping to an end, depending upon your child's first day of school. For some it even starts next week. Summer time and the livin' was easy! Just thinking about the start of school can be stressful for kids. New teachers, new classrooms, new friends, new expectations, new routines. On top of that, just getting back into the swing of things--the school day routines--is not only stress producing but it can be a real challenge after the lazy, … [Read more...] about Get Ready for the New School Year!