I often hear from parents how difficult their mornings are. Getting the kids up, dressed, fed, brushed, (loved!), and out the door to school can really be challenging. It’s especially tricky when you, too, are trying to pull yourself together, get ready for your day, whether you work in or out of the house. This is especially true after a vacation or even after a weekend. Most families happily and easily fall into a pattern of hanging out in the morning, chilling at home in p.j’s., taking all … [Read more...] about New Year, New Morning Routine
Behavior
Taite’s Tutorial at Target
Recently my friend Brent shared with me a story about his 11 year old daughter, Taite, He said, “I know you are going to love this story.” He was right. Taite was given two birthday gift cards to Target. Coupling those with a little additional cash, she was eager to spend her booty on several different items. Accompanied by her dad, she relished her journey around Target, perusing her many choices, carefully collecting coveted items in her cart, and painstakingly keeping a running tab. … [Read more...] about Taite’s Tutorial at Target
BEWARE OF HALLOWEEN!
One of the joys of being a parent is getting to do the fun kid stuff all over again. Stuff like sharing Easter baskets, making Valentines, and dressing up for Halloween. You can hardly wait to dress up your nine month old in that lion costume and parade her around the neighborhood, right? But you aren’t remembering Halloween from the perspective of a two or three or four year old. You remember it from when you were nine or ten years old, when it really was all fun and there wasn’t much that … [Read more...] about BEWARE OF HALLOWEEN!
Sabotaging September and the Start of School
As much as you looked forward to school being out last June, there is something to be said for school being back in session in September..for kids anyway. You loved the lazy days of summer--the care free schedule, the lack of pressure, the slower pace. And your children did, too. But truth be told most children often do better during the regular school year, having the consistent schedule that necessarily accompanies school. But September can be a challenging month. For children there is so … [Read more...] about Sabotaging September and the Start of School
Taking the plunge
This week, coincidentally, I worked with three different clients who came to me with the same issue regarding their children. Theirs is the child who doesn't like to try, who won't try something new--a new lesson, a new activity, a new game, anything new to him--especially if it means he might not be good or good enough in his estimation. This is also the week, coincidentally, that my new website is launching (note the word new.) I have been planning, designing, working and reworking this … [Read more...] about Taking the plunge
Cousin Sarah’s kids
The topic for my first blog on my new website had been on my mind when I paid a visit to my cousin Sarah and her boys, ages 5 and 7. After spending the afternoon with them, I knew I had found my topic. Sarah lives in a TV free house. (Okay, her husband, also a professor like Sarah, wrote a book about the effects of television viewing on children and how to make it work for your family.) But here's the thing of it, those little boys don't miss it, and they don't ask for it. What was more … [Read more...] about Cousin Sarah’s kids