Betsy Brown Braun

Child Development and Behavior Specialist. Parent Educator. Best Selling Author

Relationships

My Child is a Hoarder!

by on , under Behavior, Character traits, Child development, Elementary School Children, Expectations, Parent modeling, Parenting, Relationships, Toddlers

"Daisy is a hoarder!" my daughter exclaimed in horror (and frustration).  If I didn't know about kids and their typical development, I might agree with her.  For Daisy, the world is filled with treasures. Whether it is a lost sequin spotted in the driveway,  a set of Halloween vampire's teeth, a singular sticker from a coach, party favor junk, or another piece of plastic cr&p from the dentist's office, it is must be saved.  Castoffs of all categories, shapes, colors, and sizes are for the … [Read more...] about My Child is a Hoarder!

No More Tattling!

by on , under Adolescents, Behavior, Brat-Proofing, Communication, Discipline, Elementary School Children, Environmental influences, Expectations, Parenting, Relationships

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!

Beyond the Birds and the Bees

by on , under Adolescents, Communication, Elementary School Children, Learning, Parenting, Relationships, Sensitive Topics

It is always with great relief that moms and dads report back that explaining the birds and the bees to their elementary school age child wasn’t that bad. And despite their six year old's exclamation of "Eewww, gross!" at the mention of the man putting his penis the woman's vagina, Mom could breathe again. That was the beginning. As kids' bodies grow, so do their feelings— physical and emotional—their cognition, and their exposure to a world that includes sex.  And there is much more than the … [Read more...] about Beyond the Birds and the Bees

Should You Discipline Someone Else’s Child….Revised

by on , under Behavior, Communication, Discipline, Environmental influences, Parent modeling, Parenting, Relationships

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!)? You’re having a playdate, and the guest grabs a toy (your child’s favorite Thomas car) out of your child’s hands.  The grabber’s mom observes without reaction. You’re at the park, and a girl you don’t know throws sand at your child. The sand thrower’s mom is … [Read more...] about Should You Discipline Someone Else’s Child….Revised

Hurrying is the Enemy

by on , under Behavior, Child development, Communication, Expectations, Parenting, Relationships, Toddlers, Transitions

The outing to Starbucks with our two year old grandtoddler was perfect. Not a glitch.   No screaming, no crying, no collapsing into a heap, no refusal to walk, no running into the street, no running away.   And not one single tantrum.  The joys of being a grandparent.  Admittedly, the walk which usually takes 15 minutes each way, took two hours. But it came off without a hitch. Why? I am no special grandparent.  I have no tricks up my sleeve.  (Ok. Well, maybe a few.) But what I do know is … [Read more...] about Hurrying is the Enemy

Back-to-School Blues

by on , under Elementary School Children, Environmental influences, Expectations, Parent modeling, Parenting, Relationships, School, Transitions

“I’m a wreck!” was the reply from my client, mother of two elementary school age kids, when I asked her how things were going. Her children had started back to school the week before. And, truth be told, they were doing great. Both liked their teachers, classes, friends, and were happily back in the ritual and routine of school days. There was a good reason for that.  Children just seem to do so much better within the structure naturally imposed by being in school.  Their predictable lives … [Read more...] about Back-to-School Blues

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