Betsy Brown Braun

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

Toddlers

Before It’s Too Late

by on , under Adolescents, Brat-Proofing, Character traits, Child development, Communication, Elementary School Children, Parent modeling, Parenting, Relationships, Teens, Toddlers

The end of life of a very dear friend of mine for 54 years is on the horizon. Needless to say, it breaks my heart.  I have been spending as much time with her as I can.  Last week I sat down and wrote her a long, detailed, and descriptive letter. It was not to say goodbye; it was to say how much she means to me today and every day over the past 54 years.  In fact, it was everything I would say about her at a Memorial. But I wanted her to hear and have it now. Writing that letter reminded me … [Read more...] about Before It’s Too Late

Fire Talk, Part 2. Older children, tweens, and teens

by on , under Adolescents, Communication, Elementary School Children, Environmental influences, Learning, Safety, Sensitive Topics, Toddlers, Transitions

It is impossible to imagine a human who has not been profoundly affected by the catastrophic fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, California. Those who lost their houses, all their possessions, and their physical mementos holding their family memories, are overwhelmed, are in pain, and are numb. Those who did not take a direct hit are suffering, too. In writing this blog, my goal is to offer support to parents of children, young and old, in dealing with their children. Parents need to … [Read more...] about Fire Talk, Part 2. Older children, tweens, and teens

Holiday Envy

by on , under Adolescents, Communication, Elementary School Children, Holidays, Parenting, Toddlers

Let’s face it, Christmas is everywhere. Even in cities heavily populated by Chanukah celebrants, Christmas rules, as the streets are dressed in sparkles and twinkle lights and red and green and fa la la.   It’s no wonder that cries of “I want to have a Christmas tree!” fill Jewish air space. The omnipresence of Christmas trappings fuels what is known as the “December Dilemma.” Many a Jewish parent recalls lusting after Christmas trees as a child, and that memory is enough to push her over the … [Read more...] about Holiday Envy

Kids Don’t Understand Money. Part 1

by on , under Brat-Proofing, Child development, Elementary School Children, Parenting, Toddlers

True story: The dad took his 7-year-old son to a funky donut shop he had heard about, a shop which took cash only. No credit cards, no Apple Pay. “But Dad, how can we pay for this?” the worried boy asked, fearing he wouldn’t get his donuts. The dad took out his wallet and found a couple of bills.  The rest of the story is not important for now. What it does illustrate is today’s kids’ dwindling knowledge of real money. A different parent shared with me that her 6-year-old not only couldn’t … [Read more...] about Kids Don’t Understand Money. Part 1

Back to School for Toddlers to Teens

by on , under Adolescents, Elementary School Children, Expectations, Parenting, School, Separation, Toddlers, Transitions

Going back to school or starting a new school...or just starting school the first time for our littlest ones...is a mixed bag for kids and for their parents. The process and the thoughts about it are seasoned with excitement as well as creeping anxiety.     What's a parent to do? For First Timers to Pre School... ...The start can be more emotion filled for the parent  than for the child. After all, the child doesn't really know what to expect. The most challenging part is, of course, the … [Read more...] about Back to School for Toddlers to Teens

How Do You Know When You’re in Love?

by on , under Adolescents, Behavior, Communication, Elementary School Children, Environmental influences, Learning, Parent modeling, Parenting, Relationships, Toddlers

“How do you know when you are in love, I mean in love for real?” my daughter asked when she was about 13 years old. I have never forgotten the question nor my answer. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, what better time to discuss? Over the years in my practice (and through my own kids’ growing years,) the questions of how children learn about love and relationships and what it’s all about have come up many times in many ways.  Nothing is new. Parents have been teaching kids this … [Read more...] about How Do You Know When You’re in Love?

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