Parenting

• Self-Awareness For Kids And Grownups

  Sometimes I’m with my kids (or driving in traffic or talking to my husband or…) and suddenly I’ll start feeling angry or frustrated or sad—and I don’t understand where that came from. Other times, our preschooler will just start lashing out but he can’t say what’s bothering him. Any ideas?

• Toddlers, TV, And Attention Problems

  Millions of kids under the age of two are watching TV in this country. In fact, according to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation of over 1,000 parents, about 65% of kids under age two are watching TV, and they’re averaging over two hours of watching a day.

• Building Your Child’s Self-Esteem

  When a baby finds that her signals are validated and responded to appropriatelythat troubles are soothed and pleasure enhancedshe begins to sense that her feelings, expressions, of her very being, are of value and important. A baby learns that she counts for something. This is the foundation of the development of self-esteema combination of who you are, how you feel about yourself, and what you think about your future potential.

• Today’s Family Man: The Laugh Track

  Somewhere in the traffic jam of the last year, I lost control of my favorite vehicle of parent-child bonding: making my kids laugh. I became so wrapped up in the relentless responsibilities of life that my funny bone resembled a car wreck.

• What Can I Do If My Student Is Still Struggling?

  School does not come easily to all people. The most important thing to remember is to encourage your student to do their best. Struggling students often deal with low self-esteem which impacts their self concept.

• How Can I Deal With My Child’s Emotions?

  The middle school years are often a roller coaster of emotions for many young people. One minute they seem perfectly agreeable, then they spout off in anger and then later , they may seem withdrawn.

• How Can I Build My Child’s Sense Of Responsibility?

  Responsibility is a big part of life, and it is the job of parents and teachers to help students develop this skill. Children should be responsible for things even at an early age – washing the dishes, doing house chores, going to bed on time, etc. Often, as parents, we remind and direct our children in these activities. As young people enter middle school, more responsibility is placed on them, they may now be babysitting or helping fix meals, and less direct supervision by parents should be provided, especially regarding schoolwork. Homework is much more abundant, and learning to meet school deadlines can become a major challenge.

• What Can I Do When I Get Frustrated With My Middle School Student?

  As a young person moves into the middle school years, their emotional , physical and mental development, coupled with their emerging independence, often creates conflict between the parent and child.