by Jan Levinson Gilman, Ph.D. If you are a parent of young children, you probably share an almost universal desire to make holidays special for your children. You also may have to overcome certain obstacles in creating your own special experiences with your children such as finances, distance from family members, and the special circumstances created by divorce, step-parenting, and blended … [Read more...]

It does not matter if you are talking over the backyard fence with the neighbor, having a conversation on the telephone, or are asking the clerk in the bank a question, your child appears to be completely unaware that your mouth is open, words are coming out, and someone else is listening. Instead, he walks right up and demands to get something – right now. Sure, you may try to convince your … [Read more...]

by Shirley King A wonderful gift parents can give their child is the ability to get along with other people. For a child, this begins with the bonding an d attachment in the parent-child relationship. Later, with the birth of a sibling, parents have the opportunity to help their child to learn how to deal with the ups and downs of personal relationships with others, beginning with their new … [Read more...]

We all know that babies depend on adults for their everyday basics. The job of feeding, clothing, changing, and entertaining, a baby is usually given to the parents. One of the most important things for a baby is safety. Keeping a baby safe and away from danger is a tough job, but somebody's got to do it. Here is a checklist to help parents trying to keep their babies safe. Bedroom: Put … [Read more...]

Help Anger Pass When our kids get angry at us it helps to try and separate our own feelings from the children's... Remember...you are OK even if they are being kind of difficult right now... Try shifting your focus for a short time. Look out a window, imagine you are at the beach, remember a moment when you were having a good time with the kids... Anger with no place to go often … [Read more...]

Teach Your Children To Trust Themselves "Self-trust is learned... and we learn it from our parents. Encourage children to make choices and try and support their choice with kind words. If a child makes a poor choice ... and he/she will... be sensitive and guide the child in a positive direction, in a gentle manner. Treating Children With Respect Models The Respect You Wish In … [Read more...]

Don't Make Mountains Out of Mole Hills Parents need to pick and choose the issues and behaviors they wish to address. Don't pick, pick, pick at every issue. Maintain your perspective and crediability with your children. Don't take a small problem and make it a big problem. Get OUT of Your Brother's Room! Here is another example (following up on our last tip) that only tells your child … [Read more...]

by R.P. Toister, Ph.D. A mother asks, "how do I keep consistent rules and discipline my two boys when my husband never backs me up and tells me it's my job to train the boys." This mother's question underlines what many Moms tell me that, when it comes to dealing with disciplining their children, their husbands are too tired or not as concerned as they are in making rules or setting limits on … [Read more...]

by Shirley King By definition, unconditional love means love which is not subjected to conditions or limitations. For a parent, this means loving the child no matter what he or she does. Parents can dislike the child's behavior, but still feel and convey their love. Unconditional love is absolutely necessary for every growing and developing child. This love without restrictions is … [Read more...]

Sometimes parents feel frustrated and think, "We've given him so much love and we do so much for him, why is he having problems?" They find their child is emotionally immature, in trouble at school, throws temper tantrums, is defiant, arrogant or under achieving. Most parents strive to so their best for their children, expending energy and giving time, money and love. But despite their … [Read more...]