It is sometimes hard to remember when you are a parent that it is also important to take care of yourself and your own needs. Dr. Brooks recently discussed research that suggests that parents’ ability to manage their own stress is one of the top three predictors of positive outcomes for children. So when you …Read More
The Keys to Being a Good Parent
Nov 6, 2011
As parents, we all try to do our best to do a good job. But with thousands of books on the topic of parenting as well as countless articles in popular magazines and periodicals, sometimes it is difficult to know how to be a good parent. Should we be more strict? More lenient? Use time-outs? …Read More
A Response to the “Tiger Mother” and a Thanks to Disney
Oct 2, 2011
First, before I jump into this topic, I want to apologize for the long delay since my last blog. I recently had a third child, so it’s difficult to keep up! My aim is to post weekly, so I promise to get back on track. I listened the audiobook version of Amy Chua’s Battle Hymn of …Read More
Tips for Improving Family Communication
Apr 21, 2011
Families are busier than ever and one of the things I find they often struggle with is effective communication. When a family describes a situation where they feel “stuck” or as though they tend to face the same problems on a frequent basis, improving the family’s communication skills can be very helpful. Having effective communication …Read More
The Importance of Play
Mar 4, 2011
As parents we all want the best for our children and we want to provide them with as many opportunities to grow and develop themselves as we can. We want to expose our children to experiences that are enriching and will enhance many different aspects of their development. But sometimes these loving intentions result in …Read More
Increasing Academic Motivation – Creating an Atmosphere for Exploration and Change
Dec 19, 2010
I would like to build upon my previous blog on increasing students’ academic motivation. In my prior blog I discussed the principles of motivation the benefit of creating a nurturing learning environment. Now, I’d like to build on that idea by presenting ideas for creating an atmosphere for exploration and change. By creating such an …Read More
Increasing Academic Motivation
Nov 30, 2010
Motivation is an internal state that calls us to action, pushes us to pursue a given direction, and keeps us engaged. Motivation allows all of us, including students, to start and persist in activities. Naturally, it affects students’ personal investment in school activities as well as their time on task. It can also increase individuals’ …Read More
Helping Your Child Succeed In School III: A Supportive Relationship With Your Child
Oct 11, 2010
In this series of blogs, I am writing about different things that help kids succeed in school. I am particularly focusing on things that parents can do. Previously I posted blogs on the importance of healthy food and exercise, and on the importance of getting enough sleep. Today I will discuss your relationship with your …Read More
Life Skills Training
Oct 6, 2010
Many children don’t readily develop certain adaptive skills such as toileting, dressing, and brushing teeth that other children seem to develop naturally. When this is the case, parents can help by developing realistic goals and adapting them as skills are obtained. The following steps can be applied to each target skill. a. To begin, identify …Read More
Organizing Your Child
Sep 23, 2010
Of course, everyone feels like they could use a little help with their child’s organization. With the endless homework, permission slips, consent forms, and newsletters constantly streaming between the school and home, all parents could likely benefit from some strategies for keeping it all straight. This need becomes even more apparent for parents of children …Read More