“I hate you!” Really? Did you hear that right? No – can’t be. But, actually… you did hear that right. That little person, your child, just yelled at you and said “I hate you”. How, and in what moral universe, … Continued
This week, I recorded a podcast where I talk about the interactions I’ve had with parents who took the time to personally respond to my recent blogs on Stress in Young Children. I talk about 3 separate conversations I had … Continued
“It must be the four-month sleep regression. She just suddenly started waking up a lot more. I can’t figure out what to do about it. I should probably start serious sleep training.” “My six week old starts flailing his arms … Continued
Did you love Halloween when you were a kid? I did. I loved dressing up, but I don’t remember any of my costumes. I do know that they were pretty simple back then. My mother was a dreadful sewer – … Continued
“When my parents check their phones while I’m talking to them, I feel like I’m not important.”Those were the words of a ten-year-old boy. He was interviewed for a study on the effect of parental use of smartphones on their … Continued
Remember life before children? You’d see a child screaming in the supermarket and you said… “I’d never let my child do that!” Or you’d hear a parent say “If you just sit quietly for a few more minutes I’ll buy … Continued
When it comes to caring for a baby, I’m always amazed how moms are surprised that other moms are having the same experiences. This past week I was the guest presenter at a Parents’ Support Group. They wanted me to … Continued
“My daughter and I are so much happier now. I finally learned that it’s ok to say “no” sometimes and to guide and direct her behaviour. We actually get along much better. I can’t believe it!” These were the words … Continued
Parents regularly experience shame around parenting. I see it all the time… “I love nursing her to sleep. I know I shouldn’t do that.” “I love tucking him into bed with us and snuggling up with him. It’s just so … Continued
This week, the news media were having a feeding frenzy over one new baby sleep research study out of Australia. The headlines were short, big and bold. Let Babies Cry To Sleep? Study Says It’s Not ‘Emotionally Harmful’ – Time Magazine … Continued
“If you do that, you’ll ruin your kids for life.” How would you feel if someone said that to you? If you are a strong and confident parent, you’d hear it, think about it, maybe do some research, or file … Continued
This week a dear family friend passed away. He was a husband, father, grandpa, friend, as well as a loved university professor, His wife, a mom and a grandma, and a devoted reader of my blog asked me to write … Continued
When it comes to parenting, it can be a shock to find out that you and your partner are not on the same page about how to raise your children – let alone even in the same book. Scenario #1 – … Continued
I love this video! It was going viral on Friday and I absolutely needed to share it with you. Why? Because it’s an example of wonderful responsive loving parenting, And an example of joyously embracing life with your child. I … Continued
“What am I doing wrong?” – I hear this from parents often, especially when their children have a meltdown in the store. Parents are embarrassed, ashamed. They feel that everyone is judging them, and worse, they are judging themselves. I’m … Continued
From time to time I am asked to give presentations to new parents. I love meeting new parents and helping to answer their questions. This week, I have been asked by a local parent support group to talk about Attachment … Continued
There is a Rolling Stones song from the 70’s aptly titled “Coming Down Again”. Being that it was the 70’s and it was the Stones, it was, of course, written about coming down from a chemical high of some sort. … Continued
Does the thought of the in-laws coming to visit your young family bring a smile of joy to your face or… does it strike fear in your heart? Perhaps you’re full of joyful anticipation about visiting your kid’s family and … Continued
“I hate them! I hate this party! They’re not my friends anymore. I wanna go home and I wanna see my mom. I wanna see my Dad. I’m going away. I’m never going to play with them again. I hate … Continued
“Be back in time for dinner!” That was me as a kid as I ran out the door to go play with my friends. I lived in a four room apartment on the 8th floor of a New York City … Continued
I’m always advising parents to connect with their young kids as much as possible. The connection made with a child (from newborn throughout their childhood) really makes a big difference as they get older. I recently spoke with 2 moms … Continued
“He just told me he was leaving us.” Those sorrowful words were said to me the other morning by a stranger I met on my morning walk along the lake. She and I were walking towards each other and as … Continued
“Let’s stop and get something to eat.” “You’re sure?” “Yeah.” “I have lots of snacks.” “I know. But I want a meal.” “Ok, but only if you’re ready for it.” Before you were a parent, eating out was a pleasure. … Continued
“Every meal is a battle zone. She won’t eat what I give her, no matter how long I make her sit there. It’s awful. I dread mealtime.” This is what a distraught mother of a three year old said to … Continued
“Hi Judy!” came a greeting from a 6 year old who whizzed past me on a little bike as I was about to step off the curb headed to my carport. “Hello!” came my cheerful reply as I checked to … Continued