Sleep – A Family Affair

We are a sleep deprived society & it’s getting worse; even with important information from the National Sleep Foundation & other reputable organizations we don’t change our behavior. What’s up with our lack of zzzs and how does it impact your health and that of your family?
Parents set the stage for their family’s sleep. They [...]

Perimenopause – Your Journey to the 14th Full Moon

Window of Opportunity, Window of Vulnerability
You might ask, ‘What does perimenopause have to do with parenting?’  They share several common themes:

they both can be an extremely rewarding experience that will broaden  & deepen your life
they both can be very challenging, giving you an opportunity to learn new things about yourself & the world
they both force [...]

The Ten Best Things to Say to Your Child During Homework Time

Homework can be a battle or a breeze. It can create conflict or cooperation. It can produce tension or focused attention.  Which of these outcomes occurs in your home depends in great measure on how you talk to your children during that important time period. To help your child’s homework experience be productive and stress [...]

Of Course I’m Listening! What Did You Say?

Good ol’ Mr. Rogers knew what he was singing about when he was putting on his sneakers: “I mean I might just make mistakes if I should have to hurry up and so I like to take my time.” When he was home, I’m sure his kids got at least the same level of attention [...]

Stuff You Don’t Need to Worry About

Thankfully, our kids survived their teen years. So did David and I, though I know I aged more than he did. But I can still do a headstand and he can’t, so there.
Nail me for sexism, but I’m convinced we moms feel our kids’ challenges more than dads. Everything from circumcision, to vaccinations, to teething, [...]

Back Talk

Many of the parents I talk with these days are upset about the nasty, disrespectful way their kids sometimes talk to them.  “Where do they learn to talk like this?” some ask.  “We don’t talk that way to them!”
If you take a bit of time to tune into some of the popular TV shows for [...]

Dumbed Down Parenting

Lots of parents tell me they rely on screen activities such as GameBoys, DVD players, and computers to entertain their kids when they are traveling, waiting for appointments, or sitting in restaurants.  “It’s so easy,” they tell me, “it really keeps them quiet.” Yes, the screens do engage kids, for sure.  But are there ways [...]

Taking the Long View

Recently our extended family, which included several of my grand children, took a trip together.  I delighted in spending time with all the children, and got to know five-year-old Antonio, one of the cousins, much better over the two weeks we were together.
One evening when we were getting ready for a big family party, Antonio’s [...]