Currently Browsing: Special Feature 23 articles
Are You a Lawn Mower Parent?
“Helicopter parents” are becoming obsolete and replaced by “lawn mower parents”. This new breed of parenting style plows ahead of their children, arranging their lives in an attempt to eliminate sorrow, discomfort, and misfortune. “Lawn mower parents” are not preparing their child for the road, they are preparing the road for their child. This style […]
The Toddler Instruction Manual
“It’s a good thing you are so cute!” This is a phrase many parents often think of during the challenging toddler years as they find themselves cleaning up messes, potty training, listening to shouts of “No!” with every suggestion, and watching their child throw yet another tantrum. As a mom of six kids, including 7-year-old […]
Why Camp is Good for… PARENTS!
Most parents know that kids benefit tremendously from going to summer camp. But have you ever thought about how sending your kids to camp can benefit you – the parent? Based on my own experiences as a seasoned parent of summer campers, as well as conversations with other parents, I can assure you that camp […]
Why Is Communication So Hard (Part 2: Ages 7-10)
“Who made communication so hard?” Such a wise question from a child. I simply responded, “Everyone sweet girl, everyone.” Last month, I wrote about how to communicate effectively with children from birth through age 6. This month we will explore how to best communicate with children 7 through 10 years of age. If I could […]
15 Games That Teach Kids Reading and Comprehension
Engaging in written communication is a necessary skill that kids will need to succeed in all areas of school and life. Reading comprehension is key to understanding what others are trying to communicate. At the same time, spelling helps ensure that the person or people you’re communicating with can comprehend what you’re trying to say […]
My Child is Being Bullied
When parents send their kids to school they hope that they are safe and happy as they learn and grow, but when your child becomes a victim of bullying it can be hard to know how to help them. According to www.stopbullying.gov between 1 in 3 and 1 in 4 U.S. students say they have […]
Appreciating Your Kids (While They Are Still Kids)
Recently my husband and I have become empty nesters! We love our children and love being parents, but raising them has been exhausting. We’ve been looking forward to the “empty nest” phase for a long time and we are not disappointed. However, we have both been surprised at the unique perspective this phase of life […]
Sports Specialization:
Is It a Good Idea?
While sports can provide a multitude of emotional and physical benefits for kids, specializing in a single sport at too early of an age can pose risks. How do you know when—or if— your child should specialize in a sport they love? What is Sports Specialization? Brian Harvey, O.D., a pediatric sports medicine physician, says […]
12 Creative Consequences for Kids
Before becoming a parent, the idea of disciplining children seemed fairly straightforward. It follows logic that if you set limits, use consistency, and respond firmly, but lovingly, children will learn to correct their behavior. As I became a more experienced mother, I quickly learned that traditional methods of discipline, such as time outs, do not […]
The Call to Care: Is it Your Time to Consider Foster Care or Adoption?
Imagine with me for a moment that you wake up tomorrow morning, coffee cup in hand, you open your front door to let that early morning sun stream into your sleepy, still, quiet home and there – sitting before you on the porch – is a child. Alone. Dirty. Crying. Broken. In need of care. […]