parents

Mar

15

Parenting Corner – Paying for extracurricular activities

Q. My kids are constantly asking me for lunch money, money for field trips and extracurricular activities.   I don’t feel I can say no; I want them to be able to participate with their friends.  At the same time this is getting expensive, do you have any advice?

A. Great …

Mar

8

Parenting Corner – Underage drinking

Q:  My freshman high school student wants to go to a party where there will be alcohol; do I let him go knowing there will be underage drinking? 

A:  Great question! Many students would not tell their parents there will be alcohol at a party, so it’s important to recognize …

Mar

1

Parenting Corner – I’m tired of being the bad guy

Q:  I am the sole disciplinarian in the house. As the mom it’s not easy for me but I feel the lessons I’m instilling are important for the kids.  At the same time I’m tired (physically and emotionally) of always being the bad guy, what can I do? 

A: Great …

Feb

22

Parenting Corner – My ex’s new girlfriend

Q:  My ex-husband’s new girlfriend, who I have not met, is taking my daughter out shopping for the day.  My daughter is excited but I’m totally uncomfortable with the situation, what can I do?  

A: Great question!  It’s important to first explore your discomfort.  What specifically are you uncomfortable with?  …

Feb

15

Parenting Corner – Picky eater

Q:  My son is really picky eater; once allergies were ruled out I told him I wasn’t willing to make special meals because he doesn’t like what I’m cooking. However, he refuses to eat so I end up making him something different 5 to 7 nights a week.  What do …

Feb

8

Parenting Corner – When to give a child a phone

Q:  My 3rd grader wants a phone and I notice most of his friends have one but I think he’s too young.  What is the best age for a kid to get a smart phone?

A.  Great question! There are many differing opinions on this topic. Like most areas of …

Feb

1

Parenting Corner – My newborn is always hungry

Q:  I’m not producing enough breast milk to keep my newborn son satisfied.  I understand and believe in the importance of breastfeeding but I’m frustrated and he’s always crying, what should I do?

A: Great question! You are not alone, this is a challenge many new moms face.  What is …

Jan

25

Parenting Corner – Social media and my kids

Q:  I don’t like to post photos of my children on social media but I feel pressured by family and friends to share because everyone else does. I’m considering it but I’m still on the fence, do you have any advice?

A:  Great question! Like lemmings jumping to a mass …

Jan

18

Parenting Corner – Am I spoiling my baby?

Q: My baby cries a lot and is instantly soothed when I pick her up. My extended family says I’m spoiling her. Am I doing the wrong thing by picking her up?

A:  Great question! The most important thing for you to know as a parent is there is NO …

Jan

11

Parenting Corner – How to discipline my kids

Q:  When I grew up spanking was a common form of discipline but it is taboo now.  Are spankings bad for kids? 

A. Great question!  There is a lot of discussion available online around spanking vs. non-spanking; the goal here is to consider a different perspective.  What changes when you …