Karen loves picking up her daughter, Lupa, from preschool. Lupa greets her with a big hug and shows her mom the art she made at school. But when they get home, Lupa goes into meltdown mode, becoming irritable and easily frustrated by everyday things that on a non-school day wouldn’t upset her. Lupa’s mom wonders …
When my daughter started preschool, we prepared for the transition. We visited the open house and played games at home with toys who we pretended were going to school for the first time. I took the morning of her first day off so that I could stay if needed. When we arrived, my daughter sat …
Helping Children Manage Big Emotions with Everyday Conversations Read More »
It’s true that getting a toddler to sleep is exhausting work. It takes guts; determination; and a strong will. . . Or maybe just a solid bedtime routine. Easier said than done, but below are tips gleaned from happy, rested parents. Bedtime routines are a predictable set of steps you follow each night before sleep. …
As a fresh school year approaches, many families are gearing up for busy days ahead. With hectic mornings and long days at school and work—coupled with homework, afternoon activities, and social engagements—it’s no wonder that many families struggle to find time to simply connect and focus on one another. Knowing that you can count on …
Let’s Eat! Tips for Stress-Free Mealtimes as a Family Read More »
August has always been my favorite part of summer—first as child and then as a teacher. For many of us, the school-year calendar dictates our schedules and time available to relax and play in the summer sun. My family moved to Eugene 21 years ago from a small town on coastal Maine. Our first summer …
Parents are at a crossroads when it comes to screen time. On the one hand, letting our children watch Daniel Tiger while we wait in line at the DMV is a huge lifesaver. But on the other, we are becoming more aware of how digital technology (smart phones, tablets, Internet-enabled electronic devices, even television) is impacting our …
Friends And Foes: Navigating Sibling Relationships When baby number 2 was still in the womb, you may have daydreamed about what your children’s relationship would look like: “Will my oldest help get diapers for his baby brother?” Or “Will my youngest daughter dance like her older sister? Maybe they will perform in recitals together!” Flash …
Friends And Foes: Navigating Sibling Relationships Read More »
Groups Help Form Foundations For Parents I became a father for the first time in July 2008, just five months after losing my own father. The joy of becoming a father, the daunting responsibility of raising a child, and the grief of losing my own father had me on quite the emotional rollercoaster. I …
Creating a Successful Summer Chore Plan With the kids home for summer and lots of housework that needs tending to, you may be wondering what chores you can give to your older children. Studies have shown that there are benefits to children having chores, including learning mastery of a task and feeling a sense of …
The Importance of Toddler Routines School’s out and summer is here! Many parents want to soak up as much of the summer sun as possible and fill their days with trips to the swimming pool, impromptu stops at the playground, or a late picnic dinner in the park. All these activities are enjoyable ways for …