by Marcia | Nov 17, 2015 | Childrearing
“My child is out of control!” I have heard this heartfelt cry so many times from parents who are frustrated at not being obeyed. But the problem is not simply a matter of exacting compliance. Let’s start by considering the complaint. When you say “out of control,” you...
by Marcia | Nov 6, 2015 | Childrearing
Below are more ways of improving your children’s behavior without bringing out the big guns. As with the last batch of suggestions, these defuse tension by relying on a sense of humor, which gets you results without resentment. In the Doghouse Sometimes it’s...
by Marcia | Oct 30, 2015 | Childrearing
It’s great when parents can correct a young child without provoking tension, conflict, and a power struggle. One way of doing this is to use some form of playful humor to make your point. Some of the examples below work well in families with several children. ...
by Marcia | Apr 24, 2015 | Childrearing
Ever wonder why some kids seem to have it all? Some children succeed in school, have lots of friends, and look confident. In a group they appear connected to others and seem to be having fun. On their own, they take pride in their talents and achievements. They are...
by Marcia | Mar 13, 2015 | Childrearing
Most of what I know about children I have learned by observing them. What children say is only a small part of the story. How they look, act, and respond to their immediate environment—as well as to you and me—is far more important. The longer you look, and the more...
by Marcia | Mar 10, 2015 | Childrearing
Some children struggle to make and keep friends. You can use this list of pointers to help your child develop social skills. The conversation can also be a springboard for discussion of the many ways of enjoying other people’s company. Let someone know you’d like to...
by Marcia | Jan 9, 2015 | Childrearing
In the process of childrearing it’s easy to get sidetracked by day-to-day concerns involving school and home, but it’s important to step back and look at the big picture from time to time. What should your primary goals be as a parent? Try this mission statement on...
by Marcia | Dec 2, 2014 | Childrearing
Speech is not as important to children as it is to adults. Children have a smaller vocabulary than grownups and don’t depend on words to express their feelings. If you’re a parent, you need to look at the big picture to know what’s going on with your kid. Therapists...
by Marcia | Oct 14, 2014 | Childrearing, Mental Health
You are worried that something is wrong with your child. Perhaps worse, you doubt your own ability to fix it, and so you are bringing your child to see me, a therapist. It seems only fair, under the circumstances, that I should tell you up front what I can do for you...
by Marcia | Oct 10, 2014 | Childrearing
Children as medicine? No, I do not mean “children and medicine.” I am not talking about how to raise them, and I am certainly not suggesting that you bring a child into this world so that you can heal yourself in some way. I have in mind the natural...
by Marcia | Sep 19, 2014 | Childrearing
I’ve been a stepparent, and I’ve had a stepparent. If this history doesn’t make me sound like an expert, let me say that as a psychotherapist I’ve listened to dozens of stepparents, their spouses, and their stepchildren. Stepparents have a tough job, but a few...
