Posts From: Discipline

Leave a comment0 November 17, 2012
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7 Thanksgiving rules for parents

Thanksgiving’s fast approaching, and your mind is probably filled with thoughts of the best the holiday has to offer: Family and friends and, of course, turkey, dressing, potatoes and pie. But don’t forget that Turkey Day also offers a cornucopia of opportunities for your children’s good behavior to, well, turn foul (or fowl). To ensure your holiday isn’t for the birds, follow these simple rules. Continue reading

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Leave a comment1 September 2, 2010
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When discipline styles differ

A few weeks ago, I posted a segment about spanking that ran on Good Morning America. It reminded me of another article I contributed to earlier this summer. Yolanda Sangweni, a writer from Essence.com, reached out to me and asked if I would help a couple who disagreed about discipline. Mom spanks, Dad doesn’t. Read my advice to the Conrads below. Continue reading

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Leave a comment1 July 28, 2010
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Sparring over spanking

Recently, I appeared on Good Morning America to debate the topic of spanking. I do not believe spanking is an appropriate or effective discipline method; years of research has shown that spanking increases aggression and is linked to depression. But I know a lot of parents out there disagree. Watch the segment here, and then I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Continue reading

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Leave a comment1 January 22, 2010
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Seizing control from your kids

 

iStock_000002565128SmallSlammed doors, screaming matches, missed curfews — classic symptoms of an out-of control kid, according to family therapist Terry Real, ABC contributor and founder of Relational Life Institute. Continue reading

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Leave a comment0 October 20, 2009
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“I have to pee” is not a national emergency

 This tip and other excellent toilet teaching advice.

 

pottytrainingpostWhen it comes to potty training, the bottom line (no pun intended) is that the process is full of triumphs and challenges. For every successful flush, you can expect an accident or two. And with so many tips, techniques, and promises (“Diaper free in less than a day!”), it can be a struggle for Mom and Dad to navigate the toilet teaching terrain. Which is why I recently interviewed Beth Grosshans, Ph.D., child psychologist and the author of Beyond Time-Out: From Chaos to Calm, to see what she believes are the most important steps on the way to reaching this child development milestone. She offered the following helpful advice:
 
Children are generally ready for potty training between the ages of two to three-and-a-half. When your child turns two, pick up a few books that talk about bodily functions in a matter-of-fact way, like Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi. Keep your expectations in check, however; actually using the potty still might be a ways off.
 
Success depends much less on which method you choose than the attitude you adopt. The more relaxed you can be, the more you’ll help your child learn. Teach the basics by talking, reading books, setting out a potty, even modeling how it’s done. But it’s your child’s job — and hers alone — to learn how.
 
Look for these signs of readiness: can stay dry for two hours, shows a willingness to cooperate, can follow simple instructions, has regularity of bowel function, can pull pants down independently.
 
Don’t be intimidated by peer pressure! Your child needs his own internal motivation for toileting to really work. “Believe, me,” says Dr. Gosshans. “Your neighbor’s child’s success will have zero consequence on your son’s or daughter’s progress.”
 
For more salient potty tips, check out my interview with Dr. Grosshans below:
 

 

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Leave a comment0 July 30, 2009
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Add a little magic to the witching hour

How to use play to win bedtime battles, get kids to do chores, and more

I’ve met hundreds of mothers with kids of varying ages who suffer from the perfect mom fantasy, but it seems to cling with punishing tenacity during our children’s school years. Their lives are suddenly a lot busier, homework and after-school activities much more demanding, and when they feel the pressure, we do, too. Given the current state of the economy, many parents are working extra hours or trying to find ways to cut back on treats - like dinners out - so the dreaded "witching hour," between work/school and dinner/bedtime can be particularly rough. Continue reading

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