Behavior and Discipline

Any parent knows the impending sense of dread that starts to rise as children throw themselves down ready for what is likely to be the next major meltdown. Little people learning how to navigate big feelings can get to the best of us. As you try ...

Whenever I get ready to take my son out to dinner, there are two things I make sure of. One is that he has a small toy or two to carry, and the other is that my phone is charged. Because I know that at some point during the meal, I’m going to h...

Why Kids Steal -- and What to Do About It Point 1: Kids steal. Little kids steal a lot—from poor impulse control. It's a developmental stage; they want it, they take it. Older kids often steal, too. Your child is probably not evil or destined ...

The idea of a family dinner out at a restaurant sounds so appealing in theory. Eating out can be a way to celebrate a special occasion, to get in some quality time as a family, or to explore a new area when traveling. The reality of dining out wi...

Are you currently walking in the space in parenthood where your child is a tiny dictator, as fragile as egg shells and as unpredictable as New England weather? Have there been moments that you were convinced your sweet angel had actually been po...

Got drama? Welcome to the club. Sometimes it feels like every time you hit the grocery store or grandma's house, your kids take it as a cue to unleash their inner beast. To keep tantrums and bad behavior in check, you need two things: patience, a...

Handling an Attention-Seeking Child"Mommy, come here and see my picture." "It's very nice, Sarah." "I can't find the blue crayon." "It's right here." "I can't find the green one." "Here it is." "I don't want to color. I want to paint." "I'll get ...

It's inevitable - you have a cart full of groceries, winding your way through the aisles of the store, when your sweet, gentle toddler decides to throw a raging tantrum. Knowing how to discipline your toddler in public can be tricky, especially ...

Is your child a coddled kid and you don't even know it? Research published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies has found that over-parented children show less autonomy, competence, and ability to relate to others as teens, which can result...

Did you know that U.S. children are more likely to be exposed to violence than adults? According to the U.S. Department of Justice, most American children are regularly exposed to violence — in the media, at home, in school, and in their commun...

Bullying is a serious issue, and reading children's books on the topic can help kids understand it better and have healthier relationships with their peers. Whether your child has been a victim of bullying or a participant in bullying or he just ...

Kids can play a big role in preventing bullying. Review these six steps children and teens can take to play an active role in ending bullying, and have them sign the pledge. For more information, go to StopBullying.gov or the National Bullying Pr...

Recent tragic events in the news have again brought to light how serious and devastating bullying can be. Aside from physical abuse, bullying can also include verbal abuse (taunting, teasing, and name-calling), emotional abuse (making someone the...

Is your child a coddled kid and you don't even know it? In today's society, "helicopter parenting," or the tendency for parents to hover and help their child even when they are capable of acting alone, is a growing — and perhaps detrimental —...

Avoiding Arguments and Power Struggles with Your Kids"Can I spend the night at Corey's house?" "Not tonight, I'd like you to stay home with us." "I haven't gone to Corey's in over a month." "Not tonight, please." "There's nothing to do here. It's...

How to Prepare Your Anxious Child for the Last Day of School Childhood anxiety has become more pronounced and prevalent in our children. In fact, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, one in eight children has an anxiety dis...

"But Mo-omm!" Sound familiar? Children whine at all ages, whether you have a toddler who wants a new toy or a teen who wants to stay out an hour past curfew. Having a whiny child on your hands is sure to fray your nerves, so nip this bad habit in...

Spanking Leads to Aggression Later in KidsCould spanking turn your child into a bully? Recent research shows it might and gives parents another reason to think again before turning to spanking for discipline. Occasional spanking of a 3-year-old c...