"Counting Out": An Easy Technique to Reduce Bad Behavior

Sharon: Parents love to count. "I'm telling you, you have to the count of three to get up those steps and into your room." Or, "I'll give you until the count of ten to pick that up and put it back where it belongs." Then there's the countdown to explosion. "You have until the count of five to stop that. And I mean stop it completely. That's one. This is not a game. You're really trying my patience. That's two. Did you hear me? I'm not going to put up with this. That's three. I'm telling you, don't do that again.

It’s spring, and that means that if you’re a parent, your weekends may be spent on the soccer, baseball, or lacrosse fields. With all of the time that we spend taxiing our children to sports practices and games, keeping track of their sports schedules, and buying needed sports equipment, it’s no wonder we become as invested as our kids in these games.

Jumping, mouthing, biting, chewing, pulling

Disciplining children is never fun for you, or your child. There’s so many questions surrounding the topic of discipline, such as: At what age should you start taking away technology? Or at what age is time-out no longer effective? Experts chime in.

Stress Consequences

The recent Facebook whistleblower scandal in 2021 revealed that Facebook had tons of research that social media platforms like Instagram are toxic to the mental health of kids and teens. The whistleblower documents discussed how photo sharing apps like Instagram can negatively impact teens’ body image and self-esteem. Recently, the U.S.

Preventing Heart and Blood Vessel Problems

Cardiovascular disease is the term used to describe problems involving the heart (cardio) or blood vessels (vascular). The most devastating complications of cardiovascular disease are stroke and heart attack; these can often be fatal. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death overall in the United States; the statistics that one in five Americans has cardiovascular disease includes women.

The power of kindness is more important than ever right now. As we face a global pandemic and a time of fear and anxiety, our lives literally depend on the kindness and heroic efforts of strangers. This is a time to remember the power of kindness, and as we quarantine at home with our families, we can use this unique moment of our lives to prioritize teaching kindness to our children.

Effective when used properly

Correcting Misbehavior with Time-Out

Judy was 22 but looked much older. She had four children, the oldest six years old. She was five months pregnant and had no time for herself. There was fatigue in her voice. Her four-year-old son, Randy, was driving her crazy. She was not able to manage his tantrums and demands. With tears of desperation, she told how she spent most of her time: "All I do is yell. He never does anything I ask. He just runs around the house making a mess.

Fending Off Preschooler Food Fits

Now that he can better communicate his eating preferences, your child may hassle you more than ever about eating. Children who regularly refuse food at mealtimes or demand diversions such as television and toys in order to eat are prone to what I have come to call food fits: They use food to gain attention and to manipulate their parents and caregivers. When adults chronically cave in to crying, screaming children, they perpetuate this behavior. Children crave attention of any type.

Although the words punishment and discipline were traditionally used hand in hand, today’s parents realize that there are other ways to help children learn from mistakes and correct behavior in the future. 

Musings and insights

Your Toddler's Development

Even if your baby can't talk to you and tell you exactly what he's thinking, everything you're doing is registering and sinking in.

Are your current discipline strategies falling short? Have you tried time-out and it hasn't gone the way you expected? Time-out can be an effective discipline technique when it's performed correctly. Time-out involves placing your child in a boring spot for a short time whenever she doesn't follow the rules. Tim-eout gives a child a break from your attention and some time to think about her choices and the consequences for her actions. Here's how to do it right:

Set the Stage

Great Books for Girls

Once upon a Heroine: 450 Books for Girls to Love, by Alison Cooper-Mullin
In this indispensable guide to 400 books that nurture every girl's spirit of independence, competence, and self-esteem, the authors suggest special books that provide role models for girls and allow them to imagine themselves as heroines of their own lives.

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 hand him the phone to keep him occupied. And you know what? I’m not even a little bit ashamed. 

How Do I Explain War to My Kids?

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has dominated the news streams and social media with images of violence and outrage.

Stepparenting: Determining Who's the Boss

As with most things, even the experts can't agree on who's in charge when it comes to discipline. One school says the biological parent should be the one in authority. Another claims that the stepparent needs to become part of the team immediately and be supported by the biological parent. Probably something in between is preferable.

Adults aren’t the only ones facing anxiety and mental health issues thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Kids are facing more challenges than ever before as they learn to cope with distance learning, scary news, and a nearly constant feeling of missing friends and activities.