For parents

Question:

How long should you wait before you introduce new foods to a baby (he’s very picky)? 

Question:

How do I stop my baby hitting me in the face? It usually happens when putting him down for bed and he cracks up afterward. So frustrating. 

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

I understand your frustration. The best thing you can do is not to give him a big reaction. Instead, every time he hits you, very calmly, take his hand, place it down on the bed or give him a teddy, and tell him in a neutral but firm voice say: “No, you don’t hit mummy”. Do this every time he hits you, and eventually he will stop.  

Question:

My ex/baby daddy isn't very involved with our infant daughter and keeps asking what to do with a newborn—any suggestions I can give him? I know she's not play-aged yet but still.

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

Many men find it difficult to bond with a newborn. Here is a list of things that he can do with the baby: 

Question:

What do I do to have my partner help me more? My husband wouldn't even watch the baby for a night while I visit my sick mother an hour away. 

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

I am sorry you are feeling this way.  Having a baby is tough and the fact that you are not feeling supported by your husband, makes it even harder and very lonely. I hear you.  

Question:

I know I shouldn’t have done it, but I read my 12 year old’s diary. The most recent entry was after a lovely day out to the beach when we all seemed perfectly happy, but it read "why do my parents hate me". I’m so confused and saddened by this, what should I do?

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

As you say, reading your daughter’s diary is never a good idea. In general, teenagers who believe their parents have invaded their privacy go on to have higher levels of conflict at home.  

Question:

I need my daughter to put my grandson on a diet because fat kids get bullied. What do I say to convince her? She just gets mad every time I bring it up.

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

I think it is wonderful for your daughter and grandson to have an involved grandparent. It is not uncommon for disagreements to arise between grandparents and their adult children about how to raise their children. 

Question:

Will letting my son play Roblox ruin our relationship? 

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

Not at all! It is true that letting him play Roblox adds another stressor to your relationship, but it does not have to ruin it. And if you both enjoy playing Roblox together, it can even bring you closer.  

The important thing is that you set up clear rules before he starts playing: 

Question:

Any tips on how to build an intuitive chore chart that my kids actually want to interact with and not whine about? 

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

Finding a chore chart that works for you and your family depends on your kids’ ages and personalities.  

Here are some ideas: 

Question:

What are your thoughts on teens having sex with teens? I want my daughter to wait until she is legal to drink before even thinking about having sex, but I’m worried that she’s just going to dive right in before she’s 21 and not tell me or be safe about it because she’s too young (she’s 17 now).

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

There is no ‘right’ age to have sex for the first time. I totally get that you want your daughter to wait but the truth is that your daughter will probably do whatever she wants to do.  

Question:

Is touching yourself a sin in Christian theology? I’m a single mom, and my teen daughter is very open with her sexuality, but my mother says she’s going to go to hell for exploring herself.