parenting Solutions

The Elf on the Shelf as a Parenting Tool: Yes or No?

The Elf on the Shelf as a Parenting Tool: Yes or No?

A parent member of our online parenting support asked:

We are doing the Elf on the Shelf this year for my daughter (4-years-old). I think that the elf watching for good behavior is a good incentive. Any thought or experiences?

How Your Parenting Style Resembles our Political System

How Your Parenting Style Resembles our Political System

I was embarrassed that I had welled up to the point where my nose and my eyes could no longer function properly. I attempted not to take a huge breath or blink since tears were going to pour.  From the stage I listened to Heather C. McGhee tell all of us that we needed to listen and understand one another, to meet in our humanity if  there was to be true change.  I began to cry because I know that this is the answer.  As a psychotherapist to families and children, I sit and listen to others' humanity daily, and it always works when we listen, understand, and meet in that place of "yes, me too."  However, in this moment at the We Won’t Wait Summit my tears were a mixture of McGhee stating what I believe to my soul and knowing how difficult it is for people to sit, speak, and listen to one another's experiences and feelings.

Vacation Time and Parenting: Steps to Make it Fun

Vacation Time and Parenting: Steps to Make it Fun

Children and parents alike look forward to the lazy days of the summer months.  We imagine happy moments in our family vacations.  Children running and playing and getting popsicle mustaches.  But right around the middle of July we find ourselves screaming, lecturing on the importance of being grateful for the time spent together, and overwhelmed with finding things to do.  The following are tips and ways to manage these days of summer.