Stopping Sibling Rivalry
Friday, August 23 2013
A playful way to resolve sibling conflict can go a long way toward a happy, cooperative family life.
Tag: Playlistening
A Shark Attack on my Child’s Feelings
Sunday, April 7 2013
I took my boys, 6 and 7, to the Museum of Natural History to see a 3D movies about marine dinosaurs. The youngest is especially sensitive to traumatic events in movies and games, so I
From Failing to Flinging: How Throwing Books Helped My Son Pass Math
Tuesday, March 5 2013
When my son was in college, he called me to tell me that he was dropping out of his math class because he did not understand it anymore and was going to fail. He said
Work Through Dangerous Fears with Laughter
Friday, March 1 2013
Hey! Do you want to play, “You cross the street and then I come along and run you over?” So, my 4-year-old son and I were about to exit the gated park and walk to
How Raspberries Cured After-School Stress
Sunday, December 30 2012
After school, my son was clearly off track and needing to offload some feelings. He had been at his little brother since he got in the car, and then on the way home, he started calling
Jack and the Rude Beanstalk
Tuesday, December 4 2012
After a prolonged illness, my 6-year-old was full of feelings and energy. I could tell by the way he was quick to anger, quick to become indignant, and generally by what hard work it was
Confessions of a Parenting by Connection Nanny: Part I
Thursday, November 29 2012
On the one hand, I realize the important role a nanny plays in a child’s life; the effects of which–for better or for worse–will stay with the child for many years to come. On the other
When Your Child Only Wants Mommy
Saturday, November 10 2012
It was time for The Bedtime Routine. It had been decided that it was Dad’s turn for books, snuggles, and tuck-ins. When I tried to give my son a hug and pass him off to his dad in the rocking chair, he clung to me and started to fuss. I dramatically pulled him back from my husband’s arms and said playfully, “No, no, you CAN’T have my baby! He’s mine, MINE!!”
Calm Parenting for Grumpy Mornings
Friday, October 26 2012
One morning, my 3-year-old said, “I am my brother, not me,” while I was busy getting my older son ready for school. Ah, a sign of a storm brewing, I thought. I squatted at his
Stupid F*(&#! Pillow!
Tuesday, September 25 2012
My daughter, who is 7, had trouble separating at bedtime, and went through a period of crying every bedtime, without relief or change, when she wasn’t allowed to sleep in my bed. I let her
Helping a Neighbor to be More Thoughtful Around Young Ones
Wednesday, September 19 2012
When my two little cousins, ages three and one-and-a-half, came to live with me for several months, I learned that sometimes the adults they came in contact with were not that thoughtful about how to
Talking While Pillow Fighting
Wednesday, September 19 2012
My 11-year-old son usually wants to pillow fight or sword fight during his special times with me. He told me recently, “I like it when we talk, too,” which is just what happens. As we
My Children’s Limbic Radar Picking Up My Extra Attention
Saturday, August 25 2012
I recently attended the Hand in Hand Weekend Retreat and wanted to report on what happened upon my return home. The retreat was wonderful. I was surrounded by beautiful redwoods, had fabulous meals prepared for
Monkeying Around with Conflict Resolution
Wednesday, July 18 2012
This morning, my 2.5 year old son, Lucas, was playing with his monkey. The monkey has a noisemaker inside, and the battery inside the noisemaker was dying, making an unpleasant noise which Lucas didn’t like.
Laughing Our Way to Daycare
Sunday, July 15 2012
My 2.5 year old son had just transitioned to a new daycare. He had been there three days, and he had done very well with the transition. He was asking excitement in the morning to