Blended families can have additional issues that overlay all communication. These can create tension, fragile interaction, and false expectations. Countless volumes have been written on the subject of effective communication. Our goal here is to provide some ideas regarding how we have wrestled this alligator in our blended family, but these ideas are helpful to all … [Read more...] about How to Communicate in Blended Families
Family
How to Talk to Your Teen
How many parents and teens find it easy to communicate with each other? "You never listen to me," or "You just don't understand," are common complaints—heard as much from teens as from their parents. Much of the communication that goes on in a household with teens involves demands and complaints, says Don Dinkmeyer, PhD, author of Systematic Training for Effective Parenting o … [Read more...] about How to Talk to Your Teen
Kid Care Approved: Trusted Media Reviews
My first children’s book was written from my heart, soul, and mind. I wanted to help children and had such a feeling of accomplishment when I imagined all the lives that might be changed because of my book. So, you can imagine my disappointment when I saw negative reviews of the book on Amazon. My heart was crushed and I was devastated when I saw those negative reviews. WHAT D … [Read more...] about Kid Care Approved: Trusted Media Reviews
Helpful Resources for New Dads
Fathers don’t get enough attention during pregnancy and early parenthood. Expected to be the tower of strength for their partners, new fathers are, in fact, having their own unique and challenging experience. In 1865, anthropologist, E.B. Taylor, used the term couvade to describe cross-cultural rituals that fathers enact during pregnancy. In Papua New Guinea, for example, fat … [Read more...] about Helpful Resources for New Dads
7 Meaningful New Children’s Books
Here are seven recently published children's books that have depth and character. Several teach us about self-worth, perfectionism and listening to ourselves. Others expand our horizons to include diverse US families and other countries. They are all books that you'll enjoy reading as much as your child does. We're All Works of Art By Mark Sperring Illustrated by Rose … [Read more...] about 7 Meaningful New Children’s Books
Why Science Matters for Children
You wake up to the alarm clock on your smartphone. You press a remote control that turns on the television. You fall out of bed and review your email while pulling up a favorite tune on your desktop. You amble to the kitchen where you pour a cup from your automatic coffeemaker and pop some vitamins to keep yourself healthy. All the luxuries we have gotten used to—the fridge, … [Read more...] about Why Science Matters for Children
Teen Dating Abuse
It can turn into a parent’s worst nightmare: one day your darling teen daughter stops listening to you. Starts lying to you. Disappears and refuses to say where she has been. She forgets everything you’ve taught her, and worse, she returns your care and concern with a snarl, tells you you’re stupid and warns you to leave her alone. It won’t take you long to figure out that sh … [Read more...] about Teen Dating Abuse
Children’s Books on Black History
In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History designated the second week in February as "Negro History Week." They chose this week because it included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). The intention of the week was to encourage the teaching of Black History in the nation's … [Read more...] about Children’s Books on Black History
A Doctor Defends Vaccine Consent
Before responding to the New York Times editorial, "How to Inoculate against Anti-Vaxxers" (January 20, 2019), I want to point out that the opposite term, "Pro-Vaxxer" is rarely seen or heard, as if belief in the safety and efficacy of vaccines were so universal and such a no-brainer that there would be no need to coin a word to single it out, much less imply that the naysayers … [Read more...] about A Doctor Defends Vaccine Consent
2019 Grammy Nominees for Best Children’s Music
Children's Music is so rich. It's no longer silly music for children; it's music that everyone loves. Below are the GRAMMY Award Nominees for the Best Children's Album of 2019. The winner is All the Sounds. You can listen to samples of the music by clicking on the links. All the Sounds by Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats 2018 Lucy Kalantari is a GRAMMY® Nominated so … [Read more...] about 2019 Grammy Nominees for Best Children’s Music