The greatest lesson I have learned from my children is that I am OK the way I am. It's the message I raised them with, and one that they now give back to me. Often we feel the need for a script, a philosophy, a book, a guru and fear to go our own way. In fact, it is easier to be more than who we are than simply who we are. Going our own way requires us not only to examine and … [Read more...] about Trusting Yourself as a Parent
Family
Leave Them Alone: Benign Neglect
Children need time and space to play, to discover—to simply be. This generation has fewer children and more resources than any previous generation, making us intensely focused on our children. From her observations of South America's Stone Age Indians, Jean Liedloff, author of The Continuum Concept, feels that parenting that is too "child-centered" deprives a child of his a … [Read more...] about Leave Them Alone: Benign Neglect
Start School Later: Teens Need More Sleep
California has become the first state to mandate later school start times. The new law, effective in 2022, will prohibit middle schools from starting before 8:00 AM and high schools before 8:30 AM. According to a 2014 study by the CDC, 93% of U.S. high schools and 83% of middle schools start before 8:30 AM. Moving the school start time is especially important because many … [Read more...] about Start School Later: Teens Need More Sleep
Attachment Parenting: Being Responsive
Attachment parenting is not permissive parenting. It is not about abdicating authority as a parent, but rather, it's about responding to the legitimate biological needs of a baby. It is firmly based in the sciences of anthropology and psychology and specifically on the theory of attachment. THE THEORY OF ATTACHMENT The theory of attachment originated with psychoanalyst John … [Read more...] about Attachment Parenting: Being Responsive
Big Breath: A Guided Meditation for Kids
William Meyer has written a sensitive book that teaches children how to meditate in an easy and accessible way. Many books on mediation—especially those intended for children—often take a pedantic tone, but the tone of Big Breath: A Guided Meditation for Kids is charming and playful: Find a comfy spot, maybe a squishy cushion or soft blanket. All parents want to give their chi … [Read more...] about Big Breath: A Guided Meditation for Kids
In Defense of Mothering
When my first child was born 45 years ago, I was swept away by my love for her. People had told me about the difficulties of a new baby, but few had whispered of the wonder. I was astounded by the immense love I felt for her, amazed at my utter devotion. It was as if I were in love for the first time; life before her now seemed meaningless and unimportant in retrospect. I feel … [Read more...] about In Defense of Mothering
The Attached Parenting Marriage Postpartum
MODEL KINDNESS, RESPECT AND DIGNITY Nowadays, many families embrace the model of Attachment Parenting (AP), which focuses on forming strong healthy connections and bonds between parents and their children. In honoring our children's emotional and physical needs, parents help build a foundation for a lifetime. Sometimes though, in trying to be devoted parents, the parent to … [Read more...] about The Attached Parenting Marriage Postpartum
Solutions for Back to School Health
We’ve encountered and survived many back-to-school health issues in my over 50 years as a pediatrician, 52 years as a parent of eight children, and now with 15 grandchildren. I'd like to share some of my family’s best tips for three of the most common issues your children are likely to face this time of year. BATHROOM ANXIETY AND BELLY ACHES Parents are sometimes surprised w … [Read more...] about Solutions for Back to School Health
Stay-At-Home Moms on the Rise
During the Democratic debates on Tuesday evening, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand criticized Vice President Joe Biden for an op-ed he had written 38 years ago entitled, "Congress is Subsidizing Deterioration of Family." While Gillibrand tried to characterize Biden's statement as anti working mothers, he was, in fact, being critical of a child-care tax credit for upper income … [Read more...] about Stay-At-Home Moms on the Rise
How to Communicate in Blended Families
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