I am not a big fan of new year’s resolutions. We come up with a list of things to do better, to be better, to spend less, and lose more. We think about all of the things we don’t like about ourselves and decide January first is the day to make all of these changes at once. Both my professional background and my life experience have taught me this is an ideal recipe for failure.
This week on King 5 News, I shared how to help children develop a sense of gratitude during the holiday season and all year. For more on this topic, check out Gifts & Gratitude: Helping Kids Appreciate The Holiday Season.
Many of us can’t wait for the holidays. We imagine lazing around with family, drinking hot cocoa and kids content to play all day, needing nothing but their new toys. In reality, we often find ourselves frantically finishing holiday shopping while wrapping up work projects before the kids are out of school for two weeks. Not to mention packing for travel or rearranging the house to accommodate in-laws. Alas, it seems that sometimes our fantasy does not align with reality.
This week on King 5 News, I talked about parenting in the digital age and the new Messenger Kids app.
Oh the holidays. The family, the food, the fun, the presents -soon followed by a fear that we are raising entitled children with no appreciation for what they have. Tis the season for showering children with special activities and a mountain of presents, then wondering why they have a meltdown when we say no more. Which makes about as much sense as taking them trick or treating and then wondering why they want to eat the candy.
This week on King 5 News, I shared how to handle those moments when our kids whining is driving us nuts.
For more tips on this topic, check out A Way Out of Whining.
This week on King 5 News, I shared how to talk to our children about death and support them as they move through grief.
This week on King 5 News, I shared why sibling conflict is a normal part of childhood, what our role is as parents, and how to help them stay safe.
Got siblings? If you do, I bet you can imagine yourself in the backseat of the car in a heartbeat, remembering the injustice of your brother hogging more of the center armrest. Or was it your sister that always jumped in the front seat before you got to the car. Maybe it was the time your dad pulled over, turned around and said, “Knock it off or I am turning this car around right now!” Takes you right back, doesn’t it? Take a deep breath; it’s okay, you are in the driver’s seat now. But the ride may still be annoying thanks to your own band of munchkins screaming in the back seat.
This week I spoke with King 5 News about how to help kids manage their routine and get out the door on time.
For more tips on this topic, check out the blog post How To Get Out The Door With Kids.
This week I spoke with Mimi Jung & Jake Whittenberg from King 5 News about tips for a happy halloween for the whole family. For more tips on this topic, check out 5 Switch Witch Alternatives for a Happy Halloween and Keep Halloween Happy By Planning Ahead.
Last week I spoke with Mimi Jung & Steve Bunin from King 5 News about preschool options and how to find the right one for your family. For more tips on this topic, check out Preschool Shopping 101.
I remember the moment I realized preschool had become a very big deal. My oldest daughter was about three months old and we were at the first session of a parent-infant class. I was desperate to get out of the house and meet other parents of infants. I walked in and sat down on the mat across from two friendly looking moms. I couldn’t wait to connect, until panic set in when I heard their conversation.
Last week I spoke with Mimi Jung & Jake Whittenberg from King 5 News about encouraging children to help out when it comes to chores. For more tips on this topic, check out Quit Whining & Do Your Chores.
Last week I spoke with Mimi Jung from King 5 News about how parents can talk to their children about the Las Vegas shooting and other violent events. For more tips on this topic, check out Talking To Kids About Violence & Terror.
Last week I spoke with Mimi Jung from King 5 News about how parents can support their children in completing their homework. We also discussed how parents can talk to their kids about the NFL protest.
Big topics in the news have been coming fast and furious over the last year. Some of them whiz by our kids without notice, while others have our kids wanting to know more right away. The current debate over NFL players kneeling during the national anthem is one that piqued the interest of children quickly. Not surprising, as sports figures continue to be role models and heroes to our kids.
Last week I spoke with Mimi Jung from King 5 News about the number one conversation parents should have with their kids as we head back to school.
You survived the newborn days, and life with baby is rolling along smoothly. They are full of belly laughs, find delight in just about everything, and their biggest complaints are easily whisked away with a clean diaper, a snuggle, and some milk. As you push your easy-going babe in the swing at the park, you notice the toddler hitting her mom and think, “Wow, what’s wrong with that devil child? Glad it’s not mine.”
