If you’ve got a young child who wanders into your bedroom at night — and are wondering what to do about it — you’re not alone. Plenty of toddlers, preschoolers, even school-aged children nationwide are sleeping with their parents at least some of the time. As many as 24% of parents have their children sleep in their beds for at least part of the night, according to the National... [Read more]

It’s never easy leave the carefree fun of summer and head back to the structure and rules of the classroom, but with a simple list of back-to-school dos and don’ts from teachers and child development professionals across the country, you can help your child have a successful school year and—yes—even enjoy being back in the classroom.

Dos

Do help children transition... [Read more]

I was watching “Sesame Street” with my two young sons the other day and found myself noticing the variety of people in the show. It was satisfying to see that not only were my kids getting to know Big Bird and the alphabet but they were also learning that people can work together regardless of their skin color.

Like yourself, my wife and I feel that it’s important for our... [Read more]

The role of praise in a child’s development is often culturally driven and can be controversial. Does frequent praise help or hinder a child’s development? Explore both sides of the “praise debate” to find a balance that works for your child.

The Praise Debate

Critics argue that praising in abundance can hinder a child’s self-esteem and perpetuate a fear... [Read more]

By Judith Acosta

Recently at a restaurant, I watched a woman trying to have lunch with a friend as she struggled with her two-year-old daughter. The little girl whined and clung to her pant leg like a kitten to a silk drape. Nothing shook her off. She tried to distract her with crayons. She told her to “stop it” in more ways than I could remember–sweetly, firmly, commandingly,... [Read more]

One of the most common mistakes of parenthood is to be drawn into verbal battles with our children, which leave us exhausted but without strategic advantage. Don’t yield to this impulse. Don’t argue with your teen. Don’t subject him to perpetual threats and finger-wagging accusations and insulting indictments.

And most important, don’t nag him endlessly. Adolescents... [Read more]

“Am I ever going to want to hold and nurture my baby?”

“Do these feelings mean that I’m a bad mother?”

Paradoxical emotions amalgamate as motherhood emerges. The convergence of biological changes, a shifting identity, and a lifestyle metamorphosis galvanizes a spectrum of previously foreign feelings. It’s customary to traverse a continuum of emotions... [Read more]

Media portrayals of families often mislead, either indicating that every family is problem-ridden and highly dysfunctional or that a healthy family is an idyllic myth. Neither portrayal is accurate, however. Through purposeful, committed investment, you and your family can enjoy rewarding, life-giving relationships with one another. In fact, a healthy family is not only possible, it is necessary... [Read more]

So how do you get your kids to conk out so that all of you can get your much-needed zzzs? Use these four tips to help you help your child get enough sleep.

Don’t Give In
Establish a regular bedtime and stick with it. Yes, even on weekends. If your child gets up after he’s tucked in, gently guide him back to bed. Try not to fight or fuss. Just firmly enforce the routine.

Set... [Read more]

Kids are doing a lot of multitasking these days—from surfing the Web to texting, instant messaging and listening to their iPods®—constant distractions compete for their attention. With so many potential interruptions, it can be difficult for children to stop and focus on the task at hand. Yet, helping children develop self-discipline, effective focus strategies and concentration skills at an... [Read more]