Most parents are familiar with the concept of using time out as a tool for disciplining their children. The concept is simple enough – when your child misbehaves, he or she is immediately asked to go to a predetermined location and sit there quietly for a specific amount of time. As simple as time out seems, sometimes even well meaning parents use this discipline tool in an ineffective way. Since time out is a valuable tool for shaping behavior, here are some hints and tips for maximizing its effectiveness for your toddler: 1. Begin using time outs sooner, rather than … Continue reading →

I have been reading a lot about toddlers and discipline lately. One of the things that I have heard about as an effective tool for disciplining children is the concept of letting children experience the consequences of their actions. Parents explain to children that they have a choice as to how to behave in a particular situation, they explain the consequences of each choice, and then they let the children decide which consequences they will experience by letting them choose how they will behave in that situation. On its face, the concept makes sense but what I have been having … Continue reading →

As your children transition from being infants to being toddlers, there will come a time when you realize that it is time to think about discipline. Your toddler needs you to help him or her learn what the rules and boundaries are, and to teach him or her to behave appropriately. This is often easier said than done, and many parents become frustrated and confused when their attempts at disciplining their toddler are not effective. The good news is that there is a lot of information and advice out there on the topic of discipline. The bad news is that … Continue reading →

Children usually transition from the crib to a toddler bed between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old. Ideally it is best to keep your child in a crib as long as possible but if your child is climbing over the rail, you know without a doubt it is time to make the transition. If your child is potty trained or showing a desire to sleep in a big-kid bed it is likely they are ready to make the switch as well. However, there is nothing wrong with keeping your child in the crib for a while if … Continue reading →

Potty training isn’t one of those “one size fits all” kind of things. Every child is unique, they develop at different rates. One child may be ready to be completely potty trained at 18 months and another may still be struggling at 4. You may have to try several different strategies before you find one that works for you and your child. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a while, most kids aren’t potty trained in a day. The first and most important thing when it comes to potty training is knowing when your child is ready. Can she stay … Continue reading →

If you have a toddler, you are likely familiar with TST, more commonly known as Toddler Standard Time, which tends to run significantly behind the rest of the world. We’ve all been there. You’ve got a doctor’s appointment in half an hour, your child refuses to eat breakfast, they’re throwing their toys across the room, and just when you manage to get them in the car you hear the ever familiar words, “Mommy! I have to go potty!” Needless to say, you may be a little bit late for that doctor’s appointment today. This isn’t uncommon when you have a … Continue reading →

After Jessie’s time in school last year and a very successful first day this term, she showed promise for easy transition each day. Jessie had a great first day of school. Her second day resembled the day before less and more like the school days last year. Each morning I parked and walked with Jessie to the school gym to wait in the Pre-K line with her. When the lines were dismissed by grade to go to their classes, I’d walk Jessie to her room and then leave. The second school day brought the first wave of tears. We stood … Continue reading →

Do bribes work? Would they work on you? Have you used bribes with your children? Is offering cash or items for a behavior or grades a bribe or a reward? I love the bribe system. My parents used it a lot. I loved that I got stuff out of it and didn’t really have to change my behavior at all. Sorry Mom and Dad. When I was about six my neighbor, who was my sister’s age, stood in her kitchen and taught me how to burp on purpose. I embraced this talent and used it all the time. I used … Continue reading →

In March 2010, my middle sister turned 50. My family wanted me to be there to celebrate with her. I got permission to take the foster baby with us, so foster baby, Jessie, and I flew home to California for a week. Traveling alone with two small children was hard, but I was so happy to do it. The weather was pretty miserable the whole time we were there. My mom stayed home with the baby the night of the party because it was raining so hard. My sister’s party was a lot of fun. There were over 150 guests … Continue reading →