Welcome to

Parenting is the most difficult ‘job’ in the world. The process lasts longer than most modern careers. It requires a larger investment - in time and money - than just about any other activity. Continued… »

Most child development professionals, following a study by Thomas and Chess in the 1950s, hold that temperament is inborn. Personality, by contrast, is influenced by environment and self-development. Continued… »

The word ‘discipline’ often brings to mind images of harsh punishment, unreasonable restrictions and an approach to parenting that is cold and insensitive. Continued… »

In parenting circles, the word ‘punishment’ often brings to mind ‘corporeal punishment’ - spanking, slapping or other forms of physical action. Continued… »

Teaching responsibility is one of the most difficult aspects of parenting. It is here that parents most often worry about the dilemma of stifling individual choice versus encouraging values and habits that lead to appropriate behavior. Continued… »

Few subjects in parenting are as fundamental, or as important, as communication. Humans function so much by language, whether implicit or explicit, that learning how to communicate effectively affects virtually every other sphere of family relations. Continued… »

A major part of good communication between parent and child is active listening. But, what is ACTIVE listening? Continued… »

Sometimes it’s surprising that the divorce rate isn’t actually higher than it is (about 46% in the U.S.). Assuming it isn’t just inertia on the part of the 54%, it’s a tribute to the willingness of so many couples to work out their differences. Continued… »

Few things have changed so radically in the last 100 years as the view of a father’s role in parenting. Continued… »

Sibling rivalry - conflict between and among brothers and sisters - can take all the forms that occur among adults: loud arguments, sports competition, physical fights, property destruction, etc. Continued… »

Few things in the life of a family are as traumatic as when it alters through divorce. Each individual involved is often confused, angry, feeling betrayed and uncertain about what comes next. Continued… »

All parents wish they could shelter their child from grief. No one wants a child, with limited experience and understanding, to have to suffer through the loss of a beloved dog or the death of a treasured parent or grandparent. Continued… »

Since roughly 1970, approximately 20-30% of children live in single parent homes. The number varies from study to study and country to country. Continued… »

Being a step-parent is somewhat like being in middle management - you get the complaints from ‘above’ and ‘below’. One way out of this dilemma is to step out from the middle and simply be part of ’senior management’. Continued… »

Adopting a child may be both a long train of practical and emotional nightmares and the fulfillment of a dream. Continued… »

Sometimes being a parent is like being in middle management. You have not only a whole host of issues to deal with in relation to the kids, but grandparents can introduce another set. Continued… »

Few issues have such a long-term effect on the welfare of a child as the choice of the type of school to attend. The average child will spend about 13 years in school prior to college, often attending one type the entire time. Continued… »

Well, the big day has arrived. Son or daughter is about to spend his or her first day at preschool. Is your child nervous or fearful? Well, that’s natural. Here are some suggestions about how to make that first time a little less worrisome. Continued… »

For children who have attended preschool, beginning school will involve less of a transition than for those who have not. But in either case, school is typically quite different from preschool. Continued… »

Parents understandably want to do everything possible to protect their children from harm. Today, that often includes - some would say is first and foremost - teaching them to be wary of others. Continued… »