“Stroking” is something that one of our Parents Anonymous facilitator mentioned often to members. It is such a simple thing, really, but something we may not think of too often. Stroking is a powerful tool that can potentially turn around moods and attitudes between people and … [Read more...] about Stroking: What It Is and How It Works
Parenting Teens
Trayvon: Children and Racism
As parents, we go about our daily duties without a thought until a disturbing news event gets our attention and we turn to watch and listen. We are visibly moved and stop to ask— why. A few people are tired of hearing about Trayvon and want people to just “get over it.” For … [Read more...] about Trayvon: Children and Racism
Blame & Shame
“You did it – it is your fault!” Many claim credit for positive things that occur; cleaning the bathroom mirror, feeding the dog or finding the answer to the riddle on page nine but nobody lays claim to anything negative. “I didn’t leave the milk sitting out!” “Those paper … [Read more...] about Blame & Shame
The Perfect Praise
It can be said that the “Good job, Tony!” and the “You’re the best, Michelle!” go a long way when a child hears you speak those words of endearment. However, is there such a thing as too much praise? Are there ever times that you offer your child a compliment when he/she doesn’t … [Read more...] about The Perfect Praise
The Spanking Debate Continues
By Jackie Saulmon Ramirez | September 12, 2012 Last week I read an article by Sarah B. Weir about physicians in Canada (in the CMAJ-Canadian Medical Association Journal) calling for a ban on spanking and tossing out the law that has allowed it to continue for 120 years. The … [Read more...] about The Spanking Debate Continues
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to