My child doesn't have a good friend in class. What can I do?Friendships are important for young school-age children. If you notice that your child is a bit of a loner in school, don't jump in at once and prejudge the situation. Some children might be shy and cautious by nature, while other children might just have trouble finding a right fit with classmates. A first step would be to talk to the...
I don't like the toys my parents give my child. What can I do?It can be difficult when your child receives an inappropriate toy from a well-meaning relative, but as a parent, it is important that you feel comfortable with the toys your child plays with. Be honest with your parents, but do so in a grateful and gracious manner. Begin by explaining to your parents that you have some concerns with th...
How can I get my son to act grateful if he doesn't like a gift?Learning gratitude is a difficult concept for young children to grasp. Being grateful requires a sensitivity to other people’s feelings, but the ability to take a different perspective or “put one's self in another’s shoes” is a skill that continues to develop throughout childhood. Teach your son the importance of saying “thank you” wh...
How can I teach my son to be a gracious loser?No one likes to lose, but it is important for young children to learn how to accept loss without feeling bitter or bad about themselves. Begin by acknowledging your son's feelings and let him know that it is okay to feel disappointed, sad, or angry when he loses. Explain that while it is okay to have these feelings, it is not okay to g...
Should I tell my daughter the truth if she ask me about Santa? Whether you decide to tell your daughter the truth about Santa Claus is a personal choice, and will differ for parents depending on their own beliefs and values. It might be helpful to ask yourself why you think you should tell your child the truth about Santa Claus. Are you worried that if you continue to perpetuate your child’s belie...
At what age should my son be able to tie shoelaces?Children do not usually have the fine motor skills or coordination to tie their shoelaces until they are at least 5 years of age. Learning to tie shoelaces also requires patience and determination (which can be just as challenging for parents as it is for children) because it requires lots of practice. To make it easier for your son to...
How much screen time is appropriate for a 4- to 5-year-old?According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), young children should be limited to less than two hours of screen time a day. It is important to highlight that screen time not only refers to watching television, but time on the computer, tablet, and electronic games. The AAP also recommends parents make children’s bedrooms a “sc...
What are some ideas for keeping my daughter physically active?There are many fun ways to be active together and ensure that your daughter gets the exercise that she needs--playing at the park, going for a bike ride, jumping rope, or kicking a ball around your backyard. If you cannot get outdoors, try making an obstacle course inside your home using pillows and toys or turn on some music and have ...
How can I help my 6-year-old daughter understand the importance of being yourself?Giving your daughter the confidence to be herself is one of the greatest gifts you can give her. It is important for her to understand that she shouldn’t be ashamed of her intelligence or pretend to be someone she is not. Being smart is something to be proud of, not hide. You can help your daughter by making sure she has strong female ...
How can I make Easter a healthier holiday?One way to make Easter healthier is to skip the chocolate and fill up your child’s Easter basket with some non-sugary treats. Books make great gifts at any time of the year, including Easter. Three of my favorite Easter themed books are “Marshmallow” by Clare Turlay Newberry, “The Easter Egg” by Jan Brett, and “The Story of the Easter ...
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