Because young children do not have the ability to regulate and control their emotions, once your child gets upset, she becomes flooded with emotion and it is difficult for her to calm down on her own. Being left alone in time-out to deal with her big emotions can also be scary for her. Once she is in flight or fight mode, it is difficu...
One way to take the focus off of gifts during the holiday season is to reach out to others in need. You can do this by taking your child to visit a nursing home, or by providing meals for families who might otherwise not be able to afford them. Have your child go shopping with you and choose a toy to donate. Take this opportunity to ta...
It can be difficult when your child receives an inappropriate toy from a well-meaning relative or friend, particularly because your son will likely be very excited to take it out of the box and play with it right away. If it is a safety issue, politely explain to your son that while the toy is nice, it is not safe for him to play with....
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...
There are many fun ways to enjoy the holidays without spending a lot. Creating decorations or holiday cards with your child is a fun way to spend quality time together. Rather than buying multiple gifts for different people, try doing a gift exchange–or better yet, try exchanging hand-made gifts. Another wonderful way to make the holid...
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...
Holidays can be a time of joy, fun and excitement, but they can also be full of unexpected changes in routine and overstimulation. This can be particularly difficult for young children, because they thrive on structure and predictability. You are also more likely to be busy preparing for the holidays and hosting guests, which may cause...
With so many unexpected changes in routine and overstimulation, keeping your son focused during the “hustle and bustle” of the holiday season can be challenging. One way to keep him focused is to keep to your daily routine as much as possible. Children thrive on structure and predictability, so while it is necessary to be somewhat flex...
I know it's frustrating when your child responds to your every request with “No!” If it helps, you can rest assured that it is actually a healthy sign of development— he is developing autonomy. Your child is beginning to understand that he is separate from you and can exert some control over his world. When he says “No,” he is really s...
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...
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...
Teach your daughter the importance of saying “thank you” when she receives a gift, regardless of whether she likes it. Don’t ask her to lie and pretend that she likes the gift, instead keep the focus on teaching her the importance of being polite and thanking others. She will also learn by watching how you interact with others, so make...