Social and emotional development
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How Parents Should Ask Schools Questions
When it comes to visiting school, we educators know that some parents bring with them their own mixed experiences–lots of them negative–about school. In some cases, these feelings are so strong, they can cause a parent to avoid going to concerts or attending spring conferences. I can help you with this, because schools have changed. Today, Continue reading
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How to Discipline Kids: Managing Lip, Part II
Your child is in her room, device free, cooling off during a time out. Choose a reasonable amount of time to leave her alone. Don’t make it too long. You want to make a point without ruining the whole day. The biggest lesson you’re about to show her is that in your family, you recognize Continue reading
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How to Discipline Kids: Giving Lip, Part I
There isn’t a child on earth who hasn’t given lip. Or back talked and made nasty remarks at you, their parent. Developmentally speaking, children mostly use this language (or the accompanying tone of voice) as part of their separation from you. At the time, they have a strong reaction to something, or feel peevish or mean–and punching Continue reading
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Inspiration and Perspiration
I’m reminded of inventor Thomas Edison’s words: Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.* For some time, educators have discussed how students need to develop “grit,” that quality of tenacity, stick-to-it-tive-ness, and “perspiration.” The term has a particular edge to it that means to encourage students to work through difficulties–say, in following through with a big Continue reading
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Smart Phone Etiquette for Parents
You and your partner are out for dinner, waiting for the nachos to arrive. At the next table sits a family with small children who are noisy and acting up. Their parents busy themselves with their smart phones–emails, texts, Facebook, and so on. At first you relate, sympathize, understand. You’ve been there, too. Must be a different Continue reading
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