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. Grandparents in the parenting mix present all the issues of influence from others, but with the obvious added wrinkle that they have […]

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.
Not surprisingly, emotions run high when discussing the choice. Advocates will stake out […]

Knowing when to require a child to obey and when to let them take the consequences of an independent choice is always a tough dilemma for parents. One pair of ideas that can help them are the twins: natural consequences and logical consequences.
Natural consequences are the reality-determined effect of some choice a child has made. […]

Sometimes a child labeled ‘difficult’ is just expressing a healthy need for independence. But in other cases, the label is actually too mild. Adults can be violent, irresponsible, indifferent to the harm they do others and typically that behavior begins in childhood.
Not all such children are potential criminals, but they share some of the characteristics […]

A fundamental fact for almost all children is that eventually they grow older. But, sadly, not all grow up. If an individual is to have a hope of a happy life, a large amount of independence is essential.
Independence, here, does not mean never needing another person, nor creating every value that one needs - physical, […]

In parenting circles, the word ‘punishment’ often brings to mind ‘corporeal punishment’ - spanking, slapping or other forms of physical action. One can agree that such behavior is counter-productive in rearing a healthy child, while at the same time avoiding the false alternative of excessive permissiveness.
In life, both children and adults are ‘punished’ for bad […]

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.
Research, research, research. Parents who want to do the best for themselves […]

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 inculcating values and habits that lead to appropriate behavior.
The political parallel of that dilemma is the reasonable desire for maximum individual freedom, but the need that arises to […]

Sharing time outdoors is a great way for families to discover the wonders of the natural world while learning to be good stewards of the earth.Good ideas on how to experience those outdoor adventures together can be found in Ranger Rick, the National Wildlife Federation’s award-winning children’s magazine, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this […]

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. As the list suggests, some forms will require parental intervention, while others may be safely left to the kids to work out for themselves.
The first key […]