Resources for Families Facing the Trauma of Tornadoes and their Aftermath From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network In light of the numerous tornadoes that have impacted the communities in Arkansas and surrounding states, our friends at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) have developed some helpful materials on this topic: Tornado Response Factsheets [...]
A Dreamstime.com Photo The Power of Words As parents, we sometimes forget how powerful our words to our children really can be. We often find ourselves in “expert” parent mode, and forget to really listen. Sometimes we use way too many words. Several years ago, while playing a dinner question [...]
It's the Holiday Season: So, Where’s The Magic? A dreamstime.com photo The holiday season can bring up many emotions. For parents, Christmas can also bring pressure from many different directions: family gatherings, finding the “right” gifts, and creating special memories and traditions that our children will cherish for years to come. So what [...]
Parenting "Troubled Children": Some "Unspeakable" Honesties ADHD, OCD, ODD, Sensory Issues, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders…whatever diagnosis it’s called in your child’s case, all you really know is that it’s painful. Painful, upsetting, guilt-ridden, and exhausting. Even the simplest of routines become difficult with your child. The most menial tasks become unmanageable. [...]
The term 'stereotypes' is generally perceived in a negative light, and for good reason. If found in the wrong hands, they can not only be hurtful, but downright demeaning. Of course, like everything in this world, there is the other side of the story and stereotypical comments and behavior are no different. I find myself [...]
The Great Santa Claus Debate. As we hit the new year at full steam ahead, I find myself with a few minutes to actually reflect on the whirlwind season that is Christmas. As parents, Sonya and I have been through enough of these things to know the ins and outs of the entire experience, right [...]
East vs West: Reflections on Parenting with a Partner from Another Cultural Background As new parents, my husband and I have been learning the ins and outs of caring for a baby. How to give a bath. How to cook and clean one-handed, while holding the baby on the other hip. How to cut [...]
Dreamstime.com Recently, my 6 year old son had a fairly minor accident (relatively speaking of course) on our treadmill in which he cut his finger pretty good. Yes, I understand...kids and treadmills don't mix...a lesson we are all more familiar with now more than ever. This particular injury required many creams and ointments, [...]
We Don’t Throw Food Simon and I spent an hour today learning not to throw our food. Of course I already know how to not throw food, except for maybe the occasional flinging from vigorous stirring. But Simon. He throws food at every meal. So we sat down to lunch (whole wheat angel hair with [...]
As a father of both a boy and a girl, I am cognisant to the fact that I must do my best to not show favoritism, which means spending equal time and having equal interest in the activities of both kids. Then why is it so hard? I am a man, therefore by definition, I [...]
