I remember stepping on the ice for my very first figure skating lesson when I was six years old. They lined us up at the boards and had each child skate across to the other side. I knew very clearly what was going on. They wanted to watch us skate so they could “classify” us. […]
It is around this time of year that the phone at our clinic rings off the hook. I hear from parents everywhere that their kids are struggling. Teachers and principals know this struggle well too. Everywhere you turn people are starting to look bedraggled. And everywhere you listen you can hear the exhaustion starting to […]
If morning drop-off is an overwhelming time for your child, you may be dealing with separation anxiety. And not only is separation anxiety difficult for your child, it can be really hard for you as a parent too. Tears and outstretched arms can conjure stressful emotions in your body; especially as guilt and empathy come into […]
Sometimes the human brain outsmarts itself. And this is exactly what is happening for children struggling with separation anxiety. It often goes like this. You get them all pumped up for being brave at school drop-off. You remind them that they will get to do all sorts of fun things during the school day like […]
I’m often asked about where the line is drawn between “balance” and “overscheduling” a child. We talk a great deal about how children these days are enrolled in more activities than ever, but how do we know when enough is enough? First, start with this quiz. Answer yes or no honestly: 1. Do you find […]
This post is the first in a series focusing on getting ready for Back To School. From routines, to anxiety, to bedtime struggles, heading back to school can bring a unique set of challenges. Don’t miss any of these upcoming posts by subscribing to my newsletter here. We are creatures of habit – whether we […]
I was asked in a recent interview in the Vancouver Sun about what I hoped that people would take away from reading Discipline Without Damage. Below is my answer: It is my belief that we could change the world by embracing our role as parents and other big people with this kind of message […]
The other morning, I dropped my two boys off near the entrance of their school and negotiated back into the crazy queue of cars to find a parking spot. Normally, I would have just driven off and to my office at that point. But on this particular morning, I had to come into the school […]
Every parent has been there. Your child comes home, exhausted after a long day, and you give them a snack, let them have some downtime, sit down to dinner, and then…it’s time to hit the books for them – again! They don’t want to do it. You don’t want to do it. And depending on […]
School is hard work. Whether your child enjoys school or is somewhat less enthusiastic, for every child, it is hard work. What is a school day like for a child – big or small? It goes like this. You have to sit still. For looooong periods of time. When you are built to move. You […]