The Unschooling Movement: What is it and is it right for my child?
The "unschooling" concept is fascinating. I’ve learned ages ago that there is no cookie cutter approach to educating children. The key is to find what works best to optimize each child’s learning potential. But I've also learned that when it comes to "unschooling" it's a very unique parent who can succeed. (Think of young Tom Edison or Margaret's Mead's mom and you'll get the picture). Here are questions to help you decide whether unschooling is something you want to consider for your child or...
How to Build a Kid With a Conscience
Being fair and kind can be cultivated in our children. I'm in Cincinnati at the invitation of the Summit Day Country School to speak with teachers and parents about how to raise goodness in our children. This week I had spoke with Krista Ramsey, education reporter for Cincinnati News.com. Here is her report published in the news and online at Cincinnati.com. Thank you Krista! It was a pleasure. How to Build a Kid with Conscience by Krista Ramsey, October 14, 2011 Cincinnati News.com Nationally...
New Girl Scout Research Exposes the Impact of Reality TV on Girls
REALITY CHECK: New research shows tween and teen girls who regularly view reality TV accept and expect a higher level of drama, aggression, and bullying in their own lives, and measure their worth primarily by their physical appearance. The Good, Bad, and Ugly About Reality TV for Girls As reality TV has become staple entertainment for young people and adults alike, tween and teen girls who regularly view reality TV accept and expect a higher level of drama, aggression, and bullying in their...
The Kid Arrogance Cure
REALITY CHECK: "In data from 37,000 college students, narcissistic personality traits rose just as fast as obesity from the 1980s to the present. The rise is accelerating, with scores rising faster in the 2000s than in previous decades.” – Jean Twenge, Ph.D., San Diego State University and author of The Narcissism Epidemicand Generation Me. Trudy Ludwig's fabulous book: "Better than You" I admit it, I'm a huge Trudy Ludwig fan. I own all her books - Just Kidding, Trouble Talk, My Secret...
An Interview with Rachel Simmons on the Mean Girl Scene
Q&A with Rachel Simmons, author of the must-read and revised ODD GIRL OUT One of the women I admire most in the fight on bullying is Rachel Simmons. Her work on building leadership with young girls is just profound and her books are magnificent. I met Rachel in New York recently and was even more impressed (if that's possible) with her. I am also delighted that her glorious New York Times bestseller, Odd Girl Out has been revised and updated. Here are Rachel's answers to some of the most...
Are you an overwhelmed mom? Want help from Dr. Drew and me? Here’s how…
I'm excited to announce I'll be appearing on Dr. Drew's upcoming new show, Lifechangers as the Family Lifechanger. I can't wait! Dr. Drew's show premiers September 19 at 3 p.m. on CW. Here's how you can be involved and even appear on the show... Are you an overwhelmed mom? I know, we all feel overwhelmed, but what about so overwhelmed that you no longer are happy being a mom - or worried that your feelings may affect your child? For instance... Do you love your kids but secretly regret having...
Kids Behaving Badly: The “Brat Kid Ban Trend” and Parenting Solutions
REALITY CHECK: 64% of adults now favor "kid free zones" in restaurants, theaters, and planes. Time for an honest check - how are your kids behaving in public? You’ve spruced up the kiddos for a family night out at a restaurant. You intentionally chose one that hascloth tablecloths and fresh flower arrangements figuring it would not only be a fun family memory but also a great way to teach your kids manners and the fine art of dining. But here’s a friendly hint: You just might want to call the...
The Moving Scene: Helping kids find friends, fit in and make transitions smoother
Whether your family is moving into the home next door or across the nation that change can be difficult for one and all. Here are ways to make the transition smoother and more positive REALITY CHECK: Though moving is a common event that happens to one out of five families each year, research shows that a big parenting mistakes make is not realizing just how upsetting a move can be for kids. It can be traumatic as well as stressful. “What do you mean we are moving?” “But this is my home and I...
Look at My Eyes: A Father’s Perspective About Autism
REALITY CHECK: One in every 150 children are now diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Some stats put the figure at 1 in every 100 children. There's a powerful book new book entitled, "Look At My Eyes: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Autism and PDD-NOS" written by Melanie Fowler that I highly recommend. This book is not the typical book for parents or people who have just realized they have a child on the spectrum. It gives us a new side to the challenges of raising very special children and...
Kids, Teens, Video Games, and When Parents Should Worry
Why diminishment of kid empathy should be our biggest concern about media and video games. Ratings, research, solutions, and how to gear up and parent the "Controller Generation" “Can’t I just play one more hour?” “But there’s nottttthhhhthinnnng else to do!” “Chill out, Mom. The game is not that violent.” There’s no doubt that video games are a part of the plugged-in generation’s lifestyle. But are you aware just how much of an impact video games are? Check out these stats: REALITY...
Talking to Teens about Suicide and Depression
The mothers of two 14-year-old girls who killed themselves in a suicide pact spoke to TODAY's Matt Lauer about their heartbreak today, saying their daughters had been victims of cyberbullying and suffered from depression -- but they never expected anything this horrible. "I tried to teach her to see past tomorrow," said Tricia Behnke, mother of Paige. Both families say they hope to raise awareness about suicide prevention -- which has got to be one of the hardest things to talk about,...
Building Children’s Character
Parenting strategies that help kids act right when we're not around and nurture moral intelligence Every parent's first concern is the same: “Is my baby healthy?” This question is one that doctors usually can answer. Another big question is far more difficult: “Will my child become a good and decent human being?” Most doctors would have to admit that they just don’t know, and parents are often left wondering if they really do make any difference in how their kids turn out. Lately child...
Regaining Childhood: Parenting a “too fast, too soon” generation
REALITY CHECK: Thongs undies for preschoolers, periods at 7, push-up bras at 8, Botox at 16 all add up to missed childhoods if we don't start parenting! Why we must put brakes on our children's "too hurried, too fast, too sexy, too soon" lives so they can grow without missing out on just being kids. Some thoughts I shared last week on CNN. One thing’s for sure, it certainly is a different world and our kids’ lives are on a fast track. It’s almost as though they are living in an X-rated world...
Parents Too Plugged In? That’s what our kids say
Parenting advice I shared on the NBC DATELINE special "The Perils of Parenting" and wow was it ever an eyeopener! “She’s always on her blackberry. It’s soooo annoying!” “I hate it when he’s talking on his cell. It makes me feel sad.” “I put an timer on the computer. When it goes off, it’s time to play with me.” Sound familiar? After all, we do seem be complaining a lot these days about our kids' online behavior these day. Except these complaints were issued by children! Yep, the kids. Those...
Parenting Cyber-Kids in a Digital Age
Parenting advice to help us monitor and stay involved in our kids' online world and increase their safety. Shocking statistics that confirm that we better supervise closer, the difference between monitoring and spying, and spy-free strategies and to help us do so REALITY CHECK: The latest estimates show that 93 percent of teens 12 to 17 years old go online, 75 percent own cell phones, and 73 percent use social networking sites--up from 55 percent just three years ago. While the educational...
Raising Honest Kids Despite a Cheating Epidemic
Student cheating is an epidemic and the impact on their character is at stake. Parenting and educator solutions to a troubling and wide-spread national trend Latest Report Card on the Ethics of American Youth: FLUNK! Every two years the Josephson Institute conducts a nation-wide survey of high school students called Report Card on the Ethics of American Youth. Over 43,000 students were involved in the latest poll comprising over 100 high schools – both private and public. The results are...
Girls Binging, Drinking to Reduce Stress
Research shows a disturbing trend: girls are drinking and binging more to reduce stress. Parenting solutions to help young girls Think drinking is only a “boy” problem? Data from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America may make you think again. The survey results on 3287 teens in grades nine through twelve reveal a troubling trend—especially for girls. But why girls are getting high is particularly disturbing. Study results More than two-thirds of teen girls admit using alcohol and drugs to...
Mobilizing Bystanders to Stop Bullying
Teaching kids how to be active bystanders, stand up to peer cruelty and speak out against bullying. My "Bully B.U.S.T.E.R. Bystander SkillsI shared on Dateline. Bullying is a learned behavior, and it is on the rise. One third of middle and high school students were bullied during the school year. Previous studies estimated the figure as one in seven students. Bullying appears to be far more intense, more frequent and beginning at younger ages than in years past. 3 Victims: Bullies, the...
Little Black Swans meet Tiger Mom: Why a toxic combo for girls’ mental health
Young girls severe stress levels; Mental health at record low Parenting alert: Studies show steep rise in girls getting high to cope, as well as eating disorders, depression, suicide, self-mutilation, and perfectionism. Girls as young as 11 say they are "severely stressed;" eating disorders diagnosed in six year olds! Time for a Reality Check! The Rise of the "Little Black Swan Syndrome" Over the past years, various studies show a disturbing rise in eating disorders, depression, stress,...
US Kids’ Mental Health Hits Record Low
The Kids Are NOT All Right Folks! Report shows U.S. college freshman stress hitting record high levels and their mental health plummeting to a 25 year all-time low. Findings and solutions I shared on the TODAY Show last week. We spend all that time drop our kids off college and promise them that they're going to have the "best four years of their lives." But a new report shows that our offspring may be in for a rude awakening and not be faring as well as we'd hoped. Oh, they're smart all...
9 Tips to Help Shyer Kids
Parenting advice to help shyer, sensitive, timid kids feel more comfortable and gain confidence in social situations “You go ahead without me.” “I’m afraid to raise my hand.” “I’d rather be by myself.” "Please don't make me go!" Let's face it: watching a shy, timid or hesitant child can be painful. They hang back, look uncomfortable or tense, cry or cling to their parents. Kids who hang back and are shy are often handicapped from experiencing life to its fullest. Shy children often curtail...