A persistent myth about parenting is the blissfulness of it all. In reality, parenting is a mixed bag that includes intense, fleeting surges of joy mixed with lots of worry and fatigue. Sadness and disappointment rear their heads occasionally too.

Parents shouldn’t avoid explaining things that are new or emotionally difficult to children; however, the message should be simple, visual, and shared in the context of a loving and supportive relationship.

A persistent string of mass shootings, senseless killing, and police brutality has invigorated social interest in what leads to violence. The primary factors being debated include gun control, screening people who purchase guns (including their mental health status), and the impact of media violence.

Play is serious business for babies and children. Far from frivolous, play is how babies come to understand that they are separate individuals that can act upon people and things in their world and get a response! If their environment is safe and nurturing, play will jump-start all of their systems including cognitive, motor, language, social, and emotional skills. In fact, some sensory systems such as vision are dependent upon environmental stimulation to develop.

The best way to prepare children for success in the classroom is by letting them do what nature intended children to do-- explore their environment, express their ideas and delight in their discoveries. So parents are advised to leave the drills and software behind, turn off the iPad and join their children in play.

We all know one. We’ve seen him or her screaming for stuff at the mall, thanklessly ripping open presents, using rude language; the kid we call spoiled. While most parents would choose not to raise such a child, this behavior is celebrated in our “more is always better” culture. (From pillows to t-shirts, look at all of the ways the “princess” mentality is marketed.)

This article presents evidence-based tactics to help anxious children thrive.

This brief article outlines the specifics of anxiety in children.

Next to love, the most important thing parents do to promote their child’s sense of security and self esteem is discipline.

Ever hear the expression you don’t miss something until it is gone? This is how it is with sleep. A good night’s sleep is taken for granted until we are deprived. High in the ranks of the sleep-deprived are new parents.

The notion of gender has become more complex and freer. As with many advances in culture, there are associated struggles along with victories.

Moody children present extra challenges. This article presents helpful tactics to build self-control.

Being present to your child increases the joy of parenting.

Learn the basics of helping your child succeed with this important milestone.

Tremendous variability exists among children reflecting their strengths, challenges, and environment. While kids do not need wealth or perfection in their world to develop to their fullest potential, some elements are necessary for optimal development…

When I think of a parent's discipline tool kit, I regard punishment (spanking, time out, loss of privileges) as the hammer. Although a hammer may be useful, a structure will not be built with it alone. In fact, pounding on a structure will weaken it…

Keys to teaching healthy emotion regulation are:

A comfort corner is a refuge or safe space for children to go to calm down, reflect, or practice mindfulness. This space should not be confused with time out and should never be used for punishment! It is a proactive measure that will help children deescalate when their distress is elevating.