A parent asked me this question: “Our cell phone plan allows unlimited texts, but I think our 8th grade son is overdoing it with over 3000 minutes a month. What should I do?” First of all, check his phone and make sure there are no inappropriate texting of words and pictures, or with strangers. Be […]
I was asked the question, “What advice would you give to a new parent?” Aside from the usual get some sleep and get more take-out food, just remember Love and Laughter: * Hugs along the way. Don’t let your moods keep people away. Instead of “leave me alone”, you need a touch of affection. You […]
“How was school today?” Fine. “What did you do?” Nothing. “Anything interesting? No. Conversation with your kids not getting anywhere? A parent asked me how she can get her child to tell her about what’s going on at school. Since you are the adult here, don’t blame the child for not wanting to talk. He […]
I just read an article on 10 Controversial Parenting Tips. The author asked four prominent experts to weigh in on 10 hot button issues of parenting. I am glad to see Kevin Leman on the panel because I’m a fan of his books. The author didn’t ask me, nevertheless, I’m going to take a stab […]
A parent asked me, “I’ve told my kids to do their homework when they first come home from school. But they just won’t do it, and end up finishing late. What can I do?” The parent’s thinking is to get homework out of way first, and that is a good study habit. This makes sense…only […]
My friend asked for advice as a new mom. There are volumes written on being a parent. But if I have to simplify it all down to 5 points, because no one likes to read a long post, here is the advice I would give to a mom. Do these 5 concrete action items everyday. […]
A friend of mine had her first baby last week. On her Facebook status, she said, “Bring on the new parent advice!” What advice would you give her? Photo by ephotography
A parent asked me, “Should I allow my 13-year-old to use her cellphone for texting, or should I block that feature?” To answer that question, I went to my expert advisor, my 14-year-old daughter. “Do you think kids your age should be allowed to text?” What do you think is her answer? She said, “There […]
A reader asks, “I’ve made mistakes in my life and am not too proud of what I’ve done in my younger years. When my daughter asks if I was a virgin when I got married, how should I answer?” I think our kids pretty much know that we don’t live perfect lives, *cough, cough*. When […]
When parents ask me for advice for problems they are facing, they are hoping for the cure-all, a guarantee, a silver bullet that would make them the perfect parent with perfect kids in 3 easy steps. Of course we know there is no such thing, but we keep hoping. However, in order to satisfy the […]
