10 Holiday Tips from and for Parents of Only Children

Guidance that fosters gratitude and joy and works beautifully for children with siblings too. Parents of only children often face unique challenges during the holidays, especially when it comes to a child’s sense of entitlement. The following suggestions are drawn from one-child parents’ experiences and strategies, offering practical ways to enjoy celebrations at the same… Read More

How Parents Can Steer Clear of the Achievement Trap

As parents, it’s natural that we want our children to be successful. We want them to do well in the world and not struggle. But this can become a burden on children when parents overemphasize achievement in academics, sports or the arts. Without meaning to put pressure on children, we can get caught up in… Read More

12 Ways to Make Family Dinner Fun

Most parents agree that family dinner is important and should be a priority—even as we struggle to find time and too often end up eating dinner on the road or in front of a TV or tablet some nights. Research finds that families are less stressed, function better, that kids tend to eat better, and… Read More

The Challenges of Motherhood

The Essential Skill for the Challenges of Motherhood

PHOTO Credit: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash The influences on mothers today are mostly ingrained from their own childhood memories and abetted by comments on social media, from friends, and other women in your child’s playgroups. The result for many women is a constant striving to be the perfect mother. This likely means bending to the opinions and… Read More

How Children Affect Your Happiness

PHOTO Credit: Marcin Jozwiak/Unsplash Even though more and more families stop after having one child, many debate having second, third or more children. The decision tends to be based on practical factors–finances, career goals, living space—with a modicum of focus on how children affect your happiness. Laurie Santos, professor of psychology at Yale University, explained… Read More

To Have or Not to Have Another Child

One woman’s revealing story of her emotional rollercoaster ride and struggle deciding whether to have or not to have another child. It provides insights or perhaps affirmation for the decision you may already have made.… Read More

Best Practices When a Grandparent is Caregiver

Whether your parents or in-laws care for your children on a regular basis or occasionally, best practices when a grandparent is caregiver help build a win-win collaboration. Tantamount to making the arrangement work for you are taking steps to avoid misunderstandings and recognizing often overlooked benefits and advantages that you may not have considered or… Read More

Lighten Up Parents! Humor is a Powerful Parenting Tool

Humor is an effective parenting tool for disciplining and bond-building. You don’t need to be naturally funny to add humor to your parenting toolbox. It is a surprisingly effective — and underused — parenting technique to relieve tension and strengthen the bond with your children. For parents, humor can be a gateway to a deeper… Read More