Parenting Concerns

The Very First Family Dinners

None of us can remember our very first family dinners. I’m thinking of the meals we had in the dark, cozy confines of the womb, where we swallowed the flavors of chicken curry or matzoh ball soup, or whatever our mother had eaten for dinner.

The Pre-School Is Worried About My Child’s Oppositionality

OK, let’s talk about oppositional behavior in young kids. Here’s a particularly unpleasant scenario.

You go to pick little Timmy up from preschool, and the teacher asks to have a word with you.  Uh-oh. Feels like being called to meet with the principal.

Contact Sports: Yes Or No?

There’s no doubt about the recommendations.  Most experts in neurodevelopment suggest that kids stay away from American contact sports, like tackle football, until they are at least 14 years old.

You can also tune in this conversation wherever you get your podcasts – just search for “Shrinking It Down.

My Child Hates The Thought Of Having A New Sibling

I recall sort of blowing off my concerns that my older daughter wouldn’t welcome her soon-to-be-born sibling.  After all, I have a sister, and we get along OK.

Lots of people have siblings.  How bad can it be?

One of my mentors helped me to think about this using a simple and telling thought experiment.

How To Make Your Toddler An Adventurous Eater And Cooperative Diner

Young kids are not the most civilized dinner companions. Dinnertime can sometimes feel like sitting with a group of monkeys who like to throw and smear their food, and who have short attention spans once they are done eating. But, this is a critical time for developing family meals as a ritual.

How To Help Your Kids If You Are Getting A Divorce

We emphasize often the emotional weight that every child carries.  About 1 in 5 kids will have a psychiatric disorder at some point during their childhood or adolescence.  But, if you really want to talk high numbers, take a look at divorce.

Death of a Loved One: How Do I Help My Child Cope?

When a family member dies, it can be one of the hardest times to manage.  That pretty much goes without saying.

Hit Send, No Wait: The Dangers Of A Hyper-Personal Online Life

Online communication can bring mischief and even serious trouble to peers and colleagues because it invites far more disinhibition than face-to-face conversation.

Does My Child Have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? How Would I Know?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Some kids just can’t seem to do what we expect of them, even the simplest of things—in school, at home and with other kids.

It’s not hard to see why they get labeled: sloppy, lazy, disorganized, won’t listen; or worse—defiant, self-centered, impossible to manage.

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Hear about CBT from Susan Sprich, Ph.D., Director of the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. Tune in below or find ‘Shrinking It Down’ wherever you get your podcasts.