Is it Damaging to Call Your Kid “Bad”?
I noticed that when one of my friends is upset with her child she makes her child feel terribly by saying “You’re such a bad girl” or “That was a shameful thing you did”. Is this an effective way to...
View ArticleHow Can Parents Instill Confidence in Young Girls?
Reader Question: I have three girls – the oldest is 5 – and I would love some advice on how to instill confidence in them at an early age so that they can take it with them throughout their lives....
View ArticleEasing Transitions Between Homes for Children of Divorce
Holidays can be really hard on children of separated or divorced parents. Many friends comment on how anxious their children get before leaving home to spend the holidays with the other parent. How...
View ArticleParenting Like Your Parents?
Question: I had a lot of difficulties with my parents when I was growing up and never wanted to be that kind of parent. So why do I now find myself parenting like they did? MOM: The reason is because...
View ArticleThe Dinner Table Battle: When Kids Won’t Eat What Mom Cooks
Reader Question: How do I get my whole family to eat what I serve for dinner?? MOLLY: We received this question from a reader with five kids and whatever it is she makes, one of them complains and...
View ArticleHow to Motivate Kids to Do Their Schoolwork
My 10 year-old puts more effort into sports than into school. What can I do to help? MOLLY: We received this question from a reader whose 10 year-old son puts in a lot of effort into sports or...
View ArticleHelping Twins Each Establish Their Own Identity
I have a pair of twins and am wondering how can I help them each have their own identity? MOLLY: We received this question from a reader whose twins are in different classrooms at school and often...
View ArticleWhat To Do When Others Push Religious Views On Your Kids
How can I explain religion to my 5 year-old son when his 8 year old cousin preaches it when she comes over to play? MOLLY: We received this question from a reader who also mentioned that the cousin...
View ArticleEasing the Transition from Elementary to Middle School for Girls
How do I support My 10-year old daughter during the transition from elementary to middle school? MOLLY: The reader added that there’s a lot of drama between her 10 year old daughter and her old friends...
View ArticleWhen a Parent Needs a Time-Out
I’m alone with my kids a lot and find myself losing my temper over small stuff. What can I do? Dr. Susan Rutherford (MOM): Well, that happens a lot, especially when parents are cooped up at home with...
View ArticleMy Child is Being Bullied at School. What Can I Do?
My first grader is being bullied at school. How do I address this and with whom? MOLLY: The reader also asked if she should be talking with the teacher or the principal, or even the parents of the girl...
View ArticleUsing Positive Incentives to Change Kids’ Behavior
I feel like I’m always saying “No,” and becoming such a nag. Aren’t there other ways of changing behavior? MOLLY: I think one thing that you suggested for us that’s been helpful for the tantrums was...
View ArticleWhat To Do When Your Child is Controlling the Dinner Table
My 6-year old daughter is controlling the family dinner table. What can I do? MOLLY: The reader elaborated that instead of eating dinner, her daughter is constantly getting up from the table to play...
View ArticleWhat To Do If Your Child Refuses To Go To School
My daughter is 9-years old and in the fourth grade, and she just doesnt want to go to school! MOLLY: The reader added that her daughter cries and howls and doesn’t want to go at all. What should she...
View ArticleBuilding Sibling Relationships
My daughters are 5 and 7 and I really want them to be close friends but they bicker all the time. Dr. Susan Rutherford (MOM): It’s not uncommon for children to bicker and it is considered normal as...
View ArticleWhat To Do If A Child Comes To You For Help
My next door neighbor’s child came over because he was “running away.” What should I do? MOLLY: A reader from Colorado wrote us this question about her 10-year old neighbor. Dr. Susan Rutherford (MOM):...
View ArticleWhen You Don’t Like Your Kid’s Friend
Why do I dislike my daughter’s friend so much? MOLLY: This question came from Northern California and the reader elaborated by asking how she can learn to deal with her daughter’s friendships with kids...
View ArticleWhen Kids Prefer the Fun Parent In A Divorce
How Do I Compete When My Ex Is The “Fun” One? MOLLY: This question came from a reader in Michigan. She added that her girlfriend has her son all week and is “responsible for taking him to all his...
View ArticleTeenager Acting Out – What to Do?
How can I keep my 15-year old daughter from acting out and making bad choices? MOLLY: The reader (the teen’s mom) added that her daughter has been sneaking around with an 18 year old boy and that she...
View ArticleHow To Address Emotional Eating In Teens
How can I help my daughter stop emotional eating without making it worse? MOLLY: This came from a reader from California. She added that her daughter is a teenager and when she brings it up for...
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