(3-minute read) We have all been affected, either directly or indirectly, by the news of the atrocities in Israel. I thought it would never happen to me, but my youngest son is in the IDF reserves and was drafted on Yomtov along with his entire unit. If we tried to shelter our children from the …
What to tell our children about the war in Israel Read More »
(1-minute read) One of my new high school students told me this week that she’s traveling with several of her high school cousins during the upcoming Chol Hamoed Holiday for an extended trip. In the past, she noticed that her cousins disregarded her and even mistreated her. Understandably, she was worried it would happen again. …
(1-minute read) Age does matter when it comes to whining and tantrums. Here are two strategies for very young children. Solutions #3 and #4: For children under the age of 4, it is ok to use “substitution” and “distraction.” Substitution means that if the child is whining about a candy, you can offer a different …
What If a Child – Under Age 4 – Whines and Tantrums? Read More »
(2-minute read) Last week, I posted two questions about children who whine, nag, and tantrum. To recap, the first strategy was to praise at the rate of ‘six sugars to one vinegar’ whenever the child was doing the opposite of the reds of whining, nagging, and tantrums. In other words, when the child was doing …
What If a Child Whines and Tantrums? Another Quick Strategy Part 2 Read More »
Question #1: Dear Devora, What would you do if a 4-year old child constantly whines and tantrums? The parent I work with always talks her daughter through it in an attempt to calm her down. But perhaps this is reinforcing the behavior and making it happen even more often! Should I even teach the mom …
Disclaimer: Important Notice Regarding Therapeutic Advice The content provided in prior, current, and future blogs is intended to offer general therapeutic advice and guidance for parents and professionals. However, it is essential to understand that this information is not a substitute for personalized, professional therapy, counseling, or medical advice. The advice and suggestions presented here …
(4-minute read) Question: Dear Devora, As far as validating children, what happens when an older girl (6th or 7th grader) has been informed of a class change and she tells her parents, “I’m not going to school.” She is stubborn and manipulative and won’t budge. (She doesn’t want to hear what her parents say… She …
(1-minute read) Hi All, Last week we discussed one of the general ways we can be invalidating to children, which does the OPPOSITE of calming kids down. Specifically, we talked about “attempting to talk someone out of their feelings.” This week, I’ll share another way we sometimes do the same thing unwittingly. This time, we …
What NOT to say when my Kid Says “Im Not Going On the Bus Today!” Read More »
(1-minute read) Of course, we’re trying to savor every relaxed moment, every sunshine, every raindrop (we got plenty of those this summer!), every late night with no worries about being late for the school bus tomorrow, and every no-homework night. But some parents and children are starting to think about school again and some might …
What do I NOT say when my child doesn’t want to start school? Read More »
(2-minute read) One of my amazing moms wrote this social story for her son last year before major trip. Her son saved it and pulled it out before this year’s major trip as he needed some reminders again. She graciously gave me permission to share it with our fellow parents and professionals. Feel free to …
