Columns

November 20, 2009

Ask the Child Psychologist

School Avoidance

by Lisa Medoff
February 23, 2009

Dear Dr. Medoff,

It is becoming more and more difficult to get my eleven-year-old son to school in the morning. He will hide under the covers or throw a tantrum, and he even threw up last week when I was trying to get him dressed. What can I do? From, K.

Dear K.,

You and your son are definitely not alone in your struggle about getting to school; most parents will agree that getting their children out of bed and out the door in the morning is ...


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The Stingy Mommy

Fashion Forward February: And Everything Else

by Amy Brayfield
February 24, 2009

All this month, we’re looking at ways to make the lifespan of your child's clothes stretch a little longer.

Reconstructing clothes can be as simple as adding an appliqué to cover a stubborn stain or as complicated as ripping a top apart at the seams to recreate it anew. Whether you’re an adventurous sewer or just a mom looking to salvage a favorite pair of jeans, I hope these ideas will inspire you to try a little reconstruction of ...
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Sneaky Chef

Health Up Boxed Mac and Cheese

by Missy Chase Lapine
August 25, 2009

There’s not a kids’ menu in the United States that doesn’t offer some variation of macaroni and cheese — the favorite — if not the most popular — of American comfort foods. Kraft now sells more than one million boxes every day! The beauty of even the packaged version is that its cheesy creaminess offers ample opportunity for sneaky chefs to slip in extra nutrition that even the toughest little critics won’t detect. Try to ...
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Mr. Teacher

Can you hear me now?

by John Pearson
February 26, 2009

One of the advantages to teaching at an elementary school and not a high school is that I don't have to deal with certain issues with my kids, at least not as much. Topping the list is the issue of cell phones in the classroom. My personal opinion is that nobody needs to use a cell phone during class except in case of an emergency. For teachers, the exception to the rule also extends to calling parents or calling the school office. However, the only time one ...
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The Craft Connection

Avoid Getting Pinched! Wear Shamrock Jewelry

by Shannon McMath
March 12, 2009

Green is the color of the day on St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t get caught without it or you’re liable to get pinched! But what if you have nothing green to wear or it’s just not your color? Well, make these cute Shamrock Earrings and Pin of course. They are quick and simple to make and are a great accessory for your St. Patty’s Day attire.

Kids will love making these for friends, family and teachers. Start by looking for a clover ...


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Because I Said So

Passover with Heathens

by Danielle Wood
March 23, 2009

When we were kids, my brother and I used to wonder what would happen if we snuck a bite of pizza or a piece of cake. Would my mom find out? Would the Passover police come and get us? Now, I'm the police. And my house is full of heathens.

Well, not heathens exactly, but no one who celebrates Passover. My husband is an atheist-- the son of a Chinese mom and a lapsed Baptist dad. There's no way he's eating matzo. And my son is small, so while he'll eat (or not ...


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Call to Action

Is Your Preschooler Playing Enough at School?

by Rae Pica
March 4, 2009

There are so many choices in preschools today, it's no wonder that parents are overwhelmed when making decisions about where to send their children.

In brief, the preschool you choose should be one that respects children’s intellectual, social/emotional, and physical needs. This describes a traditional, play-based preschool, as opposed to the academic-oriented education being touted – and sought after – in today’s superkid climate. ...


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