Dr. Bob: My seven-year-old is anxious. Should she see a counselor? Answer: This is an excellent question. We are currently in a pediatric mental health crisis – too many children are manifesting anxiety or depression and too few services are available. If you are concerned that your child’s anxiety is comprising her ability to function…
Ban Corporal Punishment in Schools
Corporal punishment has no demonstrable positive effects. In the short-term, the child might be fearful or obedient, but in the long-term, there is no consistent improvement in behavior.
Managing Sibling Rivalry – August 25, 2023
Dr. Bob: How do you manage “sibling rivalry?” Answer: This is a very broad question. One can address this question from the newborn period (when a newborn comes home and, all of a sudden an older child has competition for affection) or later in childhood (from preschool rivalries to teenage squabbles). Let me address this…
The lessons of tyranny for parenting
Being a tyrant is the exact opposite of being a conscious parent that understands the give-and-take of effective parenting and is willing to adapt as needed to change.
How do I get my child to stop stalling? – August 18, 2023
Dr. Bob: I have a next level dawdler, taking forever to get things done. Everything my 5-year-old does takes a significant amount of encouragement and coaxing and finally “the countdown.” I hate how frustrated I get. I don’t want the threat of lost privileges to be the only thing that finally gets her going. Any…
Ladders of Love
Ladders of love are critical for our children. They provide the support as the children and families lift themselves from the trauma to a pathway toward restoration, resilience and flourishing in the days and years ahead.