When To Seek Behaviour Intervention

When To Seek Behaviour Intervention

When to seek behaviour intervention is a question that’s guaranteed to keep parents up at night. It’s tough being a parent, and even more difficult to understand when a child’s behaviour has gone beyond the normal ebb and flow of family life and needs intervention. It’s quite normal to worry about when to seek behaviour […]

A Victim and Miserable: The Tragic Life of X

A Victim and Miserable: The Tragic Life of X

When a writer starts off an article with the title  ‘A Victim and Miserable: The Tragic Life of X,” the first question you probably have is “Who is X?” Don’t worry, we’ll get to that. Before I tell the story of X, though, I want to start by taking an in-depth look at the idea […]

Telling Kids They’re Special is one of the Worst Parenting Mistakes

Posted by on Nov 20, 2023 in self esteem | No Comments
Telling Kids They’re Special is one of the Worst Parenting Mistakes

So you’re probably wondering why, on earth, I would say telling kids they’re special is one of the worst parenting mistakes. You love your kids, right? And you want to boost their confidence. Perhaps you think that by telling your kids they’re special, it will really help them feel good about themselves. And so it […]

The Secret of Parenting

The Secret of Parenting

So what’s the secret of parenting? Is there even a secret? Well, before I answer that, have you ever watched the movie “Babe?” It’s quite an old film but it’s both brilliant and funny. It’s about a clever pig who turns out to be a fabulous and natural sheep herder. Now, you wouldn’t think that […]

Gentle Parenting Hasn’t Worked, So Now What?

Posted by on Sep 26, 2023 in Gentle parenting | No Comments
Gentle Parenting Hasn’t Worked, So Now What?

Perhaps you’re trying to negotiate your way through your child’s third tantrum of the day, but in the face of it, all your calm negotiation skills and empathy just disappear, exhaustion swamps you, and suddenly a thought crosses your mind that, until now, you’ve been able to quash. Things aren’t working! Perhaps you say to […]

Bad Parenting Advice: Houston We Have a Problem!

Posted by on Oct 13, 2023 in Gentle parenting, temper tantrums | No Comments
Bad Parenting Advice: Houston We Have a Problem!

When Jack Swigert said, “Houston, we have a problem!” it was concerning the Apollo 13 moon landing, and it was because he saw a major issue on the horizon. I say it for the same reason. In my case, though, it means alerting readers to some really bad parenting advice out there that, more than […]

Why Gentle Parenting Will Make You and the Kids Miserable.

Why Gentle Parenting Will Make You and the Kids Miserable.

Coming right out and not only telling people that a particular parenting style doesn’t work but also why gentle parenting will make you and the kids miserable needs some explanation, I admit. Let’s start with this.  A 12- to 15-month-old toddler slaps her mom right in the face. A third person captures mom’s startled but […]

Why Gentle Parenting Often Results in a Train Wreck

Posted by on Mar 24, 2023 in Parenting styles | No Comments
Why Gentle Parenting Often Results in a Train Wreck

So this article on why gentle parenting often results in a train wreck is the second part of my article, “Why gentle parenting will make you and the kids miserable.” (Google requires different titles). If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, please do, as today we’re going to further dissect why gentle parenting will make […]

4 Parenting Styles were just the start

4 Parenting Styles were just the start

I often hear parents discussing their parenting style like a badge of honour, but have you ever wondered where parenting styles come from? It all started with the four parenting styles of authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved parenting and their impact on children, which were developed in the 1960s by Diana Buamrind. She was a […]

The Cult of Victimhood won’t make your kids happy.

Posted by on Apr 4, 2023 in entitled kids | No Comments
The Cult of Victimhood won’t make your kids happy.

Why would I say that the cult of victimhood won’t make your kids happy? Well, let’s start with this. Have you ever had something bad happen in your life? Perhaps you were bullied as a child? Lost a parent or sibling? Suffered trauma?  Perhaps you were fired from one or more jobs? Lost out on […]

Gender-creative parenting is the most stupid idea yet.

Posted by on Jun 13, 2023 in sex and gender | No Comments
Gender-creative parenting is the most stupid idea yet.

Saying that “gender-creative parenting is the most stupid idea yet” may cause you to raise your eyebrows. You’re probably thinking I’m crazy to even speak to this topic since the argument is so divisive in nature, but I think this subject is one of the most important of recent years, and it’s fast gaining traction, […]

No Such Thing As The Perfect Parent

No Such Thing As The Perfect Parent

                Let me say, firstly, that there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. I bet before you became a parent, you had all sorts of ideas about the kind of parent you were going to be. You were going to be patient and thoughtful, even after being […]

Child Centered Parenting Doesn’t Work.

Posted by on Sep 22, 2022 in Articles, parenting style, resilience | No Comments
Child Centered Parenting Doesn’t Work.

I have a great job, though sometimes I have to confess to feeling as though I’m swimming up stream.  The prevailing parenting style du jour is child-centered.  It may sound unusual for a parenting professional to come right out and say that child-centered parenting doesn’t work, but it doesn’t and I’ll tell you why.  Firstly, […]

How Do I Develop My Child’s Talents?

How Do I Develop My Child’s Talents?

Perhaps you’ve just watched your little one in the school play and you think, “Wow, he can really act and sing too!” The next question you need to ask is, “How do I develop my child’s talents?” Knowing how to develop a child’s talent is an important part of helping children find their place in […]

How Income Changes What Parents Worry About

How Income Changes What Parents Worry About

You probably don’t think about it much as it’s not on most people’s radar, but have you ever wondered how income changes what parents worry about and, if so, what are the differences? Surely all parents worry about the same things, don’t they? Worries such as whether or not their child goes to sleep or […]

#1 Biggest Parenting Mistake

#1 Biggest Parenting Mistake

Seeing an article with the words “#1 Biggest Parenting Mistake” has got to be scary. Suddenly you think, “Yikes! Am I doing that?” Maybe you rush to click on the link, or maybe you don’t, scared by the real possibility that whatever it is, you might be doing it. Maybe you’re afraid of waking up […]

Why Is My Child Unhappy?

Why Is My Child Unhappy?

Some children are happy with very little. Some spend a lot of time being miserable, no matter what they have. If you are asking yourself, “Why do I have an unhappy child?” you’ve come to the right place because I’m going to tell you a story that you’ll likely see much of your own struggles […]

My Child Hates The Car Seat

My Child Hates The Car Seat

Hi Annie, How are you? I hope you had a good Christmas. I have a problem in that my child hates the car seat. She’s two.  Every time we go on a trip, she screams that she wants out. We’ve tried various ways to help her enjoy the trip, such as car snacks, toys, and […]

How Long Is Too Long In A Baby Swing

How Long Is Too Long In A Baby Swing

Hi Annie,  My question is how long is too long in a baby swing?  We have a 3.5 month old baby girl who is content in a baby swing while we eat or make supper. She is also in the swing on occasion during the day while my wife makes lunch, etc.However, my wife said […]

These parents need to get their act together!

These parents need to get their act together!

Hi Annie, Our niece Kaitlyn is about 3 1/2 years old and her parents need to get their act together. She runs the show. Kaitlyn tells her mom and dad what to do.  She wants nothing to do with anyone unless she can be the boss; she does not respond to questions from adults (gets […]

Why Kids Need Downtime

Why Kids Need Downtime

I don’t know about you, but when the days get longer, I can’t help but enjoy what it means for the children. It’s a time to hang out and just have fun in the sun after the confines of our cold, rainy, or snowy winter, depending, of course, on where you live. As we start […]

My Child Whines

My Child Whines

Hi Annie, My child whines. In fact both my kids have a real problem with whining. When my daughter went through it, I thought it was a stage and it would stop by itself, but it hasn’t. She’s now five, and my son is copying the habit, and he’s only two. I’m a single mom, […]

How to Build Climate Change Resilience in Children

Posted by on Jul 5, 2021 in Articles, resilience | No Comments
How to Build Climate Change Resilience in Children

Take a look at this lettuce.  Growing against all odds in a less than easy environment.  If you want to learn how to build climate change resilience in children, then you need to teach your children the skills necessary to adapt and thrive in what looks to be an increasingly hostile world.  We’ve all had […]

How To Handle a Picky Eater

How To Handle a Picky Eater

Knowing how to handle a picky eater can save parents a whole lot of stress because, let’s face it, having a picky eater can drive any parent up the wall. So, if you want to know how to handle a picky eater, you should first consider why you might be getting the behaviour and then […]

I Need Some Sleep!

Posted by on Feb 1, 2021 in sleeping or sleep issues | No Comments
I Need Some Sleep!

Hi Annie, I need some sleep! We have an almost 5-year-old girl and a 9-month-old girl. With our oldest, we were guilty of letting her “cuddle” in our bed, often with the three of us falling back to sleep. Before our baby was born, we worked very hard to get her to sleep in her […]

My Child Keeps Interrupting

My Child Keeps Interrupting

Hi Annie. My child keeps interrupting. Have you got any ideas about what to do with a child that interrupts all the time? I’m a foster mother, and I have a three-year-old girl that never lets me have a minute on the phone without her constantly pulling at me and interrupting. She shouts or screams […]

What can I do About Toddler Tantrums?

What can I do About Toddler Tantrums?

Toddler tantrums can drive any parent insane. There you are, innocently trying to pick up the family groceries, and your child decides that it’s that moment that they’re going to have a meltdown and destroy your day. Kids start with temper tantrums predominantly in the two-year-old age group. You might have some before that, but […]

Why Raising a Resilient Child Matters

Posted by on Jan 3, 2021 in Articles, resilience | No Comments
Why Raising a Resilient Child Matters

So, if you want to know why raising a resilient child matters, ask yourself this: Are you planning to live forever? No?  Oh, I’m glad we got that out of the way. That’s because if you don’t plan to live forever or, frankly, aren’t able to, that means your children will have to fend for […]

My Child Feels Left Out

My Child Feels Left Out

When any parent says my child feels left out I feel for them.  Theres no doubt that watching your child being left out of the play is heartbreaking.  All parents want the best for their child and when your child is purposely left out by others, it reminds us of our own painful experiences that […]

My Kids Are My Everything Parent

Posted by on Nov 11, 2020 in Articles, entitled kids | No Comments
My Kids Are My Everything Parent

Are you a “my kids are my everything” parent? I’ve heard parents on many occasions make comments like, “My kids are my everything.” It’s a funny little phrase, but it appears often, and I wonder how many people actually sit down for a moment and think what it really means.  As a case in point, […]

My Sons Keep Fighting

My Sons Keep Fighting

Hi Annie, My sons keep fighting! We have a six-year-old and just-turned-three-year-old pair of boys. We are at our wits’ end trying to stamp out their extremely physical play and interactions. Our six-year-old will quietly provoke our three-year-old until there’s a flurry of hitting, kicking, and throwing of objects. Our six year-old then tries to […]

The Key To Parenting Is To Keep It Simple

Posted by on Sep 8, 2020 in Articles, Child Development | No Comments
The Key To Parenting Is To Keep It Simple

I’m sure you’ve heard the KISS principle, and yes, it certainly applies to parenting. In fact, I’d have to say that the key to parenting is to keep it simple. However, trying to keep it simple often presents us with a problem because it seems as if society at large likes things to be complex. […]

Is Democratic Parenting Good?

Is Democratic Parenting Good?

Is democratic parenting good? Today we’re going to ask the question, “Is democratic parenting good?” Well, I love democracy. In fact, I’m a huge fan. I cannot imagine not having any input into what goes on around me, even though that input seems to effect less social change over time. Well, to answer that question, let […]

4 Parenting Sentences You Should Watch

4 Parenting Sentences You Should Watch

In this article, I’ll suggest 4 parenting sentences you should watch in terms of whether or not it’s a good idea to say them. That’s because the sentences I’m going to draw to your attention are very easy to say. In fact, they’re so easy to say that you probably say them all the time […]

Is Happiness All There Is?

Is Happiness All There Is?

There’s a great song I love. It goes like this: “If that’s all there is, then let’s keep dancing. Let’s break out the booze and have a ball.” I couldn’t agree more, especially about breaking out the booze on a warm summer evening, but it does beg the question: is happiness all there is? Is […]

Why We Shouldn’t Judge Parents

Posted by on May 25, 2020 in Articles, Helping parents | No Comments
Why We Shouldn’t Judge Parents

Why we shouldn’t judge parents:   Everyone makes mistakes! Today I was reminded of exactly how judgmental people can be and why we shouldn’t judge parents.  That’s a good thing, because every now and then you need to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. I tried to “nip” into our local bakery with my miniature […]

I Can’t Get My Toddler To Sleep

I Can’t Get My Toddler To Sleep

Dear Annie. I can’t get my toddler to sleep! Our 13-month-old son started at a day home 3 weeks ago when I went back to work, and he does not seem to be adjusting very well. He cries and cries, and he won’t take any naps there, so he is exhausted when we pick him […]

I Need A Good Night’s Sleep

I Need A Good Night’s Sleep

Hello Annie.  Help! I need a good night’s sleep! I have a baby boy who will be 6 months old on January 31, and he is my first child. “What do you do about sleep?” is my question, and I’m not sure if you work with babies this young. My husband and I have read […]

How to deal with aggression

How to deal with aggression

Hi Annie, I’m wondering how to deal with the aggression on the part of my son. My 9-year-old son came home today with a note from his principal and teacher. The teacher listed four aggressive episodes that my son engaged in in the last week and labelled them “violent acts.” I know that every parent […]

Teaching Kids Gratitude

Teaching Kids Gratitude

Teaching kids gratitude makes the world go round. All parents hope they will create appreciative children. So when it comes to teaching kids gratitude, let’s face it: nobody wants their child to be the one grabbing their birthday presents in a frenzy, shoving whatever lovely and thoughtful gift they just got aside in a desperate […]

How Do I Improve My Child’s Imagination?

How Do I Improve My Child’s Imagination?

For those of us who had imaginative childhoods, I’m sure one of the biggest questions on any parent’s mind is, “How do I improve my child’s imagination?” To me, there is nothing more beautiful than the imagination of a child. When I was little, in elementary school, I wanted to fly. The dream of flight […]

The Secret To Getting Your Kids To Listen

The Secret To Getting Your Kids To Listen

Would you like to know the secret to getting your kids to listen? Isn’t it funny how words like “ice cream,” “park,” or anything else that strikes kids as fun are heard right away, yet anything boring, like “it’s time to clean up your toys” or “go to bed,” can sail right over their heads […]

How Can I Get My Kids To Listen?

How Can I Get My Kids To Listen?

Hi Annie, How can I get my kids to listen?  I’ve got 3 kids; my oldest is turning 4 in January; the middle is 2; and my youngest is about to turn 1. My biggest source of frustration is getting the kids to do what I ask the first time I ask. I typically have […]

Where You Choose To Bring Up Your Kids

Where You Choose To Bring Up Your Kids

Where you choose to bring up your kids, matters a lot. That’s probably not a popular thing to say right about now, as so many of our cities and other living spaces are often, from a kid’s point of view, mind-numbingly boring. Where you choose to bring up your kids: Your environment impacts your children. […]

Parenting The Strong Willed Child

Parenting The Strong Willed Child

Would you like to know how to parent the strong-willed child? Parenting a strong-willed child is not easy, but I’m going to tell you something wonderful. Even though you may not feel it at times, you’re lucky. You see, I understand. If you’re the parent of a strong-willed or otherwise challenging child, it’s easy to […]

How To Handle A Temper Tantrum In Public

How To Handle A Temper Tantrum In Public

Would you like to know how to handle a temper tantrum in public? Let’s first acknowledge that there is nothing worse than having to handle a temper tantrum in public. All those judgmental stares and half-whispered comments just as you’re standing there with your toddler’s arms and legs flailing all over the sidewalk. So if […]

How To Stop Nighttime Tantrums

How To Stop Nighttime Tantrums

How to stop nighttime tantrums. When you’re faced with a question like how to stop nighttime tantrums, it’s likely you’re already exhausted. You’ve probably been up night after night, wishing and hoping that for just once your child would finally go to sleep without it being an enormous battle each time. Well, take heart; you’re […]

Step Parenting Problems

Step Parenting Problems

Interested in solving step parenting problems? Step-parenting problems are very common when families morph their structure, and it often takes considerable time to build the cohesion necessary for a workable family unit. Remember that there are different personalities at play, and no matter how hard you try, you can only do your best if you’re […]

My Daughter Refuses To Clean Her Room

My Daughter Refuses To Clean Her Room

“My daughter refuses to clean her room” is a complaint I actually hear quite a lot, and not to be sexist or anything, I hear it more often referring to daughters’ bedrooms than I do those of sons. I don’t know if I can say girls seem to collect more stuff, but irrespective, here’s the […]

Parent With Confidence Not Fear

Posted by on Nov 2, 2019 in Articles, Child Development | No Comments
Parent With Confidence Not Fear

I have a great job though sometimes I have to confess to feeling as though I’m swimming up stream.  The reason I often feel that is that my way of helping parents differs somewhat from the prevailing North American parenting philosophy that’s currently in favour.  What that ideology is we’ll get to later, but one […]

A Parent’s Guide To Building Resilience

A Parent’s Guide To Building Resilience

I’ve decided to write this article, a parent’s guide to building resilience in children, because I believe the way we teach resilience now, focused primarily on older age groups, will have long-term impacts on the health of our children. I’ve lost count of the number of articles I’ve read about the importance of developing resilience, […]

Do Parenting Tips Work?

Posted by on Oct 22, 2019 in Articles, general behaviour | No Comments
Do Parenting Tips Work?

Parenting tips are everywhere, but the question is: do parenting tips work? All around us, they fill magazines, the airwaves, and the internet, and many parents rely on them not just for little snippets of information but for their wholesale parenting approach. Which begs the question: do parenting tips work?  And, if they don’t, why […]

How To Get Your Child To Listen

Posted by on Oct 21, 2019 in Articles, listening | No Comments
How To Get Your Child To Listen

How to get your child to listen is a question that keeps many parents up at night. It’s frustrating when kids simply don’t listen to you, and you end up having to say the same thing over and over again. Here’s a question from Nancy: Hi Annie, I’ve got 3 kids; my oldest is turning […]

Child Behaviour Solutions that Actually Work

Child Behaviour Solutions that Actually Work

Are you looking for child behaviour solutions that actually work? As we approach Thanksgiving, I’ve no doubt there are parents out there trying to drift off to sleep at night with their calm thoughts being interrupted by visions of their preschooler screaming their head off during Thanksgiving dinner. Instead of enjoying warm fuzzies and thoughts […]

How to deal with a picky eater

How to deal with a picky eater

My child is a picky eater. She’s one year old and used to eat anything, but now she refuses to eat meat and vegetables (unless they are green). She could live on pasta and fruit. What should I do? Thanks Rowena Hi Rowena, I understand how frustrating this is for you, and you’re part of […]

Teaching Gratitude Makes for Happy Kids

Teaching Gratitude Makes for Happy Kids

Why Teaching Gratitude Makes For Happy Kids:  It’s all in the brain. If you want to know why teaching gratitude makes for happy kids, let’s start with the inner workings of the brain. You can think of it like this: All of us have our “big brain” and then our “reptilian brain.” Our “reptilian brain” […]

Ten Tips For Successful Parenting

Ten Tips For Successful Parenting

So there you are, perhaps pregnant or weighed down with diapers, and there’s a snot streak left across your sleeve from your toddler’s nose from the fourth meltdown that morning, and you’ve been wondering thoughts like, “What the heck am I doing?” All of a sudden, you take a glance at your smartphone and notice […]

What Do You Do With A Child That Says No

What Do You Do With A Child That Says No

Hi Annie. I hope you are having a great day! My question is, “What do you do with a child that says no?” Our son is seven. We taught our kids to believe that they are their own boss. This was mostly to help with bullying, but we told them that they are in control […]

Toilet Training Troubles

Posted by on Jan 7, 2019 in Behaviour advice column, Potty | No Comments
Toilet Training Troubles

Is your child having toilet training troubles? This letter is from a mom in Spain who is having toilet training troubles with her two-year-old and asks what to do with her son, who won’t ask to use the potty on his own. I’ve been on the road to potty training my 34-month-old, and it’s taking […]

The Trouble with Online Parenting Advice

The Trouble with Online Parenting Advice

So what’s the trouble with online parenting advice?   Looking for online parenting advice?  Sounds fair enough.  So what’s the trouble with online parenting advice? After all, what’s wrong with reaching out for guidance at the end of a night with the kids and looking for help, particularly when any parent I know would much […]

I Need Parenting Help!

I Need Parenting Help!

Hi Annie, I live in Chicago, so I am not near you, but maybe you could point me in the direction I need. I have three children. 12, 4, and 16 months old, and I need parenting help!I am a stay-at-home mom that never seems to accomplish anything. My 12-year-old is in school. The four-year-old […]

My Son Won’t Sleep!

My Son Won’t Sleep!

Hi Annie,  My son won’t sleep! He’s 3 1/2 years old and gets up 1–4 times a night, comes into our room, and says, “Mom.” I go back and tuck him in. Sometimes it’s that easy; other times it’s a battle, and he shouts, “I don’t want to go to sleep.” Sometimes he says, “No, […]

6 tips for well-behaved kids

6 tips for well-behaved kids

Ok, 6 tips for well-behaved kids. There’s always a lot of discourse in the parenting world about behaviour. When I start working with parents, they have all kinds of approaches to their children’s behaviour, some of which obviously work better than others. Combine that with all the behaviour tips available online, and parenting can be […]

Want To Be Your Child’s Friend?

Want To Be Your Child’s Friend?

Do you want to be your child’s friend? All parents love their kids, and pretty much all of us, I’m sure, have wonderful dreams of doing things together and getting along well as adults. But just as we recognize that it may be great to be your child’s friend when they’re an adult, is it […]

My Son Is Very Disrespectful

My Son Is Very Disrespectful

Hi Annie.  My son is very disrespectful to me. He’s 3.5 years old. He roars, swears, and has tantrums at the drop of a hat. He does not act this way toward his father. I am wondering if there is any advice you can give me. We also have a two-year-old boy who is following […]

Child Says Hurtful Things

Child Says Hurtful Things

Would you like to know what to do when your child says hurtful things? One mom below contacted me to tell me that her child says hurtful things. Words can be hurtful, and none more so than when you’re called mean or kids say they hate you. So, if any parent reports that their child […]

Should You Give Toddlers Choices?

Should You Give Toddlers Choices?

One of the first big questions of parenthood is: Should you give toddlers choices? The answer to that question is yes and no. What do I mean by that? Well, read on, because the answer is two-fold, and getting it right is extremely important to both your peace and that of your toddler. Firstly, if […]

How To Teach Resilience

How To Teach Resilience

Resilience is a very “in” word, but the question is, how to teach resilience? As a word, it’s quoted frequently, largely in response to the link made by experts and parents alike about how those who won’t let their children experience failure end up impacting their child’s ability to deal with the bumps of life […]

What To Do With A Child That Hits

Posted by on Aug 5, 2015 in Articles, general behaviour, Hitting | No Comments
What To Do With A Child That Hits

If you’re wondering what to do with a child that hits, I just read an article in a parenting magazine that quotes a couple of experts talking about hitting in a way that I think continues some of the sad misconceptions that parents have about children that hit. Unfortunately the parenting advice given was just […]

My Son Hits My Daughter

My Son Hits My Daughter

Siblings fighting usually drives most parents up a wall, and getting a question like “What do I do when my son hits my daughter?” is an extremely common parenting question. Usually it’s an odd hit or push there, but sometimes the behaviour becomes extreme, and then it becomes a far bigger parent problem to solve. […]

How Can I Get My Child To Behave?

How Can I Get My Child To Behave?

The Key To Making a Real Parenting Plan – Understanding Reality. If you’re dealing with multiple temper tantrums and challenging behaviour and you’re asking, “How can I get my child to behave?” then I have a question for you. Firstly, do you believe in magic? Do you think gnomes live under trees in your yard? […]

How To Stop Bullying

Posted by on Jul 30, 2015 in Articles, Bullying | No Comments
How To Stop Bullying

If you are asking the question of how to stop bullying, the first thing to understand is that bullies are made, not born. I’m probably going to shock you by saying they are created by how you parent. Like most people, I hate bullying. I don’t just dislike it; I have an utter distaste for […]

What To Do With Peer Pressure

What To Do With Peer Pressure

As a parent, I’m sure you’ve wondered about your child and what to do about peer pressure and the need they have to be like everyone else. As you know, peer pressure can make many kids—and adults, for that matter—do things that they wouldn’t ordinarily do. As humans, we want to fit in, and that can […]

The Problem With Parenting Today

The Problem With Parenting Today

I made a post on Facebook the other day alluding to the gigantic North American industry known as the “parenting industry.” I call it the problem with parenting today. I bet you didn’t think of parenting as an industry, but it is, and it’s huge. As I alluded to in my post, though, it’s not […]

Thinking Of Calling Nanny 911’s Number?

Thinking Of Calling Nanny 911’s Number?

Are Nanny 911 shows fact or fiction? So are you thinking of calling Nanny 911’s number? We’ve all seen the TV shows with the screaming children, replayed indefinitely, the tantrums, the hitting and biting, and then Nanny comes in wearing some Downton Abbey-style uniform, and in a week, the kids are all sitting there like […]

How To Build Your Child’s Self Esteem

Posted by on Jul 27, 2015 in Articles, self esteem | No Comments
How To Build Your Child’s Self Esteem

If you’re sitting out there wondering how to build your child’s self-esteem, I want to start with a joke. One of George Carlin’s more endearing moments, language aside, was when he made fun of the parental obsession of refusing to look reality in the face and say those all-important character-building words to your children, along […]

Free Range Parenting

Free Range Parenting

I’ve always loved the concept of “free range parenting.” But I recall one trip a while back when I went skiing for the weekend. I actually went to the ski resort, did a few runs, managed not to kill myself, handed in my equipment, and did what I really wanted to do, which was relax, […]

How To Get A Good Babysitter

How To Get A Good Babysitter

If you’re wondering how to a get a good babysitter, I’ve got a suggestion for you.  Tap the teenage market and find yourself a terrific babysitter.  So what do you look for in a good one?  How do you know what’s going on when you go out? What are the secrets to knowing whether you […]

Defining Risk

Defining Risk

I heard about the story that defines the state of risk in our society. Cardel Place, a fitness facility in Calgary, has been forced to be part of the “defining risk” agenda, and I feel sorry for them. Cardel Place used to “rock” literally. Kids climbed, balanced, and jumped all over the rocks and turned […]

My Child Is Narcissistic

Posted by on Jul 27, 2015 in Articles, Being mean, narcissism | No Comments
My Child Is Narcissistic

Are you sitting there in a quiet moment, worrying, “My child is narcissistic?” If you are, you’re not alone, and please don’t feel bad. Narcissism is pretty much everywhere you look. Sometimes we even look up to narcissistic people. They’re the go-getters with high self-esteem who take no prisoners. But is narcissism all it’s cracked […]

Everyone Wants To Be A Star

Everyone Wants To Be A Star

I love humble, don’t you? There’s nothing nicer in the world than meeting someone who is just terrific in whatever way but doesn’t really know it, or at least if they do, they’re humble about their abilities. The trouble is, that’s not what I see. Instead, everyone wants to be a star. A case in […]

What To Do When Your Child Is Bored

What To Do When Your Child Is Bored

Ok, so what to do when your child is bored? Your child is hanging out whining at you and saying, “Mom, I’m bored.” You were having a good day, but now you’re just looking for an answer, any answer. Maybe you’re googling fun games to play or calling a friend over for a playdate. It’s […]

The Sexualization Of Childhood

Posted by on Jul 27, 2015 in Articles, Child Development | No Comments
The Sexualization Of Childhood

The other day I was blown away by a CBC documentary called “Sexted Up Kids,” which, as the title suggests, is about the sexualization of childhood. This was no gentle prod about the state of the world, but instead an “in your face” account of the sexualization of childhood and how horribly pervasive it is […]

What’s Wrong With Education?

Posted by on Jul 27, 2015 in Child Development, Education | No Comments
What’s Wrong With Education?

What’s wrong with education? Well, first let’s look at report cards as an indicator of the health of the system in general. Report cards that dispense with actual comments and instead replace grades with some lovely politically correct words, like “evident” and “emerging,” Words that are pretty hard to understand but certainly don’t hurt anyone’s […]

Ways To Teach Resilience

Posted by on Jul 26, 2015 in Articles, resilience | No Comments
Ways To Teach Resilience

Every time I think about climate change, I think about Calgary and the floods that ravaged the community in 2013. I have the same thoughts about the BC flood of 2021, from which many communities still haven’t recovered. As I remember how all those flooded areas looked, I think of how the community came together […]

How To Stop Being A Hovering Parent

Posted by on Jul 26, 2015 in Child Development, handling risk | No Comments
How To Stop Being A Hovering Parent

If you asked a random group of parents in a room, many, if not most, would admit they hover. They’re often uncomfortable doing it but feel they have no other option. So the question is, “How to stop being a hovering parent?” A lot of hovering is actually motivated by fear. Fear of condemnation by […]

Is The Education System Failing Us?

Posted by on Jul 26, 2015 in Articles, Education | No Comments
Is The Education System Failing Us?

There is a lot of discussion society-wide at the moment with regards to the question of education, namely, is the education system failing us? A while back, Margaret Wente, one of the columnists for the Globe and Mail, was on a roll. First, she lamented our children’s seeming inability to grasp the concepts of math. […]

Ways To Make Your Child Happy

Ways To Make Your Child Happy

Like any parent, I’m sure you want to know ways to make your child happy. The answer is really quite simple. It’s actually one simple secret, but let me set the stage for you. Recently, I came back from holidays in Europe, where I went to Holland to see and be with all my husband’s […]

Is Risk Taking Good?

Is Risk Taking Good?

Asking the question, “Is risk-taking good for kids?” is critical to changing our society’s paranoid perspective on risk. The bottom line is that if there’s something in our society that we need to change quickly for the health of our children, it’s our perception of children and risk. I don’t know about you, but I […]

How Do You Teach A Child To Be Kind?

How Do You Teach A Child To Be Kind?

First think about why you’re teaching morality? Most parents want their children to be kind, thoughtful, and decent to other people and to know right from wrong. In short, to be moral So the question is, “How do you teach a child to be kind?” All parents are attuned to screams of “I want it; […]

My Child Is Special

My Child Is Special

Is Your Child Really Special? I have to say something scary is happening to words, and it’s already having a big impact on our kids. If you’re a mom or dad, you’re probably saying it to yourself many times each week. What is it?  Well, you’re probably saying, “My child is special.” Whispering to your […]

What To Do When Your Child Gets Hit

What To Do When Your Child Gets Hit

Hi Annie, I’m wondering about the best approach when it comes to what to do when your child gets hit by another child. Thanks, Jennifer Hi Jennifer,  Being in a situation where your child gets hit by another child happens a lot, yet we often deal in a way that causes even more problems later […]

How Do You Stop A Child Interrupting

How Do You Stop A Child Interrupting

Dear Annie, I am looking for some advice or suggestions on how to teach my 6-year-old about personal space. He is a very social child and enjoys being around kids, adults, etc., but he always seems to need to get the attention of others. When he arrives at school, he yells, gives hugs, and just […]

How To Handle A Child That Screams

How To Handle A Child That Screams

Annie – I’d like to know how to handle a child that screams. Specifically, my 19-month-old niece has a screaming problem. She will scream for no reason, and it is a piercing scream, and her parents don’t know what to do about it. It is very disruptive, and when we are all having dinner, she […]

My Child Won’t Get Ready For School

My Child Won’t Get Ready For School

Hi Annie, I hope you are having a great day! I have a question for you. I’d really appreciate your advice, as my child won’t get ready for school. He’s 6 years old, and I’m having a hard time getting him to get ready for school every morning. He is very particular about his pants. […]

My Son Won’t Do As He’s Told

My Son Won’t Do As He’s Told

Hello. I have a four-year-old son who is in preschool and has a VERY dominant personality. The bottom line is that my son won’t do as he’s told. He has trouble listening and following the rules. He wants to do things his own way. He has this problem at home as well. He bosses his […]

How Can I Help My Child Overcome Fear

How Can I Help My Child Overcome Fear

Hi Annie, I have a question. How can I help my child overcome fear? Recently, my son has started to get really worried about me. I had to help clean up after a party the other night and left after the fireworks, and my husband put him to bed. He cried for two straight hours, […]

My Child Is Mean To Others

Posted by on Jul 21, 2015 in Anger issues, Being mean | No Comments
My Child Is Mean To Others

Hi Annie, I don’t know what to do because my child is mean to others. Today the teacher pulled me aside and told me that my three-year-old son was taking toys away from other kids and that every time this one little girl would make something out of play dough, he would smash it. She […]

My Toddler Won’t Sleep Alone

My Toddler Won’t Sleep Alone

Hi Annie.  My toddler won’t sleep alone.  I have a twenty month old son and a six month old daughter and we’ve just moved house and given our son his own room for the first time, but the trouble is he hates it.  He used to have his bed in our room and I’ve done […]

My Child Uses Bad Language

My Child Uses Bad Language

Hey Annie, My child uses bad language. I mean, what do you do with a three year old with a dirty mouth? My three-year-old keeps saying the same bad word around family, and it’s super embarrassing. Have you got any suggestions for me? Jenna (Calgary) Hi Jenna, I can understand how embarrassing it is when your […]

How Do I Stop My Child Being Irritating?

How Do I Stop My Child Being Irritating?

Hi Annie How do I stop my child being irritating?  I have two kids. My daughter is nine, and my son is five. I have a problem in that my daughter irritates my son all the time. She doesn’t mean to, but she nags him so much that he just loses his temper and starts […]

My Child Lives in a Fantasy World.

My Child Lives in a Fantasy World.

Dear Annie,  My child lives in a fantasy world. She’s five years old and a very cute and adorable girl. I love her so much and treat her as a princess. She was fascinated at first by going to school. However, after a couple of months, she started hating school, and her teacher called us, […]

I Need Help With My Daughter’s Behaviour

I Need Help With My Daughter’s Behaviour

Hello Annie. I need help with my daughter’s behaviour. I find myself at times screaming and yelling, which is the exact opposite of what I want to do. My girls are very busy and are always into things; they climb on things, and one has now started ripping up her books. I have found that […]

I Can’t Potty Train My Son

Posted by on Jul 20, 2015 in Behaviour advice column, Potty | No Comments
I Can’t Potty Train My Son

Dear Annie, We have a wonderful 3-year-old boy that we are at odds with over potty training. The issue is that I can’t potty train my son, or at least both of us are having difficulty. Both my husband and I have been watching for the typical signs of readiness and thought we were ready. […]

How Do I Change My Baby’s Routine?

How Do I Change My Baby’s Routine?

Hello Annie. I’d like to know, “How do I change my baby’s routine?” In fact, I’m having trouble establishing any kind of routine at all for my 4-month-old son. He does have some semblance of a routine, but it’s very variable. He’s fine with it one week and not the next. His feedings are all […]

I Need Help With My Children’s Behaviour

I Need Help With My Children’s Behaviour

Dear Annie, We are an Indian family living in Bahrain, and I need help with my children’s behaviour.  We have two school-going sons, aged 6+ and 3+ years, and a daughter, aged 3+ months. Our elder son, who is in 2nd standard, is a quiet kid, but he cannot concentrate on what he is doing, […]

Child Has No Respect

Child Has No Respect

Hello Annie, My best friend has adopted a girl from China, and she has no respect. Her daughter is 10 years old now.  She has ADHD, high-functioning autism, and many other diagnoses. She is out of control and has no respect for her mother. Her mother wants to change things, but when this kid doesn’t […]

My Child Is Out Of Control

My Child Is Out Of Control

Hi there!  I am a mother of two, and my child is out of control! She is a diva! My son will be 4 in November, and my daughter will be 2 1/2. My husband and I are in our 30s and have really enjoyed parenthood for the most part. My daughter has always been […]

My Child Is Driving Me Crazy!

My Child Is Driving Me Crazy!

Hi Annie. My child is driving me crazy. My four-year-old daughter’s behaviour is very trying. She hits an awful lot, and although it is playful, it is also hurtful. She has a 15-month-old brother with whom she is very rough, and he enjoys the roughhousing, but of course occasionally he gets hurt. Worse, he has […]

My Child Sleeps With Me

My Child Sleeps With Me

Dear Annie. My child sleeps with me and I don’t know what to do.  But first, congratulations on your website; it is very helpful!  Lately, I am having problems as my 15-month-old son wakes up crying during the night. I initially thought he was experiencing teething pains, but when I picked him up from his […]

I Have An Unhappy Baby

I Have An Unhappy Baby

Hello Annie, We have 17-week-old fraternal twin girls, and I have an unhappy baby. We recently relocated the family to Calgary, where we have no support network or friends, and we appear to be having issues with one of the girls. While twin A is always content and happy (and easy to pacify), twin B […]

How Do I Stop Siblings From Fighting?

How Do I Stop Siblings From Fighting?

Hi Annie. I am a mother of three children, a five-year-old girl and twin three-year-old boys, and my question is, “How do I prevent siblings from fighting?” They are busy and a handful on the best of days. But lately, the boys are wrestling and are now fighting (punching) each other constantly. I don’t know […]

How Do I Get My Child To Sleep By Himself?

How Do I Get My Child To Sleep By Himself?

Hi Annie.  I was looking for some information or insight on the internet when I came across your website as I am constantly trying to figure out “How do I get my child to go to sleep by himself?” My son is 7 years old. He still needs one of us to lay down with […]

My Child Won’t Go To Sleep

My Child Won’t Go To Sleep

I have a problem in that my child won’t go to sleep. We have a 15-month-old who suddenly started hating to go to sleep and won’t stay asleep. He wakes up wailing and distraught, throws his soother and zebra blanket, and reaches out of his crib. He then squirms in your arms to get down. […]

My Child Won’t Stop Hitting People

My Child Won’t Stop Hitting People

Hi Annie, My child won’t stop hitting people. My son turned three a few weeks ago. The one thing we are struggling with is anger. When he gets hurt physically, if he bumps his head or falls down, or emotionally, if another child pushes him or screams at him, he will start to cry and […]

I Hate Crafts

I Hate Crafts

Hi Annie, This may seem like a weird question or comment, I guess, but I feel guilty, but I hate crafts. I’m just no good at them, and they bore me! I get that it’s cold and there’s not much else to do, so we meet with my girlfriends and their kids a lot for […]

I Don’t Want To Yell At My Child

I Don’t Want To Yell At My Child

    Hi Annie,  I don’t want to yell at my child, but I’d like to know how to get my eight-year-old boy to do things without me having to yell at him. It’s not like he didn’t hear me the first time. Hi Lesley, I know what you mean. Many parents say to me, […]

Help My Child Won’t Poop

Help My Child Won’t Poop

Hi Annie Help! My child won’t poop! How do I get my 5-year-old to poop? Doctors say it is behaviour-related, not medical.

How To Help My Child Deal With Change

How To Help My Child Deal With Change

I’d like to know how to my child deal with change? It is soon summer camp season, and my five-year-old son is excited to attend. Last year we found while he LOVES camps, he is always sad to see them end and becomes anxious about the next one- he really likes routine and for things […]

My Child Won’t Sit On The Potty

My Child Won’t Sit On The Potty

Hi Annie, My child won’t sit on the potty. Jade is terrified of the potty and the toilet. If I ask her if she wants to go without a diaper, she has a meltdown. She is genuinely scared, and although I am in no immediate rush to potty train, I would like to try and […]

How To Handle Transitions

How To Handle Transitions

Hi Annie, I’m looking for some advice on how to handle transitions. I will be returning to work from my second maternity leave in March. My main concern is for my 5-year-old daughter. She has really enjoyed me being home, being able to pick her up from kindergarten every day, and just having me at […]

My Child Vomits When Upset.

My Child Vomits When Upset.

Hi Annie, My child vomits when upset. I have three children, ages eight, six, and two and a half, and one of them vomits when upset. On top of that, we are having a lot of issues with all 3 of them, but right now, my biggest issue is that I cannot get my 2 […]

My Child Has Food Allergies

My Child Has Food Allergies

Hi Annie I’ve recently found out that my child has food allergies. He’s five and has high food sensitivities. We have to eliminate dairy, gluten, eggs, and citrus by 95% for the next 3–6 months. My son is very sad to see his favourite foods go. How do I help him process this? We have […]

My Child Bites And Pinches

My Child Bites And Pinches

Hi Annie, My child bites and pinches. She’s 2 years and 3 months old. How do I stop it? Please. Thanks, Sasha Hi Sasha,  That’s a great question, and the answer lies in understanding that your child is entering a new stage. In babyhood, you did everything for your child. You provided love and cuddles and […]

My Son Has Low Self Esteem

My Son Has Low Self Esteem

Hello Annie, My son has low self-esteem. He’s eight.  I always try to tell him how well he does things, yet he does not believe me. He constantly thinks he has to do everything perfect the first time and melts down if he doesn’t. Do you have any solutions or recommend any good books I […]

My Child Won’t Sleep!

My Child Won’t Sleep!

Hi Annie, My child won’t sleep! My daughter is one, and I can’t get her on a decent sleeping schedule. Any suggestions?  Michelle. Hello Michelle,  Thanks for the question. I don’t have a lot of information to go on here, so I’m going to do my best to guess what may be happening to you. One […]

What To Do About Child Clothing Sensitivity

What To Do About Child Clothing Sensitivity

Hello Annie.  My 7-year-old granddaughter is having daily battles with her parents about getting dressed. It’s just that I don’t know what to do about children’s clothing sensitivity. Each day is at least a half-hour of yelling, screaming, and crying. They have purchased the clothes she picks out and “wants,” but it has not helped.

My Kid Won’t Listen!

My Kid Won’t Listen!

Hi Annie, My kid won’t listen. She is 19 months old. She throws her food on the floor after eating and won’t stop no matter what I do. She is starting to hit and won’t say sorry afterwards. She is quite the stubborn cookie! Having said that, she is a great, happy girl. Thanks Rowena. […]

My Two Year Old is Out of Control!

My Two Year Old is Out of Control!

Hi there, Annie. My two-year-old is out of control, so I’m seeking help for my boy, who will be 3 in April. I feel like he’s totally out of control, and I have tried everything I can possibly think of to get him to change. It seems as though he spends most of his day […]

Five Tips For A Guilt-Free Summer With Kids

Posted by on Jun 22, 0201 in Uncategorized | No Comments
Five Tips For A Guilt-Free Summer With Kids

The kids are almost home and it’s often this time of year that parents contemplate what they’re going to do with them for the summer holidays.   So here are five tips for a guilt-free summer with kids. First of all, something in my title of, ‘Five tips for a guilt-free summer with kids’ may […]

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