Both as a teacher and as a camp counselor, I have dealt with plenty of separation anxiety in older kids.

In early elementary kids, it is still common to have a transition period as a child enters a new classroom. Even if the child was perfectly happy in the classroom next door the year before, he may spend the first couple of weeks crying in his new classroom. Intellectually, he knows he was happy the year before and will probably be happy again, but in between then and now, he has spent a lovely, long summer in the bosom of his family. For him separation anxiety is wrapped up in feeling uncomfortable with a new routine. Once he has cycled through the weekly schedule a couple of times and feels he knows his teacher, he is fine.

No, Mommy! Don't go! 8 Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a normal stage for kids to go through. It starts around 6 months and usually tapers off around 2 years old. During these months a baby is first gaining the cognitive recognition that you still exist when you are not there, which means baby can now miss you when you are not there. The problem often intensifies because at the same time baby realizes that her primary source of food and comfort can leave her, she is also testing the ways in which she is an individual. That's scary! A lot of separation anxiety is about finding that fine line between growing more independent and at some level still knowing she is fully dependent on you for survival.

My Child Doesn't Eat Enough

Concern over what your child is or is not eating is a common one. And it makes sense that we are concerned about it. Our fundamental job is to keep our children alive; and eating well is fundamental to thriving.

What makes the topic of eating especially charged is that it is one of the areas where children have control. You cannot force food into a child’s mouth, and even if you do, her upset about food being forced down her throat will often cause her to throw it right back up again.

Confidence, Letting go, ParentingElisabeth StittMarch 12, 2017eating, picky eaters, picking battles, confidence, nutrition, kids, parents, parenting, letting goComment

What Would You Do If Your Child Were Caught Shoplifting?

This blog is in response to a letter a mom sent me about her son:

Dear Elisabeth,

I am so angry and mortified. My 10-year-old got caught shop lifting, and I am afraid this is a sign of much worse things to come.

Upset and Worried in Tulsa

Shocking Quote from Sex Offender

"Show me a child who

knows nothing about sexuality,

and you've just introduced me

to my next victim."

Your Success Rate As a Parent Is Greater Than You Think

(In addition to being an author on parenting, Hogan is putting together an awesome in-person conference for parents in August 2017. Called the United We Parent Conference, it will take place in Southern California and will include great speakers (like me!) and breakout groups for parents to share their insights and issues.)

Help, Elisabeth! I still really don't know what effective logical consequences are!"

People often ask me, what consequence should I give my child for situation X.

There is no one right answer for that because each family is different, but here are some guidelines:

Logical consequences should

•be related to the problem

•be age appropriate

•allow a child his/her dignity

And most importantly, you HAVE to be able to follow through with them or you are back at square one, so it has to work for your family and for that particular child (fair is not equal).

TAMING TEMPER TANTRUMS

Tantrums are a natural stage in every child's development. While some parents with easy going children may have fewer of them to deal with, no parent avoids tantrums altogether. However, there are steps we can take to avoid and/or mitigate tantrums.

When It Is Time for Consequences

So far, everything you have done to build your consistency muscle has focused on the positive--you have modeled correct behavior, praised correct behavior and trained for correct behavior. But still your child is using disrespectful behavior! Now is when it get's real, when you are going to set an expectation and then hold the limit. This will probably mean that you need to have a consequence ready--one that you can absolutely follow through on.

10 Technology-Free Ways To Entertain Your Little Ones

When your littles ones have free weekends and days off school, it can be tempting to sit them in front of the television with their favourite movie on, with the hope of some peace and quiet in the house. However, while technology can be extremely useful for both educating and entertaining your kids at times, it is important to find other ways to fill their hours than being glued to a screen constantly.

Sometimes it seems as though kids get bored every two minutes, and it becomes incredibly difficult to think of ways to keep them occupied. Here is a list of ideas to get you started, when thinking of activities for your kids that don’t involve a TV, smartphone or gadget of any kin

Elisabeth StittJanuary 31, 2017Comment

Building the Consistency Muscle: Tip 3A: Model and Train

Build Connections, Communication, Consistency, Effective Consequences, Kindness, Parent as teacher, ParentingElisabeth StittJanuary 30, 2017consistency, communication, modeling, rules, expectationsComment

How Can I Help My Daughter Study for 7th Grade Science?

Build Connections, Communication, Consistency, Independence, ParentingElisabeth StittJanuary 18, 2017studying, reading, homework, tests, parenting, supportComment

Keep Your Child a Child

Communication, Confidence, Parent as teacher, ParentingElisabeth StittJanuary 16, 2017body image, kids, children, dress, princesses, super heros, value, worthComment

Expanding the Parenting Circle

Community, Letting go, Parent as teacher, TrustElisabeth StittJanuary 11, 2017caring adults, connection, confidence, supportComment

CONSISTENCY 101

With New Year’s here, I imagine that you are setting resolutions around your parenting. Among your resolutions, perhaps you have a goal of being more consistent. Great. I’d like to help with that. However, becoming a consistent parent is almost impossible if you leave to will power alone. It is much easier if you build for success step by step. I have a plan for doing exactly that.