On 10 December 2010 the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth released a statement called "Smacking is Not the Answer". The media release is supported by UNICEF, The Australian Childhood Foundation, The Benevolent Society, Good Beginnings Australia, Pinky McKay and Families Australia. It's worth a read. Read full article
Book:Toddler Tactics by Pinky McKay. Being the parent of a toddler can be exciting, inspiring and exhausting - all at once. Your adorable little baby has now become a moving, grooving tot with attitude, and it will take all your patience and skill to deal with these changes. Parenting expert Pinky McKay explains what to do at each stage of development and offers practical strategies for parents of toddlers.
* communicating with your toddler * discipline and good manners * good eating habits * routines for play and sleep * toilet training * family dynamics
Toddler Tactics is bursting with practical strategies for making the toddler years the exhilarating experience they should be. Read full article
Book: The Spoilt Generation by Aric Sigman. The author writes about his views on why restoring authority will make our children and society happier. Dr Sigman, father of four, discusses children's sense of entitlement, the effects of technology, parental guilt and what he calls the compensation culture. He writes about his views on parents redefining their roles and raising better behaved, happier children. Read full article
Book: Heart to Heart Parenting by Robin Grille is about nurturing your child's emotional intelligence from conception to school age. More than just a book about raising happy and resilient children, Robin Grille writes about how to create a deep and lasting relationship with your child. Guidance on your child's emotional needs, how to deal with tantrums and how to talk and listen to your child in a way that benefits your child's social development and wellbeing. Read full article
My husband and I are pretty much chalk and cheese in many ways. Although we have similar values and priorities in life, it's safe to say we have some pretty different approaches when it comes to parenting. My husband is from a rules-based background where you know what the rules are ... I come from a laissez-faire, lead-by-example background where there was so much else going on for my single mother that rules didn't really enter the equation. Read full article
Recording of webinar with Robin Grille on 29 October 2010 - The Influencing Parent - part 1. Robin Grille talks about a different approach to getting children to behave well, and not just 'do as they are told'. He talks about why punishment of children does not work but natural consequences do.In this podcast Robin Grille also discusses the value of intrinsic rewards and the transient effect of systems such as start charts. Questions and comments from audience and Yvette Vignando, publisher of happychild. Read full article
How did it get so hard? Where did we go wrong? Did I answer my parents back at 3? Surely not. Was I negotiating each time my mother asked me to do something? ...In short, we've been taken to a place we never knew existed. Before kids, I negotiated deals with my eyes closed, confidently presented to a room full of buyers, hosted VIP international client dinners and now, here I am, debating with our daughter...Never one to ask for help, I finally surrendered after another shocking bedtime debating match and turned to my husband and said, “Enough is enough, we need help”. And there it was... Read full article
Last year your daughter was so sweet, suddenly she has an “attitude.” Two months ago your son was your best bud, now he treats you like you’re totally “uncool.” Welcome to the world of parenting a teenager. Throw out any of those child-rearing manuals you’ve used in the past. To survive this age group and come out sane you need a whole new parenting perspective. Read full article
It’s been one of those interminable days of constant negotiation with your children over the tiniest details, about treats, attention, manners, tv. Then in waltzes your partner, and throws it all to the wind. It’s indulgence time....It’s the source of resentment and countless arguments, and can range from minor squabbles to major breakdowns where relatives will suddenly find themselves out of the children’s lives. But this clash about the right way to parent is all about the “grown ups”. What about the children? How do differing styles, especially between partners and within the family group, affect children? Read full article
Book: A Handbook for Happy Families by Dr John Irvine. A Practical and Fun-Filled Guide to Managing Children's Behaviour. This book provides ideas for parents on 40 or more common problems with children of all ages. There is an emphasis on having fun in your family and a teenager section. The advice in the book is suitable for all family structures (including single, step and weekend) and for grandparents. Read full article
