A Balancing Act!

Your role as a parent is a balancing act. You’re on the tightrope juggling school vs. home, nutrition vs. treats, play vs. discipline.

And you have something else to manage that many parents don’t understand: being a parent of a child vs. being a parent of a child with special needs.

Sometimes your child has an undesired behavior because, well, they’re a kid.

But other times it’s based on their developmental challenges.

While there is never an excuse for challenging behavior, the difference in origin will effect how you address your child.

What should your child be doing in preschool? Not sitting around

"Should I hold my son back from kindergarten?" a mom asked me. Her child was at a play-based preschool, and she was worried that he wasn't ready for kindergarten because he didn't know his letters and numbers. The first few school years of a child are essential for their growth and learning. So, it’s not surprising that many parents worry about the quality of teaching and the developmental advancement that their children must gain as they grow.

What Positive Discipline Sounds Like

My preschooler came out of her room and stomped once. I carried her back to bed. As I turned to leave, she called out:

“When we were camping, C wanted to be alone and I kept at him, and he hurt me. He hit me first. I hit him second. Next time we go camping, I’m going to hurt C.”

“Then I’m afraid we can’t go camping with C,” I said gently, hoping she would see the error in her ways (but not see I was making that up). “We go camping to have fun, not to hurt people.”

Favorites

Now Playing

Why there is an increase in ADHD diagnoses

John Gray, PhD

Best-Selling Author

Favorites

Now Playing

How to help your child heal from trauma

Jeanne Segal, PhD

Psychologist & Author

The Long-Term Financial Implications of a Divorce With A Special-Needs Child

A special-needs child, especially one with severe physical or mental restrictions, will most often require lifelong care. That’s why parents who special-needs children need to think long-term when divorcing and make sure they can provide a secure financial future for their children. In this case, special care must be given to the sharing of financial responsibilities, estate planning and the child’s transition to adulthood.