You’re at the toy store, picking out a gift for your nephew.  Your son is with you.  You think this would be a great time to teach him about the spirit of giving, by having him help you pick out the toy. All through the store you hear: “Look!  I really want this.  Can we get this for me?” “Hey, will you get this for me today?  I want this really bad!” “I just have to have this!” “Hey, I want that!  Why do we have to give it to my cousin?” You understand your child’s excitement about the impending holidays. You understand child development and the ages and stages that... (Read More ...)

December Holidays:  Is it Okay to Use Threats About Santas Good Bad List For Child Discipline? You are busy getting ready for the holiday family gatherings that are quickly approaching. While out shopping at the mall, your children start clamoring for you to take them to see Santa so they can give them their wish list. You want to do this on a day when you can get them dressed for the photo opportunity, so you tell them to wait until you can plan that outing another day. They protest in unison, “We wanna see Santa! We wanna see Santa!” You tell them you want them to look nice for Santa. They... (Read More ...)