Parenting

Life Lessons from Legos

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Dr. Fran Martin

I have always been a fan of children’s movies. This likely started when I was first taken to see Disney movies as a child. These were VERY special occasions for me – a real treat. Back then, they were only released every seven years which definitely heightened the excitement of seeing each new or old one. My personal favorite was Lady and the Tramp, a quintessential love story (in my mind/memory anyway). I loved taking my own children to animated films as well – all time favorites included Aladdin, Little Mermaid, An American Tail (with Feivel Mousekowitz) and The Incredibles. Continue reading →

Holiday Gift Giving

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Dr. Corinne Masur

When it comes to the holidays do we just go on auto pilot? Do what our own families did? Or do we try to think about what kind of holiday we want to provide for our children?

Parents often struggle over when to start giving gifts to their children and how to do so in a thoughtful way. Their own early experiences often influence what they want for their children at the holidays – whether this means following the traditions of their own families – or doing the opposite. Continue reading →

New Mothering

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Dr. Corinne Masur

A couple weeks after the birth of her first baby, one of the women in our mother-infant group came and in and immediately started to cry. “No one told me it would be so hard,” she said. The other women looked on, slightly horrified, as they were all still pregnant. And it was true. No one talks about how hard the transition is from non-mom to new mom. No one talks about the complete loss of autonomy, the feeling of being controlled by your baby, the dramatic change in the relationship with your partner, the extreme vulnerability you feel, how everything hurts your feelings and makes you cry, how hungry you feel for support and how you feel like YOU need nurturing while, in the mean time, you are expected to nurture your baby. Continue reading →

Hyperactive Toddlers!?@#@#!!!!??? ADHD Unmasked

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Dr. Corinne Masur

In 2011 more than 10,000 2- and 3-year-olds were taking medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

But how do you tell if a toddler has ADHD?

All parents worry about their children. And when they have very active children, these days they worry about whether their children may be “hyperactive.” But what IS hyperactivity and what is “normally” active when you talk about a two or three year old? Continue reading →

University Land

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Dr. Corinne Masur

With a huge amount of terrible news in the news recently, the WORST news regarding the deterioration of American values I have read involves the arms race amongst universities to provide the coolest attractions on campuses so that more kids will apply. According to the New York Times, when LSU surveyed students in 2009 to find out what they most wanted in their new recreation center, the one feature that beat out all others was a lazy river. Yes, a lazy river – like those found at amusement parks.

Since when did college and theme parks overlap? Continue reading →

Welcome

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With the amount information available online, you would think that parenting these days would be easier.  Instead, it seems that all the conflicting advice and pseudo information creates more anxiety and confusion than ever before.

One of the great challenges of parenting today is sifting through the overwhelming number of choices we have, coupled with the contradictory voices telling us how to parent. We’re here to help create the pathway that’s right for you, your child, your family, and your community.

Each month, you’ll find essays and discussions featuring psychologists, parents, and teachers that focus on the joys and challenges of parenting. Please contribute your thoughts. Together, we hope to create a forum for reflection, discovery, and growth.