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Last updated 12:56AM ET
November 21, 2009
Parenting with Cheryl Erwin
Parenting with Cheryl Erwin
Apologize There's a common belief that it's good parenting to "make" a child apologize for a wrong. But do these often-sullen expressions of remorse really do anyone any good? Let's take a look and see.
Cheryl Erwin's Parenting for 11-10-09 Manners and simple courtesy appear to be going the way of the dinosaur, making public life in our community less enjoyable than it used to be. But why? Do manners serve a useful purpose these days? And if they do, how should parents approach teaching them to kids?
What if you don't like parenting? There is a widely-held assumption in our culture that having and raising children is the pinnacle of human experience. But what if you don't want kids? What if you have them and don't find the experience rewarding? Then what? Here are some thoughts and suggestions.
Childhood Trauma For most kids, life is pretty sweet. But for others, life feels unsafe and unsettled. We now know that early childhood trauma can cause big problems later in life for children. Here's what to look for, and suggestions about what to do for a hurting child.
When Parents Lose It All parents can lose it when dealing with kids. Cheryl Erwin has some ideas on how to control your temper.
Teenagers Parenting Commentator Cheryl Erwin has some thoughts on raising your teen.
What's most important On today's program Cheryl has ideas on what's really important when disciplining kids.
Good or Bad Kids It's one of the oldest parenting phrases around: "What a good boy!" or "You're a bad girl!" But value judgments such as these can teach children unintended lessons about who they are in the world. Here's why.
Contingent Communication The more we learn about early childhood, the more we recognize that those first months and years are critical to developing healthy relationships and getting your child off to a solid start in life. The first step is so simple we often overlook it. Listen in to learn about the most important thing you can do for your baby.
Gifted Children Many parents, watching their children wrestle with homework or dread returning to the classroom, think raising a gifted child would be a snap. No more teacher conferences, no more bad grades, no more problems right? Well, not exactly. Gifted children and their parents have their own challenges. If your child is gifted or you think she might be here are some thoughts to consider.
Neuroenhancing Drugs Americans love to believe in progress, science, and technology, and we love easy solutions to difficult problems. Now there may be a pharmaceutical way to enhance work and academic learning. Is this a good thing, or the beginning of a very slippery slope? What should parents know about neuroenhancing drugs?
Are you Stuck? Are you stuck in old parenting habits? How brain science can help you be a better parent.
Pushover Parents Parents work very hard at being good parents. In fact, many parents work so hard at being "good" that they're ineffective at providing the discipline and boundaries that children need. Parenting is about more than being nice or having happy children. Here's what to do if you suspect you've become a "pushover parent."
When Children Lie Pretty much everyone agrees that lying is a bad thing. Interesting, then, that there's so much of it in the world! There is a great deal parents can do to make it more likely their children will tell them the truth when it matters. Here are some suggestions.
Creativity and Imagination Play for children used to involve lots of dress-up, role-playing, and imagination. Now it's likely to mean acting out the latest episode of "Dora the Explorer" or playing with toys that do all the work for you. Whatever happened to imagination and creativity?
Children and Chores Chores the tasks we expect children and teenagers to do around the house and yard are a source of contention in most families. Still, teaching children life skills and involving them in family life in a helpful way are worth the occasional argument over who should do what and when. Here are some suggestions for getting your children involved in helping around the house.
Kids and Choices Children should have choices, right? At least, that's what the parenting experts say. But what sort of choices are appropriate for children to make? Here are some tips on how to be the grown-up in your family, while still giving children a voice.
Childhood Obesity Obesity in children is a serious problem, one that appears to be increasing in American society despite our emphasis on healthy foods and exercise. Why does it really matter? And what can parents do to prevent obesity?
Death and Grief Death is part of life for all of us. Parents often wonder, though, just how to help children understand when a family member, friend, or pet passes away. What should you say? What should you not say? Here are some ideas to consider
Confidence and the Dog Whisperer Ever heard the phrase "the inmates are running the asylum"? Sometimes, parents tell me they feel as though their children are in charge and they worry about damaging a child's self-esteem or love for a parent by offering discipline or correction. Children need discipline, though and they need "calm, assertive" parents. Here's some advice from an unlikely source: the "Dog Whisperer."