“So, How Was School?”
Andrea Ramsay Speers
Does that question make your kids clam up? Instead of asking a blanket question like this, try asking about a specific class, for example, or what they did during recess. [...]
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When Big Kids Cry Easily
Andrea Ramsay Speers
Some kids are just very sensitive. They cry easily and often, even over situations that others might not feel are such a big deal, and even as they pass the age where we [...]
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Job Description: Parent
Andrea Ramsay Speers
Many years ago, a colleague forwarded this to me, and it’s too funny (in a sad-but-true!) way not to share. I’d happily credit the author for this little laugh, if only [...]
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Back in Black
Andrea Ramsay Speers
When I was in high school, the cafeteria was unofficially sectioned off into groups, with members of a certain group sitting in the same area or at the same table every day. [...]
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What’s Your Style?
Andrea Ramsay Speers
Dr. Michael Popkin is a parenting expert who also uses the Adlerian “Democratic Parenting” model in his work. He has a quiz on his web site called What’s [...]
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Most Of Us Hear, Not All Of Us Listen
Andrea Ramsay Speers
I use a lot of skills in my work as a psychotherapist in Oakville. Some of these skills are ones that I teach my clients, too, and active listening is probably one of the [...]
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Money, Money, Money
Andrea Ramsay Speers
“Mom, can I have an ice cream?” That’s how it starts. With a seemingly innocent request for a treat – that requires money. This is your first opportunity to share with your [...]
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Being More Patient
Andrea Ramsay Speers
Most parents I’ve met would say that parenting has taught them to dig into reserves of patience they didn’t even know they had. But they’d also probably admit that they could [...]
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Foiling a Manipulation Tactic
Andrea Ramsay Speers
Kids develop a finely tuned awareness of which parent to go to in specific circumstances. Whether they’re looking for money, a ride to the mall, or permission to sleep [...]
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Saying What We Mean and Meaning What We Say
Andrea Ramsay Speers
Here’s an interesting statistic: Today’s Parent magazine took an online poll, in which 58% of parents responded that they sometimes say yes when they wish [...]
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