A String on the Finger
Andrea Ramsay Speers
One of the things that never fails to set parents off is when kids are chronically forgetful. And it can be a long haul to get kids to accept the responsibility of [...]
Read more A String on the Finger
“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. [...]
Read more “So, How Was School?”
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 [...]
Read more When Big Kids Cry Easily
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 [...]
Read more Job Description: Parent
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. [...]
Read more Back in Black
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 [...]
Read more What’s Your Style?
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 [...]
Read more Most Of Us Hear, Not All Of Us Listen
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 [...]
Read more Money, Money, Money
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 [...]
Read more Being More Patient
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 [...]
Read more Foiling a Manipulation Tactic