3-Minute Guru

After divorce: Manage blame, expectations

 
Whether your divorce is pending or five years behind you, your children continue to process the reality according to their age and level of understanding. There are two major concepts that can create the most emotional pain for children - blame and unrealistic expectations. Rosalind Sedacca has some tips for handling those challenges in  3-Minute Guru.

Figuring out how to pick your battles

Parents have been told for decades to choose their battles.  Which battles are most important? That's up to you. Parent coach Karen Deerwester has some tips for making a commitment to enforce the rules that you value in 3-Minute Guru.

Breastfeeding when you're sick: Is it safe?

You might be "Super Mom," but no mother is immune to getting sick. What if it happens while you're breastfeeding? Is it safe for the baby to continue? Dr. Chad Rudnick says there are few conditions that require a lactating mother to stop breastfeeding. Get his take in 3-Minute Guru.

How to bring peace to bedtime

Bedtime opposition is one of the many "normal" struggles for parents of young children.  While parents cannot "force" a child to sleep, you can step back from bedtime battlegrounds and lead children to peaceful nights. Boca Raton parent coach Karen Deerwester tells you how in 3-Minute Guru.

Question those you entrust with your kids

"I'm embarrassed to ask that ... what will they think of me?"
This is what many parents say about asking "safety questions" to another parent/friend before sending their kids to a play date or sleepover, or off to sports practice. The moms from the KidSafe Foundation tell you how to get over it in 3-Minute Guru.

Crystoppers: Three rules for wise parenting

Since the first years of a child's life, wise parents ensure that their children listen to them and do what they are told. Parents should be firm and loving and consistently guide their children to help them develop their individual gifts. Boca Raton pediatrician Dr. Aaron Kaweblum has three simple rules for wise parents in 3-Minute Guru.

Keeping kids safe from holiday hazards

Nearly 50,000 children require medical intervention for injuries every year during the winter holiday season. Most of these injuries can be avoided by dissuading dangerous activities and behaviors and taking a few preventative measures. Dr. Chad Rudnick points out some of the dangers in 3-Minute Guru.

Helping kids with tests amid holiday chaos

Are midterm exams or some other form of half-year testing on your high-schooler's holiday "to do" list? What can you do to help this stressful situation during an all-too-chaotic time of year? Amy Morris, author of two time management and organizational books for families, has some tips in 3-Minute Guru.

How to survive holiday travel with the kids

Traveling with young children is no vacation. With new airline policies and heightened stress levels, parents face more than the usual challenges from kids in c

How to cope with infant reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux is very common in babies up to 6 months old. The good news is that they do outgrow it. In the meantime, Dr. Chad Rudnick has some tips for easing the episodes, information on treatments and  what to ask your pediatrician, in 3-Minute Guru.

Talk to your kids, protect from abuse

Since the Penn State child abuse cover-up was exposed, parents have been asking: "What do I tell my child to keep them safe?" The moms from the KidSafe Foundation offer 10 things you can talk about with your children to help them  protect themselves - and teach them when to report unsafe situations, in 3-Minute Guru.

What to do if your child is being bullied

What are the signs that your child may be getting bullied at school?  Often a child will become quiet and withdrawn, moody or hesitant to study.  Grades may slip. Sherry Thomas of the Palm Beach School of Etiquette and Life Skills has some tips for talking to your kids about bullying - including checking their social media pages (you are NOT snooping!) - in 3-Minute Guru.

What you should know about RSV

RSV is a highly contagious virus that causes an infection of the respiratory tract. Most kids will get it by the time they are 2. Dr. Chad Rudnick tells what you should know and some tips for preventing its spread in 3-Minute Guru.

Gold stars for good manners

It's important to instill manners in young children - and Sherry Thomas from the Palm Beach School of Etiquette believes it's OK to offer some enticements for remembering your pleases and thank yous. Read all about her gold-star system in 3-Minute Guru.

Building social skills for success at school

Preschoolers need social-emotional skills to navigate the school day: assertiveness to speak to teachers and classmates,  independence to open their own lunchboxes, patience to wait for  another child to finish his turn. Boca Raton parent coach Karen Deerwester has some tips for building on those skills at home in 3-Minute Guru.

Keep list of child's medication handy

While most parents know the vast majority of their child's medical history, the area that is often forgotten or incorrectly recalled is what medication(s) they are currently taking. This can be important if you end up in the ER. Dr. Chad Rudnick's advice: Store at list in your smartphone. Read more on what med info you need to have handy in 3-Minute Guru.

Teach respect by showing respect

How many times do we find ourselves holding the door for someone only to have them look at us as though we were supposed to do that?  No thanks, no nod, not even a smile of gratitude. If parents aren't thanking the waiter each time he serves them, can we expect our children to do so? Sherry Thomas from the Palm Beach School of Etiquette and Life Skills has tips for leading by example in 3-Minute Guru.

How to raise a resilient child

Early childhood is prime time for encouraging optimism and resilience in children. Through positive role models and through practice thinking optimistically, children can learn to conquer obstacles and believe in their ability to face challenges. Parent coach Karen Deerwester has some tips in 3-Minute Guru.

Tips for bathing your new baby

A common question asked by parents at their first visit to the pediatrician is, "When should I bathe my newborn?" While there are numerous cultural beliefs, old-wives tales, and family traditions regarding how newborns and infants are washed, there are a
few facts and tips that everyone should know about bathing babies.
Dr. Chad Rudnick shares advice in 3-Minute Guru.

Be your kids' parent, not their 'cool' friend

Are you trying to be your child's best friend? The moms from the KidSafe Foundation say our job as parents is to prepare our children for life - to set boundaries, rules, expectations and consequences;  and take advantage of teachable moments. Get more from their perspective in 3-Minute Guru.

How to handle back-to-school anxiety

It's normal for some children to experience anxiety over starting a new school or beginning a new school year. Parents prepare children as best they can but, on that first week of school, parents often feel helpless. You do what you can but the time has come to stand back and support your child. Boca Raton parent coach Karen Deerwester tells you how in 3-Minute Guru.

How to accurately measure kids' fever

At one time or another, your child is going to have a fever - or at least you'll think he does. With all the modern instruments available for taking a kid's temperature, how do you know which is the most accurate? Dr. Chad Rudnick compares, in 3-Minute Guru.

How to talk to kids about walking alone

There is only one person to blame for the senseless death of an 8-year-old New York boy, slain as he walked home from day camp: the predator who stole his precious life. What can we learn from this? The moms from the KidSafe Foundation have actionable tips for teaching your child life skills so they don't become easy prey, in 3-Minute Guru.

When does baby really need shoes?

Until children start walking, shoes can be thought of as merely fashion accessories. Use socks to keep their feet warm. And when babies start taking their first steps, let them do it barefoot indoors. Dr. Chad Rudnick offers this advice, as well as how to find the right first shoes, in 3-Minute Guru.

How to teach kids not to engage in gossip

Gossip. It isn’t confined to schoolyards and office buildings.  It’s right inside our homes. How can we teach our children to take a stand against hurtful remarks? Sherry Thomas from the Palm Beach School of Etiquette and Life Skills has some tips - starting with what comes out of our own mouths, in 3-Minute Guru.

Is your kids' camp safe? What to ask

Summer is here, and your children are in a new routine. Whether you are sending them to camp, day or overnight, there are some important questions to ask before you send them out the door. Do you assume the camp you chose for your kids will be safe? Have you asked the appropriate questions that would give you confidence in the camp? The moms from the KidSafe Foundation share some ideas on what to ask in 3-Minute Guru.

How to keep kids reading all summer

As a teacher, Jane Hansen is often asked by parents what they can do over the summer to help their child become better prepared for the next grade.  They are intently seeking out some colossal idea, and it's frequently with disappointment that they hear her answer:  "Just keep your child reading." Yes, it is that simple. Get Jane's tips for keeping kids in books this summer in 3-Minute Guru.

Liven up summertime with scavenger hunts

 Caution: long days of summer ahead. Creative parenting always involv

Simple steps to teach kids value of money

Many children who are not taught money lessons grow into adults who struggle with the concept of savings, budgets, and basic money-management skills. Sherry Thomas of the Palm Beach School of Etiquette and Life Skills offers some simple ways to help your children understand the value of money, in 3-Minute Guru.

To protect kids from bullies, just listen

Statistics say one in five children are bullied. But many cases go unreported; many children remain silent. How can we protect them if they don't tell? The moms from the KidSafe Foundation have some ideas for talking to your kids about this, and listening so they will talk, in 3-Minute Guru.

Moms, give yourselves a break

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and the best gift you can give yourself is a little compassion. It's good for your health! Boca Raton parent coach Karen Deerwester has 10 simple ways to take it easier on yourself in 3-Minute Guru.

Is your child 'gifted'?

As a psychologist who has worked with families of young children for more than 25 years, Scott Roseman knows that parents of Palm Beach County prekindergartners are contemplating this question right about now. Learn about gifted characteristics - and how to put the testing in perspective - in 3-Minute Guru.

Keep young kids off Facebook

Teaching kids how to save money

Teaching your children about money and money management can and should begin early in life. Sherry Thomas of The Palm Beach School of Etiquette and Life Skills has some great ideas for explaining savings to children and helping them watch their money grow in 3-Minute Guru.

Spring organizing tips for your student

It's never too late to start organizing for school. With spring begins the countdown to the end of the school year; and for many middle and high school students that also means cumulative final exams are looming in the not-too-distant future. Boca mom Amy Morris has some tips for getting your student organized in 3-Minute Guru.

How to teach young kids to share

Sharing is a challenging concept for young children. It requires complex emotional and cognitive skills that are not fully developed in young children.  So, while you want your child to "do the right thing", your child's sharing ability is still very much "under construction." Boca Raton parent coach Karen Deerwester has some tips for helping him along in 3-Minute Guru.

One mom's story: Listen to your instincts

A mom shares an anxious story about a situation that just didn't feel right with Sally Berenzweig and Cherie Benjoseph of the KidSafe Foundation. What she learned and her advice to all of us to listen to our instincts in 3-Minute Guru.

How to say no in tough times

No is the new yes.  Saying no to the kids - particularly when saying yes would create stress and hardship for the family -  teaches your child more: Self-control and problem solving. Boca Raton parent coach Karen Deerwester offers strategies for saying no without emphasizing the stress of "not enough" in 3-Minute Guru.

Don't force kids to hug and kiss

Do your relatives want to hug, kiss and touch your kids ... but your kids sometimes don't want to? What do you do? Do you force your children to give in out of politeness? Sally Berenzweig and Cherie Benjoseph of the KidSafe Foundation explain why this is not a good idea - and give some alternatives for handling the situation, in 3-Minute Guru.

Infuse your kids with positive energy

Parent frustration: Who needs time-out?

This is for the parents who've read the books, followed the advice and still ... your child's behavior is not changing. And you've had ENOUGH. Night-time drama,  aggression on the preschool playground - it must stop. Boca Raton parent coach Karen Deerwester has some tips for getting past the frustration so you can be effective in 3-Minute Guru.

Teach kids to give credit where it's due

This is not about shopping. It's about teaching kids to acknowledge others' ideas. Sherry Thomas of the Palm Beach School of Etiquette says this way of thinking begins early - and can be a valuable leadership skill. Read more in 3-Minute Guru.

Keeping kids safe on holiday visits

Along with the togetherness of the holidays comes some increased stress and worry - especially if you are traveling with children and/or hosting family and friends from out of town. Local moms Cherie Benjoseph and Sally Berenzweig of the KidSafe Foundation offer some guidelines to help keep everyone safe and sound in 3-Minute Guru.

How to survive holiday chaos

We love the holidays! We hate the holidays! And kids feel it, too.  Holidays are special, but they throw our carefully orchestrated lives into chaos. We, as well as our children, have huge expectations for how things will be. Boca Raton parent coach Karen Deerwester has some tips for managing all the excitement in 3-Minute Guru.

Divorce: How to break it to the kids

Divorce is painful enough for the parents, but for kids, it can be traumatic. Deliver the news of your separation with calm and affection and realize you may need to seek professional help for the whole family. Sherry Thomas of Palm Beach Etiquette has advice for setting an amiable example in 3-Minute Guru.

Helping kids behave for holiday dinners

It's holiday dinner season! We hope you have a kids' table. But even if you don't, Boca parent coach Karen Deerwester has some tips for keeping the kids on their best behavior. Talk to them in advance, give them a chance to blow off some steam and please - no burping contests. More in 3-Minute Guru.

Helping kids learn from mistakes

We all make mistakes. The thing to do is to learn from them, atone,
apologize and then move on. But do you let your children see your imperfections? Do you tell them about your mistakes and how you feel about them? Local moms and Sally Berenzweig and Cherie Benjoseph of the KidSafe Foundation have some advice for talking to your kids about mistakes, the consequences and how to do better next time, in 3-Minute Guru.

Tips for managing endless "to-do's"

Getting kids to sleep through time change

Is there a gun in the house? Safety tips

Building confidence starts with respect

When you ask most parents what kind of children they want to raise, almost every time the word "confident" is somewhere in their answer. As a parent, how do you instill confidence? Boca Raton teacher and parent coach Jane Sisoian has some tips, starting with respect, in 3-Minute Guru.

Good manners on date start at front door

Once your kids enter the world of dating, they'll need to know how to behave. Sherry Thomas from Palm Beach Etiquette lays down some rules for boys and girls to help them impress their dates - and most importantly their dates' parents - in 3-Minute Guru.

This year's flu news: All-in-one vaccine

The flu vaccine is expected to be widely available this year, and H1N1 protection

is built in. Boca Raton pediatrician Dr. Paul Christakis shares the latest information and recommendations in 3-Minute Guru.

Art of the deal: When to negotiate with kids

Negotiation teaches children important communication and problem-solving skills. Even so, there's a time and place for it. If everything is open to negotiation, every decision will involve tedious and time-consuming discussions. Boca Raton parent coach Karen Deerwester shares some strategies in 3-Minute Guru.

Brain exercises may help kids with ADHD, autism

Children with autism spectrum disorders and ADHD may actually be able to exercise their brains in a way that can improve their focus, comprehension and social skills, new research shows. John Conde, a chiropractic neurologist in Delray Beach, describes how to do some of these exercises in 3-Minute Guru.

Teach kids to say no - for safety sake

Do your kids know how to say "NO?" "Of course!'' you're thinking. But in regard to keeping themselves safe: Will your child say "NO" to the stranger in the car that asks for help to find a lost puppy? Will your child say "NO" to their friend who wants to post a mean comment on Facebook? The moms from the KidsSafe Foundation have tips on how to teach when NO is the right thing to say in 3-Minute Guru.

Tips for winning the homework battle
 

Now that the school year is upon us, the homework battles have begun -  with kids getting upset and parents frustrated. Del Prado third-grade teacher and parent educator Jane Sisoian has some simple tips to set the stage for a successful school year in 3-Minute Guru.

Tell the children: Keep gum at home 
 

You won't be surprised that the Etiquette Queen frowns on gum-chewing - but only in public. A gentle reminder to teach your kids the finer rules of gum-smacking and bubble-blowing (this is Palm Beach, after all), including where not to stick it, in this week's 3-Minute-Guru.

Organize kids for new school year

On their own: Walk to school, home alone

What to do when your child learns to lie

Toddlers can learn good manners

Children can be taught socially acceptable behaviors at a very young age. They can wobble over to the  trash can to throw away a napkin. They can learn that dirty clothes don't belong on the floor. Sherry Thomas from the Palm Beach School of Etiquette has some tips for training your little angel in 3-Minute Guru.

Stop telling kids what to do - they know

We spend way too much time telling kids what to do when they mess up. Third-grade teacher and parent coach Jane Sisoian suggests holding the lecture and asking some pointed questions instead. Their answers will surprise you, she says in 3-Minute Guru.

How to remember kid's in back seat

In this record-breaking hot summer, children have been dying due to adults "forgetting" about them in the car. We would all like to think it couldn't happen to us. But if you have been a parent long enough, you have learned to say to yourself ... never say NEVER. Sally Berenzweig and Cherie Benjoseph of the KidSafe Foundation share some prevention strategies in 3-Minute Guru.

 

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Skip the drive-thru & cook with the kids

Cooking at home is much more healthy - and can be more fun. And with the slower pace of summer, it's a great time to get into the habit of cooking with the kids. Boca Raton parent coach Karen Deerwester has some tips for mixing it up in the kitchen in 3-Minute Guru.

 

 

 

 

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They're testing you; will you pass?

Ripped from the headlines - lessons on peer pressure 

A great way to drive home life lessons with your teen: Discussing the news. Use the opportunity to present real-life situations and real-life consequences. No screaming, preaching or criticizing required, says Sherry Thomas, president of the Palm Beach School of Etiquette and Life Skills. Read more in 3-Minute Guru.

Kids, life is hard; don't give up

Reporting vs. Tattling: Teach the difference

We want our kids to come to us with important safety concerns. We don't want them pulling on our shirt sleeves every five minutes. Personal safety educators Sally  Berenzweig and Cherie Benjoseph, who are also local moms, have some tips for teaching the kids when to bring something to our attention - and  what is considered tattling. Read their advice.

Parenting in public: Ethics & etiquette

How many ways can people find to annoy each other? Judging from Sherry Thomas' mail at the Palm Beach School of Etiquette and Life Skills, quite a few. And some come our way because some people do not behave themselves or manage their children properly. Most of us accept that toddlers can become overactive in public.  But when parents in a crowded restaurant allow unruly behavior, that can become a prickly area. Get Sherry's advice for handling the situation.