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March 8, 2022
Many new parents are thrilled to hear their baby’s first coos and noises! Encourage them to respond back as if they are having a conversation with an adult. They can respond by imitating the noise the baby made, or by saying something like, “tell me more.” Then they can pause and wait for the baby…
Read moreMarch 1, 2022
For many families, getting out the door to school each morning can be a source of stress and conflict. For preschoolers, you can help parents promote autonomy and self-regulation skills by suggesting that they create a simple picture schedule of the morning activities to empower their child to be “in charge” of their own behavior.…
Read moreFebruary 22, 2022
Time-outs are an often misunderstood and misused technique for discipline. Here are a few quick ways to explain time-outs to caregivers: It’s a pause or body break, not a punishment. It’s meant to interrupt physically aggressive behavior only. It’s short: 30-60 seconds. Time-outs are not a replacement for caregiver soothing. Learning to pause and calm…
Read moreFebruary 15, 2022
Quick tip to promote positive opposites: When you hear parents commenting on challenging behaviors in the visit, model how they can ask for the behavior they want to see instead. Try things like, “please keep your body on the table,” instead of “stop moving,” or, “please hold this,” instead of “stop touching that.” See this…
Read moreFebruary 8, 2022
Quick tip to promote positive opposites: When you hear parents commenting on challenging behaviors in the visit, model how they can ask for the behavior they want to see instead. Try things like, “please keep your body on the table,” instead of “stop moving,” or, “please hold this,” instead of “stop touching that.” See this…
Read moreFebruary 1, 2022
Though infant crying and fussiness is an expected part of development, it isn’t easy for parents. Help build knowledge and understanding with these strategies: Promote soothing. Newborns cannot be spoiled and need help from adults to calm down. Encourage sleep. Remind caregivers that being overtired contributes to fussiness. Advise putting the baby down every 1.5-2…
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