amy@daretoparent.com

Parenting is about keeping your kids safe and secure but are your efforts to "help" actually blocking your child's independenc

For many kids, back to school means higher levels of anxiety. Learn about the "silent worries" kids won't talk about and what

Keeping your kids focused in the last weeks of school can be a challenge! Here's a few tips to help your child finish the year strong wh

"Mom, I don't want to go to school." It's only the first month of school and the honeymoon is over already?! Unfortunately, it only takes a few weeks for the excitement to wear off and the routine to become stressful. What can parents do? Here's a few quick tips to help with the transition: 1. Be patient during the adjustment period The start of a school year brings new teachers and classrooms, homework expectations and rushed morning routines. This can be stressful for kids

Kids are so different, even within the same family. At the end of the school day some kids share every detail while others need to be gently prodded for just the slightest bit of information. How can parents find out the details we really want? Tune in 3 ways! Whether it’s your chatty child or the quiet one who is finally opening up, use all 3 Channels of Communication to let him know you’re focused and listening. Here’s how: 1. Body Language: Your body should indicate yo

School has ended and the kids have dumped boxes and backpacks full of school items at our front door. Does your family shove the mess into a closet and ignore it until August? You're not alone! Every year we go through this, and every year I plan on being more proactive about it so...here goes! While organizing this mess isn't as much fun as a trip to the zoo, here's a few quick tips that will help you save your sanity now and some money in August. 1. Sort Have the kids empt

Whether it's a spelling test, a math quiz or state standardized testing, many children feel stressed over testing. Here's a quick rundown of what to look for and how to handle it. If you’re one of the lucky parents without a “test stress” kid, keep reading, you will find some great tips that will help your child handle anxiety in other areas of their lives! Signs of stress If your child is suddenly complaining of headaches, stomach upset, dizziness, or wanting to skip school,

It’s the time of year when parents and teachers meet to discuss a child’s achievements and their progression to the next grade level. For most parents it’s just a routine meeting but some of you may hear the words no parent wants to hear: “We’d like to hold your child back.” You might wonder why is this happening to your child or you may worry about how he will adjust to seeing his friends move on. Most importantly, you’ll want to know if this is the right decision. This is N