Emotional Structure for Terrific Toddlers

By Caron Goode

What do thumb sucking, sleeping with a doll, and eating a peanut butter sandwich everyday have in common? These are topics of questions sent to Inspired Parenting about behaviors of two-year-olds. These typical behaviors demonstrate the desire for soothing and the need for structure or routine as the two-year-old's brain is connecting the neural dots in one of their fastest growth spurts.  Read on...

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When a Family Comes Apart

By Lloyd J. Thomas

In 1991, the American Psychological Association reported that the greatest threat to the mental health of the average American is..."the decline of the nuclear family." Today, people are breaking up their families at a rate unparalleled in American history. And with the dissolution of our families, so goes our mental and emotional health. Read on...

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Anger Management

By Michael S. Gisondi

As I opened one more Christmas present, my twelve year old was very cautious. She repeatedly told me it was just a joke. What? My two daughters had made a pretend gift certificate for a class in Anger Management. After the laughter subsided, my embarrassment was still there. My anger was becoming more than just an excusable tirade. It was affecting the family. Read on...

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Stopping Violence - What to Look For

By James Miller

Many acts of violence, suicide and murder by youth can be prevented if the warning signs are noted and action is taken. An example of such failure is Columbine High School. A bigger tragedy than the deaths was how easily they could have been prevented.  Read on...

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Make April Waste-Free Lunch Month!

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd, schools across North America will be experimenting with waste-free lunch programs. For many, this has become an annual affair, for some this year will be a first, and for those who aleady have a comprehensive waste-free lunch program in place, this is a time to celebrate success. If your school or office is planning a waste-free lunch event, be sure to visit www.wastefreelunches.org for program ideas, sample letters, course materials, facts & figures, success stories, and more. Start planning now. Earth Day is just around the corner!

Also, if you have a waste-free lunch success story, a related link, a research project, or course materials you'd like us to post, please write to webmaster@wastefreelunches.org.

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Book Review - A Talk With Children's Book Author Eliza Woloson

Review By Anna Stewart

When Eliza Woloson talks, we need to listen.
Woloson, a Boulder, Colorado mother, is talking about differences. And she wants all of us to talk about them, too. To start the conversation, she's written a book, My Friend Isabelle. This charming picture book lovingly shows the tender friendship between her daughter, Isabelle, and her friend, Charlie. Like most friends, they enjoy each other's company. On their weekly play date they eat snacks, go to the park, and play together. They are very much alike. Read on...

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Talk Less, Act More: Using Consequences to Discipline Young Children

By Brenda Nixon

One fall morning Laura, then five, was dawdling in her bedroom. However, she was supposed to be dressing for school. "Laura get dressed," I urged for the umpteenth time. Laura continued procrastinating, staring into her closet, mumbling to herself, and making no progress.

"Aaahhh!" - as Cathy in the Hallmark comic strip would exclaim - I was nagging! Laura was not getting dressed and it was partly my fault. At this point, I'd been parenting over 12 years. One would think I'd been smarter and prevented this mistake. Read on...

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Mother Arts: Journaling

By Anna Stewart

Baby books are helpful for recording the milestones of your baby's first year or two. Baby books record the facts but not the feelings. I think that's why so many of us let them collect dust after the first few months. Writing "June 22nd, weaned from nursing" is not at all the same as, "When he woke at 2:30 in the morning and wanted to nurse, I said no. He cried for about 15 minutes. Then he got out of bed, walked into the kitchen in the dark house and screamed at the refrigerator for his juice. I put water in a tippy cup and handed it to my outraged son. He went back to bed. I held him. He drank his water. Finally, we both fell back asleep." Read on.

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Mother Nurture: What Dad Can Do for Mom

By Rick and Jan Hanson

I feel worn out and wish my husband would give me more support. He says he wants to and that I should just give him a list. Any ideas?

Out of our marriage and experience with many couples with children, here's a Top Ten list (in no particular order) addressed to a father; hopefully some of these suggestions will fit your relationship...
Read on.

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Parenting Tips: Angry Emotions - Your Child's and Yours

by Elizabeth Pantley

Q: My child can't control his angry emotions. He tends to lash out at others, verbally and physically. How can I help him stop getting so angry?

Think about it: As a parent educator, one of my most popular lectures is entitled Understanding and Managing Your Anger. Ask yourself, "If hundreds of adults attend a class about anger management, how can I expect my child to learn how to control his anger on his own?"
Read on.