Welcome to our website designed to provide the information and tools parents need to understand their unique child/children and to enable them to help each child develop into the successful human being they were meant to be.
Our philosophy is built on years of child development research which shows that while each child is “pre-wired” with certain traits, temperament and abilities, it’s the interaction with their environment, especially their parents, which ultimately determines how these characteristics are manifested as they grow and develop into competent adults.
Development is the result of “transactions” between the child and his/her environment. Each transaction results in new learning which results in the development of skills and traits. The right frequency, quality and intensity of interactions between children and their environment will result in each child reaching his or her full potential.
If you have ever observed the progress of a major building project, you have seen that scaffolding is put up first and is used to provide support while the structure is being built. As the project reaches each stage of completion, the scaffolding is gradually removed as the building can support itself. The parent’s role in child development is to provide the scaffolding for their child and gradually remove it as the child attains skills and abilities while they move from one developmental stage to another. By spending time in the Child Development section of our website and subscribing to our Newsletter and Blog, you will be able to provide just the right type and amount of scaffolding for your child.
Research has also shown that nurturing in the form of spending sufficient quality time with your child that is fun and enjoyable for parent and child leads to happy, healthy , successful kids. Kids also need structure. Parents are the key to helping children develop self-discipline and positive character traits. Our Parenting section provides tips on how to enjoy your child while providing the leadership and structure to meet the unique needs of each child.
Parents should be each child’s first and favorite teacher. Our Leaning section provides guidelines and tools to enable parents to provide the input and activities children need at critical stages of development. The timing and appropriateness are key to children learning important skills. Children may have difficulty mastering certain developmental tasks or academic subjects. We also provide suggestions on how to help kids when they are struggling. We offer expert help for new readers or struggling readers including dyslexia, math, language plus help for study skills and homework.
The Health & Safety section provides guidelines on how to keep your child fit and healthy as well as how to handle issues such as sleep, weight management and common childhood illnesses. Safety tips for parents of kids and teens are available including updates on product recalls.
Most parents will encounter a few bumps in the road as their child moves from baby to teen to adult. The Child Psychology section provides guidelines and referrals to trusted resources for such problems as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD, Anxiety, Autism/Aspergers, Bedwetting, Depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder - ODD, Shyness and more.
Concerned about what your kids watching or listening to? How about video games or internet activity? Visit our Kids & Media section for guidelines and suggestions for age appropriate materials including books, music, videos, software and video games.
Finally. Are you a New Parent or new to parenting Teens? We have help for you as well.
Parents Guide on Sleep for Babies Everything parents need to know about how to cope with the sleeping habits of a baby. Learn about their "routine", how to gradually help them develop a healthy sleep schedule. Discover some massage techniques to help them fall asleep. Safety issues regarding babies and sleep are covered. Bedding and other physical considerations are also covered. Written to help "everyone" get a good nights sleep.
[ In Child/Teen Health & Safety ]
Pediatric Obesity: The Unspoken Epidemic The press has frequently focused on infectious disease epidemics such as H1N1 influenza and HIV, but rarely discusses the growing problem of pediatric obesity. If HIV affected 30% of the population you would bet there would be an outcry for the government to do something about this problem. Right now almost 32% of children 6-17 are considered overweight or obese. There are some general guidelines on what to eat and how much to exercise but really there are no easy straightforward plans for families to address obesity in their children. Obesity is not as simple as eating less and exercising more or following the food pyramid, if it were that simple all my patients would be thin and fit and I wouldn’t be writing this article. Weight management should be approached in a holistic manner in that diet, exercise, emotional and family dynamics should be addressed.
Desmond Lew, MD is a pediatrician with years of experience in private practice, teaching and developing disease management programs for medical groups and health plans. He has joined our editorial staff and will be writing articles and blogs on health and safety topics of importance to parents.
[ In Child/Teen Health & Safety ]
What Are Your Kids Doing Right Now? Recent studies show that children and teens are spending more and more of their time involved with types of electronic media. Some good some not so good. Like with any other activity children and teens need guidance from parents on how to benefit most from these activities as well as how to be safe. Finally, they need to know there is such a thing as "too much of a good thing."
Pam Myers is an educator and mom of two grown children. She is the new editor for our section on Kids and Media. She will be providing much needed information for parents on how to guide and monitor their exposure to all types of media. You will learn what is safe and what is not. Plus recommendations for what is best. Stay tuned to the Kids and Media channel.
[ In Kids/Teens and Media ]
When is a learning problem a PROBLEM? New criteria adopted in 2004 or identifying children with learning disabilities known IDEA is more inclusive than PL 94-142 of the 70's yet some school districts are still using the older standards. Parents need to be informed and may want to request a new evaluation under IDEA.
George Tucker, PhD is now the editor for our section on learning and learning disabilities. He is a child psychologist with years of experience working with children and teens with all types of learning problems. He is also author of a book for parents on how to understand, help and support a child with learning difficulties. He will be adding information to the site and writing comments on our blog.
[ In Learning & Learning Disabilities ]
Introduction to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child Psychiatrists are specialists in treating child and adolescent mental illness. They often work as part of a collaborative team to help children and families benefit from treatment. There is a common misconception that a trip to a child psychiatrist will result in a prescription for psychotropic mediation. Dr Gail Fernandez, the new editor of the child psychology and mental health section of this website explains the role of a child psychiatrist in providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment which rely on both medical and non-medical interventions.
Learn what to expect from a visit to a child psychiatrist and hear how the diagnostic process works and how treatment options are reviewed and selected. (Dr Fernandez is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UC Irvine School of Medicine and Director of the Child Psychiatry Training Program).
[ In Child Psychology/Mental Health ]
Kid Safe Video Games Video Games are fun and sometimes can promote brain growth or increase knowledge. However, parents are cautioned to limit the time children spend on all electronic entertainment including video games but TV, videos and the internet as well. Also, parents need to carefully monitor the content of the video games their children are playing. This article provides useful information from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations to guide parents in making sure their children are having safe and constructive fun when playing video games.
[ In Kids/Teens and Media ]
