Dear Miss Faith, My husband is has has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) since puberty, and now my 4.5 year old son is showing some of the same signs. We have consulted a child psychiatrist who has said that it was too early to say anything, and it could just be imitative behavior. Lately, he has been washing his hands and changing his clothes repeatedly, saying they are … [Read more...]
Archives for 2012
Disrespectful Voices from Kids
December 1, 2012 · by · 7 Comments
Dear Miss Faith, My little girl is not quite 2 and a half years old and seems to have the grouchiness and rudeness of a moody teenager! The behavior that distresses me the most is her tone and the "mean" way in which she talks to people, especially me. I have tried rephrasing her unpleasant voice with a more pleasant voice (using prior advice from your blog), and she will … [Read more...]
Holiday Celebrations with Toddlers
November 18, 2012 · by · 2 Comments
One of the things that many of us love most about holidays are the rituals: doing things the same way each year. I like to define rituals as “connecting activities that are repeated in a rhythmical manner.” The rhythm can be short, or long. It might be a little game that you play at each meal as you settle your daughter into her high chair, or it might be something that you … [Read more...]
Separation Anxiety
November 7, 2012 · by · 4 Comments
Dear Miss Faith, My son turns 3 next month. We have been a family since returning from East Africa 2 years ago. I have been home with him, working during his naps and after putting him to bed. Suddenly and most vehemently he has developed separation anxiety. Even with beloved grandparents. Two weeks ago he was annoyed when I lingered while dropping him off (they have been … [Read more...]
19 Month-Old Hurting Others
October 31, 2012 · by · 4 Comments
Dear Miss Faith, I was wondering what your philosophy is on when a child is "bad," like when they hit or do something that directly disobeys what you have told them to do. I know you use the phrase "it looks like you need some help" and then help him to follow through, but what about when they hurt someone else? My son is only 19 months so I know it's a bit different, but he … [Read more...]
Biting from Overwhelm
October 24, 2012 · by · Leave a Comment
Dear Miss Faith, I have a group of 8 toddlers, and I wonder if you can give me some help for a biter. I've been watching, and it seems like she bites when she's overwhelmed, for example after snack when many people were around her and bumping into her. On the other hand, she also bites and grabs at times when there is not as many children around; it seems like at times someone … [Read more...]
Pacifier Graduation
October 14, 2012 · by · 4 Comments
Dear Miss Faith, Do you have any tips for weaning a 3 year old from a pacifier habit? My boy is very dependent on his pacifier to help him get to sleep. He simply refuses to go to sleep without it. My husband and I have been thinking that it is time for him to move on. My son has mentioned before that he wants to stop using it, but then when nap time rolls around, he throws a … [Read more...]
Cold Weather Toddler Clothes
October 7, 2012 · by · 13 Comments
It is getting colder and colder for most of us, and the thought of dressing toddlers for the cold strikes fear into the bravest heart! Last year's clothes certainly don't fit, and unless you have hand-me-downs, you'll probably be looking for some new stuff. Let's band together and share the wisdom in our collective consciousness: what works? What doesn't? I'll share some of … [Read more...]
Mama Takes a Trip
October 1, 2012 · by · 3 Comments
Dear Miss Faith, My daughter is 23 months old and I'll be leaving her for the first time on Friday. I'll be gone for 4 days. I haven't told her yet because I'm unsure about how much preparation she needs or should have. Can you help me with this? … [Read more...]
tidying up
September 30, 2012 · by · Leave a Comment
Here's a snippet of an online conversation that happened in the last Tele-Class, when a mom asked about ideas for tidying up. Want six weeks of constant ideas and inspiration? The next Tele-Class is starting this week, so click here for information. Miss Faith-- My kids enjoy helping with many household tasks such as washing dishes and folding laundry, but some things they … [Read more...]
