Kelly Bartlett

The Man in The Yellow Hat Exemplifies Positive Discipline

December 12, 2011

A few of my parent friends have pointed out that as much as their kids enjoy watching the PBS show “Curious George”, George always gets into trouble (makes a mess, does something wrong, doesn’t stay where he’s supposed to, etc…) and nothing ever happens to him for it.  He never gets punished or has a [...]

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Playtime Grows Up

October 21, 2011

Young children play effortlessly. Kids are naturally predisposed to play, and it doesn’t take much to engage a child in a silly game or role-play. Through play, kids express feelings, needs, thoughts and ideas that they might not yet have the words to articulate. Playing together lets parents connect and communicate with kids beyond a [...]

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Reframing the Yes Environment

August 18, 2011

Many moms and dads have heard of the “Yes” environment before; it’s popular advice for parents of babies and toddlers.  When infants become mobile, we are advised to create an environment for them that is free of “No”s.  We baby proof everything; put small and dangerous objects out of reach, cover up safety hazards, lock [...]

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AP and Spanking Don’t Mix

July 27, 2011

Many parents, even many of those who are focused on creating a secure attachment with their child, spank as a form of discipline.  They may say things like… “I only spank when….” “I only spank after I’ve tried [XYZ] first.” “Spanking is OK when it’s done [a certain way], but not [a certain other way].” [...]

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What is Misbehavior?

June 22, 2011

“Children don’t misbehave, they simply behave to get their needs met.” This quote comes from Dr. Thomas Gordon, but other psychologists and parent educators have said the same thing. Dr. Jane Nelsen devotes a whole section of her book, Positive Discipline, as well as lessons in her parenting classes to understanding children’s mistaken goals of [...]

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A Sleep Evolution

June 1, 2011

I am looking forward to some sleepovers with my 4 1/2-year-old and 6-year-old this weekend.  Sometimes their rooms seem so far away and I miss them at night.  We make a point to arrange periodic sleepovers in our bed for some nighttime cuddles and reconnection. Though I never considered us a “co-sleeping” family, our kids [...]

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I am not raising obedient children…

May 13, 2011

…nor do I want to.  Not that I would rather have disobedient kids, but actually…that’s closer to the truth.  What? (You say.)  What crazy parent would want this? To me, the word “obedient” has such a negative connotation when used in reference to raising children; it literally means to obey.  As in, orders.  Is that what [...]

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Don’t Argue With Me

April 27, 2011

Here’s something that happens a lot: I say something.  My child (I’m thinking particularly of my 4-year-old) argues the opposite.  He’s not at all correct.  In fact, he’s so not correct, his statement doesn’t make any logical sense at all. Mom, this is how you spell “people”: p-e-p-l.  Oh, close…there are a few more letters in there. No, [...]

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