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Tovah P. Klein, PhD

"Secrets from the woman they call the TODDLER WHISPERER."
Good Morning America

The Secret to Getting Your Child Out the Door (and on time and without a fuss)

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Family_frustrationIt is a top challenge for parents to get your child out the door. This is an activity that many of you argue, and I agree, should be much simpler and yet it tends to be one of the most frustrating moments of the day, with morning tussles often being the hardest. I recently received this note from the parents of a spirited four-year-old. Does this situation sound familiar to you?

“From the minute our daughter wakes up, we are walking on eggshells waiting for her to erupt. The mornings are a nightmare. Demands, meltdowns, rudeness, refusing to eat or get dressed. What do we do to make the mornings better?” [Read more…]

That bratty monster you fear is only trying to find his place in the world

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I’ve heard a wide range of parenting concerns, worries and questions over the years. Common themes arise again and again, in different forms but with similar challenges. This month, I’ll address something parents of toddlers are all familiar with: erratic behavior—you know, when your child suddenly starts acting like a monster that you cannot control.

I recently received this email from a frustrated and worried couple: “Our 4 year old son is a happy, talkative, sweet little boy. But, in the past two months he has become a surly, easily upset kid. He gets mad, screams, yells and makes outrageous demands including that one of us do everything for him in no time. He has changed… and we are missing the child he used to be and are not sure if we should be worried. Is something wrong? And how do we help him?” [Read more…]

Children Need More Time Outdoors

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Children need time to play outdoors, to experience nature and be outside. I have three children who spent much of their days in their early years being outside. They still pend much of their out of school time in the parks and outdoors with each other and friends. That is where children learn about their bodies and what they can do. It is how they learn what risks they can take and how to keep themselves safe (yes, the less adults interfere, the more children develop the ability to stay out of harm’s way). They use their imaginations, make decisions and cooperate with friends as they play. In this piece, Angela Hanscom of TimberNook argues that the decline in outdoor play is actually harming our children. I agree. What do you think? Leave a comment below or on Facebook. [Read more…]

Make a Resolution to Parent Better

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Maybe you can relate—the time off with my family was enjoyable but it also feels good to have the holidays now behind us. Even my teenagers admitted that going back to school was somewhat welcome in terms of getting back to their regular routine and reconnecting with friends.

While I am not someone who makes New Year’s resolutions (mainly because I can’t seem to keep them), the start of the year is a time I like to take stock of aspects of my life, especially my role as a mother. Being a parent is both a pleasure and a challenge, all wrapped into one ongoing experience. I often encourage other parents at the Toddler Center to take this time to think about reframing your role as a parent or caregiver—your actions, words and intentions. This isn’t about being hard on yourself or adding more to your what you already do list. [Read more…]