How do I teach patience? 5 year old boy (strong-willed, stubborn but compassionate and joyful) is very impatient. Needs attention NOW, or needs met NOW… otherwise he just gets louder, closer and more physical (pulling on me, laying on the ground etc… not violent). Reminding him about manners, waiting turn etc doesn’t seem to phase [...]

Are bad guys always me? 3 1/2 year old, on Whyzz.com Please jump on over to Whyzz and see how to talk to kids about bad “guys”!

It is nerve-wracking to talk to teenagers about parties. But this conversation – really series of conversations – has to happen. Whether it is your child’s first party or your teen is a frequent party-goer, Doctor G has 4 tips for getting your message across in a respectful but effective way. In this season of [...]

Have you ever been asked “Why is…” seventy times in the time it takes you to drink one cup of coffee? Then Whyzz is the site you want to check out! They have answers to questions you’ve never even thought of – but your kids will! Even better, there are tips and guides for talking [...]

With the end of the school year coming our way, parents often think about how to thank teachers. This is a great thing to get off of our own to-do lists and give it to our kids! When our kids write their own thank you notes, they are learning a really important (if annoying!) life [...]

Now that we have entered a whole new stage of teenagedom and technology, I need some help. What rules should we have in place for the use of iTouches and iPads? I want some control without seeming like I am controlling! A Mom at Your Teen Magazine I hope you’ll come on over to Your [...]

I am honored to have been asked by the amazing Tonya Wertman to write as a part of her ongoing “Letters” series.  I chose to write a letter with the hopes of improving one of my most important relationships. My relationship with my body. It’s a thank you letter. Will you go over and check [...]

Teaching kids the skills they need to feel competent and confident when dealing with adults is a big job. Breaking it down into smaller skill sets makes a big difference. Even shy kids often enjoy answering the phone, so check out this video with your kids and teach them four ways to make a great [...]

My 3 and 7 year old love playing together but their play usually results in the expected amount of conflict. I find myself questioning how involved I should get in their disputes. Should I say something when I see someone being unfair? Should I wait until they come to me for help (usually when it [...]

In honor of Mother’s Day, I took a week off from making a video. This week, to answer the question “How can I get my kids to be more appreciative?” I went to some experts. My kids give their advice on teaching kids to be grateful for what they have, and say so.

Disclosure – Give aways donated to show appreciation and will be selected via random.org Today’s question comes from my dear friend Nicole. She is a Champion for Shot@Life, an organization committed to funding immunizations for kids in the developing world. Nicole explained that she is helping Shot@Life and the United Nations raise money during and [...]

When EverydayFamily asked their Facebook community “What do change would you like to make this summer at home?” They heard over and over again about parents who were discouraged or frustrated by a child’s attitude.  They asked me for some suggestions, and I hope you’ll stop over and give your own opinion!

It’s too easy for parents to let their own birthdays and anniversaries and accomplishments go uncelebrated. Moms, especially, often try to stay out of the spotlight. Here are 2 reasons to let kids make a big deal out of you, and a way to make sure they do!

I am so excited to host the second episode of WQED TV iQ:smartparent! We’re talking about Girls Growing Up With Media, and, as always? Setting out to solve some problems parents have with the media our kids see. We worry about the messages boys and girls are getting about what girls’ bodies should look like, [...]

As you may know, if you spend any time hanging around AskDoctorG, I feel strongly about teaching kids to make a difference in the world around them. I also believe that moms should make a big deal out of Mother’s Day. So here is a chance for bloggers to both! In case you were unaware, [...]

How can I teach my daughter to love her body – however it looks – with all the emphasis on beauty and thinness everywhere in the media? An attendee at the second taping of “iQ: SmartParent” Children and teens hear conflicting messages. Parents and teachers say“Love yourself the way you are!”  Every magazine, commercial, fashion [...]

There are too many opportunities to talk to our kids about sad or difficult events. Often adults find those conversations even scarier than the hearing about the event itself. Doctor G has 5 steps parents and educators can take when approaching these talks. Model respect and teach resilience, as we know that this will not [...]

Hi all! I’m busy studying for my Family Medicine Boards – my 10 year recertification exam is April 10 (prayers and warm thoughts welcome) – and so I’m not answering as many questions as usual these few weeks. In the meantime, I was interviewed for a great article on Care.com and thought I’d use this [...]

Most people believe that children only have prejudice if they are raised by people with prejudice. That’s just not true. Young children and cautious children often have an inherent distrust of that which they don’t recognize as familiar – people, and also food, activities, etc. Doctor G has 3 clear tips for helping our children [...]

I feel pretty strongly that kids need to know how and when to apologize. And even more strongly that adults need to model this behavior. Check out the 4 important parts to an apology, and when we can (and when we shouldn’t) use it ourselves!