Guidance for families

Sometimes it's easy to notice when kids seem to feel good about themselves — and when they don't. We often describe this idea of feeling good about ourselves as "self-esteem."

Raising kids is one of the toughest and most fulfilling jobs in the world — and the one for which you might feel the least prepared.

Daniel and Aviva are in constant power struggles with their 3 year old, Gracie. They give her a choice about whether she wants Mommy or Daddy to read books to her. She chooses Mommy, but the second Aviva starts reading…

Every summer, about two weeks before the beginning of school, my phone lights up at an alarming rate. With staggered start dates around the country, the concerns about back-to-school anxiety come in waves and continue…

It takes practice to learn how to be a good friend ― practice at being kind, supportive, trustworthy, and a good listener. For a four-year-old, a friend may be a regular playmate or a child they just met at the park. At…

The re-opening of some childcare centers and schools has parents both ecstatic and anxious. Most parents I speak to are desperate for their children to be back with their friends, playing and learning. Not to mention…

As a working mom of a kindergartener and toddler, I’m often reminded of my experiences as a teacher in the South Bronx. Sometimes it’s a memory spurred by my daughter reaching a new milestone or overcoming a challenge…

Education is a team effort. You and your child's teacher can work together to support your child's learning success.

As our children’s social worlds begin to expand and return to a new normal after so many unknowns, parents are wondering how to best prepare young kids to make friends outside the home. And to be honest, it can feel…

At age six, as kids develop stronger and more stable friendships, social conflict among friends is inevitable.

We’ve all been there. Sometimes, it’s just not easy to get up and get going in the morning. For young children who are still developing the ability to cope with new situations, preparing to have a successful day at…

How do we help our children develop a healthy relationship with their emotions? By showing them how to have a curious and playful relationship with them! Instead of just saying, “It’s okay to feel sad,” we can show them…

Almost everyone confronts periods of self-doubt. What if the other kids don’t like me? What if I can’t remember the spelling words? What if my teacher thinks I’m not smart? In fact, those three questions were all…

As parents and caregivers, we don’t need special training in science or engineering to help our child develop inquiry skills. Young kids love to experiment, explore, and figure out how the world works – and that is the…

Courage involves making good choices in the face of fear or obstacles. It's another term for bravery. Remember: Bravery doesn't mean fearlessness. It means we do not let fear hold us back from exploring new…