How to Raise a Happy, Cooperative Child

Teaching children to use language to express themselves

Education

Curiosity Is the Key to Learning

Meri Wallace LCSW on May 5, 2023

Curiosity motivates children to learn and retain information.

Curiosity motivates children to learn and retain information.

Anger

When Your Child Says, "You're Not the Boss of Me"

Meri Wallace LCSW on May 12, 2022

When your child wants more independence, communicate that you value and are listening to your child's wishes.

When your child wants more independence, communicate that you value and are listening to your child's wishes.

Teamwork

Why Bribing Kids Backfires

Meri Wallace LCSW on March 27, 2022

Responsibilities and chores make children feel like they're more grown-up and good family members. 

Responsibilities and chores make children feel like they're more grown-up and good family members. 

Child Development

How to Say No to Your Child

Meri Wallace LCSW on February 7, 2022

Boundaries can help children to manage their expectations.

Boundaries can help children to manage their expectations.

Gratefulness is a way of life that can help people function better in relationships and feel happier in life.

Trust

Why Kids Whine

Meri Wallace LCSW on October 23, 2021

Does your child's whining upset you? Here are a few tips to communicate with your children when they whine.

Does your child's whining upset you? Here are a few tips to communicate with your children when they whine.

Anxiety

Preparing Your Children for School

Meri Wallace LCSW on September 8, 2021

Parents and children are naturally feeling anxious. Going over practices that will keep your children safe can help.

Parents and children are naturally feeling anxious. Going over practices that will keep your children safe can help.

Embarrassment

This Sexual Behavior Is Part of Natural Development

Meri Wallace LCSW on June 26, 2021

Criticizing naturally developing sexual behavior sends the message that it is bad

Criticizing naturally developing sexual behavior sends the message that it is bad

Forgiveness

Should Parents Apologize?

Meri Wallace LCSW on May 17, 2021

Children get the message that you care when you are able to apologize.

Children get the message that you care when you are able to apologize.

You can help your kids overcome the challenges of being siblings, no matter how far apart they are in age.

Every time you repair a situation in this way, your close bond is restored.

The more aware you are, the more even-handed you can be.

Understanding Twins

Raising Twins

Meri Wallace LCSW on November 2, 2020

Twins can benefit tremendously from their experience if you give each child enough attention and encourage their unique identities.

Twins can benefit tremendously from their experience if you give each child enough attention and encourage their unique identities.

Attention

The Only Child

Meri Wallace LCSW on September 29, 2020

Are you demanding too much of your only child?

Are you demanding too much of your only child?

Family Dynamics

Middle Child Syndrome

Meri Wallace LCSW on August 16, 2020

The goal is to raise your child to feel equally loved and self-confident.

The goal is to raise your child to feel equally loved and self-confident.

Bias

Explaining Racism to Children

Meri Wallace LCSW on July 6, 2020

Every person is different, but we are all the same.

Every person is different, but we are all the same.

Attention

Sibling Battles During Quarantine

Meri Wallace LCSW on May 11, 2020

I have enough love for both of you.

I have enough love for both of you.

Provide reassurance and optimism to children of any age.

Family Dynamics

The Second Child

Meri Wallace LCSW on February 28, 2020

Being the secondborn has its challenges.

Being the secondborn has its challenges.