"Raising Your Children Right"

Family Time in the New Year!

2012-01-14T11:26:00.001-08:00

This is always a great time of year to evaluate how your family is communicating and staying connected with one another. It's challenging to balance work, school, activities, and other commitments on a daily basis. How can we build on our family relationships and stay connected in the New Year?

In many research studies on family relationships, it has been found that family meal time together can have many benefits.

Family Connection- Having meals together as a family creates a sense of unity. The structure and predictability provides security for your children. It also provides an opportunity for everyone to share something about themselves and their day. It has been found that teens will share and confide more in their parents when they have routine meal times.

Positive Well-Being for Children and Teens- A national study of young children's (age 3-12) found that more mealtime at home was the single strongest predictor of better achievement scores and fewer behavioral problems.

The largest federally funded study of American teenagers found a strong association between regular family meals (five or more dinners per week with a parent) and academic success, psychological adjustment and lower rates of alcohol use, drug use, early sexual behavior and suicidal risk.

Better academic performance- Regular family meal time's help children do better at school. It was found that children and teens that have regular meal time together do better on tests, spend more time on homework, and read more for pleasure.

Social Relationships- Family mealtime help children, especially teenagers, feel more well-adjusted. They have better relationships with others and this could be influenced by the positive relationships within the family. Family meal time also allows for opportunities to role model good conversational skills that can be used outside the home.

Healthier eating habits – Children and teens that have family mealtime together are more likely to develop healthier eating habits, and this has been found to continue into adulthood. Your children are so impressionable and the food choices you make can affect them long term and help them make positive and healthy choices which may decrease their chances of weight issues in the future.

Make a commitment this year to have family meal times at least 3 to 5 times per week. It can be challenging but if you plan ahead there are many benefits this tradition can bring to your family. I still remember my father whistling when it was time for dinner when I was younger. We were often outside playing with friends. There was something very special about eating with the entire family. It provided structure, security, and many of the other benefits listed above.

Wishing you all a year full of love, health, and family connection!

Dr. Nina

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! I hope you had a really special time with your family this season. I really love this time of year. So many great moments....I loved watching my daughter get so excited about all the things that happen during this time of year. The young, innocent, joyful feeling children experience. It reminded me of when I was her age. :) One of the things we did this Christmas was make a homemade gingerbread house. I had to include this pic!

I look forward to the New Year and blogging more!
Wishing you all a safe and blessed New Year!!

Dr. Nina

Fall, Family, and Fathers

2011-10-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

Recently, I wrote an article about fathers and their role in a child's life. I wanted to share it with all of you!

Fall, Family, and Fathers
Fall is a perfect time of year for family outings. There are so many great activities offered in the community. The children are excited too, because of the fun things they get to do with mom and dad. They have a chance to spend time with not only mom but dad too.

The father’s role in a child’s life is so important. A recent study reviewed 24 research studies in the past 20 years. They found a child that has an active and regular engagement with their father, or a father figure, influences them in the following ways:

1. less likely to smoke
2. less likely to get into trouble with police/reduce criminal behavior
3. less likely to drop out of school
4. achieve better levels of education
5. develop good friends with children of both sexes
6. have enhanced cognitive skills: intelligence (found to score higher on measures of verbal and mathematical ability), reasoning, and language development
7. feel loved, allowing for healthy self esteem
8. have a sense of security (physical and emotional) = TRUST
9. have emotional support which has been found to help children empathize better with others, better social skills

The studies consistently show that the earlier a father is involved, the better it will be for the child long term. Also, regular and consistent involvement plays a key role in a child’s development.

I encourage all fathers not to doubt their influence and abilities. It’s okay if you make mistakes. You learn by doing. Create rituals with your child. Think of things you can do with your child that will become predictable and reassuring. For example: walking your child to the bus stop, playing a particular game. At times, you may need to be creative, especially if you work long hours or travel. Find ways that your child can be involved. Take your child with you to do errands. Get their input when you can and show them things that you are doing. For example: If you need to get air in your tire, show them how to do it. It’s about exploring and learning together and answering all of their many questions. This is when the bond is strengthened.

My dad passed away six years ago but I can still hear his voice, his messages…”You can do it.” “Go for it!” “I believe in you.” What an impact he made in my life. If it weren't for the role he played in my life, I may not have had the confidence to accomplish many of my goals.

This article is to encourage you to continue doing all that you do. You are making a difference in your child’s life. Embrace the moments and remember the role you play matters and makes an impact.

Proverbs 2:6 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

God Bless our Dads,
Dr. Nina

Kids calendars and charts!

2011-09-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Now that school has begun for children it's especially important for children to get on a routine and have good structure in the home. This will help reduce stress which is good for everybody!

My daughter is in school a couple days a week and also in dance, and gymnastics. I want her to know what she is doing each day so I am posting a calendar on the refrigerator that will let her know this! I will use stickers and notes so that she knows what to expect.

I found a website that has some great calendars and other interesting and helpful charts for children. I found a chart on "feelings" that I wanted to share with you.

It's often so difficult for kids to explain how they are feeling but looking at pictures can help. Here's a link to the feeling chart:
http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/feeling%20chart%20pdf/feeling%20chart2.pdf

Here's also a link to the main website: www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com

Wishing you much parenting success this new school year!
Dr. Nina

Dance Class

2011-09-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

This past week, I took my daughter to dance class. I was running about 5 minutes late so when we arrived the class had begun and the girls were in a circle.

My daughter is somewhat shy and is much more comfortable when she is one of the first to arrive and then adjust to other kids coming in the room. So when she saw everyeone in a circle she was hesitant about going in the room. My mother was with me and told Jazzlynn that she has something for her that she can bring with her into dance class. My mother pulled out a small cross from her purse and gave it to her. It evidently was exactly what she needed. She took it from my mother and walked confidently into dance class! :)

She's learned that Jesus keeps her safe and protects her and this cross reminded her of that! So cute...such a tender moment that I wanted to share with all of you!

Dr. Nina

Have you ever had to call 911? I did this weekend!

2011-08-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

This past Friday, I was home alone with my daughter. My husband was gone for the night and would be back Saturday. Well at 3:30am my house alarm makes an abnormal sound. I enter my code and it stops but the sound is still on the other side of the house so I enter the code over there too. The keypad shows the fire light and service light on. I thought "It's a malfunction" and I get ready to go back to sleep. Then...suddenly my house alarm is activated again without me doing anything! Okay- so would you be scared? Because I was!

I called 911 and I stayed on the phone with the operator until the police arrived. The operator notified the fire department too since the fire indicator light was on even though my "service" light was on too. I was okay with this since I was scared. Thank goodness my daughter was next to me in bed. It was good to know she was safe.

The policeman arrived and checked the house. He was really nice and I felt safer. The firemen arrived but they did not come in since they found out that the "service" light was on and it was an alarm issue.

I called the alarm company that night too. Needlesstosay, this entire experience was overwhelming and I didn't fall asleep until 6:00am. My daughter was fine with the experience and had no idea what was going on except that the policeman came to our house to make sure everyone was okay and safe....and then she went back to sleep!

She had no idea how worried I was because I played the "calm Mommy role" which can be challenging to do in a situation like this. I am glad it's in the past and I hope I never have to experience this again!

I am so thankful for all the people out there that watch over us and risk their lives for us everyday. God Bless them for their passion and willingness to help all of us.

This moment was a great reminder...

Dr. Nina

Big Brothers Big Sisters

2011-08-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

I used to be a Big Sister to a little Boy from Big Brothers Big Sisters. However, once I had my daugther I didn't have the time to continue doing this. My little and I have recently reconnected. We had lunch this past Friday and he's doing good. I hope I can continue to check in with him and guide him if he needs some help.

There are so many children on the waiting list at Big Brothers Big Sisters. In Texas, the waiting list for boys is longer then for girls and I believe this is true on a national level as well.

If you have time and feel led to mentor a little boy or girl, I encourage you to make the phone call to BBBS! It will be a great experience!

Dr. Nina

Cooking with your Kids!

2011-08-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I think I do a good job baking with Jazzlynn...it's fun and the cookies, cupcakes, etc. are always good to eat! However, I haven't been as good in the cooking department. I decided I needed to put more emphasize on this and I knew she would enjoy it!

So, I gathered all of my kids cook books that I have, which would be four, and let my daugther pick out her dinner for the night. I also placed them on a shelf where she can reach them any time!

I went to the store today to get all the ingredients with cookbook in hand! :) I counseled tonight so my husband made the special dinner with her. She had fun making it and eating it! This picture is what she made, "Spanish Tortilla".

I know kids are definitely more interested in trying new things when they play a role in it. So if you want your child to try new things, I encourage you to get them involved! It does make a difference.

Have a great week!

God Bless,
Dr. Nina

Embracing Today....

2011-08-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am reading a book by Luci Swindoll called, "Doing Life Differently" The Art of Living with Imagination. In it, she shared something she read in a Dear Abby Column written by a 14 year old named Jason Lehman. It is quite profound and I wanted to share it with all of you!

Present Tense
It was spring, but it was summer I wanted,
The warm days, and the great outdoors.
It was summer, but it was fall I wanted,
The colorful leaves, and the cool, dry air.
It was fall, but it was winter I wanted,
The beautiful snow, and the joy of the holiday season.
It was winter, but it was spring I wanted,
The warmth and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted,
The freedom and respect.
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted,
To be mature, and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted,
The youth and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted,
The presence of mind without limitations.
My life was over, and I never got what I wanted.

Wow- right?! What a reminder to live in the present, to treat today as a gift and embrace whatever comes our way.

May God Bless you and show you the way!
Dr. Nina

The power of your thoughts....

2011-08-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

I have been working with people struggling with emotional issues; such as anxiety and depression. One effective way to help them is to challenge their cognitive distortions. If they can recognize their distorted thoughts and challenge them with a positive thought, they can change how they feel.

Our thoughts control our feelings and our feelings control our behavior. Though it seems simple, it can take time to change the way the brain thinks. However, if a person is committed and works hard at acknowledging them and challenging them, they can experience a whole new outlook on life.

Below are 10 cognitive distortions that Dr. David Burns categorizes. Can you relate? If so, challenge yourself for change!

Dr. Nina

1. All-or-nothing thinking: You look at things in absolute, black-and-white categories.

2. Overgeneralization: You view a negative event as a never-ending pattern of defeat.

3. Mental filter: You dwell on the negatives and ignore the positives.

4. Discounting the positives: You insist that your accomplishments or positive qualities “don’t count.”

5. Jumping to conclusions: (A) Mind reading – you assume that people are reacting negatively to you when there’s no definite evidence for this; (B) Fortune-telling – You arbitrarily predict that things will turn out badly.

6. Magnification or minimization: You blow things way up out of proportion or you shrink their importance inappropriately.

7. Emotional reasoning: You reason from how you feel: “I feel like an idiot, so I really must be one.” Or “I don’t feel like doing this, so I’ll put it off.”

8. “Should statements”: You criticize yourself or other people with “shoulds” or “shouldn’ts.” “Musts,” “oughts,” and “have tos” are similar offenders.

9. Labeling: You identify with your shortcomings. Instead of saying “I made a mistake," you tell yourself, “I’m a jerk,” or “a fool,” or “a loser.”

10. Personalization and blame: You blame yourself for something you weren’t entirely responsible for, or you blame other people and overlook ways that your own attitudes and behaviour might contribute to a problem.

How much TV is okay for your child to watch?

2011-08-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

How much TV is too much? How do we control this with our children? These are some good questions. There are some mothers that believe in NO TV and others that may enjoy having the TV on all day. I personally think there are some great programs and DVD's that can teach children about life whether it be educational or emotional development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no TV for children two and under because this is a pivotal time for their social, emotional, and cognitive development. If your child is over age 2, experts recommend no more than 1 to 2 hours of TV a day.

Recent Statistics: TV viewing among kids is at an eight-year high. On average, children ages 2-5 spend 32 hours a week in front of a TV—watching television, DVDs, DVR and videos, and using a game console. Kids ages 6-11 spend about 28 hours a week in front of the TV. The vast majority of this viewing (97%) is of live TV.

My daughter was recently at someone's house where the girls were playing a game while watching TV in her bedroom. This obviously took away from their social interaction and the joy of playing the game. It's a media world that surrounds us. Though there are some great advantages, there can be some great disadvantages if we don't monitor their use with our children.

Dr. Nina

The Dr. Nina Show - TV Pilot!

2011-08-06T20:52:00.001-07:00

I taped my TV Talk Show Pilot and it's currently getting pitched to networks. It's an extremely competitive area so we will see what happens. I know whatever happens, I will continue to do what I love...educate and inspire others! Here is the TV Pilot/Sizzle!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZH6ADoGw60

Thanks for your support!
Dr. Nina

Balancing Family and Life

2011-08-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

Today has been a busy day for me! I taped "Top Docs of DFW" and then counseled in the evening. I enjoy doing both so it definitely doesn't seem like work. It was nice to have my husband home to watch our daughter. She got to have Daddy time, which is always good!

It can be tough to find balance. It's different for everybody. As long as you have peace about where you are and what you are doing and your children are happy, then this is a good sign that you are balancing everything well! :)

I always monitor my daughter's attitude and behavior and this helps me know how we're doing as parents! Wishing you peace and balance in your family!

Dr. Nina

Talking to your Children about Sexual Abuse

2011-08-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I attended a sexual abuse training. One of the things emphasized is the importance of educating our public. As parents, we all need to have a talk with our children so that they are not victimized.

Statistics: Currently, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. 30 to 40% of children are abused by family members.As many as 60% are abused by people the family trust- abusers frequently try to form a trusting relationship with parents. In 90% of sexual abuse cases the children and the child's family know and trust the abuser.

Educate yourself and your family and friends. Download The 7 Steps from Protecting our Children from Sexual Abuse. Click here: http://www.d2l.org/atf/cf/%7B64AF78C4-5EB8-45AA-BC28-F7EE2B581919%7D/7%20Steps%20to%20Protecting%20Our%20Children.pdf

Dr. Nina

I FINISHED!

2011-07-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

This post is a follow up from my previous post!

I wanted to let you know that though I wasn't 100% prepared, I finished the TWU Pioneer power sprint! I am always inspired by the many athletes at these types of events and they're ALL ages. I met a father and son, 2 young girls who were 14, and another guy that started doing races and triathlons at age 46! It's amazing what you can do when you have the belief and desire! The TWU sprint is a great sprint triathlon for those of you interested in doing your first one.

My time was the same from last year; 1 hour and 40 minutes. My run was slow so I am going to work on this part!

What are your fitness goals for the rest of the year? It's never too late!

Dr. Nina

Not Prepared for Race Day!

2011-07-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am participating in a sprint Triathlon this Sunday. This is the shortest distance triathlon and any of you reading this could train and do this too! :)

Anyway, so I went for a 3-mile speed run this evening to help with my time for the race. Unfortunately, I wasn't very speedy! I also was tired towards the end sloowwing way down. I averaged under a 10 minute mile and anyone who is a runner knows this is not very good! :( Oh well...we will see how I do this Sunday.

The Triathlon is a 300 meter pool swim, 16 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. You are probably thinking how I am going to be able to do this if I am tired after running 3 miles? Good question. I have trained though so I am going to make the excuse it was an off day for me and just too hot! I will post how I do on Sunday afternoon!

All the best to you, your health and family!

Dr. Nina :)

Christmas Cookies in July? Say it isn't so! :)

2011-07-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

My daughter loves to bake as many children love to do. Today she wanted to make sugar cookies! We have a big container of cut outs that she wanted to use that contained letters, numbers, pumpkins, Xmas trees, snowmen, planes, and more! Needless to say, we had an assortment of cookies.

As you know, with sugar cookie dough, cutouts, sprinkles, etc. it gets quite messy! I don't know if she will ever remember today when she made holiday cookies in July but this is what I do know. I know that she will take her feelings of joy and laughter with her. Her self-esteem was boosted by the things she did; mixing and rolling the dough, doing the cut outs, and taking the baked cookies off the pan with a spatula. The internal joy and satisfaction she experienced when she decorated the cookies and how happy she was with the end result! :)

As our kids explore and discover, the more we embrace it and let them experience every part of it, the more empowered and excited they will be with whatever they do next!

This is truly the joy of parenting!

Dr. Nina

Do you have a shy child?

2011-07-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

You may wonder if your child is normal if they are shy and don't engage right away. There are some kids who are very comfortable in new situations but many children need time to warm up to their environment and you can't force them or rush them.

Imagine going to a party where you don't know anyone. How do you feel? What do you need to do to get comfortable? Your child is the same way however they may need Mom or Dad by their side as they warm up to their new environment.

My daughter is shy. She started a princess camp yesterday and my husband had to stay with her for awhile before she got comfortable. Today I dropped her off and she didn't need mommy to stay. She felt secure and confident and this is our goal as parents. Give them time, reassure them, and love them and your shy child will be OK! :)

Have any other questions about shy children or another concern about your child, please post it here and I'll answer them!

Dr. Nina

Oh no! My TONE!

2011-07-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

The other day I was rushing to leave our house. It seems as a mother I am always running behind somewhere! :) I was in my closet gathering some clothes to take with us on our trip to Mimi's house. My daugther was standing in front of the closet door guarding it from the dogs. Then I said to her with a hurridly voice, "Jazzy come on lets go, lets go..." Though I wasn't yelling my tone wasn't Mommy's happy calm tone. My daughter started to get upset and I had to stop what I was doing to hug her, tell her I love her, and apologize for my tone.

It was a reminder to me the importance of our tone when we are around our children. Our tone effects our children. Though they may not always verbalize it, they feel it. We are their role models and how we express and manage our emotions is important for them to observe.

Also, reassuring her of my love for her is expressing that my love is unconditional. Children are so impressionable and they need to feel that unconditional love from Mommy and Daddy. This is a big part of building their self esteem, which I know we all want to do!

So, watch your tone...I know I AM! :)

Dr. Nina

The BIG fall!

2011-07-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it was my first time to experience my daughter having a bad fall. We had just finished a library activity and went to the bathroom. Unfortunately while in the bathroom, she tripped over my foot and fell flat on her face. She attempted to catch herself with her hands but it didn't prevent her tooth from cutting her bottom lip.

There was a lot of blood and I went through many wet paper towels before getting her into the car and rushing her to Urgent Care just in case she needed stitches. During this time, I had to remain calm though inside I was worried and anxious. It's a difficult role to play!

She didn't need stitches thank goodness! However, she did have a big bottom lip and we stopped at the store for popsicles and a surprise since it was quite overwhelming for her. I learned a lot from this experience. Do your best to remain calm so that they don't feel as overwhelmed. Also, reassure them that Doctors are nice people and they are there to help you.

The next day we drew a picture of her experience at the Doctors. She drew Mommy and herself sad but the Doctor as a nice and happy man. This is good for her to see this image just in case she ever needs to go again! Hopefully not but she is still just a toddler!

Dr. Nina

Mommy's Trip

2011-05-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it's always nice to take some time out to refresh and renew your spirit and it's always great if you can join other Mommy's as you do this! This past weekend I went on a weekend girls trip with friends from high school. It's so nice to reconnect and talk about life today...married and with children. At times we were those girls in high school mentally and then at times we were these mature adults with serious and deep conversations. It was so much fun!

Now that I am back, I hope to be posting more about motherhood, parenting, and life!

God Bless,
Dr. Nina

Happy Mother's Day to you!

2011-05-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s a great time to reflect on motherhood and what it all means. If you research the definition of “motherhood”, you will find definitions such as: 1. the state of being a mother or 2. the qualities or spirit of a mother. I think these definitions need more detail.

Here is Dr. Nina’s definition of motherhood: “A mother is someone who gives of herself unconditionally, on call to her children 24/7, sacrifices whatever is necessary for her children, loves them unconditionally even when it’s not always felt back, a personal assistant to her children when they forget their lunch, soccer shoes, money, and other school related things, an on call school project assistant for any size projects due at any time, an at-home counselor and educator, and finally a spiritual leader and role model! In addition to her motherhood duties, she also is a full time cook, housekeeper, driver, and operations manager of her household.”

I think this is a much better definition, don’t you? Mothering is hard work and is also very rewarding. It can be difficult to measure if we are doing enough for our children since we don’t have a formal evaluation as we would if we worked in the corporate world. I know there are Mother’s that take on bigger roles because they may think they are not doing enough or want to do what other Mother’s are doing. It’s so important not to compare ourselves to others.

I think all of us are unique and all of us want the best for our children. There is no perfect Mother. We will all make mistakes. At times we will wish we could have done something differently or handled something better but at the end of the day what matters most is our unconditional love for our children. If your child knows that they are loved and accepted by you, then you are doing a great job! Jesus wants children to feel His love through their mothers.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13: 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails….and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.'

I think all Mother’s are incredible and I admire and respect each one of you. I hope each of you enjoy and celebrate this special day! Today is your day to feel appreciated and be showered with love by your family.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Dr. Nina

Balancing Life as a Mom

2011-04-17T20:59:00.001-07:00

It's challenging trying to find balance in your life as a Mother. I know my life isn't balanced when I am not at peace. When I begin to feel overwhelmed or frazzled, I make a list of the things I need to do and the things I don't need to do right away. This always helps. I also look at what things I can take off my plate or postpone for a later date. I think, as a mother, it's easy to go, go, go all of the time!

We often forget to take those "time outs" for ourselves or stop to wonder why we are feeling overwhelmed. I share this with all of you because I recently had to make my list! The biggest thing I am doing right now is shooting my first TV Talk show Pilot, "Dr. Nina". I plan to submit the pilot to networks this spring! I will keep you posted with updates. I am very excited about this and the possibilities!

Wishing you much balance and peace in your life!

Dr. Nina

Top Docs of DFW taping today!

2011-04-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

It was a busy day for me today. I dropped my daughter off at her Montesorri this morning and went to tape "Top Docs of DFW". I enjoy hosting this show. If you want to learn more about it, please visit: www.topdocsofdfw.com. After we taped, I went to pick up my daugther and made it just in time! :)

She was a ball of energy and ready to play, play, play! I wish I could remember that stage of my life...it really is the best time. The biggest concern for her is "what will I do and play with today?!"

Dr. Nina

A Day at the Zoo!

2011-04-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

I met my friend and her daughter at the zoo today. It was more crowded then I had anticipated. We still had a great time but I must admit, I was exhausted by the end of the day and I only have 1 child. :) I admire so many Mom's that have 2,3, or even 4 children and take all of them out to different events. I assume you adjust but I wonder as we try for number 2 if it will be that easy! I just wanted to applaud all you Mom's that get out there and just "do it"!

Dr. Nina

Mentors

2011-03-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

I had to share with you all that I lost a mentor of mine this past December. Her words of encouragement and wisdom still ring in my ears. I am so thankful that Dr. Barbara Brunworth was a part of my life. She was an inspiration to many people, including myself and will always be missed.

I also just found out today that someone I admired and respected on the radio, Tom Dooley, passed away this past fall. I had no idea. I just remembered what an encourager he was as I listened to him early in the morning when I would get ready for work. I still remember the joy and happiness in his voice...how he reminded me to be thankful for today, to let go of negativity, forgive those who hurt you, pray for those around you. I was fortunate to hear him speak and meet him. He was just a happy, uplifting person doing God's work. I know he is missed by many as well.

As I reflect on the mentors that have been a part of my life, I am reminded again to not only be thankful for today but to reach out and let others know how important they are in my life.

I love the quote, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why we call it 'The Present'" — Eleanor Roosevelt

I just wanted to share that... :)

Dr. Nina

Validate, validate, validate!

2011-03-08T18:46:00.001-08:00

Today I was playing with my daughter on the family room floor. She was a little tired but overall doing okay. She began looking at an "American Girl" magazine, which always has cute things in it. She then says to me, "I want to look at another magazine like this one." I said, "Sorry dear, we don't have another one." She then repeats her request and I repeat my response. Needlesstosay, she was getting more frustrated and my response was not helping.

I was forgetting what she needed and that was validation! Dr. Nina wasn't validating that she was upset becuase she wanted to look at another magazine like the one she had.

Then I said to her, "You really want another magazine like this one...right." "Uh-huh" she said. Then I said, "It makes you sad because you don't have another one like this and that makes me sad too because I wish I had one to give you." She say's, "uh-huh or um-hmm..." and her frustration has now dissipated and she is now climbing on my back! :)

I share this story because it's sometimes difficult to stop and think about what our kids are feeling. We are just responding as we would with adults. Kids need more from us. They need us to help them through their feelings and label the emotions they are experiencing. You will be amazed and how they respond!

All the best,
Dr. Nina

Update on Book - Need your input

2011-03-08T18:43:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

We are currently putting our book together for teens about sexual abuse. We would like to incorporate statements from other sexual abuse survivors in our book. If you would like us to email you with a question we may have, please email me at drninalpc@aol.com. We appreciate your support.

Thanks so much!

Dr. Nina

Book on Sexual Abuse for Teenagers

2011-02-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to let you know that I will be collaborating with a friend on a book for teenagers who have been sexually abused. Please keep this project in your prayers. We are very excited and passionate about doing this. My friend is a sexual abuse survivor. We will keep you posted on the progress.

To learn more about sexual abuse and be an advocate to stop it, visit: www.onewithcourage.org

Thank you for supporting this important cause.

Dr. Nina

Cabin fever anyone?

2011-02-03T19:28:00.001-08:00

It's been very cold and icy in TX, which is preventing many of us from getting outdoors like myself! I am home with my toddler trying to be as creative as possible with different activities we can do. However, her favorite thing to do is play house, which is fine but I am the one who does all the talking as she watches and laughs! It's quite entertaining for her as I reenact things that happen between her and I. :)

I hope you are enjoying this time with your child and/or teen. Though you may be struggling with cabin fever, it's a great time to reconnect and do creative things with your family indoors!

Please feel free to post any stories that would inspire us!

Dr. Nina

Taking Breaks for Yourself

2011-01-28T21:06:00.001-08:00

Today was a busy day with my little girl. It was too beautiful not to be outside shopping, walking, and playing, which is what we did! By the time we got home, I needed my rest and she needed hers. I find that if I don't take breaks for myself that it won't be beneficial for me or my daughter.

Today's society is all about go, go, go! Sometimes, it's hard to take our own personal breaks but it's important to find that time and commit to resting physically and mentally. If you are finding yourself always stressed and overwhelmed, then it's time to stop and reflect on all that you are doing. Find things that you can take off your plate so that you are not feeling overwhelmed.

God wants us to enjoy today and have peace and joy in all we do. At times, this can be challenging but I find the more I practice appreciating the moment, the easier it gets!

Dr. Nina

Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Women's Conference coming soon to DFW!

2011-01-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

One of the things I am working on is a women's conference with my church called, "Heart to Heart". It's for women of all ages and children are welcome too! There will be a morning craft that will support a couple of local nonprofits. In addition, we will have a fabulous speaker, Carmen Studer, who is a movie producer for One Heart Film, mother and an advocate for at risk youth. To learn more and register visit: www.whiteschapelumc.org - White's Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake, TX.

On another note, I am working on another possible TV project and I will get back with you soon with more details once I have them!

I hope this New Year is inspiring you as it is myself. It's such a great time to reflect and set new goals!

God Bless,
Dr. Nina

New Year, New Ideas

2011-01-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I love the New Year because it's a great time to reflect on what you've done and what you plan to do next. It can be a really exciting and motivating time for all of us. I am thinking of my next step in my life...what would be exciting for me to do?

This past year has been quite an interesting year for me. What I value most is being a mother to my daughter. I stepped back from some things I had been doing; running a ministry and serving as a vice chair on a nonprofit were the big ones for me to end.

I have been praying and thinking about where I want to go next in my life. What will the title of my next chapter read in my LIFE book? What will the title of your chapter read? Please post your own ideas and dreams in the New Year! I would love to hear them!

Dr. Nina

Update! Dr. Nina happenings!

2010-08-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, I am going through many changes professionally right now. My segment ended this year on TXA 21 called, "Raising Children Right". They have a new president and news director, which changed a lot of things this year at CBS 11/TXA 21. It was a great experience and they were wonderful to work with.

I am currently hosting "Top Docs of DFW". It airs every Sunday at 9:00 on CW33 or The 33. I enjoy TV and hope to continue to do more of it!

I also wanted to let everyone know that I am counseling and doing a weekly girls group on sexual abuse at Alliance for Children. I may conduct some future relationship groups for girls so please check back soon!

I will be updating the Dr. Nina website with more information on upcoming speaking engagements in schools and around the metroplex.

Finally, I have a book that I have written that will be posted soon for purchase, and I will have some great relationship and family tips on the website that can be downloaded for FREE!

I am looking forward to all of these things and hope that you gain insight and encouragement from what I am doing!

Dr. Nina

New show to host

2010-04-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I will be hosting a new show coming to Dallas/Fort Worth. Please stay tune for details. The planned air date is this June!

Dr. Nina

Childhood Obesity on the Rise

2010-04-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Moms & Dads,

Please stay tune for a special segment I will be doing on childhood obesity. Hear from a recent family that struggled with weight issues with their children and now they are making a family effort to be healthier.

Hope you are enjoying this spring weather! Today, I took my daughter to the zoo and she had a great time! I put her down for a nap and then I had to take a nap! It was all worth it. :)

Enjoy your weekend!

Dr. Nina

"Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child"

2010-02-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I apologize for not posting recently. I need to make more of an effort to post information about my segments!

The last segment I did on "Raising Children Right" is on Emotional Intelligence. Here is a video clip: http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=51332@ktvt.dayport.com

Basically, it's learning to help your child manage ALL of their emotions, especially the negative ones. This is when it can be more challenging. For example, your child may get upset and throw something across the family room and break a lamp. Of course, you need to let them know that this is not okay. (setting limits and boundaries) The next step is to validate their emotions. They still need to have a consequence if they displayed inappropriate behavior. However, teaching them how to handle their negative emotions in the future is key. Talk with them about alternatives to throwing something in the house. How can they "let go" of some of their negative emotions such as anger in a healthy way? Let them be involved in this process but make sure they know of a solution for next time. This is how we can raise an emotionally intelligent child. To learn more, read John Gottman's book, "Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child". This is a great book!

Please email me at drninalpc@aol.com if you have any questions.

Best,
Dr. Nina

Setting Parenting Goals- Video

2010-01-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Happy New Year! I just did a segment on Setting Parenting Goals in the New Year. Here is a clip: http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=50011@ktvt.dayport.com

I will be posting more information here so check back soon.

Dr. Nina

Thanksgiving and Preventing Behavioral Problems

2009-11-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

Holidays can be an exciting time for children but also a time of stress with large family gatherings, other children, and new environments. What can you do to reduce the anxiety of your children and prevent any behavioral problems? The following are some suggestions that can help.

Before Thanksgiving Day:
• Before the family gathering, show pictures of the people that will be attending the family Thanksgiving dinner. This will help prepare them better and they won’t feel so overwhelmed.
• Talk to your children about why families get together on Thanksgiving. There are some great children’s books on Thanksgiving that you can read to them as well.
• Plan to call the family’s house you are visiting beforehand and remind them to put away any valuables that your younger children could reach.

Arriving on Thanksgiving Day:
• Don’t force your children to hug and kiss the relatives they are meeting for the first time. It takes time for them to warm up and get comfortable. Tell your relatives to engage your children with a book or toy. This will help your children become more comfortable and build a relationship with them.
• Stay on schedule with your children as much as possible. Make sure your children get their naps if they need one at the appropriate time. Also, feed them their meals at their normal time as well. Children need consistency and doing these two things can really can help prevent a lot of behavioral problems.
• Finally, be consistent with discipline. Do your best to implement consequences as much as possible, especially if you are visiting another house. This will prevent them from attempting to do things they know they shouldn’t do.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and appreciate our family and friends and all that we have to be thankful for in our lives. Find ways to get your children involved. There are many activities children can do that can help them feel a part of it. You can find many ideas on the internet so plan ahead for something fun that all the children can do together!

I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am thankful to all of you who watch my segment and support what I do.

Dr. Nina

Boundaries in Parenting

2009-11-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hi,

It's been awhile since I post. I did not tape the last couple of weeks because of the Mavericks game and I was out of town. This Saturday I will be talking about setting boundaries with your children. What is appropriate and what is not? How do you discipline a child who crosses your boundaries? I will be answering these questions and more this Saturday - 11/21.

Also, please email me with questions that you may have about parenting. I may address it on my next segment! drninalpc@aol.com

Thank you,
Dr. Nina

Losing a child- how to cope

2009-10-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Parents,

The following are the stages of death that anyone grieving will go through. However, there is no sequential order. Everyone grieves differently. These stages help else realize that we are grieving appropriately and what we are experiencing is normal. There is no set time or limit on any stage. However, if you find yourself in one stage for a long period and emotionally stuck, this is the time to visit a therapist to help you work through any unresolved emotions.

Denial- This is when you are in a state of shock and disbelief of what has happened.

Anger - Anger is a necessary stage of the healing process. The more you experience it, the more it will begin to dissipate, which will allow you to experience other emotions

Bargaining- After we lose a loved one, sometimes we will find ways that we think it could have been prevented. We get lost in a maze of “If only…” or “What if…” statements. We want to go back in time.
Often, guilt follows. We need to be careful during this stage that we don’t allow guilt to stifle our grieving.

Depression- Of course, you are going to experience great sadness. It will be painful and emotionally draining. It’s important to understand that depression is not a sign of mental illness. It is the appropriate response to a great loss. So allow yourself time to be sad.

Acceptance- This stage is about accepting the reality that our loved one is physically gone and recognizing that this new reality is the permanent reality.

Remember to give yourself permission to “let go” and release any emotions you are experiencing. It’s normal to feel this way and it’s normal to be depressed when a loved one dies. We must go through these emotions to allow the healing process to begin.

Grief is painful, tough, and exhausting. There is no easy way around grief. Take it day by day. Don’t set any expectations for yourself. Keep a journal if this helps you process your emotions and find support as you go through your loss. This is especially helpful if you have lost a child. Find a support group with other parents who have lost a child. This has been found to be very therapeutic.

Please see video clip about this topic, click here:
http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=47116@ktvt.dayport.com

Making New Friends at school!

2009-09-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Parents,

Hope this email finds your life a little calmer now that school has started. It's always an adjustment for every family!

This past Saturday's segment was on "Making New Friends" and how parents can help with this.

Click here to view it: http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=46133@ktvt.dayport.com
Please email me with any questions you may have!

Dr. Nina

Going back to School- Reduce your child’s anxiety

2009-08-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

Most children are going to experience some anxiety when preparing to go back to school, especially if it’s a new school. The first way to help your children with their fears is to talk about it with. Below are a couple of questions that you can ask your children that will help encourage discussion.

1. "What are a few things are you most worried about when you think about starting school?”
2. "What are a few things are you most excited about when you think about starting school?"

If they don’t want to respond to the first question with you, they will probably respond to the second question. You can help your children just by listening to them, validating their feelings, and reassuring them. You may also be able to help them with a particular fear or worry. For example: If they are unsure of where their class will be, then you can take them to the school and show them. You may also want to consider doing some role playing with your children if they are not sure how to respond in some situations. Also, sharing your own personal stories when you were nervous will remind them that this is a normal and natural emotion and that things will be okay.

You can also help reduce your child’s anxiety by doing the following 7 things:

1. Make a list of all the items your child will need to be prepared for school. Allow your child to have input when purchasing items for him/her.

• School supplies
• Clothes- This is a good time to go through your child’s closet and make sure all their clothes are appropriate for the fall and fit them appropriately!

2. Doctor visit/Child exam- It’s always good to get your child’s vision checked and get a hearing exam if necessary.

3. Visiting school- Take a tour with your child of the school and where his/her classes and locker will be. The more familiar they are with everything, the more it will help to reduce anxiety.

4. Bus routine- Make sure your child knows where the bus stop is located or the plans for getting him/her to school.

5. Re-establish bedtime routine- It’s time for your child to start going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. If you start doing this now, it will be easier once school begins!

6. Less TV & Video games during the day – It’s time to reduce this and refocus your child’s attention on things that would be more productive for school. Reviewing materials from last year would be one idea.

7. The day before school- The more prepared you and your child are the day before school, the easier the morning will be. Have your child pick out his/her outfit the night before, have their backpack ready, and anything else that will make your morning more relaxing. The more relaxed you are the first day of school, the more your child will be too!

As always, I wish you the best and much success as you get your children ready to go back to school!

Dr. Nina

Children and Grief

2009-07-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Please view the segment on helping your child with grief by clicking here:
http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=44171@ktvt.dayport.com

Please email me with any questions at drninalpc@aol.com

Dr. Nina

Traveling with your Toddler!

2009-07-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Traveling with Toddlers is challenging and a lot of work. I know because I just got back from Costa Rica with my toddler last week! There are definitely things parents can do to help make the process easier when traveling.

Here are 7 helpful tips when preparing for the flight:
1. A back pack is a great alternative to a diaper bag- Its got a lot of pockets and easier to carry.

2. Bring lots of snacks- Toddlers can be picky eaters so having a lot of snacks
will be helpful. Also, put them in baggies for easier access when getting them.

3. Beverages- Have some milk/juice boxes ready for them to drink during take off. This will prevent their ears from popping. Of course, eating food is good too!

4. Books/ Activity Books- Toys R Us has a great selection for all ages. These books may keep your toddler very busy during the trip.

5. Play dough- It’s not messy and fun for children!

6. Flash Cards- These worked great with my daughter when she seemed bored and frustrated. You can get many different types of flash cards at Toys R Us!

7. Video games or Videos- Many children enjoy a video to calm them down. There are many ways to view videos: DVD player, IPhone, Handheld video player. In addition, the IPhone has many different activities and games that you can download for free that are great for children.

Many parents are concerned about their child having a meltdown. There are usually signs that your child is getting frustrated. This is when to be proactive and try to meet his/her needs. They may want something to eat or drink or maybe just want your attention. The more you prepare and remain calm, the easier it will be for you and your child. If your child wants to walk up and down the aisle a few times on the plane, then let them. We had quite a few toddlers taking a short walk including my own!

The key is to be open and flexible when traveling. Obviously, there are some things you would do differently at home. However, when traveling it’s more challenging on everyone so make modifications and exceptions. Do what works best for you and your family!

Dr. Nina

Traveling

2009-06-28T13:22:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

I just got back from Costa Rica with my family. Traveling with a toddler was a lot of work! I will be posting information on how to travel with a toddler and prevent meltdowns shortly. Please check back soon!

Dr. Nina :)

A 3-step bedtime routine that really works!

2009-05-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Moms,

I am sure you have heard of someone that has trouble putting their infant or toddler to bed. Research has found that 20 to 30 percent of parents struggle with this daily and you may be one of them. Well, there is hope! The research study collected data from 400 Mom’s who had problems with their infant or child waking up 3 or more times during the night or sleeping less than 9 hours. Half of the Mom’s had infants from 7 to 18 months and the other half of them had toddlers who were 18 to 36 months.

They randomly selected ½ of the Mom’s to begin this 3-step bedtime routine and the other half continued doing what they had been. The goal was to see if it changed their current situation and it did! Their child was waking up less during the night and sleeping for longer periods.

The study recommended the following 3-steps to do with your child before putting them to bed.
1. Bedtime bath
2. Infant massage or if you have a toddler then apply lotion all over them.
3. Quiet activity- Cuddle them and sing to them and dim the lights

All three of these steps allow you to really bond and connect with your child. Today’s environment can be so stressful so implemented these 3-steps or creating another type of relaxing bedtime routine will allow for predictability and also relieve any stress that your child may be experiencing.

Children need structure. The more you can implement daily routines in your household, the less stressful it will be for everybody. As a result, Mom and Dad get a good night’s rest and some quiet time together, which research found definitely helps with maternal mood. In addition to this, your child’s behavior improves during the day because of their sleep the night before.
I would love to hear your bedtime rituals with your infant or toddler that have been successful to you. Please post and inspire other parents who may need some support.

Dr. Nina

Do you have a strong willed child?

2009-05-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Do you have a strong willed child? How do you cope with power struggles? Tune in this Saturday on TXA 21 during the 8 o'clock hour to learn more. I will also follow up with a post!

Dr. Nina

Autism information

2009-05-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I hope you were able to watch my last segment on Autism. The most important thing I can stress is that early intervention is key. One of the hallmark features of autism is impaired social interaction. Children with autism often fail to respond to their name, avoid eye contact, and have a difficult time interpreting what others are thinking and feeling. You will find that a child with autism has a difficult time making friends as well.

In addition to this, you will find they have a delay in verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors and interest. To hear more, listen to my segment.

I know recognizing and seeing these delays in your child can be upsetting. Remember, there are great resources and people to help you. Autism is not curable but it is treatable and there are some great treatment plans in place. Highly structured and specialized programs seem to work best with autistic children. Get support today for you and your child if you suspect your child may be autistic.

You can contact your pediatrician or your local school district and ask for the special education department. They will guide you and evaluate your son or daughter.

You are not alone in this process. Stay positive and stay focused on what can be done for your child.

Dr. Nina

autism

2009-04-19T12:33:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I did not tape this past Saturday because the Mavericks were playing! I will be addressing autism on my next week's segment. Please tune it for some important information and facts. I will also follow up my segment with a blog post so check back soon! Please email me with any questions at askninanow@aol.com

Dr. Nina

The Importance of the Father’s Role in a Child’s Life

2009-04-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

Dad’s, do you ever wonder if you really play a significant role in your child’s life? I want to let you know that you do! A recent research study looked at 24 studies in the past 20 years to find out the benefits of the father playing an active role in their child’s life and they found many. You can hear about them on my past Saturday’s segment, “Raising Children Right”: Click here!

I know that its tough balancing a job and a family so trying to find time to spend with your child can be challenging. Be creative if your time is limited. Find ways where you can include your child and give them teachable moments. For example: You may need to go to Home Depot to pick up some items for a project at home. Take your child with you and get them involved in the task. This way you are engaging with them and teaching them things they didn’t know! They feel included and loved and this is the message we want to send to our child.

If you travel a lot, it can be very difficult finding time to spend with your child. Again, it’s being creative and finding ways to connect with them when you are away. A phone call, an email, a special card or note you give them before you leave are ways of sending the message, “Dad loves you and is here for you.”

The key is to start engaging and connecting with them early and be consistent throughout their childhood and teenage years. Remember, you do have an important role in promoting their social and emotional development!

Dr. Nina Rios-Doria, LPC
TXA 21 Expert – “Raising Your Children Right”

Toddler Language Development

2009-03-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, this past Saturday's segment went by so quick! They always do. I have 3 minutes to tell you a 100 things and I just don't have time! I have decided to post the language information on the front page of my website so please refer to this for information on language development.

I won't be doing a segment this Saturday but will be back the following week. Please email me if you have a topic that you would like me to address. I know being a parent is hard work and it's difficult to find balance for all of us. I encourage you to look at what you are doing right as a Mom or Dad and not what you are doing wrong!

Dr. Nina

How to Calm a Crying Baby!

2009-03-22T12:50:00.001-07:00

Hi TV Viewers,

I hope you enjoyed my last week's segment on how to calm your crying baby! I knew I would not have enough time to show you how to swaddle your baby correctly on TV so I have included a video for you to watch!

As a new mommy myself, I remember the sleepless nights, the feeling of sleep deprivation, and the sound of a crying baby that wants a little extra TLC. I found Dr. Karp’s method from his book, “The Happiest Baby on the Block” to work wonders! I hope it does for your baby too. I would love to hear your feedback about what happens when you apply the 5 S’s that he recommends below.

Here are the 5 S’s again that I discussed this past Saturday.

1st – Swaddle
Please watch my video on how to swaddle correctly and see all 5 S’s below: Click Here!

2nd – Side/Stomach
The side or stomach position stops an equally upsetting but invisible type of stimulation—the panicky feeling of falling, which is called the Moro reflex. It’s appropriate for this situation; however always place your baby on their BACK when they go to bed.

3rd – Shhhhing
This is a soothing sound for your baby. It reminds them of the sound when they were in your uterus.
“Shhh...” in their ear about 1 to 2 inches away. The louder the cry, the louder the “shhh…”. You will continue doing this as you move on to the next S.

4th- Swinging
Please watch video to see how this is actually done. Basically, you would lightly jiggle your baby in your arms if they were really upset and then swing them as they calm down.

5th – Sucking
You may not even need to do this last S. However, if your baby still doesn’t seem calm, offer them a pacifier or nurse them.

You may need to do the 5 S’s a few times before your baby really starts calming down. They need to get used to you doing this new method but I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel! Wishing you great success as new parents!

Dr. Nina Rios-Doria, LPC
TXA 21 – “Raising Your Children Right”

Childhood Obesity- Is your child overweight?

2009-03-17T11:35:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I do my best each segment to tell you as much as I can in a few minutes but it's difficult! I hope that you were able to see my last segment on obesity. If you want to find out if your child may have a weight problem then figure out his/her BMI, which is Body Mass Index. You will find this on my website under "Download free resources" or you can click here!

This is a great time of year to get fit as a family! A recent national study found that 50% of parents are overweight that have an overweight child. Are you one of them? Whether you are or not, it's about encouraging your child to make smarter food choices and get active. We can do this by being their role model. Children look to their parents for guidance so guide them to great health starting today!

I hope you are enjoying these weekly segments and if there is a topic you want to hear me discuss on TXA 21, then email me at askninanow@aol.com

I appreciate your support!
Dr. Nina

Parenting Styles- which one are you?

2009-03-12T11:07:00.001-07:00

Parenting Styles- which one are you?

This past Saturday, I discussed the 3 types of parenting styles and referred to the book by Dr. Foster Cline called, “Parenting with Love and Logic”.

The 3 parenting styles I addressed are the following:
Permissive Parenting –Helicopter Parent
Authoritarian Parenting - Drill Sergeant
Authoritative Parenting – Consultant

You can view the video on the front page of my website to hear about each one. The parenting style that we all want to strive to be is the Authoritative Parent or the Consultant Parent. If you find that you are more of a Drill Sergeant or a Helicopter Parent, that’s okay. The first step is recognizing this so that you can begin focusing on becoming a Consultant Parent to your children. They will benefit greatly. Our goal is to empower our children to make good choices, recognize their mistakes, and allow them to experience natural consequences. It’s tough being a parent, especially when you have more than one child and they all have different temperaments. Be consistent and set up realistic expectations. Every day try and find something positive you can say to your children. Focus on things they are doing right and not wrong. Our goal is to get them equipped and ready for their teen years so that they do feel confident and secure when making choices and that they do understand what it means to be responsible.

You can download some free information about the Love and Logic Parent on my website.

Wishing you all the best!!

Dr. Nina
TXA 21 – “Raising Your Children Right”

How parents can help children with their anger

2009-03-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

How parents can help children with their anger

There are 2 things parents can do to help children recognize when they are angry, which are the following:

The first thing they can do is to help understand what makes them angry which can be different for each child. You will discover there are specific things that trigger their anger.

The second thing parents can do is to talk to their children about the early warning signs of anger. There are certain things that happen when someone starts getting angry such as the heart rate increases, a person starts breathing faster, talking louder, and things like this.

Once you discuss these two things with them, then come up with solutions for each child and create a chart. For example, you can title the chart “Sam’s ways of coping with Anger” and then list ways for him to deal with his anger. Some ideas for your child could be running or kicking a ball outside, taking 3 deep breaths and counting to 10, do 20 jumping jacks, draw a picture of what is making him angry. Allow your child to think of some ideas because this will empower him and make it his own. Next time when your child starts experiencing those early warning signs discussed, you can now refer them to their “Coping with Anger” chart.

Finally, talking to your child about other emotions that they may be experiencing when they get angry can also be helpful. Show them a “feeling chart”, which people can download free from my website is great to do. This feeling chart has a variety of emotions with pictures on it. Your child can refer to this the next time they get angry and point out other emotions that they may be experiencing.

Children need help recognizing and labeling their emotions. Parents are their best role s. I encourage all parents to talk about their feelings if they are sad or mad and refer to the feeling chart too! Be expressive about it so children see their parents handling their feelings appropriately, especially anger.

Remember, research has found that it takes 21 days of daily doing a new behavior to change it. Parents need to be patient and consistent. The next time your child gets angry, point it out to them and refer them to their coping chart to deal with their anger.

Dr. Nina
“Raising Your Children Right”

Welcome!

2009-03-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to open this new blog. I look forward to this open format to discuss the issues that parents experience in their very challenging job of raising happy and healthy children.

Dr. Nina