The Holidays with Young Children: Keeping It Simple

Preserving the meaning of the holidays is tricky with so much pressure — pressure to BUY, pressure to TRAVEL, and pressure to JUGGLE HOLIDAY EVENTS. The obligations start to pile up, and pretty soon we can’t wait until it’s all over. Here in Hawaii, we’ve learned something about simplicity: Simple is better. Not always easier more »

Another Reason Your Toddler Doesn’t Eat Much

I’ve just had a rare parenting experience; making a meal that my toddler ate — and enjoyed. Pediatricians tell us that toddlers need fewer calories, so not to worry. But there’s another more developmental reason that toddlers often don’t eat. The “simple” cycle of HUNGER —–> EATING —–> FEELING BETTER isn’t really so simple for more »

How To Handle A “Bottle Strike” By Your Baby — A Pint-Sized Parenting Tip

A common parenting problem: The Baby Refuses a Bottle — And Mom Works (or otherwise can’t always be with the baby). Here are some tips: Prevention and Practice. If you expect her to take a bottle intermittently, you’ve got to keep up the practice. Have her take a bottle at least every 1-2 days — more »

What To Do When Your Baby Bites You — A Pint Sized Parenting Tip

Our 10-month-old is teething. ON ME. She wants to gnaw, chomp, and tear at my skin — my arm, neck, or of course the worst target, MY NIPPLE. And man, it hurts! These aren’t little love nibbles. These are deep, powerful bites that leave marks. Sound familiar? Today, I’ll give you some quick info on more »

Dr. Heather’s Pint-Sized Parenting Tip: A Noisy House= A Sleeping Baby?

When our first was born, I was determined to eliminate any possible source of noise inside (and outside) the house in hopes of bettering my baby’s sleep. I neurotically tiptoed around, turned off the phones, waited on chores that made noise, and considered complaining to the County for allowing leaf-blowers in my neighborhood. Guess what? more »

Easing Diaper Changing Struggles: A Pint-Sized Tip

Chasing a toddler around is exhausting. The last thing you need is to get into a wrestling match with a poopy diaper and a flailing child. Here are some tricks to try (that also work with wriggly babies, 5 or 6 months and older, too): Give a warning: When the stink-bomb hits, let your toddler more »

Dr. Heather’s Pint-Sized Parent Tip: Easing School Pickups

Today is the first in my series of quick parent tips designed to make your life easier. As a shrink and parent of 4 young kids, I feel your pain — and I’ve worked out some of the wrinkles along the way. I hope you enjoy these — and comment below if you have a more »