Dear Joyce and Marv, I am so worried about my oldest child who is starting Middle School in September. I hear that there are drugs, bad language, and gangs in schools. Help!!! Dorothy Dear Dorothy, Peer influence is a reality. Be encouraged that your home is still the biggest influence on your child’s life. Prepare your child by talking about issues and what to do when confronted with them. Church…
Another “Mother New Year†– September is when mom’s new calendar starts. Children begin a new school year, some go to preschool, others begin kindergarten, and the big kids venture off into elementary, middle, and high school! I loved my summer on Quadra Island where I had time to rest, reflect, and write about mothering. My favorite times were when our children and grandchildren came to visit. As your teacher,…
Dear Joyce, My husband and I argue about how to raise our two children. We have disagreement in parenting styles, on consequences and most everything regarding our children. Mary Dear Mary, It is very common to have different opinions on how to raise your children. You were raised in different homes with different styles so you are both comfortable with your upbringing. When parents are tired, they tend to…
Dear Joyce, I wanted to ask you for your advice about our 3 year-old. She is FEARFUL of so many things – almost anything with loud noise (dogs, trains, fireworks, people who speak loudly- including my brother and her teacher). If/when she sees or hears anything she is afraid of, she will cry hysterically and sometimes can’t contain herself.  She is also scared to go to sleep (so bedtime is…
