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Step Parenting Blues

Dear Jane:

I have some questions on how to deal with my partner's five-year-old son and am hoping you will be able to provide me with some insight. We have been living together for 5 1/2 months and I am having huge difficulty adjusting to his son, being around half-time (he and his ex have joint custody).

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Mean, Disobedient Four-Year-Old

Question:

My daughter is 4.5 and I'm at my wits end. She is such a beautiful child when she wants to be. I just don't know what to do anymore. She's mean to other children. She has no fear of any authority. She is very mouthy to other kids, her preschool teacher, and grandma.

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Strong Willed or Age Appropriate?

Question:

Hopefully you can help me in this situation. I am a mother of two wonderful boys ages 6 1/2 and 4. They are both very head strong and stubborn, not a bad quality for when they get older. My older son is in 1st grade and he is doing well, he knows the work

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Prefers One Parent over Another

My almost 2 year-old son used to take a bath with my husband everyday after dinner. That used to be "their time", and he was always happy to go with him. But a few days ago he started to refuse to go in the bathtub. As soon as I get in the bathroom he agrees to go inside and take a bath. It has been like this for the last week. He just cries like crazy until I come in. I really have no idea how to handle this situation. I am not sure I am doing the right thing getting in the bathroom and bathing him, I feel like he is manipulating me, and my husband is just heartbroken because that was the only thing they do together everyday. Any advice???

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Helping Children Cope with the Death of a Parent

Question:

A friend of mine recently lost his wife and his 8 month to be born daughter. He does not know how to break the bad news to his 3 year old daughter. What do you think will be the best approach???? Any other advice???

Thank you so much for helping me help him... Jorge

Answer:

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Daycare Kids Refusing to Rest

Question:

Ever since my two year old transitioned out of (started climbing out of) the crib about 2 months ago, the other daycare kids (ages 3 &4) as well as my two year old will not stay down for quiet time.

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Twin Conflict

Question:

Dear Mary, 
I hope that you remember me - I wrote to you for some advice regarding my twins last year around September and you very kindly sent me some invaluable information, which I have saved and read through very often. 

I am having more problems with my son, specifically regarding his behavior towards his sister.

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Switching from Negative to Positive Time Out

Question:

I'm just reading Positive Discipline A-Z and finding it very helpful. I have two daughters almost 2 and almost 4 years old.

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Spousal Conflict in Front of Children

Question:

What are some different and creative ways to handle conflict in front of the children between you and your spouse?

Thank You,
Theresa 

Answer:

Respectfully. I could just leave it at that, but too many people don't know what respect looks like. A few suggestions:

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Online Learning

Online Learning

Positive Discipline offers online learning options for parents, teachers, and parent educators. Learn in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. You have unlimited access to our online streaming programs, so you can watch and re-watch the videos as often as you like.

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