Kids

Fathers should understand that their children may bite their nails out of curiosity or boredom, to relieve stress, or from force of habit. Nail biting is the most common of the so-called "nervous habits," which include thumb sucking, nose picking, hair twisting or tugging, and tooth grinding, and is the most likely to continue into adulthood.   … [Read more...] about Nail Biting and its discontents

It is important for fathers to remember that children forget or ignore the rules when they have something urgent to say. After all, it's easy for a child to forget that other people have needs, too. You've probably already talked to your kids about when they should butt in (the house is on fire) and when they shouldn't (she's bored). But putting these principles into practice … [Read more...] about The Father and the Interrupting Child

Children are always developing their own opinions about their fathers and it's much easier to simply ignore you than it is to resist or concede. The key, for a good father, is getting your kids to cooperate while giving them the space to practice their independence. … [Read more...] about When your children ignore you

Sometimes, as a father, it is frustrating to find your kids ignoring even simple requests to pick up their socks, and responding with a surly "what for?" whenever you ask them to take out the trash. As frustrating as it is, you must understand that it is normal for kids to test adult guidelines and expectations. At this age, "defiance is about finding a way to assert yourself," … [Read more...] about The Rebel

It is important to remember that Bedtime can be rough for kids. Their body is growing and their schedule is more complicated than ever, so they need plenty of rest. Unfortunately, the pressures of life can get in the way of slumber. It could be the test on their grade on the next school day. Or they're worried about the bully on the bus or whether their best friend's mad at … [Read more...] about Bedtime Blues