Deborah Gilboa's Blog, page 51

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Talk to Your Kids about Robin Williams (or any suicide)

So many people here wanted to know if  - and how! – to talk to kids about Robin Williams suicide. This guide is a good litmus test to help you decide if that is a series of conversations worth having. Even more, you can find the how-to of structuring those discussions.

 

If you are struggling yourself with thoughts of depression or are worried about a teen or child in your life – take action.

Peer Pressure – Why it’s not All Bad!

Do you fear peer pressure?

I did, until I started to work with large groups of kids. And then? I saw a kindergarten teacher get a whole room quiet by saying “I like how Tyler is sitting quietly on the carpet waiting for our story.” I spoke to a teenage patient who, when I asked her if she smokes said, “Oh, none of my friends do – we all think it’s awful!” I observed a group of 7th graders speak up on behalf of someone who’d been bullied with the power of a group who has decided not to tolerate bad behavior.

Do you know The Five Moms? They are a group of community-minded women who joined together to create the site Stop Medicine Abuse in order to educate parents about this (and many other) topics central to raising teens. They asked me to give parents my perspective on peer pressure and how it can hurt AND help kids.

Don’t protect kids from peer pressure.

Talk to them about it. And if you’re worried about what your child is experiencing, help him see that the pressure is not necessarily the problem, but those particular peers might be.

 

What have you done when you feel your child is being influenced in the wrong direction?

Change How You Teach Stranger Danger

Should we teach kids to be afraid strangers?

As a parent, I feel torn. Torn between keeping my kids very safe and teaching them to meet new people. Torn between teaching them caution and encouraging them to be outgoing. Torn between fear and common sense.

Keeping kids safe is… impossible.

Teaching kids to be savvy and smart is my goal, but that doesn’t work very well for toddlers or even preschoolers. So instead of saying “Don’t talk to strangers” try this one tip to teach kids safety AND social skills.

 

 

Real Parenting, CFAX, 1070AM, Canada

Wondering about back-to-school (#BTS) and a little worried about the bullying and bickering that can happen this time of year? Join Dr. G and Shirley Broback as they discuss these important issues. Get tips, suggestions and that sense of well-being that comes when you know you’re not alone! Listen in or check out the podcast at your leisure after the live event!

New York Moms & Dads, Astoria Center of Israel, New York City

To kick off her 2014 book tour, Dr. G is thrilled to speak to the Moms and Dads of Astoria, NY and the community at Astoria Center of Israel. Parents will learn how to Get the Behavior You Want, Without Being the Parent You Hate! Please come join her at the Center, along with Raising Astoria and the adorable (and highly useful) Lyla Tov Monsters.

Astoria Moms&Dads and Astoria Center of Israel, New York City

To kick off her 2014 book tour, Dr. G is thrilled to speak to the Moms and Dads of Astoria, NY and the community at Astoria Center of Israel. Parents will learn how to Get the Behavior You Want, Without Being the Parent You Hate! Please come join her at the Center, along with Raising Astoria and the adorable (and highly useful) Lyla Tov Monsters.

WNJC 1360, Philadelphia, PA

Dr. G will join Dr. Stacy Haynes on 1360 AM in Philadelphia for her show Parenting Tips 2 Go! They will discuss back-to-school (#BTS) tips. Listen in to how this transition can set kids up for a responsible and resilient year!

Breastfeeding is Hard!

I believe in breastfeeding, for many women. I encourage my patients (and their parents) to do whatever they can to get babies some breastmilk. But lets be real here…

Breastfeeding? Is hard.

It’s awkward, somewhat painful and time-consuming. It’s also healthy for mom and baby and a great goal for new moms. As long as we don’t shame them when they struggle. Also, as long as we don’t shame them for actually breastfeeding, wherever they happen to be with the baby. So, in an effort to stop the breastfeeding shaming, I wrote for Huffington Post 66 Places Women Have Breastfed Without Incident, and Other Surprises. Let’s make breastfeeding a little easier where we can, OK?

 

Can you add to this list?

Pittsburgh Today Live, CBS

Dr. G returns as the regular parenting contributor on Pittsburgh’s CBS morning show. Dr. G and Kristine Sorensen will discuss timely parenting issues. Have a topic you’d like to hear more about? Reach out and let us know!

Kids Do Good

Kids can, and should, do good.

Kids love to make the world a better place! Think they won’t get into it? Think it will be a battle? Here are tips and solutions so that your family can build connections, character and improve your community in as little as half an hour.

Most often at Ask Doctor G, Mondays mean a video tip. This week, I’m giving your eyes (and my hair!) a break. While I’ve been tromping through the North Woods of Wisconsin with my family, I’m sharing this audio podcast with you. Listen to it alone, with your kids, or just get your partner to click on it and tell you what it says. However you listen to Michael Stelzner and I talk about kids and community service, it will make you feel like a rock star parent!