Scared Son

Dear Moms,

My son is turning 8 in two weeks. He is very scared right now. He won’t go into any rooms in our house alone. He is scared to flush the toilet. He won’t run items down the stairs. He is fearful of monsters and things popping out at him. I’ve spoken to him about the fact that our home is a safe place for him to live and he doesn’t need to be scared, but of course that’s easily said but it doesn’t help ease his fear. I’ve been hard on him about it because he is so old, but maybe this isn’t the approach I should be taking, as sometimes it turns into tears. (which is an uncommon occurrence for him) I’d love your thoughts if you’ve read up on fears like this before and how to help ease them.

From:
Not Afraid

Sharing a Room

Dear Mothers,

How do I help my two year old share her room with her new baby sister?

From,
Sharing Can Be Fun

Getting to be that age...

Dear Mothers,

My fifth grader is being prepared to watch the school district's "maturation video" which is to introduce the concept of puberty to the children. My husband and I are open with our child about puberty and have already talked to him about this. We believe that this kind of discussion is very personal and should be handled in a family setting. Should we let our child watch the video at school or keep him home that day?

From,
Growing up too fast

Cabin Fever

When the weather is nice, I love to play outside with my kids. A big portion of every day is spent riding bikes, taking walks, playing ball, visiting the park. Now that it’s cold and snowy out, we’re cooped up inside, and I’m truly losing my mind. We do visit indoor play places from time to time, but I still feel couch potato-esque. Anyone have any creative suggestions for staying active indoors?


From,
Shut-in

No's the word

Dear Mothers,

My three year old says no to everything I ask her. Pick up toys: No! Time to eat: No! Time for bed: No! Put on your coat: No! It's driving me crazy! What do I do?

From,
Pulling my hair out

Between a Rock and a Very Sweet Baby

Dear Mothers Who Know,

The idea of working hurts my heart. I can't bear to leave my baby with somebody else. And I fear I will unravel at the prospect of juggling travel and commutes and other work demands with my daughter's care. But we will be in the red over five hundred dollars a month if I stay home. (And, yes, we already live very frugally)! I want to avoid the stress of being broke (I envision lawyers and lenders and a mortgage default!) and save for my daughters future.

So I'm facing the agony of returning to work versus the scariness of financial insecurity. How have others survived this modern decision?

From,
My Heart is at Home

Girls Going to the Movies

Dear Mothers,

My 12year old daughter is dying to go to the movies with her friends without any adults. I so nervous about letting her. Is she too young? At what age would this be appropriate?

From,
Silver Screen Skittish