Ask Ann: Making family meals for all and TV during dinner?

MEal

Best-selling parenting author Ann Douglas tackles your toughest parenting questions...         It drives my mother crazy that I let my daughter and son watch TV during mealtime. Is this really such a bad thing? Psychologists and nutritionists who have researched this issue are pretty much unanimous: it’s best to keep the TV off during dinner. Not only is it important to reconnect with your kids without the … [Read more...]

Ask Ann: Organization, Moving, Teens and Pressures

Cell

Best-selling parenting author Ann Douglas tackles your toughest parenting questions…         My teenage daughter is worrying me with her new choice of style. She likes to be scantily clad at all times and I am tired of fighting about it. Is there any way to compromise? Only you can answer that question: is there room for compromise? Or has your daughter already pushed the limits of what you consider to be … [Read more...]

Ask Ann: Jealousy and First Loves

ASK ANN

Best-selling parenting author Ann Douglas tackles your toughest parenting questions...         I have two children, both girls, ages five and six, and for some reason they are extremely jealous of each other and reluctant to play together. Is this a sign of a long-term relationship problem? What can I do to get them to be friends instead of foes? When we make the decision to have two or more children, we may … [Read more...]

Ask Ann: Shyness and Daredevils

Biking

Best-selling parenting author Ann Douglas tackles your toughest parenting questions...         How can I get my painfully shy three-year-old to overcome her fear of people? I’ve tried playgroups and gym classes but she clings to my legs and cries if I push her too hard to do anything. Could this be a sign of social anxiety? It’s worth discussing your concerns with your family doctor. She may suggest … [Read more...]

Ask Ann: Picky Eaters and Doctor Visits

Needle

Best-selling parenting author Ann Douglas tackles your toughest parenting questions...         My five-year-old daughter is a very picky eater and this is a huge source of stress (and distress!) for me and my husband. We resort to a lot of bribery to get her to eat her vegetables, but still, she barely touches them. Should we be concerned or is this a phase she’ll outgrow? She seems to be growing fine and … [Read more...]

Ask Ann: Eating in Front of the TV & Help with Meal Time Compromise

Food

Best-selling parenting author Ann Douglas tackles your toughest parenting questions...         It drives my mother crazy that I let my daughter and son watch TV during mealtime. Is this really such a bad thing? Psychologists and nutritionists who have researched this issue are pretty much unanimous: it’s best to keep the TV off during dinner. Not only is it important to reconnect with your kids without the … [Read more...]