Parenting Styles

An age-by-age guide to screwing up your kids

Sherri Kuhn — Wed, 01 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Sure, we all want to be perfect parents — at least some of the time, anyway. For all those times you made him the perfect crust-less peanut butter sandwich or reminded her to say “please,” there is also the seedier side of parenting. Those moments we leave out of the scrapbook and don’t admit to in a Facebook status update.

Are parents who believe in faith healing guilty of neglect?

Monica Beyer — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:40:00 -0700

Most parents would do everything in their power to prevent the death of their child. A Pennsylvania couple feels that despite their efforts, two of their children passed away. However, they are under investigation because they believe in faith healing — or the power of prayer — and officials claim two of their children have died due to medical neglect. Is faith healing inherently wrong and misguided, or did these parents have the best interests of their children in mind?

Survey: Tell us about your family

SheKnows Parenting Editors — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:15:00 -0700

We want to know all about your family. What kind of discipline techniques do you use? How much TV do your kids really watch? Who do you lean on when you need some help?

Colorado mom "shames" kids with T-shirt messages

Sherri Kuhn — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:30:00 -0700

One of the most difficult parts of parenting is discipline. Discipline is simply the act of teaching your child right from wrong, with consequences to reinforce rules and values. But there are times when even your best parenting plan isn’t working — we’ve all been there. One desperate mom tried a new tactic, and found herself in the middle of a controversy.

Johnny be good: Why we shouldn't tell our kids to "be good"

Alicia DiFabio — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:00:00 -0800

“Now, be good!” a mother instructs her toddler. “If you are good, you get a treat,” says another to her 6-year-old. It is a common request with the hopes of eliciting positive behavior, yet what does “being good” truly mean?

Your looks don’t dictate how you parent

Monica Beyer — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:00:00 -0800

Parenting is hard enough on its own, but when you’re looked down on by other parents because of your age or they way you look it can be upsetting. We talk to moms who know how to stand their ground and let their parenting show for itself.

But all my friends are doing it!

Lisa Steinke — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:00:00 -0800

So, here you are again. Your tween is asking to do something with her friends that makes you hesitate. On the one hand, you want to let her have freedom, but on the other, you struggle with just how much. And you certainly don't want to let her do something just because she says every single one of her friends is doing it. So how do you say no without sounding — and feeling — like the bad guy?

Are we empowering our kids too much?

Sherri Kuhn — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:00:00 -0800

Everywhere you look, the world is increasingly being geared toward kids. Parents take pride in treating their children like mini adults and empowering them to make choices. Ask almost anyone of the current grandparent generation and they will agree – kids these days have too much power. Have we given our children an edge or set them up for trouble later?

Single mom no more: Parenting with a partner

Monica Beyer — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:00:00 -0800

Your single parenthood came to an end when you made the decision to move in with your new boyfriend or got engaged to be married. What boundaries do you employ with your new co-parent, and how do the experts suggest you proceed?

Oh bebe: Parenting in France

Monica Beyer — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 07:00:00 -0800

Claire was raised in the U.S. but currently resides in Marseille, France, with her partner and 1-year-old daughter. She lets us in on the differences between parenting in France and America and how her unique background has shaped how she parents her little girl.

Can your parenting style destroy your marriage?

Ami Burns — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:00:00 -0800

When Mayim Bialik filed for divorce, she released a statement that her hands-on parenting style wasn't the cause. You may be wondering if parenting styles — even when both parents agree — can affect your relationship.

One and done: Deciding to have an only child

Monica Beyer — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:00:00 -0800

If you’ve decided to have one child, you may have already caught loads of grief from your friends and family members. We discuss both the challenges and the benefits of raising an only child, and how you can deal with naysayers.

Jada Pinkett Smith defends her parenting style

Sherri Kuhn — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:00:00 -0800

Parenting takes a crazy turn when your child becomes a tween. When Jada Pinkett Smith’s 12-year-old daughter Willow decided to shave off her previously full head of hair, her mother didn’t think twice. Critics have blasted Pinkett Smith, claiming she is too lenient of a parent. Is she too relaxed, or is she onto something we could all learn from?

Spoiled rotten: Why you shouldn't coddle your kids

Kori Ellis — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:00:00 -0800

Spoiled kids often develop into self-absorbed adults with a lack of self-control and a major sense of entitlement. No matter if your children are toddlers or teens, it isn't too late to stop spoiling them.

Parents are allowed to be imperfect

SheKnows Parenting Editors — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 13:00:00 -0800

Are you feeling pressure to be the perfect parent? The good news is that you already are perfect — as an imperfect parent.

Peaceful parenting

Marva Soogrim — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:00:00 -0800

Staying calm is one of the most important things new parents can do after they bring their new baby home from the hospital. It’s an essential step to achieve a happy and peaceful household for everyone.

Mine, mine, mine! Teach your kids not to share

Sherri Kuhn — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:00:00 -0700

Some of the rules of childhood have been repeated so many times that even as adults, we find ourselves shaped by them. Teaching our children to share, take turns and play nicely seems like the best way to parent but there’s another way of thinking that may have some parents questioning their methods.

Parenting as a rock star family

Monica Beyer — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 07:00:00 -0700

Kelly isn't just an awesome mom to two beautiful kids — she also co-parents with her husband, Ben Orum of the California-based metal band All Shall Perish. We chatted with her to find out what unique challenges a closely-knit rock star family has to face.

Balance between being a mom and a friend

Kori Ellis — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 01:00:00 -0700

A mother has a multitude of roles from nurturer to disciplinarian. And somewhere in between is friend. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find a balance between motherhood and friendship.

Peer pressure and parenting

Naomi de la Torre — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 01:30:00 -0700

Under the shadow of the mommy wars and sensationalized media campaigns, it’s easy for moms to fall into the “Are You Mom Enough?” trap. But peer pressure and parenting is no joke. It’s time to cast away the judgment and embrace our differences. You are more than enough. We all are.

What's so extreme about Extreme Parenting?

Naomi de la Torre — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:00:00 -0700

The upcoming release of the new reality show Extreme Parenting will shine a light on hot-button parenting techniques like extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, homeschooling, non-vaccinating and elimination communication. But are these parenting techniques really even extreme? Or is extreme the new mainstream in parenting?