Welcome to PEPTalk! This blog is all about parenting – including tips, great articles and updates on our class offerings. The conversation is for parents and others who want to raise healthy, cooperative, thriving children. Raising children to thrive isn’t easy, especially when those children regularly mess up our plans for their success. We learn the art of parenting from each other, and our PEPTalk blog is here to help—with tips, tools, talk and encouragement—as well as updates about PEP’s many educational programs.
Our bloggers are like our class leaders (many of them are class leaders)—parents who have found at PEP support, inspiration and a sensible road map for the journey. They’ll share their unique perspectives and experiences, connected by their deep commitment to helping you be the parent you want to be. We invite you to join the conversation.
Parenting provides endless opportunities to navigate feelings — those of our children and our own. In last week’s blog post we described one dad’s instinct to put a stop to his son’s anxious feelings, fearing that engaging them would only fan the flames and result in more anxious feelings. Whether we’re dealing with a child, co-worker or partner, we often approach big feelings in one of two ways,... read more>>
This week NPR’s Morning Edition featured a great piece about the role parents should play when dealing with kids and anxiety. The story describes a 9-year old boy who was so anxious about being alone that everyday tasks like bedtime and showering became debilitating. His parents found help through an experimental program at Yale University that treated childhood anxiety by teaching parents how to respond to it. The child’s father, relying on his own childhood experience (as most of us do),... read more>>
Q: My kids don’t fight physically, but they are perfectly awful to one another with their words. Their age difference is such that one is far more capable than the other. By ignoring their behavior, as is often recommended when dealing with siblings, I’m afraid it suggests that I don’t mind them treating each other that way or that I’m condoning their behavior. What do you recommend? A: When there is a big vocabulary difference because of an age gap,... read more>>
This story was recently shared in the Discussion Forum for our new 4-week online class, Redefining Discipline: A No Gimmicks Guide to Raising Responsible, Respectful Kids. It demonstrates the impact that small changes can have on the quality of our relationships. “I do have a success story I have to share: My daughter has been unmotivated and struggling in math,... read more>>
It’s college and private school admissions season — a time when many parents stay up late worrying about the fate of their precious offspring or brainstorming ways to help them get ahead. So I’m not surprised by the news of arrests in a massive college admissions scam consumed the Internet this week. When authorities charge 50 wealthy parents, celebrities and college coaches with fraud for bending the rules to sneak their privileged children into a “side door,” (link) you can bet the world will be watching and commenting.... read more>>
As a parent, there is almost nothing that you wouldn’t do to help your child become a successful adult. But should you go to such lengths? And where is the line? The recent college admissions scandal shows some specific lines that parents were willing to cross in order to help their teens be admitted to highly competitive colleges and universities. They paid bribes, they cheated and told lies to their own children to make sure that they got into their top choice.... read more>>
Beginning next month, we’re adding a new online, on-demand Master Class, Redefining Discipline: A No Gimmicks Guide to Raising Responsible, Respectful Kids. With 2, four-week online classes, over 25 on-demand workshops, and live webinars available, some might wonder “where do I begin?” Here at PEP we often talk about a house under construction as a metaphor for parenting. To build a new structure, you need a well-vetted blueprint and a solid construction crew;... read more>>
By Trish Pannuto & Colleen Reed An 8th grader disinterested in her household chore, accusing Mom of being “too picky,” and a Mom growing increasingly frustrated with her “lackadaisical” teenager. Does this story sound familiar? The Mom asked Carolyn Hax for advice, who promptly (and to our delight) suggested she turn to PEP to find some balance in her household. At PEP, we hear versions of this same story every day from parents of preschoolers through teens.... read more>>
By Robbye Fox Social connection – the sense of being understood and genuinely belonging within a group – has been identified as a major contributor to a healthy, fulfilling life. It’s a “chicken soup” for our physical and psychological well-being, especially for adolescents who are struggling with who they are and finding their place in the world. With the onslaught of social media apps such as Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat,... read more>>
By Paige Trevor From ages 0 – 32 my go-to emotion was crying. If I wanted to rally the troops around me and get something done, I would cry and pout. At 32 with two children under age four, I was suddenly the adult. In my new found adulthood I realized I couldn’t tearfully call my sister to solve the morning mayhem problem. No, I had to get two smallies out of the house,... read more>>
