"One-on-On​e Time" Can Reduce Sibling Rivalry

Video Blog:
by Rebecca & Rich Kammerer
“One-On-One with Your Child”

When we were expecting our twins, we reminisced about our own childhoods.
To be sure, we had fun “family” memories of dinners, holidays and some “regular”
events that seem special when looking back (e.g., Friday at-home family movie
night). However, we also remembered many special memories when we had one
parent’s attention all to ourselves. So before our children were born, we
committed to the idea of parent-child days/activities (ie., daddy/daughter,
mommy/daughter).

With twins, we were particularly sensitive about developing each child as
an individual, getting to know them for who they are, not just for being
twins/siblings. One-on-one time fosters this relationship building between
parent and child (whether you have one child or 10).

According to child development researchers…
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Communicating With Your Teen

Video Blog: Communicating With Your Teen

by Rich Kammerer

I feel like I am losing my soon-to-be teenage son. He does not talk to me anymore. He used to be my shadow. I do not know what has happened. Is there anything I can do to help bring us closer before we grow completely apart? Mark, New Hyde ParkThere are many aspects to successfully raising a teen, from building their confidence/self-esteem, to supporting their need for individuality and setting proper limits, but we will focus on “communication” to assist with your concerns.  Effective communication is critical to all…

http://patch.com/A-hLdy 

Parents "R" Talking: What to do Regarding Head Lice?

P"R"T Father's Day Special (Patch Article: ...Head lice?) - http://eepurl.com/dVxOj

Parents "R" Talking, Rebecca Kammerer's Patch Article-"I Have Spanked My Child"

Am I the perfect parent? No way!
Have I lost my cool while parenting? Yes!

Do I regret it? Yes!

Do I feel that I dealt with the situation in a positive light? Yes!

I truly feel that spanking is not necessary, but if dealt with appropriately
(after the fact) it can be a learning experience for all involved. Now
before you blast me, please read this article in full.

There are MANY things to try when teaching right from wrong before choosing
to spank, such as gentle instruction, redirecting (distracting) the child,
taking away a privilege or sending the child to timeout. Any of these options,
supported by a strong foundation of love and respect, is the only truly
effective way to bring about commendable behavior based on strong inner values,
instead of superficially “good” behavior based only on fear…http://patch.com/A-hwF9 

P"R"T-Video Blog: How to Handle a Playground Bully

Video Blog: How to Handle a Playground Bully

by Rebecca Kammerer

I think this is a very broad topic that takes on many layers. Let’s list all the players in a typical playground setting: Yourself, your child(ren), other children and the other parents/caregivers. Given all these facts there is a good chance that you and/or your child will have some sort of interaction with someone else. I love it when my children make a new friend on the playground and they all get along. But there are times that my child or someone else’s child will not, let's say, “play nicely.” First and foremost,…

http://patch.com/A-gNZRhttp://patch.com/A-gNZRhttp://gardencity.patch.com/users/rebecca-kammerer

Parents "R" Talking: Parents trying to do it all...

Video Blog: Parents trying to do it all...

by Rebecca Kammerer


Just last week, I was watching my mother-in-law read to my twins as I folded laundry and it reminded me of when I was little.

When I was 5, my sister and I would spend a few hours every afternoon at my grandmother’s house across the street. This was when my mom, who worked full-time (third shift/overnight), would do house work, cook dinner, run errands and get some sleep. Back then, even stay-at-home parents would have their relatives or older children entertain the little ones while they got things done. Nowadays, lots of people do not have extended family close by to help take care of children while their parents work.

When my children were younger, I used to feel guilty when I paid a sitter to care for them once a week. Heck, if my mom was still alive, or if I lived closer to my sister, I would certainly have their help in caring for my children. So why did I feel guilty to get that help from a wonderful sitter who has come to love my children…


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Video Blog: Toddlers Learning to Share

Rebecca Kammerer

http://patch.com/A-gh5P

Video Blog: Toddlers Learning to Share

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Parents “R” Talking will be answering parenting questions, giving parenting tips and covering other parenting topics in weekly video blogs and articles.

Parents "R" Talking Featured Article on FUSETV.com

Fuse.tv Feature Article

Video Blog: Parents “R” Talking

From Levittown Patch
This week’s parenting topic: Background checks on in-home childcare providers…Are they necessary?What are your thoughts on background check...

http://www.fuse.tv/news/articles/?article=08Fe9fL5BA06Dhttp://www.fuse.tv/news/articles/?article=08Fe9fL5BA06D

Reading to your children everyday by Parents "R" Talking

Video Blog: Parents “R” Talking

by Rebecca Kammerer

This week’s parenting topic: Reading to your children. We have all heard that it is important to read to your child. It’s never too late for your family to start reading every day. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) "strongly recommends reading to children every day, starting after they are first born," because "reading stimulates the development of the brain, language and a closer emotional relationship with a child." This week, Patch and Parents “R” Talking want to hear your tips and funny stories…

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http://patch.com/A-grQt

Parents "R" Talking: "Get Outside & Play"

Rebecca Kammerer "Get Outside & Play" - http://eepurl.com/c803g

Spring is here

Get outdoors and play

Our hope is that you will take advantage of the beautiful weather by heading outside.
Here are a few reasons to get out and into nature...

CREATIVE: Whether for building a fort out of twigs, creating a fairy forest or pretending to be a superhero, playing outside inspires, and requires, an active imagination.

SMART: Children who spend time outdoors learn to work as a team and are better problems solvers as adults. They score higher on assessments of cognitive ability and standardized tests.

CALM: In today’s over scheduled world, kids could use a little more R&R. Research shows their stress levels fall within minutes of being outside.

Over the last two decades childhood has moved indoors, but studies show children who regularly spend time outside are healthier and happier.

Parents "R" Talking: Tips for hiring an in-home childcare provider

Video Blog: Parents “R” Talking

by Rebecca Kammerer

This week’s parenting topic: Tips for hiring an in-home childcare provider In-home childcare can take on many names, e.g., au pair, nanny, babysitter, mother’s helper. Parents can find in-home childcare through placement agencies or by performing their own search and interview process. When a potential candidate is ready for the next steps, a telephone screening is recommended as well as personal background checks. In this Internet age, an online search can be used to find any information on the prospective…

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http://patch.com/A-fTK3