Behavior Management

Keeping Kids Active in a Technology Ridden World

I believe there is a balance between kids being kids, running, playing, using their imaginations, getting together with friends, etc. and kids sitting in front of the computer, iPad, or gaming center. Just as anything in life, there should be a balance between the two. Keeping kids away from technology completely is not preparing them for the future and doesn’t give them the exposure they will need in the real world which is already technology ridden and only getting worse. On the contrary, allowing kids to play video games all day or sit on the iPad watching YouTube videos nonstop is not healthy and can actually be hurting your child in the long-run. Let’s dive into this subject a bit further…

By Mary Bockert, ago

Grocery Shopping with the Littles

Three little girls ages six and younger…YIKES! Going to the grocery store can be a worst nightmare. Or, seeing the light can be possible with a few tips and tricks. As a momma who is always trying to make life easier and less complicated, it was only natural for me to consciously think of easier ways to navigate grocery shopping with the girls. Here are some tips for you when shopping with kids.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Creating Routines for Your Child to Thrive

Life is BUSY…I get it because I am one of those moms that tries to squeeze in something fun, entertaining or educational any free second of the day. In fact, if it weren’t for my 10 month old, we would be on the go all day long. So when I talk to you about routine and schedules, I’m taking my own advice as well…because we all know what’s best for our kids (for the most part) but actually doing it is another story.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Giving Back…A Fall Tradition

If you have ever thought about teaching your child the gift of giving back, the fall season is a GREAT place to start. Thanksgiving is around the corner and Christmas is just a few weeks after that. The weather is cooler and people tend to stay inside a bit more than in the summer months. Fall is the PERFECT opportunity to get your kids involved in a less selfish activity and get them into the habit of giving to others rather than always receiving. 

By Mary Bockert, ago

Getting Into a Solid Routine Once School Starts

Routine…ahhhh…what every kid thrives on. In fact, when we are out of routine, my life feels like utter chaos and I end up a grumpy mess. Some families find comfort when school starts because life has a flow again where over the summer it was more of a stagnant pond (or better yet, crazy hurricane). It is true, kids do better all around when there is some sort of routine to follow. Think about it, the first week of school is all about learning the classroom routine and procedures on how to do things. Why do teachers take the time to do that? It’s because they are setting their year up for success. When kids know what to expect and how to navigate their day, there tends to be less behavioral issues, less chaos in the classroom and less overall misuse of time.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Discovering Your Child is Different

I still remember the day like it was yesterday. We took our 18-month-old daughter to a behavioral pediatrician to see if she may be on the autism spectrum. She had been showing signs of having autism such as behavioral outbursts, a clingy disposition to myself, and she did strange things like make her bed every day and stack and re-stack books for hours. The knot in my stomach was too big to manage with tears ready and loaded as we waited in the waiting room to be called back. I was extremely nervous at how everything would turn out. It was a three hour test. My 18-month-old threw tantrums every 20 minutes, she wouldn’t allow anyone to…

By Mary Bockert, ago