The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

Join me on Twitter and FB Do you think there are more parents on Facebook or Twitter? Now, if I had to guess, I would say that more parents are active on Facebook than Twitter. Just going by the numbers, Facebook has over 750 million subscribers. I know that as a parent, I spend more time on Facebook. However, I have found that Twitter is a great source for all types of connections and resources. Just like anything on the internet there is a lot to sort through to get to the good stuff. That is why I wanted to write this post and share with you some of the best parenting experts that I have found on Twitter. Of course, these folks have websites and Facebook pages too, if you don’t hang out on Twitter. I will post those links as well. 1. Brian R. King, LCSW – @brianrking Brian is a fantastic resource for families and children on the autism spectrum. He is an adult on the autism spectrum and is also the father of three sons on the autism spectrum. He has a unique and pow...

Opening the year with my favorite Parenting Expert and good friend, Dr. Michele Borba .  2010 left us on Friday night and if we could leave our stress behind that easily too, life would be so much easier!  Michele Borba posted a fantastic article on STRESS! According to a recent study :  Kids pick up parent’s stress more than we know! Parenting advice to help you keep a lid on your stress–and your family’s–in time for the holidays. Kids Pick Up Parent Stress Sure parenting is wonderful. But let’s face it, parenting can be also stressful. You may think that you’re shielding your children from your worries, but a new report released by the American Psychological Association shows we’re not doing such a good job of trying to cover up stress. The report found that 91 percent of 1,136 young people ages 8-17 surveyed cite ways they know parents are stressed, largely by their behavior. The s urvey, conducted by Harris Interactive online in August,r...

Experts all over agree that starting a day with a healthy meal, whether it is cereal, oatmeal, eggs, toast or other foods - with a splash of juice , can give you a jumpstart to a good day! Mornings are one of the busiest times for families, but a happy, healthy start can set the tone for the day ahead.  Parenting expert and author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions , Dr. Michele Borba offers simple solutions to help families step back from the morning chaos and make their mornings more meaningful. Rise and Shine:   Wake your kids with a mantra that is unique to them and their activities. If your child has a big baseball game, wake them up with their mitt on your hand or by singing “take me out to the ballgame.”  Even including a fun routine for younger children, such as sock puppets, can make waking up more enjoyable and special.   Race to Get Ready: Challenge your kids to a “race to get ready.” Set a time goal for each child, if they get dressed a...

Dateline featured one of the most compelling wake-up segments for parents this week.  Perils of Parenting has been the coffee table and water cooler topic since it aired this week.  Even Twitter has been Tweeting all week about it! What if you could spy on your kids as they go through a typical day, dealing with some typical problems — like bullying, and drinking & driving? A group of parents did just that — with the help of Dateline's hidden cameras. What they learned about their children could teach us all a little something about our own. Kate Snow reports. - Watch full episode here . Look who's talking is a perfect example of parents being a poor example to their kids.  Are you a BBM parent?  What is one?  Black-Berry-Messenger Parent.  Watch the video below as the little boy, probably no older than 7, talks about BBM people . In this short clip below, it is shocking how aware these young kids are to realize how much virtual time th...

A common thread among parenting teens today is getting our teen to actually listen to us and open up.  Maybe they hear us, but do they listen?  Many know communication is key to parenting, but how can you get a teen to open up? Dr. Michele Borba , Parenting Expert and Educator, offers excellent tips to help us get in touch and stay in touch with our teens.  As an author of over 25 parenting books, she has sound advice and proven results with extensive research.  Her latest book, Big Book of Parenting Solutions , has been one of the top selling parenting book and every parent and teacher must own. From the expert herself, take the time to review Michele Borba's expert advice to help your teens to open up. Don’t push . Think of friends you really feel comfortable talking to. They’re usually calm, open, and not pushy. Use those same listening strategies whenever you’re with your child. Honor silence. Research shows that some kids need a bit lon...

Dr. Michele Borba , Parenting Expert and author of over 26 books, including The Big Book of Parenting Solutions , has just given us another sneak peek into her research on parenting. Recently featured on Dr. Phil , Michele Borba is one of our country's leading Parenting Expert and has put together an encyclopedia-like book of parenting solutions.  Inside you will find just about every answer to every issue from toddlers to teenagers.   Here is some her her findings on teenagers: Think drinking is only a “ boy ” problem? Just-released data from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America may make you think again. The survey results on 3287 teens in grades nine through twelve reveal a troubling trend— especially for girls. And why kids are getting high is particularly disturbing. Study highlights include: More than two-thirds of teen girls admit using drugs to help them cope with stress at home Half of the girls said that drugs help them forget their troub...

Guest Blogs are fantastic - and Michele Borba is not only a very good friend of mine, she is one of our country's leading Parenting Expert.  When I read her recent Blog, I begged to be able to share it! (Actually, I didn't have to beg, Michele doesn't mind sharing her knowledge!)  Enjoy your "reality check" Blog for this holiday weekend.....  By Michele Borba Talking with an adolescent can be like walking through a minefield. At any moment you could be asking what you thought was a simple, sincere question only to find it triggering an explosive response. You know that communication keeps you connected to your child, but it often seems to backfire because of the type of questions asked. Research proves our instincts: The number one antidote to risky-kid behavior is a strong relationship with a parent. Believe it or not our kids even like us and want us in their lives! (Really!!!!) A recent Girl Scout of America survey found that tween girls want their...

Summer is here, which should mean fun in the sun and stress-free days for today’s teens. However, in today’s ultra competitive society, that is not always the case. With so much pressure on teens to get into a good college, land that perfect summer job and other common activities, many teens may find themselves experiencing high amounts of stress. Stress can lead to teens taking on yet another worry – acne, a chronic medical condition that affects over 60 million Americans. Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States. Highly prevalent among teenagers, 85% of adolescents experience the chronic skin condition. However, many people don’t realize that acne is a medical condition with varying severities that can be successfully treated with help from a physician. June is National Acne Awareness Month . It was established to educate teens and their parents about acne and the necessary steps to treat and prevent this condition. In recognition of National Ac...

What is high quality child care? "It is all about interaction" says Parenting Expert, Michele Borba. "Warm supporting caregivers that give good quality cognitive stimulation is part of quality child care providers," she continues. Dr. Michele Borba , Parenting Expert and Author, was featured on Today Show with Ann Curry on the new study just released and breaks down new findings that credit teens' high test scores to the high quality of day care during their younger years. (Watch video below). The federally funded study, which has been tracking more than 1,300 children since 1991, found that obedience and academic problems among those who received low-quality care in their first 4 1/2 years of life persisted through their 15th birthdays, suggesting the potential for lifelong difficulties. These results underscore the importance of interaction between children and their daytime caregivers according to experts. Michele Borba has listed the Top 10 Questions to A...

Last fall Dr. Michele Borba , TODAY Show Contributor, released her largest book ever! The BIG Book of Parenting Solutions - 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. In a 10 part series on Examiner, I explored only a tiny fraction of what BBPS (BIG Book of Parenting Solutions). Parenting Resolutions with Solutions is a 4 part series that shared 101 topics that are covered in BBPS. Today the topic is bad friends (social scene section). Turn to page 315 and learn about how your kids are choosing friends and why. Find out the problem, the red flags, and why sometimes change is necessary. You will also find solutions! Here are some signs and symptoms that your child may be choosing less than a desirable peer group. Secretiveness. Your child becomes very secretive, locks his room, and covers up what he is doing. Changes in appearance. Your child starts wearing "provocative" attire, wants only pricey or name-brand items, has a complete change in hairs...

Here we are with the final quarter of Dr. Michele Borba's brilliant expertise with parenting issues. Her largest book to date, BIG Book of Parenting Solutions , has become one of the most requested parenting books. Not only are parents buying this book, many grandparents, daycare providers, coaches, teachers and anyone that works with today's kids are holding this book hostage as their direct guide to success. Michele Borba Has Answers to Parents Everyday Challenges & Worries 101 topics the author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions can address SPECIAL NEEDS 77. Attention Deficit 78. Autism Spectrum Disorder 79. Depressed 80. Eating Disorders 81. Gifted 82. Learning Disabilities 83. Overweight DAY TO DAY 84, Bathroom Battles 85. Boredom 86. Chores 87. Communicating 88. Disorganized 89. Money 90. Moving 91. Overscheduled 92. Pets 93. Picky Eater 94. Safety 95. Sleepless 96. Traveling ELECTRONICS 97. Cell Phone 98. Cyberbullying 99. In...

Big Book of Parenting Solutions by Dr. Michele Borba has become one of the most popular parenting books to own. Why? It is simple, and seriously very simple to read, comprehend and easy to go straight to the topic you need to learn about without having to sift through a lot of pages. This book is like a Betty Crocker Cookbook – all indexed – easy to read and understand recipes (parenting recipes for raising kids today) as well as easy to use tabs to take you instantly to where you want to be. Michele Borba Has Answers to Parents Everyday Challenges & Worries 101 topics the author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions can address: FAMILY 1. Adopted 2. Divorce 3. Middle Child 4. New Baby 5. Oldest Child 6. Only Child 7. Sibling Rivalry 8. Twins and Multiples 9. Youngest Child BEHAVIOR 10. Argues 11. Back Talk 12. Biting 13. Bossy 14. Brags 15. Defiant 16. Demanding 17. Hooked on Rewards 18. Impulsive 19. Indecisive 20. Swears 21. Tantrums 22. Time-O...

Part 10 of my sneak peek inside the BIG Book of Parenting Solutions , written by parenting expert, Dr. Michele Borba , brings us to a topic that I hear about frequently - LYING . Why do our kids lie to us? What is the motivation? Where did they learn this habit from? Is there really a difference between a white lie and not a white lie? Let's explore this subject. There is an entire chapter on lying starting on page 173. Red Flags Lies, exaggerates, or stretches the truth; can no longer be trusted; deceives out of habit Pay Attention to This! An occasional fib is nothing to worry about, but if your child develops a habit of lying, it could be a sign of some deeper problem or, in rarer situations, Conduct Disorder. Seek the help of a mental help professional for these reoccurring symptoms: stealing, lying, fighting, destroying property, truancy, deliberate infraction of rules, bullying and cruelty, or showing no sadness or remorse when confronted with the mistruth. See also Bullying...

Part 7 of my sneak peek into Dr. Michele Borba's world! Actually into her BIG BOOK of Parenting Solutions , we will explore a characteristic in teens and children I hear from parents a lot - DEFIANCE! Labels, labels and more labels. Today we will talk about a common label "ODD" also known as Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Red Flags Constantly resists your simplest requests, questions authority, pushes every limit; is blatantly disrespectful, noncompliant. Turn to pages 76-85 and be prepared to learn all you ever wanted to know about defiant behavior. This includes signs and symptoms, how to change and why to change, and most important early intervention as well as detailed steps to help you be an educated parent. Michele Borba offers great advice and resources to help you help your child. Could Your Child Have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)? Although all children will display a defiant streak and try pushing the limits every now and then, when such behaviors pers...

As part of my continuing series of Dr. Michele Borba’s insights and sneak peeks inside her Big Book of Parenting Solutions , we will review signs and symptoms of an ungrateful child. •Bad manners: needs constant reminders to say thank you or show his appreciation •Envy: wants what others have, envies others’ possessions •Lack of appreciation: takes for granted your daily kind and thoughtful gestures •Huge sense of entitlement: feels he deserves to have luxuries or privileges•Dissatisfaction: always seems to want “more,” better,” or “new” •Materialism: values only material things, brand names, or the “latest” •Self-centeredness: is unwilling to reciprocate with gifts or kind acts to others •Ungraciousness: acts disappointed with presents, blurts out “I didn’t want this” •Thoughtlessness: doesn’t consider other person’s feelings or the thought or effort that went into her gesture THE SOLUTION: Step 1. Early Prevention •Model gratitude. Kids learn by seeing others display appreciation in...

Order your copy today! The BIG Book of Parenting Solutions is your recipe to parenting kids today. This tremendous book is similar to a cookbook of extra special, proven results for parenting! This book is not only for today's parent, it is a perfect baby shower gift, holiday gift, or simply to give to a parent today raising kids. They will be forever grateful. Here is just a sample of the hundreds of proven and simple tips from Dr. Borba’s latest book, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions . The best news is that these solutions work for all ages, take less than a minute to do, are based on proven research and when consistently used will reap lasting change. 1. Get attention: Lower your voice almost to a whisper and then say your request. Kids aren’t used to a quiet request. 2. Increase positive behavior: Research shows that giving kids the right kind of praise (called “positive reinforcement”) is one of the best ways to shape new behavior. So, catch your kid doing the action you ...

Like most parents, you desperately want to raise healthy, happy, caring, self-sufficient kids. But despite the stacks of parenting books you’ve collected, you’re still struggling to find workable solutions to your child-rearing conundrums. Enter parenting expert and author Dr. Michele Borba . In a marketplace overly saturated with trend-based parenting books promising dubious quick fixes, Borba saw a void that needed to be filled. She realized parents were getting answers to their questions, and yet these “solutions” failed to deliver lasting, long-term results. Her response was to sit down and write the parenting book to end all parenting books. I had the opportunity to interview TODAY’s parenting contributor about her latest book, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions . Here is what she said: Let’s face it, there are so many parenting books. Why did you find need to write another? I wanted to write one all-encompassing, go-to guide that promises to be the last resource parents will eve...

Get ready for Dr. Michele Borba's BIG Book of Parenting Solutions , releasing just in time for school. Here is another sneak peak about a very important topic, bullying. REALITY CHECK: Research finds that 49 percent of kids say they’ve been bullied at least once or twice during the school term, but only 32 percent of their parents believed them. By Michele Borba Those school doors will be opening soon and excitement is in the air. But many kids may not be sharing that excitement and in fact may be a bit jittery. And they have good cause. One study found that one out of every four children will be bullied by another youth in school this month. If your child is bullied, it means that peers are intentionally causing him pain. Reports also confirm that bullying is starting at younger ages and is more frequent and aggressive that ever before. Do know that if your child is bullied chances are he or she did NOTHING to cause it. Bottom line: bullying behavior must be taken very seriously....

Another sneak peak of what The BIG Book of Parenting Solutions , by Parenting Expert, Dr. Michele Borba . As school opens, this is a timely post. Parenting Solutions to Stop “Poor Loser” Attitudes and Boost Sportsmanship By Michele Borba REALITY CHECK : “I should have won.” “They ought to fire the coach.” “I could have gotten the right answer. The teacher doesn’t like me.” “If I were on a better team I’d win.” Sound familiar? They’re all symptoms of a deadly youth ailment called “Poor Loser” and it’s spreading among our youth. Watching any kid be a poor loser is embarrassing, but when the kid is yours, it’s downright humiliating. Sure, your son or daughter may be the best drummer in the band, have the highest-grade point average in the class, be the best gymnast on the squad, or the fastest sprinter in town, but the moment she starts blaming others, making excuses, arguing, or booing, her skills no longer matter. What everyone sees instead is just a poor loser, and that’s a tough image...