Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD With Christmas right around the corner, it is tempting sometimes to respond to negative behaviors by threatening to cancel presents, or to remind that Santa is watching – so kids better behave. While these types of threats can help with immediate reductions in behavior problems, remember
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD When you think about building positive behaviors, it is important to have some specifics in mind. What behaviors would you like to see more often? Pick a couple behaviors, such as using a nice tone of voice, being helpful, or completing tasks, and make sure to
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD It is Thanksgiving week – this is a time when many of us take a moment to think about gratitude and all the things we have to be thankful for in our lives. As you consider gratitude this week, look at your kids and pay special
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD “Why won’t they just behave?” This is a question I have heard too many times to count, from frustrated parents to talented teachers, about kids of all ages. Indeed it is a great question, and one that may have complex and different answers for different kids.
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD As kids grow into their teens, they start to show signs of increasing independence in many areas of life. It is tempting at this time to pull back from a parenting role if you see your teens showing a lot of independence and responsibility. But, try
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD The school years can feel overwhelming: Getting kids out of the door in the morning, keeping up with homework, juggling after school activities and sports, and basically helping your kids get everywhere they need to be. To help manage this time in a healthy and balanced
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD 8.31.22 The early years of parenting bring such joy but also can be exhausting, as parents strive to balance the demands of life and parenting, while keeping up with the boundless energy of young children. To help with balance when your kids are little, consider these
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD 8.16.22 Anyone who is a parent can tell you that it’s not as easy as you thought it would be. And every parent has journeys and stories to tell, starting from the day their children were born and extending into a lifetime of parenting ups and
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD, BCBA, LBA. 7.31.20 As we watch events unfold, the questions seem to outnumber the answers every day. Between the pandemic which seems to be a moving target, the ongoing protests, (and in some areas, violence and destruction), the partisan divide in our country, and
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD, BCBA. 2.18.20 What makes sense to you? In a world of constant access to information, it can be difficult to make sense of anything. What’s true and what’s not true? Who are the best people to follow? Which resources can you trust? While some of
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD, BCBA. 12.4.19 Yay! It’s that time of year! This is the time when people get ready to share joy with family and friends, to engage in generosity and gift-giving, and prepare and eat everyone’s favorite foods for celebration. But…it’s also that time of year that
Kaarin Anderson Ryan, PhD, BCBA. 10.2.19 Most parents of young children have been there at least once. You’re in a shop or a restaurant and your child decides to get upset about something. You have firmly, rightly and innocently said “No” to something, or you have told them
