How Chronic Stress Short-Circuits Parenting (Science Daily)

In the best of circumstances, raising a toddler is a daunting undertaking. But parents under long-term stress often find it particularly challenging to tap into the patience, responsiveness, and energy required for effective child rearing.

Now research from a University of Rochester team helps to explain why chronic stress and parenting are such a toxic mix. The study finds that ongoing strains, like poverty or depression, disrupt the body's natural stress response, making mothers more likely to engage in a host of problematic parenting behaviors, including neglect, hostility, and insensitivity. Read More...

Snuggle Down & Say Goodnight (Sleep and Relaxation CD)

Guided Relaxation and Imagery, An Engaging Bedtime Story, and Original Lullaby Music. This CD can transform a bleary-eyed parent's life! Teaches kids to focus, calm themselves, and go to sleep happily. Counselor Jane Barnholdt has adapted the oral traditions of storytelling and lullaby and added breathing and relaxation exercises to ease little ones to sleep. The lovely, lilting score is by Austin, Texas musician Rich Brotherton.

5 tracks. 42 minutes. Suggested for children 3 years and older.

Getting Along With Others: Charts and Tips to Help You Teach Social Skills to Children and Reward Their Good Behavior by Ron Herron

All children need to learn how to get along with others. These abilities may have as much or more to do with success in later life as children's educational accomplishments. And just like reading and math skills, social skills can be taught to children. The 30 charts in this activity book can help you make social skill learning and practice lots of fun for your child. The playful illustrations, coloring activities, and rewards you offer will keep your child entertained and motivated. And they'll help improve your relationship with your child as well as his or her behavior! Suggestions on how to use the charts are included. Skills on the charts include: Listening to Others, Showing You Care, Following Instructions, Controlling Your Anger, Accepting "No," Correcting Mistakes, Interrupting in a Nice Way, Saying Something Nice, Telling the Truth, Saying You're Sorry, and Offering to Help Someone. When your child has learned all of the skills in this book, you can recognize the child's accomplishments by filling out the certificate offered on the back cover and posting it where the whole family can see! 32 pages, 8.5" x 11".

We also recommend these excellent time-management tools: "Please Remember" Memory Card and the WatchMinder.

Looking for an "at-home" parent training program? Click here.

DrGreene.com

Pediatrician Alan Greene's website offers a wide range of articles and information on toddlers to teens, potty training to dating. The site has been up since 1995 and features articles, videos, podcasts, and more, creating a virtual community for parents and professionals.