Practical Parenting Solutions by Dr. Polly Dunn
In my opinion, time-out has gotten a bad rap. Parents of this generation are often told to use it as a discipline method with their children, but rarely do they get instructions on how to do it correctly. What happens is that they give time-out a try, it doesn’t work, and so they give up on it as a method for discipline. But with a few basic instructions for parents, time-out can work and can ... read more
Tonight I was going to write about time-out. I think that one is going to have to wait for another day. All I can think about is Toomer’s Corner. This afternoon we got the news that the 130 year old oak trees at the center of Auburn had been poisoned. Poisoned? Really? Who would do that? Well, the answer is apparently ‘Al from Dadeville.’ Thanks to him, tonight I had to tell my children ... read more
One of the best ways to instill confidence and self-worth in your children is to provide them with unconditional love. The security that they get from knowing that their parents love them no matter what is priceless. Of course our children often behave poorly or do things we wish they wouldn't, but it's critical that we show them that we love them no matter what their behavior or ... read more
Dear Polly, My three-year-old daughter has recently begun doing some very dangerous things (i.e. climbing up bookshelves, standing on chairs, getting on tables/dressers). We have told her over and over again not to do these things and explained that she could get hurt very badly, but she continues to do them, right in front of us, after we've told her not to. Do you have any tips for how we can ... read more
One of my specializations as a child psychologist is the evaluation of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a result, many parents often ask me “Does my child have ADHD?” and “Should they be on medicine?” For me, those are not quick and easy questions to answer. Why? Because before I diagnose any child with ADHD and make recommendations for their treatment, there’s A LOT of ... read more
