|
|
|
|
|
Meet Nurse Rona atMonth of the Young ChildThird Annual Celebration The Bay Area Discovery Museum teams up with early childhood service organizations throughout Marin County to honor and celebrate young children and the important people in their lives. The Museum will host a spectacular line-up of performers and activities suited to little ones, their families and friends. Special guests: Rona Renner, RN, host of “Childhood Matters” radio show on 98.1 KISS-FM, and Doctora Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne, host of “Nuestros Niños” radio show on Cumbia 1170 AM. Click here to download a flyer with complete details (PDF). |
 Dealing with TransitionsApril 2007 We sometimes call the Museum's exit walkway "Tantrum Alley" because of all the children who break into tears as they're leaving. This month Nurse Rona Renner, host of the radio show Childhood Matters and the parenting expert for the Bay Area Discovery Museum, suggests ways to help kids transition to a new activity without melting down. Q. My kids love the museum so much, it’s almost impossible to get them to leave. Any advice?
A. For some children, moving from one activity to another – whether that’s ending a playdate or getting ready for bedtime — can be very difficult, and frustrating for parents and kids alike. To help your child transition without either of you melting down, try these tips: • Leave before everyone is tired or getting over-stimulated. • Give advance notice when changes are going to occur. Tell your kids that you will give them a 10- and then a 5-minute warning. Make sure they know that when it’s time to leave, you expect them to listen. • Make the trip out of the playground or museum fun. Run to the car, count steps or do a silly dance on the way out. • If you’re at home, use a kitchen timer to help prepare your child for a transition. The ring is a great signal that TV time is over and dinner time has begun. • Distraction can be a parent’s best friend. If a tantrum is building, divert attention to another interesting activity. • Pick your battles and save frustrating words like “don’t” and “stop now” for important or dangerous situations. As difficult as it may be, don’t give in to tantrums if your child cries when it’s time to go. If you change your mind, they learn that their dramatics are a powerful tool for getting their way. It’s important to mean what you say and say what you mean. So make sure your request is simple and clear, and back your words up with firm action (even if you feel like Jello inside). Rona Renner, RN, hosts the parenting radio show Childhood Matters, every Sunday from 9-10 AM on 98.1 KISS-FM. Do you have a question about parenting? Sleep? Setting limits? Send it to asknurserona@badm.org |
Ask Nurse Rona Archives200820072006 |
