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16-Year Old Refuses to See His Mother

My 16-year old son refuses to spend time with his mother (my ex-wife). What should I do? DR. RUTHERFORD: Dealing with a child of this age has its own challenges. It isn’t like when children are toddlers or elementary-age when we could “make” them go to the other parent’s house. A sixteen-year...
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MORE CONVERSATIONS:

Power Struggles with a Toddler About Eating

My two-and-one-half year old holds his dinner in his cheeks for hours and refuses to swallow the food! DR. RUTHERFORD: I can see how this must be a very frustrating behavior for this parent to deal with. MOLLY: This was submitted from a mother in Redlands, California.... Continue reading →

Raising Happier Kids: Update

We’re so grateful to all our readers and supporters for helping us reach 30 reviews on Amazon! We’re so happy you’re enjoying our passion project and thrilled that you’re sharing copies of Shaping A Secure Start with your community. Be sure to... Continue reading →

How to Prepare a Child to Travel Alone

Flying alone can be nerve-racking for both child and parent. Dr. Rutherford gives you easy steps to take before, during and after a flight to make the journey easier for your child. Click below to watch the video. Interested in more... Continue reading →

Son Scared to Make New Friends After Being Bullied

My 11-year old son refuses to socialize with any of the other children in his school. I am very concerned! DR. RUTHERFORD: I share her concern about this 11-year old boy. MOLLY: This question was submitted by a mother in Ottowa, Canada, and... Continue reading →

The Most Important Thing You Never Knew About Your Baby

When my son was fifteen months old, my husband and I were invited to my best friend’s wedding in Jamaica. It would have been cost prohibitive to take my two kids along so I planned to leave my son and his... Continue reading →

Is Being a “Disneyland Dad” Such A Terrible Thing?

I’m one of those “Disneyland Dads” who doesn’t get to see my kids very often. Why should I waste our precious time on homework or chores? DR. RUTHERFORD: I would suspect this may be a common feeling among divorced parents who share custody and don’t see... Continue reading →

When Your Ex- Is Not The Best Role Model For Your Kids

My kid desperately wants to be like his father (my ex-husband) but his father is not a good role model. What can I do? DR. RUTHERFORD (Molly’s mom): It’s important that a divorced parent is careful about what she says about the... Continue reading →