Approaching a child's gender transition with mindfulness can ease the process. Key points Many parents have trouble when a child decides to transition to a different gender. Children often do not get the support they need from family and community. Mindfulness can help both parents and children accept change. The entire family can benefit from compassion. “What the hell are you doing?” my patient Dan screamed at his 4-year-old son, who was dressed in his wife’s floral apron a

Is there still a place for punishment in child rearing? Key points Gentle Parenting is a philosophy that is very hard on parents. Children need limits and rules and parents who enforce them. In France, Gentle Parenting is very controversial. Parenting is an exhausting adventure under any circumstances. Most parents have to work and keep up with childcare. But on top of this, there is also Gentle Parenting, and its close cousin, Positive Parenting*. Both of these child-rearing

The key to navigating the rollercoaster of teen years is knowing how to hold on. Key points Teens pose a different challenge than younger children. Your challenge is learning how to adapt to their needs. The keys are not confusing ends and means, rewarding the positive, setting clear goals and bottom lines. Think of yourself as a consultant rather than an authoritarian. Help them to explore but with boundaries. Teens can be difficult—sullen, argumentative, impulsive, hormonal