bellen
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About bellen

child and family portrait photographer, teacher, advocate for children and families who are homeless, mother of 2.


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    Am I a bad parent if I have children while I'm in medical school?
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    no, you are not a bad parent and healthy children born during medical school will be fine. I suggest that you and your husband focus on doing what you can to support the marriage through stressful times.

    bellen answered in Parenting Q&A about 1 year ago
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  • Comment on bellen's answer…
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    This is a beautiful video of children's faces while they are playing violent video games.

    http://video.nytimes.com/video/2008/11/21/magazine/1194833565213/immersion.html

    bellen commented about 1 year ago
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    How much game time or screen time is reasonable for a kid?
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    I don't think there is a rule for the number of minutes/hours kids that it is ok for kids to be on screens. Like so many things, it's about balance.

    What are they doing on the screens?
    Is screen time taking away from other healthy/important activities? (reading, homework, sleep, chores, family interaction) If so, that is too much screen time.
    Is it enhancing healthy or important activities?

    I am on the side that says "none" is the right amount of time to play violent video games.

    As parents we don't want to control them but help them understand the healthy balance and make these decisions on their own.

    bellen answered in Parenting Q&A about 1 year ago
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    One kid or two?
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    I recommend 2. It will ease the burden of caring for their aging parents.

    bellen answered in Parenting Q&A about 1 year ago
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    any ideas on where I can take a baby that has a/c this afternoon? please don't say the mall.
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    super china buffet!

    You may want to bring adult company and the food is just so-so but the a/c is strong and it is not crowded and they don't rush you.

    bellen answered in Family & Kids about 1 year ago
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    What are some fun ways to encourage a strong-willed 9 year old to do the chores she hates?
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    life is not all about fun and 9 yo is a good time to learn this unpleasant lesson. "fun" and "chores" do not have to be combined. I'm all for natural consequences - take care of the less pleasant chores efficiently and there is more time for play.

    It is important that the chores are age appropriate and that expectations are clear. At 9 years old the directions need to be broken down. Rather than saying "clean your room" you may need to make a list of the smaller tasks such as "put your books on the shelf, put your dirty clothes in the basket" etc.
    The rule is you are not allowed to add to the list as they work or they will feel like the chore has no end.

    I do let my kids listen to books on cd from the library while they are doing chores. It helps them relax but doesn't distract them from the task.

    bellen answered in Parenting Q&A about 1 year ago
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