Jennifer DuBose, M.S., C.A.S., is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice in Batavia. She has been a clinical member of The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy since 1995 and writes the Parenting Isn't For Sissies column for Chicago Parent.

Past articles

Showing 21 - 30 of 127

 

How to avoid tantrums before they start and go drama-free
December 9, 2010
Eliminate the drama from your child's anxious moments and turn them into opportunities to learn how to self-soothe through later crises.  

When a child is gay, how should parents respond?
November 29, 2010
Most scientists, doctors and mental health professionals agree that people are born gay, that it is as natural as heterosexuality. Nothing you did or will do has any bearing on whether or not your child is gay. Whether you agree with this or not, though, isn’t really the issue. The question is, are you willing to love and support your child? 

When to stop going on your kids' field trips
October 25, 2010
Is your child no longer keen on getting lunch box notes from Mom—let alone “Mommy”—or does he drop your hand like a hot potato whenever another kid his age appears? Or perhaps he’s like my son, Noah, who recently put the brakes on my plans to chaperone his school field trip. 

Fresh apple pie, sweet cookies baked by my sweeties, and frolicking in fallen leaves. Can it get any better?
October 24, 2010
“We can’t have too many cookies, right?” Noah called from the kitchen. “Umm, I can’t imagine a scenario where that would be a problem,” I replied, grinning as I typed. Guess I'll need to take three Zumba classes every week now, definitely three. And maybe do a few situps. But if Holly has her way, all I really need to do is rake.  

Scare up some fun with your family at Six Flags Fright Fest!
October 9, 2010
Looking for a thrilling way to enjoy the Halloween season with your family? Last Sunday, mine headed up to Gurnee for “Fright Fest” at Six Flags Great America and had a fabulous time. October may just be our new favorite time to visit, after all, and I have a hunch that folks hitting the rides this weekend will enjoy the sweetest treat of all: short lines and comfortably warm days.  

How to be a good stepparent - and avoid the wicked stepmother label
September 15, 2010
Blame Cinderella. Stepparents have a bad rap, and overcoming the built-in obstacles can be tough. Do it with patience, dedication and sensitivity. 

Parenting Isn't for Sissies | Why your family should make a 'bucket list'
August 25, 2010 - Comments (2)
You know that nifty list of adventures you hope to experience before you kick the proverbial bucket? Your family can have a “bucket list,” too. 

Help for the anxious child
July 22, 2010
Anxiety isn't necessarily something children outgrow, but many can learn to manage it. Some children discover strategies for doing this on their own, while others may benefit from a little coaching. 

We're parents, not friends
June 22, 2010
It may be Independence Day, but our children may not be quite ready for the independence they crave—or, perhaps, that we give them. How much is too much? 

Racing in a canoe with your kid isn't for sissies, either!
June 21, 2010
Water, check. Sunscreen, check. Sunglasses, check. But “Oooh, I forgot to Google ‘canoeing,’” I winced, as my husband backed the car out of the driveway. I’d hoped to soak up some last-minute tips on how to avoid tipping … Noah and I had canoed before, but never in a race – and certainly not for six miles. But we were pumped, ready or not.