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818moms.com is proud to present a parenting Q & A. Parenting has its own rewards and challenges, that is why we have created a parenting forum where you can ask your questions about any kind of parenting challenges, including; tantrums, homework, time management, social skills, relationship challenges, quality time with kids, developmental issues, divorce, extended family issues, anxiety, school issues, sleepless nights, potty training, playdates, friends, marital issues etc. Your questions will be answered by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nora's guidance will provide with the support and guidance you need to have a stress free and happy motherhood.
Nora Chitilian-Kalachian M.S. L.M.F.T.
 Nora is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Private Practice in Glendale. She has earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling both from California State University Northridge. She has been working in the field of mental health since 1996. During her undergraduate and graduate studies she worked as a teacher both in regular and special education. She has facilitated court ordered domestic violence classes with male perpetrators. She's been a social worker working with developmentally disabled children and facilitated parent-support groups for their parents. She has also worked at the Armenian Relief Society's psychological center for 4 years since its inception as a lead therapist. She is one of the founding members of Armenian Autism Outreach Project. She has worked at a non-public school with children and adolescents who have Autism and Emotional issues. Nora is also a board member at Tufenkian Armenian Preschool in Glendale. She is very active in the community and conducts workshops and seminars on parenting skills, anxiety, stress management, relationships and social skills for various organizations and at educational institutions. She's had numerous public appearances both on TV and as a keynote/guest speaker. She is a mother of 3 daughters and understands the challenges and rewards of parenting.
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is it really possible to stay come and stress free once you become a mom?
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Dear Mommy,
Thank you for your question. It is possible to stay calm and stress free once you become a mom. It all depends on how your character is. You may have to make some adjustments to your life to meet the child's needs. If you are a flexible person and adjust well, then you are good to go. But if you have a hard time with any change then this will be another challenge for you. Just think positive and enjoy your child. If you think you are stressed often, you should re-evaluate your routine and life-style and see what it is that makes you stressed. Sometimes, we want to do more than we can handle. Prioratize your TO DO list and minimize if you are doing too much. The more stressed we are, our children become stressed and anxious too as it is a learned behavior. Best of luck to you and your family. And Happy Mother's Day!
Nora |
hi nora, should we give kids other options when it comes to meals if they don't like what's for lunch/dinner?
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Choices and meal options depend on child's age and eating habits. If you think your child is not a good eater and needs extra nutrition, it's ok to give 2 options. But if you think it's just a habit of refusing what's for dinner, than, I suggest you tell the child this is what's for dinner, and it's up to him or her to eat it or not. Or if there is a salad or another dish next to it, the child can choose one of them. You have to know the child and see if it's manipulation and habit? or just a matter of not like that particular meal. If it becomes a habit then you can set firm rules. Good Luck and Happy Mother's Day! |
Our second child was just born, and I'm concerned about how my 20 month old son will respond. What recommendations do you have to help the older child adjust to a new sibling?
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Congratulations for your second child's birth. Considering the older child is a toddler himself, I think you have to continue giving him lots of love and affection. He may start getting more jealous once the baby gets vocal or mobile and not for now. But as long as the older child's routine hasn't been drastically changed, he should be fine with the adjustment. Make sure to continue giving him one on one quality time when the baby sleeps for him to feel loved. Good Luck! |
I have a question regarding potty training!!!! It's been a little over 3 weeks that i've began potty training my 2 1/2 year old son. It's been very interesting to say the least!!!! He stays dry through the night, and will not wet himself , however, during the day i have to constantly remind him and take him to the restroom. I've also tried not to remind him and he doesn't mind being wet!!!!! what would you recommend?
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Constant reminder may also show that he is not ready. But I would suggest you remind him and reward him everytime he goes. You can have a potty sticker chart on the wall and everytime he uses it he gets a sticker. If he completes few days than reward him with something he likes. It can be as simple as going to have ice cream, or going to the park, or even having special time with parents. I think you have to also pay attention and recognize his "potty going" signs and be consistent with it. Good luck to you and for your son. It's a big accomplishment for both of you :) |
Dear Nora I have a 4 year old that loves to eat and he seems like he never get's full and he keeps asking for food every 10min. even after a big meal he wants snacks. He is not over weight at all but I am scared he doesn't kno when to stop. I am not sure if this is normal or not.
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Before I give my guidance, I would like to make sure you consult with his pediatrician first to make sure there aren't any other issues related to his eating. If it's behavioral or a habit only, I think you have to keep him occupied so that he won't think about food every 10 minutes. I would also want to look at your family's eating habits. You can explain to him that it's not healthy to eat every 10 minutes and explain to him about the food pyramid for him to make his choices better. But again, please check with his pediatrician too.
Thank you and good luck :) |
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