Ask the Patch Pro: Early Childhood Development Expert to Answer Questions

Patch is teaming up with Dr. Deb Moberly, early childhood development expert and founder of U-City based Children 1st, this week to get all of your questions answered.

It's time for another edition of Ask the Patch Pro, where each week readers get to interact with professionals by asking questions on a wide variety of topics. Our team of experts stop in to help you out and answer your questions. This week, Patch teamed up with Dr. Deb Moberly, an early childhood development expert, to get all of your questions answered. Have a question? Ask below in the comments section!  More about Dr. Deb Moberly: Deb Moberly, Ph. D., a former Associate Professor and Early Childhood Coordinator in the Division of Teaching and Learning at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), founded St. Louis-based Children 1st early childhood development consultants in 2012. She has served more than 40 years in a range of roles…

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Ask the Patch Pro: Early Childhood Development Expert to Answer Questions Thursday

Patch is teaming up with Dr. Deb Moberly, early childhood development expert and founder of U-City based Children 1st, this week to get all of your questions answered.

Patch wants to help find the answers to all your questions about raising toddlers, education, parenting and more. That's why this week, we are teaming up with Dr. Deb Moberly, early childhood development expert, this week to get all of your questions answered. In the latest edition of "Ask the Patch Pro," Dr. Moberly will answer readers' questions in the comment section of the Patch sites on Thursday, April 25.   Get your questions ready and look for the Patch Pro article that is published on Thursday morning. Check out Dr. Moberly's Patch blogs by clicking here. More about Dr. Deb Moberly: Deb Moberly, Ph. D., a former Associate Professor and Early Childhood Coordinator in the Division of Teaching and Learning at the University of …

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Moms Talk: How Can Parents Help End Bullying?

What can moms and dads in Ladue, Frontenac, Clayton and Richmond Heights do to help stop practices such as the obscene annual list of graduating senior girls at Ladue Horton Watkins High School?

This week's installment focuses on ending bullying in schools throughout the St. Louis area. Recent reports have spotlighted a yearly list at Ladue Horton Watkins High School that describes graduating senior girls in obscene ways. So onto this week's question: In light of those reports, what are you saying to your teenagers to encourage them not to perpetuate such activities? Is there any hope that bullying between high school boys and girls will end anytime soon?

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Moms Talk: Are 2012 Political Conventions for Kids?

Will your children be watching the 2012 Republican National Convention and the 2012 Democratic National Convention?

This week's question for St. Louis parents focuses on the educational value of the 2012 Republican and Democratic conventions in light of the U.S. presidential race between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Suppose you have a high-school student. He is mildly interested in his social studies and political science classes. So onto this week's question: Would it be worthwhile for him to spend some time watching the two national political conventions? If yes, how will you structure these viewing experiences to make them as educational as possible?

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Moms Talk Q&A

Moms Talk: When Extracurriculars Take Priority

How can St. Louis parents support their children in extracurricular activities while ensuring there's still time for studies and family?

This week's question for parents in Ladue, Frontenac, Clayton and Richmond Heights involves regulating extra-curricular activities for children. Suppose your teenage daughter arrives home from middle school and announces that on sign-up day, she registered to become a cheerleader and to participate in five other activities. You're impressed by her enthusiasm but nervous about what it might mean for her studies—and your time together as a family. So onto this week's question: How will you moderate these activities so as not to take her away from the books too much? Will you put a limit on the number of acceptable activities? Or is there a better option? More back-to-school coverage on Patch:

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Kimberly D. Martino-Sexton

9:10 am on Friday, August 24, 2012

Middle school is a great time for children to learn through experimentation and hands on experience. One of the most important skills middle school aged children need to learn is the basics of time management. Talking about time management skills will work for some children while others may need to learn through experience. Most middle schools encourage the use of a planner and actively teach …   more ›

Moms Talk: When Kids Mouth Off, What Should I Do?

How ought St. Louis parents respond when their children talk back?

This week's question for parents in Clayton, Richmond Heights, Ladue and Frontenac involves appropriate discipline. Suppose your son just got suspended from middle school for three days. He was impudent and talked back to his teacher in front of everyone. So onto this week's question: What do you do know as a parent to make sure this never happens again?

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Kimberly D. Martino-Sexton

9:33 am on Friday, August 24, 2012

If mouthing off to adults is out of character for your middle school child, I suggest that a total reconnect is in order. Reconnecting with your child will be unique to your family experience. We all have busy lives and tend to let the little things slide like dinner together or hang out time together. Take the time to reconnect through some seemingly mundane activities. Of course it is essential…   more ›

Moms Talk: Olympics TV Consumption for Kids?

Will you set limits on the amount of Olympics 2012 coverage your children watch?

Athletes from around the world are competing in London in the 2012 Olympics. It can be compelling to watch these talented people put their skills to the test. These events can inspire children and encourage them to reach their potential. But they can also keep them indoors. So onto this week's question: How much of the Olympics will your kids get to watch? Will you set limits on their TV consumption over the next two weeks, or will you make exceptions?

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James Baer

4:09 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012

great team building for families.   more ›

Moms Talk Q&A

Moms Talk: Soda-Sipping Crackdown

How can children be encouraged to drink beverages that don't include much sugar?

This week, we're asking St. Louis parents to weigh in on the subject of excessive soda-drinking. Suppose you've got two young children, ages 6 and 9. They just love sugary beverages and have gotten into the habit of drinking five or more cans per day. So onto this week's question: What strategies would you suggest for breaking the habit? Interested in joining the discussion by being part of our Moms Council? Email editor Jim Baer at james.baer@patch.com for details.

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Kimberly D. Martino-Sexton

4:59 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Employing a few simple strategies can cure the slippery habit of soda sipping. However, the adults in the family may feel more “pain” during the habit breaking process than the children. The old adage of “do as I say not as I do” doesn’t work well with children. 4 Strategies to Stop the Slide down the Soda Sipping Slope 1. Model The Way: If you don’t want your kids to drink soda, don’t drink it …   more ›

Natal Nate

Big Brother, Family Vacation and Parenting Costs

It's been a busy few weeks at the Birt house. Also: Check out an infographic that speaks to the challenges—and joys—of parenting.

The biggest news out of the Birt household in the last two weeks is that Micah is getting a younger brother. The baby is due Dec. 5, and both he and my wife are well. We're so thankful for this blessing. In the meantime, a lot of other things have happened this month. Julie, Micah and I traveled with Julie's family to Table Rock Lake (near Branson) for a great four-day vacation. While it happened during the blazing 107-degree heat through no fault of anyone, we found ways to stay cool. My father-in-law, Bruce, rented a pontoon boat one day, so we all spent several hours out on the water. Jumping into the lake proved glorious. Micah loves boats. The marina requires youngsters to wear a life jacket at all times, which is a great idea but …

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Moms Talk Q&A

Wanted: New Moms for Patch Parenting Column

Find out how you can share tips and tricks with other St. Louis parents on Patch.

Patch is seeking moms who live or work in Ladue, Frontenac, Clayton and Richmond Heights to join its online Moms Council. As a member of the Moms Council, you'll join us each Wednesday to weigh in with your thoughts about important parenting issues such as bullying, healthy eating and more. Want to join? Post a comment to this article or email Ladue-Frontenac Patch editor Jim Baer at james.baer@pach.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

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James Baer

9:53 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012

Moms. We need a bunch more panelists for the start of the school year. This could not be easier. First, you suggestion questions for our readers, then secondly, you start off the conversation about the topic. All from your PC. Could not be easier. Email us and you are done! jim.baer@patch.com or nate.birt@patch.com.   more ›