Deborah Carroll, the star of Nanny 911 and author of several books on childrearing, is better known by her millions of fans as Nanny Deb. In her 25 years as a professional nanny, she has helped raise dozens of children in the United States and abroad.
November 2008
- Every year I say I won’t overindulge my children during the holidays...and every year I succumb to their miles-long wish lists for toys and electronics. How do I teach them that the holidays are about more than pricey presents?
- My twin 12-year-old daughters are so competitive. Their desire to outdo each other—whether it be with grades, sports, or friends—is driving me crazy! How do I get them to tone down the competition, and care about each other’s accomplishments as much as they care about their own?
- My six-year-old is a real tattle-tale—she’s always telling on her older brother and younger sister. While I often appreciate the extra set of eyes around the house, how do I explain that what she’s doing is wrong?
- We’ve just moved to a new neighborhood and my only child, a five-year-old boy, is having such a hard time making friends. It breaks my heart. What can I do?
October 2008
- My 12-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter have their hearts set on Halloween costumes and activities that I deem inappropriate: a scary, bloody get-up for him, a rock-star ensemble for her that reveals too much—and they want to go trick-or-treating through the neighborhood without any adult supervision. I don't want this to become a battle of wills, but I don't want to spoil their fun either. What should I do?
- I’ve caught my four-year-old lying. She has never done this before. How do I get her to stop?
- I’m concerned that my preteen is spending too much time “plugged in” to e-mail, text messaging, his cell phone, computer, and video games. Worse, I realize that I let it get to this point. What is an appropriate amount of time for these types of activities, and how do I set limits after letting him have as much electronic time as he wanted over the summer?
- Suddenly, my four-and-a-half-year-old won’t eat anything I put out for her—but has no trouble asking for sweets like ice cream and candy, which frustrates me and infuriates my husband. Removing the sweets from the house doesn’t seem to be an option. I feel like my other children shouldn’t be “punished” just because my middle child is swearing off the healthy options. Help!
September 2008
- How do I get my four-year-old to stop whining?
- How can I teach my seven-year-old healthy eating and exercise habits? He does not learn this in school.
- My three-year-old daughter suddenly has decided that she is not going to take a bath. How can I make bath tim more fun?
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