Dr. Marcie Beigel's blog | Kids in the House

Behavior Therapist

Dr. Marcie has realistic ideas for the real-life behaviors that parents and professionals face. For over 15 years, Dr. Marcie has created tantrum-free zones for thousands of families, many being the most challenging cases, and has effective and tested strategies for today's parents and educators to regain control of their children, their lives and their classrooms. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctorate, and earned her Doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University and her New York State Certification as a Special Education Teacher and Administrator. Dr. Marcie conducts professional development and parenting trainings privately, at universities, at day care centers, as well as pre-school, elementary and secondary schools around the country, and has a column in NY Parenting.

You Are Not at War With Your Child

Happy July! Summer fun is in full swing. Trips to the park, family vacations, and other adventures are a weekly, if not daily, occurrence. You’re probably spending a lot more time with your small beings than usual, so are creating many cherished memories. And you’re also dealing with moments that make you feel like you’re in a war zone. Have you ever felt like you’re battling against your children? Like your kids need to be “taught a lesson”? Many families are experiencing this right now, so you wouldn’t be alone.

A Balancing Act!

Your role as a parent is a balancing act. You’re on the tightrope juggling school vs. home, nutrition vs. treats, play vs. discipline. And you have something else to manage that many parents don’t understand: being a parent of a child vs. being a parent of a child with special needs. Sometimes your child has an undesired behavior because, well, they’re a kid. But other times it’s based on their developmental challenges. While there is never an excuse for challenging behavior, the difference in origin will effect how you address your child.

The Disservice You Probably Don’t Even Realize You’re Doing to Your Kids

Your child is amazing and unique. When you see him clean up without asking or put his dish in the sink without a reminder, you believe that every cell in his body is pure love. Then there are the other moments. Last week she pulled all the boxes off the shelf at CVS after biting her friend at the playground, and if that wasn’t enough, today she declares that she doesn’t have to listen to you in front of her teacher and looks right at you as she pours his milk on his sister. It’s not the most flattering day behavior is it? What to do?

Essential Back-to-School Behavior Tips from a Certified Behavior Therapist

New York feels different when the summer comes to a close and September hits. And it's not just that the commercials start marketing all the back to school sales :) Vacations come to a close and rules start going back into place. Structure and routines become more important and time feels more sparse. Along with that, stores feel more crowded with everyone buying new lunch bags and finding the perfect first-day-of-school outfits. Around 8am and 3pm the streets get more crowded with the bustle of school drop off and pick up.

The Truth is Out – You’re an Amazing Parent!

Give yourself a hand! For real, stop what you’re doing right now. Put the mouse or iPad down for just a moment and give yourself a hand. Stand up tall and celebrate you, because you’re an amazing parent! I’m not only saying this because Parent’s Day is July 26th; I’m making this proclamation because it is true every single day of the year. You might be thinking, “What does Dr. Marcie know about me?” Well, several things that you’re doing right now let me know that you’re a great parent.