Author Archives: Dr. Pat

How can I stop my daughter from biting her nails?

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Dr. Pat

My seven-year-old daughter has been biting and picking her nails on and off since she was a toddler. I know she’s just like me: she tears and chews when bored/anxious/worried/nervous/shy, or when she’s been sitting still for too long with … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

200th Ask Dr. Pat Blog! – A thought on Eating Together

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Dr. Pat

Eating as a Family People often ask how they can maintain a strong relationship with kids throughout their lives, perhaps especially during the difficult teenage years. There is no magic answer, no golden rule, all families have a different dynamic. … Continue reading →

Posted in Eating | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My son is headed down the wrong road fast. How can I get him back on track?

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Dr. Pat

My son just turned twelve, he has pretty much stopped going to school, is lying, not following rules, bullies his little sister, has become violent and destroys doors, walls or whatever is in his path. He has been involved with … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My niece is having a lot of difficulties and I think there is a mental health issue. How can I help her?

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Dr. Pat

My niece is visiting. She just turned 16 in January. She failed grade 9. Attended a special program to help her adjust/catch-up to grade 10 but became involved in an abusive relationship (that has thankfully ended). I’m not sure if … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My son wakes up screaming at the same time every night. Is it an act?

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Dr. Pat

My son is almost two, he is smart and a delight to be around. He naps at daycare on a mat and when I put him in his crib at night he goes right to sleep. Between 11:00 p.m. and … Continue reading →

Posted in Sleep | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How can I stop my son from throwing his food on the floor?

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Dr. Pat

My 17-month-old son is constantly throwing his food on the floor during meal times. He understands the word ‘no,‘ but he thinks it’s really funny and it seems like he’s testing me to see what I’ll do after he throws … Continue reading →

Posted in Eating | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How can I get my daughter to stop cracking her knuckles?

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Dr. Pat

My 14-year-old daughter is constantly cracking/pulling/crunching the joints/knuckles in her hands. Her friends and us (her parents) remind her stop – but it is a mindless habit. How can she stop? Knuckle cracking is frowned upon by many parents. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What can I do about my daughter being a very picky eater?

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Dr. Pat

My question is in regards to my eight-year-old daughter. She is very limited in the foods that she will eat and she is very unwilling to try anything new. She has been like this since about the age of one … Continue reading →

Posted in Eating | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How can I get my three-year-old to stop picking his nose?

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Dr. Pat

How can I get my three-year-old to stop picking his nose? I don’t think you can. I would suggest you mention this to his/her family doctor to check his nose to see that there is nothing wrong. You can insist … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

What are the pros and cons of raising a gender-less child?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Dr. Pat

Lately there has been a lot of attention in the media on the subject of raising gender-neutral or gender-less children. It is a notion we are intrigued in and considering for our own baby when he or she is born. … Continue reading →

Posted in Development | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment