About Kitty
Kitty Raymond is a pediatric sleep specialist, working with parents of infants to school-age children. In addition to teaching parents how to help baby or toddler become a good sleeper, Kitty offers phone consultations and seminars in child development, behavior management, toilet learning and many other issues parents may be concerned about.Kitty Raymond is the founder and Director of Raymond Parenting in Calgary. Since 1983 this private agency has been providing parents of young children with support, advice and coaching on their path toward being the parents they want to be.
Educated at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Kitty brings to the work she does with Calgary families a BA degree in Psychology and a background in child development, early education and family dynamics. Helping parents distinguish between social parenting trends and research-based parenting strategies comprises much of Kitty's work whether it be through seminars, telephone counseling or via the Raymond ParentsNet on-line "Ask Kitty" program. Kitty offers seminars which are informative, research-based and laced with humor.
Her husband is an Archaeology professor at the University of Calgary and they have two daughters and two grandchildren.
In 1996 Kitty Raymond was nominated for a Pinnacle Award for her "commitment to the well-being of children and parents in a thoroughly professional, entrepreneurial and innovative manner."
In 1997 Kitty Raymond was nominated for the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for her "outstanding contribution in the field of Education and Social Services.
Seminars
Sound Sleepers - This program teaches parents how to prepare for good sleep before their baby arrives, and then to help their infants and toddlers learn to sleep well from birth and up to four years of age. Self-calming strategies are of paramount importance as children practice the art of good sleep. Good crying and bad crying are also discussed.
Setting Healthy Limits is one of the most loving –yet difficult – jobs a parent ever has to do. Whether through establishing good sleep routines, carefully ignoring temper tantrums or deciding how to keep a toddler from running away, parents of young children are tested every day. How parents respond during years 1-5 will determine how their child goes out to meet the world. No one should aim to be the perfect parent but we all need good tools and well-researched ideas when we choose how to respond to a child who is begging to know where the limits are.
Toilet Learning the Easy Way sounds good to every parent, especially when they feel the pressure from a preschool or daycare centre where toilet training is required by age three. How should parents respond? We believe children learn to use the toilet in the same way they learn everything else at this age – by imitating their beloved adults. Some take to it early, others take their time. They all learn it eventually. We show parents how to be good models and then we offer a nearly fool-proof plan to use after the third birthday. We also help parents with the very careful handling required for a child who is showing strong toilet-resistance.
Counselling
You may talk with Kitty directly on the telephone, most Mondays, by appointment. During your 45 minute consultation you may discuss a major issue such as teaching your child to be a good sleeper or you may present several small issues to discuss with Kitty. Benefits of consultation include support, solutions and new perspectives on your parenting issues.
Kitty offers counselling services via email or telephone. Counselling services are appropriate if you are not local to Calgary and cannot attend a seminar, or if you need help with a specific problem with your child. You can book an appointment or purchase an email question online in the store.
Publications and Audio downloads
Kitty has written "The Manual" for parents with babies from birth to 3 months. This book is available as a PDF and may be purchased from our store for immediate download to your computer as an ebook (25 pages).
"Manuals" for 3 months to 1 year and 1-3 years will become available over the summer.
In addition, Kitty has recorded several audio downloads on topics like temper tantrums and picky eating. These are available in our store for immediate download to your computer.
