Anything can turn into a competition between your kids. Who has the tallest french fry. Who has the most homework. Who brushed their teeth more efficiently. Seriously. Nothing is off limits for those two. And, no matter how hard you try to tell them “it doesn’t matter who has the longest pinky toenail” they aren’t interested in … [Read more...]
Search Results for: siblings
9 Parenting Truths That Apply To All Children
Parenting advice can get a little murky. If you Google your specific parenting problem, there’s a chance that you’ll find more than one answer. And, there’s a good chance that those answers will slightly (or completely) contradict. Instead of zooming in and searching for the “one” right solution. Let’s look at parenting from a more general … [Read more...]
How to Reduce Sibling Rivalry: A Parent’s Guide
You're starting to wonder if it's possible to have a car ride without an argument in the backseat. Or a meal at the table. Or anything, really. Sibling rivalry has taken over your house, and it's driving you crazy. Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce the amount of sibling rivalry in your home. Tips To Reduce Sibling … [Read more...]
5 hidden messages in your intense child’s words (and how to respond)
The kicking on the back of your seat is getting more intense. “That’s enough!” you say, glancing at the grimacing face in the back seat. “You can’t make me!” she responds, kicking harder now. Your muscles tense. You hold your breath. You want to scream, “Oh, I can too make you stop. Don’t tempt me.” But you don’t. You know it will only … [Read more...]
10 Sharing Rules Every Sibling Should Know
“I feel like I need two of everything,” you lament to a friend as your kids argue in the living room. “It wouldn’t matter. Even if I had two of everything, they would still find something to fight over,” your friend replies. Sighing, you sip your coffee, close your eyes, and try to ignore the noise. What if you erased everything you’ve … [Read more...]
Helping Your Older Child Cope When Their Sibling Becomes Mobile
You've read the books. You bought the "I'm a big brother" t-shirt. You have a basket of fun activities for him to do while you're nursing. You're prepared to smooth the transition from singleton to sibling once you arrive home from the hospital. But, a few weeks in, you feel confused. Didn't the books say this was going to be a difficult … [Read more...]
Positive Parenting Resources
Reading, researching, and exploring ways to improve your parenting is a great goal. But, as you look for parenting resources, I encourage you not to lose sight of the fact that you are the perfect parent for your children! Sure, you may not BE perfect all of the time, but you have more insight, knowledge, and intuition about what your kids … [Read more...]
A simple phrase to eliminate tattling.
"Mom! Sam won't turn off the water in the bathroom!" "Mom! Sarah took my iPod without asking...and now she won't give it back!" "Mom, Mom, MOM!" Like nails on a chalkboard, most parents have come to dread the sound of a child tattling. It seems so needy, so desperate. Why can't they just work it out on their own? Because it is. And … [Read more...]
A radically different way to respond when your child is aggressive.
The meticulously created Lego creation smashes against the wall and shatters into a hundred pieces. "That's enough!" You yell, hoping to diffuse the situation. He screams back, picking up another handful of Legos. "What has gotten into you? We don't throw toys in this house!" Your response only seems to fuel the fire. Trying a … [Read more...]
It’s not fair, and that’s ok. Supporting your children when a sibling is struggling.
The tantrum has been in full force for at least 20 minutes and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. While you're doing your best to manage the situation, you glance over and see two sets of wide eyes peering at you from across the room. You're torn. Obviously, the child who is screaming needs your attention. But what about … [Read more...]
