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communication | sibling rivalry | discipline | emotions | positive parenting

A radically different way to respond when your child is aggressive or acts out.

Aggressive Kids: Positive Discipline for Amazing Results

Learn how shame impacts the behavior of aggressive kids. These positive parenting tips will help you get to the root of the problem and begin to free your child from negative self-talk, anger, and acting out. The meticulously created Lego creation smashes against the wall and shatters into a hundred

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If you're frustrated that those "how to" parenting strategies aren't working, you may be missing this important first step!

The most important first step in any “how to” parenting post

A few weeks ago I broke the garbage disposal. On a whim, I checked YouTube. Yep, there was a video titled, “How to fix your garbage disposal.” I followed the steps and it was working again in no time. As parents, we are guilty of googling and searching YouTube for

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3 tips to help your child manage their anxiety and worries!

3 Tips to Help Kids Cope with Anxiety (Storms, Darkness and Spiders – Oh My!)

I’m thrilled to welcome Janine Halloran back for this guest post. If your child struggles with anxiety, stress, or anger, you need to check out her new workbook: Coping Skills for Kids, which includes 75 strategies and ideas to try at home. It’s close to midnight when the storms that have

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Positive Parenting with Grace - a monthly email from Nicole Schwarz, Parent Coach at Imperfect Families

5 Things I’ve Learned from My Parent Coaching Clients

We say “good bye” and I close my computer. Once you get comfortable talking with someone via webcam, it can feel like you’re sitting in the same room together (Bonus: no one even knows you’re still wearing pajama pants!). Online parent coaching has introduced me to an amazing group of parents from around

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Does My Child or Teen Need Therapy?

Red, scratchy throat. Strep test. Squinting at the chalkboard. Time for glasses! Obsessive worry about spiders. Angry outbursts at the drop of a hat. Constant arguing with teachers. Umm… Many parents have a “feeling” that their child is struggling but don’t know how to help. Instead of hoping that things blow

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If you've ever wondered, "What am I doing wrong?" Become a student of your child using these 5 questions, and watch your child thrive!

5 Questions to Help your Unique Child Thrive

Special thanks to April Finley for guest posting this week! Read more about her in the bio below. My diaper bag was packed according to the list I’d written before I’d given birth; it was well stocked with clean clothes, burp cloths, washcloths, pacifiers, receiving blankets, diapers, and any number

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Wondering what to DO instead of timeouts and grounding, try these 9 alternatives!

9 Positive Parenting Alternatives to Time Outs & Grounding

The concept of positive parenting has many parents feeling baffled. There’s no strict manual. No “if this, then that” list of appropriate consequences. Even parents who are on board with skipping time outs or grounding scratch their heads and ask, “What do I DO instead?” Positive parenting doesn’t always call

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3 ways movement and mindfulness can reduce stress in your child!

3 Ways Movement and Mindfulness Can Reduce Stress in Kids

Thanks to, Michelle Paget, LCSW, RYT, for sharing three ways you can incorporate mindfulness into your family life! In the busy and over-scheduled world we live in, it is hard to find a moment to pause and just be. It’s the feeling we get when we arrive at our destination

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It's not your job to stop your child from having a tantrum. It's your job not to have one.

It’s not your job to stop a tantrum, it’s your job not to have one

It happens in an instant. Your child is refusing to brush their teeth. Is begging for the newest video game. Or is picking on their sister (again). Then yelling begins — complete with name calling, sarcasm, and eye-rolling. Except it’s not your child. It’s you. And you hate it. BONUS

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You know your acting out, melting down child needs your attention, but what about the siblings? How do you support your kids when their siblings struggle with big emotions?

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.

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