Change the way you think about discipline! These 25 parenting tips focus on positive, respectful, age-appropriate alternatives. When it comes to discipline, it's easy to feel stuck. We're told to use timeouts, grounding, bribes, taking things away, and even spanking, but nothing seems to make a difference. Maybe we've been … [Read more...]
Three Things to do When Your Child is in the Middle of a Huge Meltdown
Big emotions can be scary, overwhelming, and stressful for parents (and for kids!). Use these three tips to parent with a calm confidence during your child's next meltdown. She stands in the kitchen screaming. Hands clenched at her sides. Eyes focused and glaring. You try everything - offering a hug, yelling “settle down,” sending her to … [Read more...]
A Reintroduction: Nicole Schwarz, Parent Coach
Celebrating 10 years of positive, respectful parenting strategies at ImperfectFamilies.com and looking forward to the next adventure. Welcome to Imperfect Families! I’m Nicole Schwarz, Parent Coach, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and mom to 3 girls. I did not start out using positive, respectful parenting … [Read more...]
How to banish the word “should” from your parenting vocabulary
The words "should" and "should not" add unnecessary guilt and shame to our parenting. Use these tips to parent in a way that moves you in a positive direction. Sitting on the couch, scrolling social media, you sigh. Thoughts swirl through your head as you peek into the carefully curated accounts online, "I should get organized." And, "I … [Read more...]
Try this “Magic Ratio” With Your Kids Today
Is the communication in your home full of complaints, arguments, and whining? Chances are the "magic ratio" is off. Use these tips to bring some peace and calm to your family. After another extremely frustrating day battling his son about everything from screentime to bedtime, a parent sat down with me for a parent coaching session. During … [Read more...]
How to Cope with Parenting Burnout
If you're feeling exhausted, tired, and overwhelmed, you're not alone! Many parents experience burnout - especially after parenting through a pandemic. Use these tips to cope with burnout, and enjoy your kid again! Do you ever feel like you just cannot do it anymore? The lunchbox packing. The teeth brushing. The laundry. The … [Read more...]
Waiting for Emotional Maturity: A Reminder for Parents
Feeling frustrated because your child seems "too old" for certain behavior? This post will encourage you as you wait for them to mature emotionally. Thank you to April Finley for this guest post. Read more about her in the bio below! When my firstborn was between five and six years old, I felt pressured to teach him to read. We homeschool, … [Read more...]
Kids and Screens: How to Build Healthy Habits and Keep Your Relationship Strong
Tired of the constant fights about screentime? Not sure how to help your kids manage screens, social media, and video games? Here are some tips to get you started! When my kids were young, I was envious of other families who had movie nights. I imagined them cuddled up under blankets sharing a bowl of popcorn. In our house, movie night … [Read more...]
How to talk to kids about race and racism
It's never too early to start talking to kids about race and racism. These tips will help you get the conversation started. Saraa D. Lee, MSW, LCSW, shares her tips for talking about race with our kids. Check out her website Pacific Burnout Therapy or on Facebook. Conversations about race are always happening around us. … [Read more...]
Overcoming the Pressure to Produce a Good Human
We all want to raise children who are well-behaved, thoughtful, and intelligent, but sometimes we miss the fact that we're already raising a good human. All eyes are on you. The room is silent. Embarrassment floods your body. You want to grab your child and run out the door - hoping everyone will forget the rude thing he just … [Read more...]
