Connecting with little kids often means getting on the floor to play Legos or Barbies. A game of chase or a quiet snuggle was just part of the daily routine. Now your child is a tween and finding ways to connect seems to be less straightforward (and sometimes even awkward!). The announcement: “I don’t need you to walk me to the bus … [Read more...]
5 benefits of using positive parenting with toddlers and preschoolers
My 3-year-old was given the choice between a candy and a cookie for dessert. We went on about our night thinking everything was fine until we heard an ear piercing scream coming from the other room. Rushing in, we expected to see someone hurt or injured. Instead, we found her crumpled like a ball on the floor. “I wanted a cookie for … [Read more...]
5 Confidence-boosting questions to ask when your child acts out
Let’s be honest. In the middle of a meltdown, my first question is: "How do I get them to calm down?" In the middle of a disagreement, my goal is: "How do I get them to agree with me?" In the middle of an argument, I plead: "How do I make this stop?" And, if we’re being totally honest...we know that these are the wrong questions. When we … [Read more...]
How (and when) to teach your kids a lesson
The screeching is piercing your ears. Like alarm bells in your head. Your body is flooded with panic and you will do practically anything to make it stop. Old parenting wisdom encouraged parents to intervene immediately, "Don't let them get away with this!" But recent brain research shows that kids can’t learn when they are at the height of a … [Read more...]
Listening well when your child is upset
The volcano has exploded. The floodgates are wide open. Your child is experiencing - and expressing - some BIG emotions. Your first instinct is to try to silence it: "Settle down. Calm down. You're fine." When that backfires, your own brain shifts into panic mode. Adrenaline pumps through your veins preparing your body to fight this (assumed) … [Read more...]
Positive Parenting: Handling Back Talk
The following is an excerpt from Rebecca Eanes' new book, The Positive Parenting Workbook. This inspiring and inviting guide walks readers through the process of charting a new path toward greater emotional awareness, clear communication, and joyful parenting! Filled with encouraging prompts and plenty of room to record your progress, this … [Read more...]
3 Words Your Child is Longing to Hear
The second I walk in the door, she’s on my heels. Showing me a thousand pictures, talking non-stop about her day, balancing on one foot, then the other. If I’m distracted, she might mix things up a little. Pulling on my sweater, singing at the top of her lungs, or whining. She wants my attention. But she wants more than just my gaze, she … [Read more...]
How to Parent on the Same Page
You think he’s too soft on the kids. He thinks you put too much pressure on them. You think he’s too strict about homework. He thinks you baby them at bedtime. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. In the middle of a stressful parenting situation, when the stakes are highest, the conversation often shifts from the kids to the other … [Read more...]
What to do when your child refuses to take a shower.
I’m not sure you saw the memo. I’m pretty sure it is delivered to all kids somewhere around age 9. Just in case you missed it, I’ll summarize: "Showers are bad. Stay dirty. Resist!" Yep. The child who could spend hours in the bathtub suddenly has a lack of affection for water. And it’s starting to stink. Addressing Shower … [Read more...]
5 Ways Christians can Embrace Positive Parenting (and Spare the Rod)
For years, I have resisted the label of “Christian” therapist or parent coach. Even though my degree is from a Christian Seminary, the connotation never felt right to me. I felt lumped in with other “Christian” authors and experts who encouraged parents to spank, ignore, ground, and punish their kids. Until now, it was easier to drop the … [Read more...]
