We're heading home from the science museum. It's been a busy morning. We observed, investigated, played, and learned for hours. It was also loud, crowded, and involved tons of walking. "When we get home, we're going to have some quiet time," I say, hoping this will counteract the effects of overstimulation. Rather than a cheerful "OK mom!" … [Read more...]
Permission to be the parent your child needs
Grab a cup of coffee, let’s chat. Listen, there are a million (billion, trillion?) parenting articles and books out there. Some are fantastic, while others pile on the guilt and flame your anxiety. It's easy to get caught up in the "Should's" and "Should not's" of parenting. But here's the bottom line: You are the expert on your child. … [Read more...]
Supporting Your Child Through Separation Anxiety
All you want to do is run to the store. Alone. Please!? Unfortunately, your 18-month-old has other plans. Scrambling to break free of her dad's embrace, desperate to stay with you. Years later, you're confronted with the same behavior. Only now, your child is 6 and hanging on for dear life as the school bus rumbles down the street. … [Read more...]
Finding Clarity When You’re Baffled By Your Child’s Behavior
Oatmeal. That’s what started it. You added raisins instead of blueberries and she was off like a rocket. All attempts to diffuse the meltdown were useless. It’s calm now (though you feel like you were run over by a truck). Taking some deep breaths you wonder… What just happened here? Feeling Stuck Unfortunately, this was only one … [Read more...]
Empathy didn’t work. What do I do now?
"You seem pretty upset about my decision.” His eyes glare at you. Moving in to provide comfort, he swats you away yelling, “leave me alone!” You’re confused, hurt, and getting more upset by the minute. We’re told that empathy is the best response. The “magic bullet” of parenting techniques. Well...it’s not working. So, … [Read more...]
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...]
5 things your child needs to know about your divorce or separation (from a marriage and family therapist)
On the floor of my therapy office, a 6-year-old draws a picture of her family. Herself, Mom, Dad, two brothers, and a dog. Her mom and dad are holding hands. Everyone is smiling. My heart sinks as I look at her drawing. Her parents have been divorced since she was 3. I’m pretty sure it’s been at least that long since they held hands and … [Read more...]
10 Things Every Child Needs to Know About Thoughts and Feelings
Your daughter slams her backpack on the table and rustles through the fridge for a snack. You know something's not right, but when you ask, she responds with, "Nothing." Ugh. Why can't she just tell you what's going on? Unfortunately, thoughts and feelings can be complicated. They can leave your child feeling confused and overwhelmed. … [Read more...]
Simple Self-Care for Extremely Busy Parents
There’s no getting around it, these years are tough. Personal space is limited and your child may literally rely on your help for almost everything! The suggestion to take time for "self-care" may actually make you laugh out loud. (Or cry, depending on the day.) Maybe you’ve tried a few things, but you can’t be consistent. Or, maybe no … [Read more...]
“Crunch Time” Discipline: Getting Your Kids Out the Door in the Morning
Balancing three lunch boxes, a purse, and a cup of coffee, you yell up the stairs, “IT’S TIME TO GO!” Slow, sluggish feet shuffle into the room. “Come on,” you urge. “Shoes. Backpacks!” Your anxiety rises as you glance at the clock. You cannot be late again today. “Get moving guys!” One child can’t find his shoe. The other is … [Read more...]
