Understanding how the brain works and how it impacts behavior can help you be a better parent. Keep these brain facts in mind next time your child shows a big feeling, or better yet, teach your kids about these important brain processes. I always feel like I need to make a disclaimer at the beginning of articles about the brain. The brain is … [Read more...]
Permission Slips Every Parent Needs
It's easy to slip into thinking you "should" parent in a certain way or you "should" be able to manage a certain challenging behavior. But, the truth is, we are imperfect parents doing the best we can with the information we have. Today, I encourage you to write yourself a few "permission slips." If you have a child in school, you're familiar … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Listen the First Time
Stop repeating yourself 1,000 times. Stop bribing or threatening your kids to listen. Use these tips to encourage your kids to listen the first time you ask them to do something. You’re tired of repeating yourself 1000 times. You’re tired of the constant arguing -- the disagreeing with everything you say. Would it be so hard for them to … [Read more...]
9 ways to improve cooperation from your kids
Tired of arguing, begging and bribing your kids to help out around the house..or do anything you ask? These 9 tips will help you improve the cooperation from your kids. You're standing at the kitchen island as your kids stampede away into the other room. They grab video game controllers and wrestle for their places on the couch. In front … [Read more...]
When Kids Don’t Want to Talk About What They Did Wrong
You believe it's important that your child admit their mistakes and own up to behavior that hurts others or is unacceptable. Unfortunately, when you try to talk to them, you get resistance - blame, avoidance, and "I don't know." Here are some tips to try when your child doesn't want to talk about what they did wrong. According to brain … [Read more...]
How to absolutely love parenting toddlers (everything you need to know and more!)
The toddler and preschool years can be exhausting and overwhelming, but don't believe the hype - parenting toddlers doesn't have to be terrible! In fact, you can even enjoy this stage. (It's true!) Use these tips to help you discipline, manage tantrums, avoid power struggles and parent your toddler with confidence! How to Absolutely Love … [Read more...]
How to prepare for your child’s next high-intensity meltdown
How to Prepare for Your Intense Child's Next Meltdown Glancing at the clock, you mentally cross your fingers. You’re parenting alone tonight and your energy is running low. It would be great if your child made it to bedtime without a meltdown. For your sake. For your other children’s sake. You know he can’t help it. Some nights are … [Read more...]
5 Ordinary Opportunities for Amazing Connection with your Tween
5 Simple Ways to Connect With Your Tween 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 … [Read more...]
Positive Parenting for Toddlers: 5 Amazing Benefits
Little kids don't need harsh discipline like timeouts or threats to behave. Positive parenting for toddlers and preschoolers works - even if your kids are too young to talk! It's not too early to set a positive, respectful foundation for parenting in your home. (And it's not too late to make some changes to your parenting either!) My … [Read more...]
5 Confidence-boosting questions to ask when your child acts out
What Not to Do When Your Child is Acting Out (And What to Do Instead) 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 … [Read more...]
