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...]
The most effective way to teach your child a lesson
Things are out of control. I can't let them get away with this! How do I make sure my kids know their behavior is wrong? These tips will help you teach your child a lesson in a respectful and productive way - and at a time when they are willing and open to listening! The screeching is piercing your ears. Like alarm bells in your head. Your … [Read more...]
How to support your upset child
Saying "calm down" when your child is crying or angry never works. Thankfully, there are ways you can support your upset child even when they are experiencing big feelings. Print these listening tips so you can reference them in the heat of the moment! The volcano has exploded. The floodgates are wide open. Your child is experiencing - and … [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...]
How to teach ungrateful kids to be thankful after fun activities
Tired of hearing complaining and whining from your kids when you leave a fun activity? Whether it's Disney World or a trip to Target, these tips will ease the transition and help you teach ungrateful kids to appreciate the things you do as a family. It’s been a long day at the amusement park. Hot weather. Long lines. Way too much … [Read more...]
