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communication | sibling rivalry | discipline | emotions | positive parenting
You’re cleaning up after the chaos of the morning routine when you notice a bright yellow piece of paper on the table. Your son’s permission slip. He can’t go on the field trip without it. Grabbing your keys, you freeze – second-guessing your next move. Wait. If I bring this
Continue ReadingDid you hear what Sophie said to Jenna about what Claire told Megan after school today? Or, did you hear that Hailey is not going to play with Gina because of what she told Lindsey about liking Patrick? No? Well, your daughter probably did. And, chances are, she’s just
Continue ReadingThere’s a mound of wrapping paper in the middle of the floor. Boxes and ribbons are scattered around the room. Your kids are happily enjoying their new toys. Or maybe not… Maybe your 17-year-old is pouting because she didn’t get the designer handbag she wanted. Maybe 15 minutes later,
Continue ReadingIt seems that no other time of year holds more unmet expectations than Christmas. Your kids have super-high expectations. Gift lists a mile long. Dreams of stockings bursting with toys on Christmas morning. But you probably have super-high expectations too. You expect that you can decorate the
Continue ReadingMany parents try to send their children the message, “Whatever emotion you feel is ok.” However, when their child expresses anger, parents often send a different message – anger is NOT ok. “Stop that! Calm down! That’s enough!” We don’t mean to send our kids mixed messages. Unfortunately, anger
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Parents and teenagers. Seems like a disaster in the making. Teens are going through a period of uncertainty and radical growth and change. They are struggling to find their own identity and make their own decisions; while still wanting to be the little child, babied by their parents. Parents are
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As a parent, “caution” is my middle name. I am concerned about my children’s safety and do what I can to keep them out of harm’s way. That being said, I also believe that children should be exposed to certain experiences in order to keep them safe. That’s why I introduced
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You’re SO tired of reminding your daughter to feed the dog. Every day. The reminders. The nagging. The same argument. And, to make matters worse, you usually end up feeding the dog! You wish she would just take some responsibility; figure out a way to remember. To just do it
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Sitting with a teenage client and her family in my therapy office, she declares: “My parents just don’t understand!” Digging a little deeper, I ask, “What would help you feel like they understood you?” She snaps back, “If they would just listen to me!” On the defense, her mom responds,
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Sometimes, it’s the simplest words that are the most important. “I’m going to throw up.” “The kitchen is on fire.” “Mom, can we talk?” They are important, significant, meaningful words. While you would probably immediately respond to the first two statements, the third is often overlooked, minimized, or ignored. You
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