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...]
“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...]
How to Reduce Sibling Rivalry: A Parent’s Guide
You're starting to wonder if it's possible to have a car ride without an argument in the backseat. Or a meal at the table. Or anything, really. Sibling rivalry has taken over your house, and it's driving you crazy. Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce the amount of sibling rivalry in your home. Tips To Reduce Sibling … [Read more...]
Tips for parenting a highly verbal preschooler
You’ve had to explain the gravitational pull of the moon. You’ve heard a recap of last year’s trip to the beach. And, you’ve negotiated a weather-appropriate outfit. All before you pour the breakfast cereal. These conversations continue as you put shoes on and head to the car. On the road, you hear a play-by-play of the street signs and … [Read more...]
5 hidden messages in your intense child’s words (and how to respond)
The kicking on the back of your seat is getting more intense. “That’s enough!” you say, glancing at the grimacing face in the back seat. “You can’t make me!” she responds, kicking harder now. Your muscles tense. You hold your breath. You want to scream, “Oh, I can too make you stop. Don’t tempt me.” But you don’t. You know it will only … [Read more...]
How to reduce competition between siblings
Anything can turn into a competition between your kids. Who has the tallest french fry. Who has the most homework. Who brushed their teeth more efficiently. Seriously. Nothing is off limits for those two. And, no matter how hard you try to tell them “it doesn’t matter who has the longest pinky toenail” they aren’t interested in … [Read more...]
What to do when your child knows better but does it anyway
The call from the school came out of the blue. Your child pushed someone at recess. The other kid went to the nurse. Your child went to the principal's office. Furious, you scan through a list of possible consequences. Apparently, everything you've tried to teach about kindness was useless. Or, was it? What to do when your kids know … [Read more...]
10 Sharing Rules Every Sibling Should Know
“I feel like I need two of everything,” you lament to a friend as your kids argue in the living room. “It wouldn’t matter. Even if I had two of everything, they would still find something to fight over,” your friend replies. Sighing, you sip your coffee, close your eyes, and try to ignore the noise. What if you erased everything you’ve … [Read more...]
5 Parenting Beliefs that Interfere with Effective Discipline
You've read the parenting books. You've tried the latest discipline strategies. And...unfortunately, you're still dealing with the same old thing. Before you give up completely, let's take a look at a silent partner in your parenting: Your thoughts. Everyone carries around an unspoken understanding of why kids act the way they do. … [Read more...]
25 things that impact your child’s behavior (and have nothing to do with your parenting)
Years ago, I had the privilege of working with a family as their in-home family therapist. My goal was to help an 8-year-old girl learn to manage aggressive behaviors, decrease verbal outbursts, and improve the relationship with her parents. This was no easy task. Everyone on the team worked hard to find solutions, but unfortunately, we … [Read more...]
