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...]
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...]
16 simple positive parenting tips for your 3 year old
Tired of the power struggles and battles over everything? Unsure how to discipline your toddler without using timeouts? Use these 16 simple reminders to bring the joy back to parenting your 3-year-old! Some say the 2’s are terrible. But for many parents, it’s the 3’s that really challenge a parent’s ability to stay cool under … [Read more...]
Helping your child self-regulate during the holidays
I feel like there should be a warning for all parents around mid-November that reads: Caution. Self-regulation may be limited. As the season's shift and the store shelves begin to burst with the latest toys and flashy gadgets, kids dream of candy, Santa, and getting gifts for doing absolutely nothing. That’s a lot of excitement to … [Read more...]
Catch your child lying? 8 Tips That Will Promote Honesty
Tired of your child lying, your kids stretching the truth, or hearing them make up stories you know aren't even close to accurate? It's natural to want a tried-and-true consequence that will end lying forever. But, there's usually more to the behavior than just the lies, use these tips to promote a life-long attitude of honesty in your … [Read more...]
The best way to deal with an argumentative child
The daily battles and the power struggles are getting old. Why can't you just ask them to do something without hearing complaints and groans? Learn how to deal with an argumentative child using positive, respectful strategies that will bring peace back to home. “Please hang up your backpack” seems like such a simple request. Most days, it … [Read more...]
How to encourage your kids to be responsible for their actions
You'd like your kids to admit their faults and be honest about their mistakes, but all they do is shift the blame and point the finger at other people. Learn three reasons why children avoid taking responsibility and how to teach your kids to be responsible for their actions. The house rattles from the intensity of their screams. By the … [Read more...]
How to Move from Passive Parent to Confident Parent
“I want that toy!” your child demands. “Not today, honey. We’re just here for a few things.” “I really want that toy.” “I know, but…” Definitely, your child interrupts, “All the other kids have one, and I want one too. I’m putting it in the cart.” “Oh, um...we’ll see...OK.” Confused and defeated, you roll the cart to … [Read more...]
Stop trying to find the “perfect” consequence
Years ago, I huddled around a kitchen table with two frazzled, exhausted parents and their three kids. The notebook page in front of us listed 20 undesirable behaviors on one side and corresponding consequences on the other. On a separate piece of paper, we created a range of rewards - small trinkets to large family outings. It was an … [Read more...]
The gift your teenager needs, but will never request
When I was young, we had one main phone. Connected to the wall with a super long cord. The cord could stretch to the basement stairs, the only place you could talk in “private.” If someone was on the phone, you had two options. Wait. Or pick up another extension and say, “hurry up!” to whoever was talking. School day gossip traveled slowly. … [Read more...]
