Search the Archives:

What to do when kids get aggressive, a guide for parents by Nicole Schwarz, parent coach

When Kids Get Aggressive: A Guide For Parents

Parenting a child who hits, kicks, bites, or hurts others can feel overwhelming and confusing.  This guide will give you an overview of how to support your child when they are aggressive, and help them learn how to manage their big feelings without aggression. “How can we get our 5-year-old

Continue Reading
Help your child navigate tricky social situations. Nicole Schwarz, Imperfect Families

Tricky Social Situations: 5 ways to empower kids

Don’t assume your child knows what to do or say at the next family gathering, friend’s birthday party, or other social situation. Prepare them in advance using these tips. A few weeks before Christmas, I asked my kids, “What would you say if someone gave you a gift you didn’t

Continue Reading
21 shame reducing phrases every child needs to hear, Nicole Schwarz, Imperfect Families

Reduce Shame: 21 Things Your Child Needs To Hear

Is your child stuck in the “I’m a bad kid” cycle? Caregivers can reduce the effects of shame, using these phrases to remind your child that they are seen, known, and loved. Shame is a powerful force.  It sends the message that you are not worthy of love. It tells

Continue Reading
Three things to do when your child is in the middle of a meltdown.

Three Things to do When Your Child is in the Middle of a Huge Meltdown

Big emotions can be scary, overwhelming, and stressful for parents (and for kids!). Use these three tips to parent with a calm confidence during your child’s next meltdown. She stands in the kitchen screaming. Hands clenched at her sides. Eyes focused and glaring. You try everything – offering a hug,

Continue Reading
10 tips to use when your child avoids taking responsibility or talking about what they did wrong.

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

Continue Reading
Be ready next time your child is aggressive, anxious, or struggling with big emotions, Use these tips to create a plan in advance so you will be ready to support your child.

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.

Continue Reading
Three words your children are longing to hear. Learn more and get practical tips here.

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

Continue Reading

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

Continue Reading
The holidays are stressful. Instead of expecting your kids to have more self-regulation, step in and help them manage the stress using these 3 tips.

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.

Continue Reading

How to respond in “non-negotiable” parenting situations

It’s time for my daughter to go to bed. It’s late. I’m tired. She’s tired. But of course, she’s also not completely on board with the “going to bed” plan. As a 3-year-old, she has definitely become more independent. Things she used to do without a second thought are now

Continue Reading