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communication | sibling rivalry | discipline | emotions | positive parenting
Maggie is 3 years old and has quite a temper. If she doesn’t get what she wants, there is screaming, tears and fists pounding on the floor. Her parents mean well. They try to give her what she wants to ease the tantrums. But sometimes even
Continue Reading“I’m a failure.” “I can’t do it perfectly.” “I’m ruining my kids.” “I can’t stop worrying.” “What if…” “Why can’t I be more like…” Why can’t my kids be more like…” The messages that replay in the mind of a mom are anything but positive. And in a thankless
Continue ReadingI know you’ve been there. The days when you can hardly open your eyes because you are so tired. You shuffle through the morning routine, get your children out the door for school, and then dream of climbing back into bed. It’s the days when getting enough sleep is
Continue ReadingThis year I’m going to be patient with my kids. And I’m not going to yell. Oh, and no more chicken nuggets. You smile. Feeling proud of your new parenting goals. Until you turn around and your toddler is pouring ketchup on the floor. And the dog is leaving a
Continue ReadingAs the confetti rains down and the clock strikes midnight, you mutter the words: “This year, I won’t yell at my kids.” It’s the same resolution you set last year. And you made it about 36 hours. The start of a new year always provides an opportunity for reflection
Continue ReadingIt’s Tuesday. You pick up the kids from school and receive the typical grunts and groans about their day. Once at home, they meander through the kitchen opening and closing cabinets, complaining about the lack of “good snacks” in the house. Then, the fighting begins. No one wants to
Continue ReadingThanksgiving is over. Christmas is fast approaching. Some of you cheerfully blast the Christmas music and make 15 different types of cookies while stringing lights on the tree and serving hot cocoa to neighborhood children. Or maybe you feel like a giant piano has landed on your chest.
Continue ReadingDo you find yourself making threats, inflicting punishments, or screaming in anger? Do you feel overwhelmed, tired or stressed, and unsure how to handle your anger differently? Do you feel like a horrible parent? You are not alone. Many parents struggle to control their anger. If you
Continue ReadingI have yet to get a good picture of my 3 kids together. Ever. And it’s not for lack of trying. Every year, I piece together something that resembles a Christmas card and send it along to my friends and family. Soon, my mailbox is bursting with pictures of
Continue ReadingBreathing is a powerful yet often underestimated part of staying calm. When we become anxious, worried, upset or frustrated, our breathing changes. Instead of deep, cleansing breaths, we begin to take short, quick breaths. These short breaths tell our brain that we’re in danger! It starts to ramp our
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