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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
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If you have a child who struggles with anxiety, anger or impatience, you are probably very familiar with the phrases: “calm down” and “take a deep breath.” Even though you’re not convinced that those phrases really work, you continue to say them because you don’t know what else to say.
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 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’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 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
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Your daughter is the one who tells the younger siblings how to play “correctly” with their Barbies. Your son can stand firmly against your decision, presenting the numerous reasons that you are wrong and he is right. Yet, when it comes to worries, these kids crumble.
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.
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