Happy new year! Welcome to 2014. If you have decided to make a resolution to change something about your parenting, here are a few posts to get you pointed in the right direction. Communication: Parents: Master the "10-second lecture" in 4 Easy Steps How to Talk with your Children About Difficult Topics 25 Simple (but Powerful) Parenting … [Read more...]
Let Your Children Feel Their Feelings
There is nothing better than hearing the sound of children laughing. Seeing your son confidently climb the ladder to the tallest slide. Getting a giant bear hug from your daughter. Ahh...the joys of parenting. Unfortunately, with the joy, there are also the hard times. Arguments, yelling, conflict and competition. Failure, disappointment and … [Read more...]
Get your kids to listen using this simple tip
Do you feel like your kids never listen? They tune you out, ignore your requests, and respond disrespectfully? It's time to try something new. It may seem counter-productive, but it may be the key to getting a reply from your children. Instead of talking more...try talking less. Imagine being questioned, reminded and directed repeatedly … [Read more...]
How to Help Your Child with Summer Camp Anxiety
You can't wait. Your child is signed up for a week-long overnight camp. This is the same camp you went to every year when you were a child. And now it's your daughter's turn. You loved everything about camp - crafts, canoeing, eating in the cafeteria, getting snacks from the canteen, swimming, and of course, pranks and practical … [Read more...]
The Power of a Story: Helping Your Child Overcome Fears
Children who struggle with worry or anxiety often have a negative "worry script" playing in their head. Help your children overcome fears by creating a new positive script! Jordan shuffled slowly to the front of the classroom. His shoulders were hunched, his stomach was in knots and his palms were sweaty. On his way to the … [Read more...]
Beyond “Take a Deep Breath”: Helping Your Anxious Child Practice Calming Strategies at Home
Your son is worried again. He doesn't want to go to school tomorrow. He says he thinks he's getting sick. You've been here before. You feel helpless and overwhelmed, not sure how to help your anxious child. You encourage him to "take a deep breath," but he refuses, saying "it doesn't help!" Going Beyond "Take a Deep Breath" Deep … [Read more...]
Anxious Child? Teach them to be Bossy with Worries
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. Their ability to be confident and … [Read more...]
Help Your Child Manage Back to School Anxiety
Some kids squeal with excitement about of the start of the new school year - new backpacks, sharp crayons, picking out the first day of school outfit. Other kids refuse to admit that the day is coming, they choose to soak up every last drop of summer before turning their attention towards the inevitable. There are some kids, though, who show … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Help Your Anxious Child
Once again, your child is refusing to go to bed because there might be a spider in their room. You've checked every corner of the room – no spiders. You've reassured him that there probably won't be a spider. Finally, you run out of options and allow him to sleep in your bed, again. You want this cycle to change, but you are not sure … [Read more...]