The "Witching Hour." Also known as the perfect storm that occurs around 5:00 each afternoon. You're trying to get dinner on the table, the kids are fighting, the baby is begging to be held, tensions are high. Some days I'm not sure I can survive it. Can you? 9 Tips for Surviving the Witching Hour 1. Eat Something: Yes, I know you don't want … [Read more...]
The Myth of Finding Balance in Parenting
Balance. Such a nice peaceful word. Images of perfectly balanced scales or beautiful ballerinas en pointe come to mind. Balance is not a word that describes my life. My images are more like forgotten permission slips and dirty dishes in the sink. To parents, maybe mom's especially, balance is a word that brings more stress … [Read more...]
Taking Control of Your Parenting Triggers
Tired of always yelling at your kids? Feel like you are calm one moment and then angry the next? Your first thought may be..." if only they would just listen the first time, I wouldn't have to yell!" or "If he would just stop hitting his sister, I wouldn't have to get so angry!" There are tons of techniques that may help your child act … [Read more...]
31 Affirmations for Moms
"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 job like motherhood, compliments from others are often few and far … [Read more...]
5 Tips for Tired Moms
I 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 pretty much impossible because there is so much that needs to be done - … [Read more...]
How to Set (and Achieve!) Your Parenting Goals
This 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 trail of ketchup footprints all over the house. Patience? (Nope!) Yelling? (Yep!) … [Read more...]
How to Be an Intentional Parent
As 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 and goal-setting. But it seems that the goals we set leave … [Read more...]
Tired of Being an Angry Parent? 6 Tips to Control Your Anger
Do 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 are tired of being an … [Read more...]
How to transform a stressful routine without losing your mind
Two weeks before school starts again and I'm already planning my schedule. I'm going to get so much done! I'm going to get up early and exercise before the kids wake up, we're going to have everything done the night before so we can eat a leisurely breakfast instead of dashing out the door. It's going to be epic. And then … [Read more...]