It's hard to imagine a 4-year-old feeling stressed. Why would they experience anything other than pure happiness - playing all day, snacks, nap-time!? Sounds like a great life. But think of all the challenges in your child's daily routine. They are constantly learning - socially, emotionally, physically, and mentally. And with learning … [Read more...]
10 Things That Impact Your Parenting (That Have Nothing to do With Your Kids)
When we're feeling good, we can usually handle minor bumps in our day without much trouble. Someone spills a glass of milk and we respond by saying, "Oops, let's get that cleaned up" instead of yelling, "Why can't you be more careful!?" Unfortunately, we don't often sit back and think, "Wow, I'm having a great day. Let me … [Read more...]
The key to making a good parenting decision
Your toddler is having a tantrum in the middle of Target. Or, maybe your tween is having a tantrum in the middle of Target. You look around. People are starting to stare, most are actually glaring. You feel judged. You feel like a horrible parent. In desperation, you plead with your child to calm down, but they just ramp … [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...]
Lifting the Burden: “I Feel Like a Parenting Failure”
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 giving in doesn't work. Instead, mom loses her temper and yells, "Enough! Stop crying! Calm down!" … [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...]
How to Teach Your Child to Take a Deep Breath
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. Deep breaths are a very valuable skill, unfortunately, … [Read more...]
Holiday Stress Survival Guide Tip #1: Breathe
Thanksgiving 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. You can't move. You can't focus. You … [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...]
7 Summer Survival Strategies For Parents
School's out! Hooray for summer vacation...or maybe not. Let's face it, summer break may be full of fun family activities, but it may also mean more arguing, less compliance with chores, and those dreaded words: "I'm Bored!" Before you start counting the days until school starts again, check this list and see if there is … [Read more...]