Here are some of my favorite posts from 2014. Click on the picture to read the post. Imperfection Don't forget about the Pictures of My Imperfect Life Challenge! It's not too late to share a picture of your imperfect life on my Facebook page. Let's face it, not everything in our life is Pinterest-worthy. Let's celebrate our … [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...]
How to stop tantrums according to brain research
Use the latest brain research to help your child stay calm and manage their big feelings without a huge meltdown. Learn how to stop tantrums - even if they've already started - with this 2-step approach! We're leaving the zoo. The car is parked at the far end of the lot. It's going to be a trek and my 3 kids are already tired. My … [Read more...]
Teaching Your Child to Respectfully Disagree
"This is so unfair!" Your daughter screams. Feeling frustrated, you respond, "Life's not fair, get used to it." She runs to her room and slams the door. Leaving yet another disagreement unresolved. Not to mention, everyone is feeling tense and disconnected. You encourage your kids to be independent, critical thinkers. You want them to … [Read more...]
Why Isn’t This Working? Encouragement for Exhausted Parents
"We tried ___, it didn't work." Sometimes the blank is filled with a particular parenting method, other times it is filled with a laundry list of strategies. As a therapist and parent coach, this is one of the most common phrases I hear from exhausted parents. But, as a parent myself, I can relate to the frustrations of trying a … [Read more...]
A Case Against Punishment
Many parents are surprised to hear my stance against punishment. I often get push-back from parents who feel that their children "can't learn" or "won't listen" without force, such as spanking, time-outs or yelling. When I offer another perspective parents sometimes feel that it is "too soft" and that it will be "ineffective." Just to be clear. … [Read more...]
Is Your Child Stressed?
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...]
Do You React or Respond to Your Kids?
Imagine that your oldest kids are fighting...again. Or, your youngest just spilled his juice box on the floor. Or, your daughter is whining that life is "not fair." What's your knee-jerk reply? Are you a yeller? Do you criticize? Overreact? Maybe you ignore, walk away or throw up your hands in … [Read more...]
9 Communication Tips to End the Grunts, Groans, and Eye-Rolls from Your Kids
Do you ever feel like talking to your kids is harder than it has to be? You: "How was school?" Your Child: "Fine." You: "So, what did you do?" Your Child: "Nothing." You: "Come on, I know you did something." Your Child (rolling his eyes): "Come on Mom. Leave me alone." Ugh. Round and round you go, and it always ends the same … [Read more...]
How to Mend a Broken Relationship With Your Son or Daughter
You're arguing constantly and rarely talk anymore. You're not sure when things started drifting, but your relationship has definitely changed. Thankfully, you can still repair the relationship! These 7 tips will help you learn how to mend a broken relationship with your son or daughter, even if it seems impossible. I know it's bad, but I don't … [Read more...]