Correcting starts early... "That book's upside down" or "Your shoes are on the wrong feet." As our kids get older, it seems that there are more and more things to correct. "2 plus 3 equals 5, not 6!" "Pour the juice with both hands!" One of our jobs as parents is to guide our children and help them make good … [Read more...]
11 Mixed Messages Parents Send (And How to Stop)
Recently, I was struck by the number of mixed messages parents send to their kids. I believe that most of these are unintentional, and would probably go unnoticed unless someone pointed them out (in a blog post, maybe?). However, some of these are common sources of tension between parents and children, I hear about it from the families I … [Read more...]
Simplify Your Parenting: Focus on the Relationship
Lately, I've been feeling like parenting information has been swirling around me like a tornado. It's very easy to start doubting our decisions..."I'm using time-out, but some people don't, am I scarring my child for life?" Beating ourselves up when we feel that we've failed..."I just yelled at my kids, AGAIN! Why can't I just keep … [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...]
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...]
Changing the Definition of “Fair” in Your Family
In our house, fair doesn't mean "equal," fair means "getting what you need." My youngest daughter had access to a cell phone years before our older daughter. Despite the fact that this is potentially "unfair," there was no fighting, no sense of injustice, and no demand for equality. How was that possible? The phone - safeguards in place, … [Read more...]
Parents: Master the “10-Second Lecture” in 4 Easy Steps
Your child comes home from school with a note from the teacher listing 6 missing assignments. This is the first you've heard of the missing homework, so your parenting brain probably decides: "This is a great time for a lecture!" You sit your child down at the table and engage them in an hour long talk including the following key … [Read more...]
How to Create an After School Routine that Works for Your Child
It's a new school year, which means it's time to figure out your new after school routine! One often-overlooked time of day is the transition from school to home. Some children fly out the classroom door with smiles and cheers of "freedom!" Other children walk in the door of their home and explode like a volcano. And then there's … [Read more...]
The Importance of Slowing Down (even if you have to force yourself)
It's summer! Most of us wait all year for the lazy days of summer. Time to relax by the pool. Take a vacation. Or sit in a hammock. Instead, many parents spend their time shuttling their kids to and from soccer camp. Feeling obligated to create fun activities for their "bored" children. Or regretting the family vacation due to the number of … [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...]