I was digging through a random junk drawer when I finally found them. The colored pens I use to keep my schedule organized. I had been looking for them for days. I mentioned this casually to my kids, “Huh. Did you guys know these pens were in here?” My daughter responds defensively, “I didn’t do it!” I wasn’t really upset, so I brushed … [Read more...]
Why your kids need you to step-up (but it’s not what you think)
Battle lines are drawn. Your child is not giving up without a fight. As they dig in their heels, you feel pressured to stand your ground. Panic sets in, "If I lose this fight, he will never do anything I ask ever again!" You start to yell. Threaten. Punish. Anything to "show him who's boss." And yet, in the midst of all the chaos, … [Read more...]
Positive Parenting Tips for Your 2-year-old
What's normal behavior for a 2-year old? How do you discipline a toddler without using timeouts? Here are 10 positive parenting tips to help you parent your 2-year-old (and your 3-year-old too!). "Juice." Your toddler says, banging on the refrigerator door. "Sorry honey, we're out of juice. How about some..." "NOOOOOO!!! Want juice!" He … [Read more...]
Looking at parenting through a wide-angle lens
Remember those nights, shuffling around the nursery trying to calm the shrill cries of your newborn? Or, jingling skittles in a jar to encourage your child to actually make it to the potty chair this time? When you're going through these stages it feels like life is standing still. Like you will never make it through. Sometimes you need a … [Read more...]
One critical observation to avoid your child’s next tantrum.
You know running errands takes it's toll on the kids, but it had to be done. Now, it's that awkward hour when it's too early to eat dinner and too late for a snack. The kids are restless and irritable. Tension is in the air. Then it hits you -- the ice cream shop. You will pass it in a few minutes and the kids ALWAYS beg to stop. Always. … [Read more...]
Setting Boundaries for your Attention-Seeking Child
It's Friday night. Your husband is out of town, so it's just you and the kids. Your suggestion to have a movie night is met with cheers and excitement. After the popcorn bowls are handed around, you start the show. Snuggling on the couch. Laughing through the funny parts, sniffling through the sad ones. The movie ends and you shuffle your … [Read more...]
50 Simple Ways to Connect With Your Kids
Your family is busy. Sometimes, you get to the end of the day and you realize you really haven't even LOOKED at your kids. You've just shuffled them from breakfast, to the bus, to homework, to bed. And then, the guilt sets in. You know connection is important, but it's hard to fit it all in! Making meaningful connections with your kids … [Read more...]
Feeling Manipulated by your Child? Try this Response.
As soon as you say "no," the waterworks begin. "But mom!" your son says, dramatically flailing himself on the floor. After a few seconds, the drama turns ugly. Now he's pounding his fists on the tile and screaming wildly. It's just too much to bear. "Fine. Here's one more. That's it." you say, fuming. He sits up, … [Read more...]
Bad Attitude in Your House? Use This Game to Turn The Mood Around
The exaggerated eye-rolling is becoming a bad habit. For the most part, your kids are respectful, helpful, and get along (fairly) well. But now, it seems like a bad attitude is taking over. Rude comments are made, chores aren't getting done, and no one seems to care! How do you get you encourage respect? One option would be to put more … [Read more...]
The Day I Forgot How to Parent (And the Two Words that Brought Me Back)
Our words went back and forth like ping-pong balls. She said something rude. I replied with the same snippy tone. She tried to hit me and kick me. I just moved away and tried to ignore her. This is not how I usually parent. Somewhere along the line, I slipped back into the world of punishment, threats, and isolation. Positive … [Read more...]