Child development is a slow process. It's not easy to parent through difficult stages and phases. Unfortunately, you cannot rush maturity. In parenting, there's power in perseverance. The other day, I ordered something online and it was delivered less than 24 hours later. What?! I mean, I like fast shipping, but this felt a little too … [Read more...]
How to Move from Passive Parent to Confident Parent
“I want that toy!” your child demands. “Not today, honey. We’re just here for a few things.” “I really want that toy.” “I know, but…” Your child interrupts, “All the other kids have one, and I want one too. I’m putting it in the cart.” “Oh, um...we’ll see...OK.” Confused and defeated, you roll the cart to the … [Read more...]
Permission to be the parent your child needs
Grab a cup of coffee, let’s chat. Listen, there are a million (billion, trillion?) parenting articles and books out there. Some are fantastic, while others pile on the guilt and flame your anxiety. It's easy to get caught up in the "Should's" and "Should not's" of parenting. But here's the bottom line: You are the expert on your child. … [Read more...]
Supporting Your Child Through Separation Anxiety
All you want to do is run to the store. Alone. Please!? Unfortunately, your 18-month-old has other plans. Scrambling to break free of her dad's embrace, desperate to stay with you. Years later, you're confronted with the same behavior. Only now, your child is 6 and hanging on for dear life as the school bus rumbles down the … [Read more...]
How to Respond to Your Child’s Negative Self-Talk
No parent wants to hear their child say, "I'm dumb" or "I'm stupid," or even worse, "No one loves me." Rather than panicking or minimizing their experience, use these tips to respond to your child's negative self-talk. "I'm so dumb," your child mumbles at the kitchen table. He bangs his fist on the table and growls. He's working on a … [Read more...]
When to praise your child (and when to skip it)
There's old parenting advice that tells us to give attention and praise when our kids do something good. Unfortunately, going overboard with "Good Job" may be making things worse, rather than better. Learn why it's OK not to praise your child for every.little.thing. My kids love to color. They can spend hours creating detailed pictures of … [Read more...]
How to empower your kids when they struggle
I don't know about you, but I spend an exhausting amount of time making sure life goes smoothly for my children. I wouldn't call myself a "helicopter parent" necessarily, but I feel better knowing that my kids are more-or-less heading in the right direction. I can hear it in my warnings: "Be careful!" "Slow down, you might … [Read more...]
How to Help Your Child with School Challenges (Without Overreacting)
William had a horrible day at school. He comes in the door, slams his bag on the floor and starts to tell you what happened. "There's a new boy in my class...and the teacher sat him right next to me! The new boy took my pencil, he punched my arm like 100 times, and swore at another kid during math!" By now, you're getting an idea of how … [Read more...]
Does Your Child Struggle with Helplessness
You're cleaning up after the chaos of the morning routine when you notice a bright yellow piece of paper on the table. Your son's permission slip. He can't go on the field trip without it. Grabbing your keys, you freeze - second-guessing your next move. Wait. If I bring this to school, he'll never learn to be responsible. He will … [Read more...]
Why I Let My Toddler Use a Knife
As a parent, "caution" is my middle name. I am concerned about my children's safety and do what I can to keep them out of harm's way. That being said, I also believe that children should be exposed to certain experiences in order to keep them safe. That's why I introduced kitchen knives to my children at an early age. Yep, I'm talking … [Read more...]