You've read the parenting books. You've tried the latest discipline strategies. And...unfortunately, you're still dealing with the same old thing. Before you give up completely, let's take a look at a silent partner in your parenting: Your thoughts. Everyone carries around an unspoken understanding of why kids act the way they do. … [Read more...]
Aggressive Kids: Positive Discipline for Amazing Results
Learn how shame impacts the behavior of aggressive kids. These positive parenting tips will help you get to the root of the problem and begin to free your child from negative self-talk, anger, and acting out. The meticulously created Lego creation smashes against the wall and shatters into a hundred pieces. "That's enough!" You yell, … [Read more...]
The most important first step in any “how to” parenting post
A few weeks ago I broke the garbage disposal. On a whim, I checked YouTube. Yep, there was a video titled, "How to fix your garbage disposal." I followed the steps and it was working again in no time. As parents, we are guilty of googling and searching YouTube for a lot more than home repairs. We search for everything...how to potty train, … [Read more...]
9 Positive Parenting Alternatives to Time Outs & Grounding
The concept of positive parenting has many parents feeling baffled. There's no strict manual. No "if this, then that" list of appropriate consequences. Even parents who are on board with skipping time outs or grounding scratch their heads and ask, "What do I DO instead?" Positive parenting doesn't always call for us to "DO" … [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...]
What to do When Your Child Says, “I Hate You.”
"I hate you!" he yells as he slams the bedroom door. The words hang in the air as you stand there unable to move. Within seconds, your body is flooded with anger. You bang on the door yelling, "How dare you say that to me?!" And then a thought grips you. Maybe it's true. Maybe he really does hate you. How do you respond? If you've … [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...]
Beyond “Settle Down”: Coping Skills for your Angry Child
It's been a walking-on-eggshells kind of day. "That's my decision," you say cautiously. "No more snacks before bed." You pause, waiting. And, just as expected, your child flies into a fit of rage. "That's not fair!" He yells, slamming his fist on the table. "I'm still hungry!" The yelling doesn't stop. "Settle down!" You yell … [Read more...]