"I wish I was more like her," you say to the computer screen. "She's such a fun mom." Then, turning to your kids you announce, "Let's do a craft project!" An hour later, one child is in tears, two are arguing over a tube of glitter glue, and you are about to scream. So much for being a fun mom. Comparison and unrealistic expectations often … [Read more...]
Finding the Positive in Your Parenting (even if you’re discouraged)
You yell too much. You worry constantly. You want everyone to sleep in their own bed, but you're just too tired to fight it. When it comes to making changes to your parenting, it's not hard to find things that need work. But, there are tons of things that don't need fixing at all! Your lopsided pancakes. The silly … [Read more...]
How to Set (and Achieve!) Your Parenting Goals
This year I'm going to be patient with my kids. And I'm not going to yell. Oh, and no more chicken nuggets. You smile. Feeling proud of your new parenting goals. Until you turn around and your toddler is pouring ketchup on the floor. And the dog is leaving a trail of ketchup footprints all over the house. Patience? (Nope!) Yelling? (Yep!) … [Read more...]
How to Be an Intentional Parent
As the confetti rains down and the clock strikes midnight, you mutter the words: "This year, I won't yell at my kids." It's the same resolution you set last year. And you made it about 36 hours. The start of a new year always provides an opportunity for reflection and goal-setting. But it seems that the goals we set leave … [Read more...]
Holiday Stress Survival Guide Tip #2: Set Reasonable Expectations
It seems that no other time of year holds more unmet expectations than Christmas. Your kids have super-high expectations. Gift lists a mile long. Dreams of stockings bursting with toys on Christmas morning. But you probably have super-high expectations too. You expect that you can decorate the house like a professional. … [Read more...]
How to transform a stressful routine without losing your mind
Two weeks before school starts again and I'm already planning my schedule. I'm going to get so much done! I'm going to get up early and exercise before the kids wake up, we're going to have everything done the night before so we can eat a leisurely breakfast instead of dashing out the door. It's going to be epic. And then … [Read more...]