What do the neighbors think? If they only knew the begging, pleading, and negotiating that goes on in your home. Maybe they'd understand why yelling is the ONLY way your kids do what you ask. You've tried being the "nice mom" who doesn't yell, and no matter how hard you tried, it never worked. The only way to get your kids' attention is by … [Read more...]
How to Reduce Sibling Rivalry: A Parent’s Guide
They are the best of friends and the worst of enemies...they are siblings. Managing sibling rivalry can feel like a full-time job! Here are some helpful tips for managing sibling jealousy, sharing, competition among siblings and much more. You're starting to wonder if it's possible to have a car ride without an argument in the … [Read more...]
My child won’t stop talking! How to parent a “mature” 3-year-old
Parenting a highly verbal, intelligent 3-year-old or 4-year-old can be challenging. Some days it seems like your child won't stop talking - the questions are endless and the commentary is ongoing. Plus, even though they seem older, they still act very immature. Here are 6 tips to help you parent well through the ups and downs of this stage. … [Read more...]
5 hidden messages in your intense child’s words (and how to respond)
The kicking on the back of your seat is getting more intense. “That’s enough!” you say, glancing at the grimacing face in the back seat. “You can’t make me!” she responds, kicking harder now. Your muscles tense. You hold your breath. You want to scream, “Oh, I can too make you stop. Don’t tempt me.” But you don’t. You know it will only … [Read more...]
A simple visualization to help you stay calm and confident in stressful parenting situations
Glancing at the recipe, you gather ingredients, preheat the oven, and wrestle the correct pan out of the overcrowded cabinet. You’re getting a late start. Again. Without warning, a thundering roar fills the kitchen. Your kids barrel in, all talking at once, demanding that you hear “their side” of the story first. Talk about feeling … [Read more...]
How to reduce competition between siblings
Anything can turn into a competition between your kids. Who has the tallest french fry. Who has the most homework. Who brushed their teeth more efficiently. Seriously. Nothing is off limits for those two. And, no matter how hard you try to tell them “it doesn’t matter who has the longest pinky toenail” they aren’t interested in … [Read more...]
How to respond when your child prefers one parent
It's heartbreaking when your child pulls away from you and reaches for another caregiver. Thankfully, there are things you can do to survive this difficult stage. Here are some tips to use when your child prefers one parent over the other (BONUS: suggestions for the "preferred"...and the "non-preferred" parent!) “No! I want daddy to … [Read more...]
Why your child uses bad words (and how to stop it)
Maybe, at first, you laugh out loud because it caught you off guard. Or maybe, you're shocked because you don't use that kind of language in your home and you want it to stop immediately! Whatever the reason, if you're tired of hearing potty talk, inappropriate language, swearing, or unwanted phrases from your kids this list will help you explore … [Read more...]
What to do when your child knows better but does it anyway
The call from the school came out of the blue. Your child pushed someone at recess. The other kid went to the nurse. Your child went to the principal's office. Furious, you scan through a list of possible consequences. Apparently, everything you've tried to teach about kindness was useless. Or, was it? What to do when your kids know … [Read more...]
Sharing toys with siblings: How to stop the arguments
Sharing does not come naturally to some kids...which means you're constantly dealing with arguments about "who's turn it is" and "who had it first." Rather than forcing them to give up their favorite toy or engaging in a power struggle, use these 10 "sharing rules" to help your kids practice sharing toys with siblings. “I feel like I need two … [Read more...]