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 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...]
Using Empathy to Avoid a Power Struggle
The bus drove away before we could get to the stop. Sighing, I turn to my daughter, “I guess I’m driving you to school today.” Panic filled her eyes. “No way. It’s embarrassing to be a car-rider.” Confused, I brushed aside her remarks. “It’s not embarrassing. Come on, let’s go.” “I’m not going to school … [Read more...]
5 Parenting Beliefs that Interfere with Effective Discipline
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...]
When you keep yelling at your kids (but really want to stop)
"Get in bed! NOW!" you scream at the top of your lungs. Any intention of staying calm went right out the window. Along with any amount of patience or rational thinking. Your kids scramble into their beds and you finally have a chance to breathe. It doesn't take long for the guilt to sink in..."There I go again! Yelling! Why can't I just hold … [Read more...]
What to do when your kids refuse to be comforted
The scene plays out in slow motion. You watch helplessly as your daughter trips on a laundry basket and launches her freshly-glued art creation across the room. Hours of hard work lay scattered on the floor. She is devastated. Coming to the rescue you attempt to scoop her into a big supportive hug. "Get away from me!" she … [Read more...]