I know you're tired of repeating yourself. If only your kids would just listen the first time! Check out my guest post on The Realistic Mama to learn 9 simple tips to get kids to listen. Demanding, nagging and yelling will not get your kids to listen. In fact, if your child seems to listen "only when you yell," chances are that … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Your Kids Don’t Talk To You
"I try to talk to him, but he just grunts a one-word reply." "I never know what's going on in school, my kids never say anything more than, 'fine' or 'ok.'" So frustrating, right? You make the effort and are met with silence. Unfortunately, we can't change our kids, but we can change the way we interact with them. Take a … [Read more...]
The Absolute Best Way to Respond when Your Child’s Acting Out
To say that it's been a long day would be putting it mildly. The power-struggles have been endless. The whining has been constant. And, of course, there was the "I'm-not-leaving-the-store-without-a-toy" meltdown in aisle 9. No matter what you do, it seems that your child's main goal is to make your day miserable. And it's … [Read more...]
Showing Your Child Support with Silence
Out of the blue, my daughter announced: "Ashlyn and Tyler don't talk to me on the bus." Shocked and caught off guard, I accidentally made a great parenting decision: I didn't say anything. She continued, "I know I'm quiet. Maybe they don't hear me talk, but I feel left out." I glanced her way to let her know I was listening but stayed … [Read more...]
One Tip to Get Your Kids Helping Around the House
The house is a mess. There are toys everywhere. The garbage needs to be emptied. The dishes are piled in the sink. And there are your 3 kids. Watching TV, playing on their phones, coloring. Absolutely not helping around the house. You've tried chore charts, you've tried bribing, you've tried taking things away until they complete their tasks. … [Read more...]
I’m Feeling Guilty for Yelling at My Child! 5 things you need to do now
Yelling is not the end of the story. You are not defined by the fact that you lost your cool. Next time you're feeling guilty for yelling at your child, take a deep breath. Then, follow these steps to move in a positive direction. You just yelled at your kids. And I mean, yelled. Despite your best efforts at calm, peaceful parenting, you … [Read more...]
High energy ideas for low energy moms
Your child is starting to meltdown. You can see the tantrum coming like a runaway train. "It looks like you need a hug!" You say, getting down to their level. "NO!" Your child backs away. "Well, then it looks like you might need a RUNNING hug!!" You reply, energetically. You back up and put out your arms, encouraging them to run across … [Read more...]
Love Past the Behavior
Your kids are curled up on the couch reading their new library books. No one is bickering. The silence is amazing. Your heart fills with love as you admire their sweet, innocent faces. Fast forward ten minutes. A fight breaks out over who has more of the blanket. You rush into the room, trying to help them make peace, but instead, your … [Read more...]
Teaching Your Impulsive Child to “Pause”
All kids are impulsive. They hit, bite, kick and yell without thinking through the consequences. They feel a feeling and act on it. We can blow this off as "kids will be kids" or send them to the corner until they "learn their lesson." Or, we can introduce our kids to the PAUSE. Your Child's Brain Research shows that your child's brain is … [Read more...]
3 Things to Do Before Giving a Consequence
Your son walks in with muddy shoes. You say, "Please take your shoes off by the door!" He refuses. You ask again. He continues to walk through the room getting mud everywhere. Feeling angry and frantic, you search for some leverage, something to get him to respond to your request. Spying his Halloween candy on the table you shout, … [Read more...]