You've tried everything - bribes, threats, rewards - and your child still has a meltdown when it's time for homework. Use these tips to reduce homework resistance and solve those homework battles once and for all! The math packet is due tomorrow. He’s had 4 days to work on it. He’s done nothing. You’re panicking. With baseball … [Read more...]
Crazy mornings with kids? How to get out the door on time
Mornings with kids can be stressful. It seems like nothing will make them move faster or get out of bed without a fight, so you start every day with yelling, bribing, threatening and feeling constantly rushed. These tips will help you bring peace to your morning routine - and still get out the door on time! Balancing three lunch boxes, a purse, … [Read more...]
The real reason you give your kids so many reminders.
Hello, I'm Nicole and I'm a repeater. Here's a classic example... It's a typical hectic Monday morning. Everyone is moving slow. I glance at the clock and compare the time to the number of things still left to accomplish. Then it begins. The repeating. "Don't forget your homework." "Did you put your homework in your bag?" "Is your … [Read more...]
Just Tell Me What to Do: A Guide for Parents
Why do the meltdowns always happen at night? I'm exhausted. I'm off the clock. I'm done with this parenting gig for today. Don't my kids know that? All I want to do is stare mindlessly TV. And I'm not talking about Daniel Tiger or Ninjago. My child is screaming. I know I need to do something, but my mind is blank. I'm about to scream back, … [Read more...]
How to Help Your Aggressive Toddler or Preschooler
At preschool pickup, the teacher pulls you aside. She has some concerns about your child's behavior. She reminds you that there is a zero tolerance policy for biting and aggressive acts like kicking and hitting may result in suspension. You're a little shocked to hear the news, but you know what she's talking about. There are times when he … [Read more...]
Supporting Your Child Through Social Drama
Check out my guest post on Positive Parenting Connection: "Kelsey wanted to play house at recess, but Fiona wanted to play tag." My first grade daughter is talking a mile a minute about the drama that unfolded at recess today. "Fiona said that anyone who plays house is a baby. I kinda wanted to play tag and I kinda wanted to play house, but I … [Read more...]
Is Your Child Stressed?
It's hard to imagine a 4-year-old feeling stressed. Why would they experience anything other than pure happiness - playing all day, snacks, nap-time!? Sounds like a great life. But think of all the challenges in your child's daily routine. They are constantly learning - socially, emotionally, physically, and mentally. And with learning … [Read more...]
Parents: Master the “10-Second Lecture” in 4 Easy Steps
Your child comes home from school with a note from the teacher listing 6 missing assignments. This is the first you've heard of the missing homework, so your parenting brain probably decides: "This is a great time for a lecture!" You sit your child down at the table and engage them in an hour long talk including the following key … [Read more...]
How to Help Your Child with School Challenges (Without Overreacting)
William had a horrible day at school. He comes in the door, slams his bag on the floor and starts to tell you what happened. "There's a new boy in my class...and the teacher sat him right next to me! The new boy took my pencil, he punched my arm like 100 times, and swore at another kid during math!" By now, you're getting an idea of how … [Read more...]
How to Create an After School Routine that Works for Your Child
It's a new school year, which means it's time to figure out your new after school routine! One often-overlooked time of day is the transition from school to home. Some children fly out the classroom door with smiles and cheers of "freedom!" Other children walk in the door of their home and explode like a volcano. And then there's … [Read more...]