Lately, I've been feeling like parenting information has been swirling around me like a tornado. It's very easy to start doubting our decisions..."I'm using time-out, but some people don't, am I scarring my child for life?" Beating ourselves up when we feel that we've failed..."I just yelled at my kids, AGAIN! Why can't I just keep … [Read more...]
The key to making a good parenting decision
Your toddler is having a tantrum in the middle of Target. Or, maybe your tween is having a tantrum in the middle of Target. You look around. People are starting to stare, most are actually glaring. You feel judged. You feel like a horrible parent. In desperation, you plead with your child to calm down, but they just ramp … [Read more...]
Let Your Children Feel Their Feelings
There is nothing better than hearing the sound of children laughing. Seeing your son confidently climb the ladder to the tallest slide. Getting a giant bear hug from your daughter. Ahh...the joys of parenting. Unfortunately, with the joy, there are also the hard times. Arguments, yelling, conflict and competition. Failure, disappointment and … [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...]
The Importance of Slowing Down (even if you have to force yourself)
It's summer! Most of us wait all year for the lazy days of summer. Time to relax by the pool. Take a vacation. Or sit in a hammock. Instead, many parents spend their time shuttling their kids to and from soccer camp. Feeling obligated to create fun activities for their "bored" children. Or regretting the family vacation due to the number of … [Read more...]
Get your kids to listen using this simple tip
Do you feel like your kids never listen? They tune you out, ignore your requests, and respond disrespectfully? It's time to try something new. It may seem counter-productive, but it may be the key to getting a reply from your children. Instead of talking more...try talking less. Imagine being questioned, reminded and directed repeatedly … [Read more...]
How to Ask Simple Open Ended Questions Kids Really Want to Answer
This list of 45 open ended questions for kids will fill those awkward silences and eliminate one-word answers to keep your family talking! Car rides sure can be awkward. Your son is in the seat next to you, eyes glued to his phone. You try to make conversation... "So, your baseball game went well on Saturday." Silence. "Your team … [Read more...]
How to Talk With Your Children about Difficult Topics
Deciding to talk to kids about difficult topics can make even the most confident parent squirm. Bombings, kidnappings, divorce, death, growing up, financial uncertainty. The list goes on. In these moments, parenting becomes blurry and confusing. The parent who has so much to say about everything from eating healthy to good … [Read more...]