The thought of seeing your kids draped lifelessly over the couch cushions, saying those dreaded words, "I'm bored," is enough to make any parent panic. You know what comes next...whining, sibling fighting, following you around the house demanding that you find something fun for them to play. It won't matter what you say anyway. Your kids will … [Read more...]
Lifting the Burden: “I Feel Like a Parenting Failure”
Maggie is 3 years old and has quite a temper. If she doesn't get what she wants, there is screaming, tears and fists pounding on the floor. Her parents mean well. They try to give her what she wants to ease the tantrums. But sometimes even giving in doesn't work. Instead, mom loses her temper and yells, "Enough! Stop crying! Calm down!" … [Read more...]
The Power of a Story: Helping Your Child Overcome Fears
Children who struggle with worry or anxiety often have a negative "worry script" playing in their head. Help your children overcome fears by creating a new positive script! Jordan shuffled slowly to the front of the classroom. His shoulders were hunched, his stomach was in knots and his palms were sweaty. On his way to the … [Read more...]
5 Tips for Tired Moms
I know you've been there. The days when you can hardly open your eyes because you are so tired. You shuffle through the morning routine, get your children out the door for school, and then dream of climbing back into bed. It's the days when getting enough sleep is pretty much impossible because there is so much that needs to be done - … [Read more...]
25 Simple (But Powerful) Parenting Phrases
It's not always easy to know what to say to our kids. You don't want to yell, you don't want to make things worse, and you don't want to make things more complicated. Sometimes you just want a few simple go-to parenting phrases. A phrase that is still powerful enough to make a difference. Here are 25 simple parenting phrases … [Read more...]
Does Your Child Struggle with Helplessness
You're cleaning up after the chaos of the morning routine when you notice a bright yellow piece of paper on the table. Your son's permission slip. He can't go on the field trip without it. Grabbing your keys, you freeze - second-guessing your next move. Wait. If I bring this to school, he'll never learn to be responsible. He will … [Read more...]
Your Child’s Friendship Drama: Do’s and Don’ts for Parents
Did you hear what Sophie said to Jenna about what Claire told Megan after school today? Or, did you hear that Hailey is not going to play with Gina because of what she told Lindsey about liking Patrick? No? Well, your daughter probably did. And, chances are, she's just as confused as you are. It's sad to say, but social … [Read more...]
How to Be an Intentional Parent
As the confetti rains down and the clock strikes midnight, you mutter the words: "This year, I won't yell at my kids." It's the same resolution you set last year. And you made it about 36 hours. The start of a new year always provides an opportunity for reflection and goal-setting. But it seems that the goals we set leave … [Read more...]
Holiday Stress Survival Guide Tip #3: Manage Post-Gift Letdown
There's a mound of wrapping paper in the middle of the floor. Boxes and ribbons are scattered around the room. Your kids are happily enjoying their new toys. Or maybe not... Maybe your 17-year-old is pouting because she didn't get the designer handbag she wanted. Maybe 15 minutes later, your son is complaining that he is … [Read more...]
How to Create A Parenting Mantra
It's Tuesday. You pick up the kids from school and receive the typical grunts and groans about their day. Once at home, they meander through the kitchen opening and closing cabinets, complaining about the lack of "good snacks" in the house. Then, the fighting begins. No one wants to share the remote. The arguing gets … [Read more...]