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...]
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...]
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...]
Say this, Not that: A Parent’s Guide
Are you tired of being ignored? Feeling frustrated that your kids respond to you with grunts and "I don't know?" Sometimes, the way we phrase things can make a big difference. It's not always easy to remember what to say or how to say it, especially when your child is in the middle of a meltdown. So, here's a quick reference … [Read more...]
Why I Let My Toddler Use a Knife
As a parent, "caution" is my middle name. I am concerned about my children's safety and do what I can to keep them out of harm's way. That being said, I also believe that children should be exposed to certain experiences in order to keep them safe. That's why I introduced kitchen knives to my children at an early age. Yep, I'm talking … [Read more...]
101 Ways to Say “I Love You”
Saying, "I love you" is nice, but do you feel like your children are wanting more? How can you be sure that each of your children is feeling loved? According to Dr. Gary Chapman, Author of the 5 Love Languages of Children, there are 5 ways each of us can experience love. The 5 love languages are: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, … [Read more...]
Tired of Being an Angry Parent? 6 Tips to Control Your Anger
Do you find yourself making threats, inflicting punishments, or screaming in anger? Do you feel overwhelmed, tired or stressed, and unsure how to handle your anger differently? Do you feel like a horrible parent? You are not alone. Many parents struggle to control their anger. If you are tired of being an … [Read more...]
How to respond when your child says, “Mom, Can We Talk?”
Sometimes, it's the simplest words that are the most important. "I'm going to throw up." "The kitchen is on fire." "Mom, can we talk?" They are important, significant, meaningful words. While you would probably immediately respond to the first two statements, the third is often overlooked, minimized, or ignored. You don't mean to … [Read more...]
Beyond “I’m Sorry:” Teach Your Child To Apologize
You heard the smack from the kitchen. Followed by wailing. Entering the room, you demand, "Tell your sister you're sorry." "Soorrry." It reeks with sarcasm. "Say 'sorry' like you mean it," you prompt again. "I'm not sorry!" he yells back. What?! How dare he say that. Teaching your child to apologize. You are probably all too … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Help Your Anxious Child
Once again, your child is refusing to go to bed because there might be a spider in their room. You've checked every corner of the room – no spiders. You've reassured him that there probably won't be a spider. Finally, you run out of options and allow him to sleep in your bed, again. You want this cycle to change, but you are not sure … [Read more...]