Remember those nights, shuffling around the nursery trying to calm the shrill cries of your newborn? Or, jingling skittles in a jar to encourage your child to actually make it to the potty chair this time? When you're going through these stages it feels like life is standing still. Like you will never make it through. Sometimes you need a … [Read more...]
One critical observation to avoid your child’s next tantrum.
You know running errands takes it's toll on the kids, but it had to be done. Now, it's that awkward hour when it's too early to eat dinner and too late for a snack. The kids are restless and irritable. Tension is in the air. Then it hits you -- the ice cream shop. You will pass it in a few minutes and the kids ALWAYS beg to stop. Always. … [Read more...]
3 Things About Child Development Every Parent Should Know
Did you sign up for those "Your baby is 17 weeks today" emails when your kids were born? They were great unless your child didn't line up with the recommended milestone. And what about now that your child is older? Do you ever wonder if they are on track? Or worry that they will be delayed forever? Ashely Soderlund, a child … [Read more...]
Setting Boundaries for your Attention-Seeking Child
It's Friday night. Your husband is out of town, so it's just you and the kids. Your suggestion to have a movie night is met with cheers and excitement. After the popcorn bowls are handed around, you start the show. Snuggling on the couch. Laughing through the funny parts, sniffling through the sad ones. The movie ends and you shuffle your … [Read more...]
What to do When Your Child Says, “I Hate You.”
"I hate you!" he yells as he slams the bedroom door. The words hang in the air as you stand there unable to move. Within seconds, your body is flooded with anger. You bang on the door yelling, "How dare you say that to me?!" And then a thought grips you. Maybe it's true. Maybe he really does hate you. How do you respond? If you've … [Read more...]
50 Simple Ways to Connect With Your Kids
Your family is busy. Sometimes, you get to the end of the day and you realize you really haven't even LOOKED at your kids. You've just shuffled them from breakfast, to the bus, to homework, to bed. And then, the guilt sets in. You know connection is important, but it's hard to fit it all in! Making meaningful connections with your kids … [Read more...]
Feeling Manipulated by your Child? Try this Response.
As soon as you say "no," the waterworks begin. "But mom!" your son says, dramatically flailing himself on the floor. After a few seconds, the drama turns ugly. Now he's pounding his fists on the tile and screaming wildly. It's just too much to bear. "Fine. Here's one more. That's it." you say, fuming. He sits up, … [Read more...]
To the exhausted parent: You’re not doing it wrong.
You close the door as hot tears stream down your face. Slumping to the floor, head in your hands, the scene replays in your mind. The power struggle. The yelling. The numerous attempts to interrupt the chaos with empathy and reasoning. Nothing worked. Where did things go wrong? What are you missing? Why is parenting so hard? You're … [Read more...]
How to help your anxious child: a guide for parents
The bedtime battles. The doctor's office meltdowns. The tears. Parenting a child with anxiety can be hard. You wish you could wave a magic wand and make all of their worries disappear. There is hope! Use these posts to help you parent your child through their worries, teach a variety of coping skills, and explore your own … [Read more...]
Bad Attitude in Your House? Use This Game to Turn The Mood Around
The exaggerated eye-rolling is becoming a bad habit. For the most part, your kids are respectful, helpful, and get along (fairly) well. But now, it seems like a bad attitude is taking over. Rude comments are made, chores aren't getting done, and no one seems to care! How do you get you encourage respect? One option would be to put more … [Read more...]