Positive Parenting essentials for setting limits on your child’s behavior The other morning at playgroup, a little boy kept running up to his mom and punching her. It was a light, somewhat playful punch. Repeated over and over again it seemed quite annoying too. All this mom really wanted, was to have a conversation with a friend. You’ve been… Continue Reading
Does your child fidget with everything, chew on their shirt sleeves, bite their nails, make noises with their mouth? It is challenging to know how to address these problems without making your child feel embarrassed or defensive about their behavior. My daughter is a chewer. She chews on everything — shirt sleeves, blankets, markers,… Continue Reading
We are walking up the stairs to school. It’s been a difficult morning. I am feeling drained by the need to repeat myself over and over. The feeling that I’m doing everything for everyone. That no one else in the family is doing their share and once again I am over functioning for all of… Continue Reading
When children don’t listen, being calm and confident can take extra effort, but really it is the key to getting kids to listen. To encourage children to listen more, and stop yelling you can try these three steps. Continue Reading
Techniques galore. Time outs. Behavior charts. Chore charts. Get-out-the-door charts. 1, 2, 3 warnings. Homework first. Cry to sleep. Rock to sleep. Just sleep. “Eyes only” and one finger touches. Unwavering curfew. No reading until your teeth are brushed and jammies on. Be respectful or else. Consequences consequences consequences…and on and on and on. Techniques.… Continue Reading
Playful parenting can encourage more cooperation and listening. It is possible to be playful and set meaningful parenting limits. Playfully engaging with your child, especially in matters of discipline is sometimes mistaken as being permissive. It’s not permissive at all, it’s quite smart and effective. Playful Parenting means joining children in their world of play,… Continue Reading
“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… Continue Reading
Let’s think about the challenging moments of parenting. You know, the frustrating moments that make you wonder why you ever had kids in the first place. Here is an example: For the past few weeks we have been having daily battles over socks. Yes. Socks. My 5 year-old daughter whines and complains that she “hates… Continue Reading
Is encouraging your child to help around the house a battle or a breeze? Can you relate to what these parents had to say about family jobs? My children love to help with jobs. -Cynthia, mother to three My children will do anything to get out of chores, making excuses from belly aches, headaches, to… Continue Reading
Disappointment can be like a tidal wave of emotions for your kids. Image this scenario: The van is packed, and you’re about ready to head out the door. Suddenly, you hear thunder in the distance. No! It can’t be! You checked the weather, and it wasn’t supposed to rain for a few more hours. But minutes… Continue Reading