Here are twelve alternatives to time outs that give parents and children a chance to address choices and situations with the intention to offer guidance while maintaining a positive, respectful and peaceful connection. These alternatives are mostly geared towards children aged 1 to 6 years but also work well beyond that too. Continue Reading
Do you have a curious preschooler? What would happen if you accepted her mistakes, appreciated effort and then simply supported your child in their endeavors? I often find that not demanding, not reprimanding but simply supporting children and helping them find a solution, from a place of love, appreciation and connection goes such a long way! Continue Reading
The importance of play doesn’t end there. Yes it’s enjoyable for them and yes play is important in child development but play also provides parents with a door to connect with their child on a deep level. I always love to say that I am hands on, this I feel sums up the play connection I am referring to. Engaging and being present in play is a hands-on way to establish a deep connection and strengthen a healthy relationship with your child. Continue Reading
“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” -Diane Ackerman In this Parents S.H.A.R.E. post, our positive parenting community is sharing how they have used play as a parenting tool when faced with a variety of challenges during the morning and evening routines, from races to singing silly songs here are many fun ideas!! Continue Reading
Compassion is internally driven. Compassion should be the motivating factor in treating others well, in getting along, in working together. Our goal is not to get our children to blindly obey, but to help them to appreciate for themselves, the benefits of striving to share their world peacefully. Continue Reading
I am sure many parents have searched this topic before, what should my child know at age _fill in blank__? As a parent, you want to be reassured that they are on track and ticking off the necessary developments of childhood. How high should a 3-4 year old count to? There is no absolute answer;… Continue Reading
The basic idea is that it will help diffuse situations before they escalate into chaos. Even if this doesn’t happen often young children can get overwhelmed by big emotions in their tiny bodies, whether its frustration or anger or sadness and this provides him an appropriate outlet for these because we all know big emotions can escalate into yelling, shouting, name calling, lashing out, tantrums and even physical attacks which we do not want. Continue Reading
Is your child “driving you crazy” or do you have a million and one things on your mind?
Is your child a “BRAT” or having a really tough time with something, maybe they are tired, hungry, getting sick, or needing to reconnect, take a breather etc…? Continue Reading
If a child is whining when trying something new, it could mean he is feeling scared or anxious. the sooner you can respond and help your child move beyond the whine and onto addressing the real issue at hand the better. You don’t have to give in to the whine, but rather get to the real issue and meet your child’s need. This not only stops the whine, it also builds trust and strengthens your connection! Continue Reading
The thing is, anger gets a bad reputation; it’s just not nice to be angry… Especially children are expected to not get angry, but really anger should not be ignored, forgotten or squashed deep down. Festering anger can lead to a host of difficulties like sleep problems, headaches, moodiness and low-self-esteem. Continue Reading