“Why didn’t I think of that?” frequently crosses the minds of parents watching other parents handle their children successfully in the grocery store, during a playdate, or out in public. Memorizing some short basic phrases and the situations in which to use them creates confidence even in doubtful parents. 1. Say yes more than you say …
6 Phrases for Successful Interactions with Your Child Read More »
I was so excited to meet my nephew and watch him discover what life has to offer. We were enamored by his first words and loved to hear him giggle… then came the pureed fruit packets. For weeks, his parents sternly told him, “No!” as he would spray the sauce from his mouth onto them. …
5 Ways to Encourage Good Behavior While Handling Negative Behaviors Read More »
I recently sat down with a mom who told me her story about parenting a child who has experienced living in an orphanage, foster care, and being adopted at two different times in his life. I was moved by her strength and the lessons she has learned as she strives to become a person of …
The Power of Proximity- Teaching Children to Regulate Big Emotions Read More »
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about toddlers, it’s that they have some pretty big feelings, and sometimes they struggle to convey those feelings well. Sometimes, they know what they’re trying to say, but are unsure about how to express what they feel, or they may not understand what they’re feeling, and that can be scary …
In some cases, divorce is necessary for the well-being of the family, for example, when there is abuse. Though when that is not the case, strengthening marriage and working through conflict avoids many challenges while at the same time supporting children in learning valuable skills for life. Why avoid divorce when possible Divorce hurts children …
My 5-month-old son has recently started reaching for my face when I hold him. He enjoys grabbing my glasses and pulling at my nose. Kids his age are curious and starting to learn to use their hands and grab things. They also don’t understand that sometimes the things they do can cause pain or potentially …
When 2-year-old Liam* started crying, his mother Sadie went to investigate. Her two children were playing in their room together and Liam was crying and obviously in distress. After questioning her older daughter, Abigail, who insisted she didn’t know what happened, Sadie decided to check the video feed from the baby monitor. Much to her …
You might not remember your first day of school – or maybe you remember it a little too well. It’s a big transition that includes new people, places, and pressures. Children experience lots of confusing emotions because of this, and if you anticipate certain behavior changes you can help your child navigate this time successfully. …
Behavioral Changes to Expect When Your Child Starts School Read More »
It’s 5:10 pm. You were supposed to be at the park to meet the babysitter 10 minutes ago. But you’re stuck at the grocery store waiting in line after rushing in to grab “just a few things”… with the 3-year-old. Shockingly, Susie kept asking for candy after you specifically told her NO MORE CANDY. You’re …
Children who have experienced trauma often react to both positive and negative feedback a bit differently than other children. Brookes Publishing discusses some ideas for teacher-student interactions on how to give both positive and corrective feedback. These ideas can also translate to how you respond in the home. For positive feedback, make it: Low-key and private. Use nonverbal …
8 Tips for Delivering Trauma-Informed Feedback to Your Child Read More »
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