You broke your own rule mama! You used the car as a closet! Said my daughter beyond excited to have noticed my forgotten coat, wrinkled and abandoned in the freezing cold car.You are right. And I am so glad you noticed and told me. I offered with a smile. I will be sure to take it inside… Continue Reading
Knowing how to make amends is a very valuable life skill. As children grow they have many opportunities to apologize and make amends. While we would like children to know how to say “I am sorry”, often children will apologize in their own way. Children are Wired for Empathy Children are born with the capacity for… Continue Reading
If you have a child that is getting into power struggles with you, you also have a child that is ready and able to stand up for themselves. This is a good thing. A really good thing. Children that are assertive, critical thinkers are more successful in life. While it might be great down the… Continue Reading
Three Parenting Strategies To Try when Consequences Stop Working and your Child is Misbehaving Does this scenario feel familiar? It’s getting close to the end of the day, and you are expecting your child to clean up toys, wash up, help set the table, get ready for bed and go to sleep. Only problem is,… Continue Reading
Tantrums after the toddler years are normal and happen because of emotional overload. Frustration, anger, disappointment and sadness, can lead to a child having a tantrum at any age. Parents can help children manage anger, tantrums and intense emotions using positive parenting tools. Continue Reading
Emotionally intelligent children not only recognize and manage their own feelings, they are also able to understand emotional states of others. Emotional intelligence is also important for healthy development. Continue Reading
Positive parenting is not about keeping our children happy 100% of the time or giving in to every demand or bending the earth to suit our child’s desires. However, it is important that we pay attention and strike a balance between the needs of the child, the family and our own. When everyone’s needs and feelings are being considered, and cooperation and communication are the focus instead of commands, demands and high expectation, parents and children can really find wonderful harmony. Continue Reading
Which parenting techniques help children become critical thinkers and responsible citizens, let’s take a closer look. Not too long ago, I was walking and juggling overflowing baskets of laundry, when my seven year old said: “Mom. I made a mistake”. As the word mistake echoed around the two of us, I stopped walking. I looked at… Continue Reading
My arms were still sore from scrubbing the dark streaks of marker my toddler had happily scribbled, off our porous pine dining table. I turned toward my oldest daughter. “I just told you not to leave your special (read; nonwashable) markers out where your little brother can reach them!” Had I been talking to a… Continue Reading
Inside: Using positive parenting makes it possible to encourage better behavior without resorting to punishment and yelling. A few years ago, my 3 year old daughter ripped her brothers’ picture. She did it on purpose and with the intent to get back at her brother. Many parents believe that such “acting out” needs to be managed… Continue Reading