Sometimes a memory pops up on my Facebook newsfeed from 10 years ago and I try to remember my life back then… What was I doing? What did I think about? What were my biggest worries? What was I looking forward to? Where did that shirt go? I wasn’t really a member of any groups […]
parenting
What to do When Your Child Hits
I think the toughest thing about a child hitting is trying to remember to not take the behavior of your child personally. Behavior is communication. When we take it personally, our mind gets clouded and we struggle to reframe, connect, breathe, and remain in control of our own behavior. The first thing to remember when […]
“Behavior Chart” for Managing Screen Time and Getting Tasks Accomplished
First… we were never a big “screen” family…. but we don’t shy away from screens, either. Our kids had Kindles but they were only brought out for long road or plane trips. They were occasionally allowed to play some games on our phones. And we love movies enough to watch one as a family before […]
Helpful Resources on Raising Kids Through Each Stage of Development
Written by Kris Louis of www.parentingwithkris.com No matter the age of your kids, being a parent continuously challenges us, whether we’re nurturing toddlers or preparing teens for adulthood. And the moment you think you’ve figured something out, new concerns suddenly arise. The fact is that raising healthy, well-adjusted kids is a demanding, all-consuming job. With […]
Say Goodbye to Your Child’s Rainy Day Blues
Photo via Pixabay Who says that rainy days have to be boring? By exploring the fun activities below, your child will be anything but bored! This up-to-date list of educational online activities will nurture your child’s curiosity, creativity, and sense of fun without feeling “educational” or b-o-r-i-n-g. Get Moving! Rainy day or not, according to […]
The Truth About Negative Reinforcement
When you hear the term Negative Reinforcement, what do you think? What does that mean to you? Does the term ‘negative’ immediately make you think ‘bad?’ If it does, you’re definitely NOT alone. Negative Reinforcement is often used as a way to say that ‘bad’ behavior is being reinforced: “We have to make sure we’re […]
Top 5 Travel Must-Haves (for our family)
*This post contains affiliate links. I wouldn’t say we travel a ton… but we do get around a bit. Since Danny was born last August we’ve been to Disney World and Tampa, Boston, Niagara Falls (this one feels like a cheat…is it really traveling when it’s only 45 minutes away? It is a huge tourist […]
How We Avoid Punishing Our Children
I often see comments in gentle parenting boards asking, “If you don’t punish, what do you do?” Or, “There are definitely circumstances where punishments are necessary, right?” As a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), I frequently have to hold back from defining the term ‘punishment’ because I know that’s not exactly what folks mean. I […]
Please don’t spank your child.
Please don’t spank your child. “But if I don’t spank them, they will grow up to be entitled brats.” Everything you do as a parent will impact your children. Whether you spank or not does not have anything to do with your child growing up to feel entitled. It will, however, impact the way they […]
8 Helpful Phrases for Reconnecting with Your Child
My 3-year-old daughter stood up from the potty and slowly started peeling one square of toilet paper away from the roll. The baby was fussing in the other room and I knew he wanted to eat. Ohmygosh hurry up! I shouted in my mind. She was tired, and no one in the house had been […]