Whether during Coronavirus or not, parenting today often comes with the question of whether, when, and how to use screen time with children. No time has highlighted this more than right now, when we’re all inside for longer periods of time. What do you do when we, “the grownups” have other tasks to complete (or Read More
Non-Negotiables: Consistency is Key in Parenting
Be Consistent One of the basic tenets of the parent education I provide is that consistency is essential to successful parenting. Take, for example, the client whose daughter was potty training. Most days she woke up in the morning and was changed from a diaper into underwear. However, on some days when Mom felt rushed in Read More
How to Use Your Child’s Strengths to Help Them Grow
Many schools have parent-teacher conferences. This is a time for parents to come into the classroom to meet with teachers about their child’s development. I was thinking about my time in the classroom and a phrase I used to use with parents during these meetings: “We’re all working on something.” I always followed up this Read More
Materials to Have At Home: Amazon Shopping List
Many parents have asked about my favorite items to have at home for exploring with children. Here’s a start to the list. I’ll continue to add in the coming days and weeks. Have a favorite? Send it along. I hope you find this helpful!
Use Anchoring Activities to Help Create Successful Routines
Importance of Responsive Routines There has been a lot of conversation recently about maximizing time at home with children. So much of my work is about helping parents have developmentally appropriate expectations for children and realistic expectations of themselves. Managing expectations helps everyone feel more successful. When at home with children, I do believe routine Read More
Parenting During the Pandemic: You’re Okay
We’re Doing The Best We Can And That’s More Than Okay For many of us, this is an unprecedented, stressful time. Please know this: If your child spends “too much” time in front of the screen today, and tomorrow, and even the day after…you’re okay. If you can’t wrap your head around setting up, let Read More
You’re Not Perfect—And That’s OK
You’re not perfect. And neither am I. Not a perfect person. Not a perfect parent. And thank goodness for that! Define Your Parenting Goals and Make a Plan So where did all this come from? Recently, I spent 3 days at a retreat looking inward. Basically, the wonderful retreat leader put me through the same Read More
Rolling With the Parenting Punches
It’s amazing how the things you learn in early childhood really do stick with you. When I started thinking about the phrase, “Stop, drop, and roll” (at the oddest of times- as usual), I wasn’t thinking about fire and fire drills. I was thinking about flexible parenting. I am a person who feels comforted by the idea that Read More
3 Strategies to Help Your Child With Worries
Everyone worries from time to time: -Will I know anyone at the party? -How will I find my classroom? -What if I forget what I need? But sometimes worries get too big or come too often and can begin to get in a child’s way. This is when a parent needs to have strategies to help support that child. Here Read More
Concerned About Your Child’s Development? Here’s What To Do
Unfortunately, being unsure during parenthood is not a rarity. No one has all the answers. But knowing what to do and knowing your options when you have concerns or feel unsure about your child’s development can be life-changing. Trust Your Instincts Most parents don’t forget the event that pushes them over the edge from noticing things Read More