Parent Development

Parenting today is more challenging than it has ever been before. We’re raising different children in a different world. We all get stressed, feel anxious, and lose our tempers from time to time. Here, you’ll find tips for how to be a better parent, strategies for parenting with intention and have a happier family.

Dealing With School Uncertainty: How To Prepare Your Children (And Yourself)

In over 15 years as a parent educator, I don’t think I’ve experienced a time when such an expansive number of families were managing a level of stress like today. Parents are being asked to make decisions about their lives, their family’s well-being, and their children’s education (amongst other things), without nearly the amount of information they would 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

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

Get Comfortable With Your Child Being Uncomfortable.

Get comfortable with your child being uncomfortable. Possibly one of my favorite parenting phrases. Discipline and limit setting are hard.  Your child crying in response to your discipline can make it even harder. During a recent workshop many parents voiced concern about this. “What happens if my child cries when I set a limit?” A Read More

You’re A Mean Mommy!

You know you’ve heard it before “You’re a mean mommy (or daddy, or caregiver).”  “I don’t like you anymore.”  “You never let me do anything.”  It’s not unusual to hear children say these things.  Especially when they’re angry or disappointed, or not sure how to express their feelings.  The problem is, even when we know Read More

Dana’s Kids Tips: What Should I Look For In A Parenting Support Group?

What Should I Look For In A Parenting Support Group? Support groups can be an incredible aid to parents. Whether you are a parent of a toddler, coping with elementary school issues, dealing with a testing teenager or are managing the challenges and successes of having a child with special needs, knowing there are others Read More

You’re Not Perfect: Accepting Your Parent Self

You’re Not Perfect: Accepting Your Parent Self You’re not perfect.  And neither am I.  Not a perfect person.  Not a perfect parent.  And thank goodness for that! A few years ago I went on a business development retreat where the group leader put us through many of the same steps I guide my parent clients Read More

Parenting Tips: Stop Over-Scheduling and Start Playing

Stop Over-Scheduling Your Children and Start Playing Summer brings with it for many adults who interact with children, the opportunity to stop over-scheduling. Often, children receiving special services take vacations and have therapists that do the same.  More structured school environments are replaced by more laid back camp experiences.  And my mind goes immediately to Read More

Mindful Parenting: Reflecting On Your Child’s Development

Mindful Parenting: Reflecting On Your Child’s Development One of my most important, and sometimes challenging, tasks with a family, is to keep them current with their child’s development and their parenting skills.  I help them spend time thinking about what their children can do now that they couldn’t do in the past.  What new strengths have Read More