Before we discuss an approach to parenting a strong-willed child, let’s take a step back and ask: Is there even such a thing as a “strong-willed” child? Some readers will be nodding their heads vigorously. “Of course there is, just meet my daughter!” There are, however, different perspectives: One is that a strong-willed child has … Read more
Positive parenting, peaceful parenting, respectful parenting, gentle parenting. Call it what you want, these concepts are all more alike than they are different. Odds are you’ve stumbled across one of these phrases in a blog post or from a friend. Maybe you’ve heard that this approach is permissive, that it’s raising up a generation of … Read more
For many of us, summer means family gatherings: BBQs, weddings, and family reunions all bring us closer to our families, whether they live around the corner or on the other side of the world. And while seeing great-aunt Mildred and hearing stories from generations past can be a real treat, spending an extended period of time with family can also evoke old emotions. We might love our families and simultaneously feel as though we aren’t entirely accepted by them. We brace ourselves for criti […]
“Just ignore him when he acts like that. He’s just doing it to get attention.” We’ve all heard this advice from fellow parents, pediatricians, and even parenting experts. Your toddler or preschooler drops to the ground and is lost in the throes of an epic tantrum, and you’re advised that the best course of … Read more
Q: My four and a half year old is having an extremely difficult time right now with transitions. I know part of it is her age, and part of it is that her school year just came to a close, but every single time we have to transition from one thing to another (dinner to getting ready for bed, leaving an activity or place to go home, etc.), we have tears, negotiations, running away, and sometimes even full-on tantrums. I always try to give a two-minute warning before we end an activity, and I alway […]
Recently I watched a great webinar with Eric from 1awesomedad.com. He spoke about peaceful parenting and how parents can move from punishment to positive discipline. I spend a generous portion of my time exploring the detriments of punishment and the benefits of parenting with respect and empathy. What I’ve failed to consider, however, is … Read more
The “terrible twos” is a ubiquitous phrase to describe toddlerhood, where many parents find themselves in a world of contradictions. Toddlers still need their parents’ near constant attention, even while they are eager to assert their independence. Toddlers are emotional, irrational, and relentless. Yet when we better understand this phase of our children’s lives, … Read more