I was a little concerned: I had underestimated the effect that bringing two newborns would have on my three-year-old. Sure, the first day was fine—the twins seemed like a novelty, and it was fun to have visitors over. But then he realized that the babies weren’t going anywhere, that mom and dad have less time [...]
Category: behavior
“Don’t want to wash hands,” my toddler declared after finishing a meal. I could feel the fussiness brewing as I looked at him incredulously. This was a kid who hardly fussed about daily routines like hand washing. And while I could have chosen other, more conscientious alternatives—picking my battles, not making a big deal, being [...]
A few months ago, I broke a promise to my son. He was terrified of taking a bath and wanted out, and was letting me know in the most inconvenient ways: shrieking, clamoring over the tub’s edge, and flailing around an already-slippery tub. But rather than acknowledging and working with his feelings or simply letting [...]
I hold a serious aversion to anything booger-related. I can talk poop, vomit, and any other bodily function, but boogers… I’ve mastered the quick Kleenex-grab should my toddler present me with one of his “finds.” That’s why I’m grateful that my guest contributor Danielle from Keeping Up with the Holsbys is visiting us today to [...]
My husband, toddler and I were cuddling in our bed one day when LO stood up—something we don’t encourage as he can easily fall over the bed. “No, no… sit back down. We don’t stand on the bed,” I immediately reprimanded him. To which my husband reminded me, “‘Honor the impulse,’ remember?” I’ve long since [...]
Imagine throwing a tantrum… and getting everything you demanded. You might think this is ideal for a child, but being too lenient can often lead to adverse consequences. Let me start off with a few good reasons parents should stand their ground: Granting children everything they want may lead them to believe that negative actions [...]
If this is your first visit to Sleeping Should Be Easy, welcome! To get a feel for what’s around here, read through some recent posts, including: Practical advice for first-time moms How to exercise while caring for young children The double standard of “missing out on kids’ childhood” Should you save for your kids’ college? [...]
I remember when my then 18-month-old son wanted to be with me… and only me. Little that his dad or regular caregiver did could pry him away from me without tears. “Where’s that kid who would ‘go to anyone’?” I glumly wondered. Separation anxiety proved difficult for everybody—for my toddler who was clearly unhappy being [...]
Consider this scenario: Your child knows not to climb on the couch, yet right when you need it the least, she pulls herself up on to the arm chair, apparently oblivious to the rule you’ve drilled in her head from the get-go. You feel your patience draining and would rather ignore her defiance to save [...]
