Curious to know why some kids persevere while others don't? Discover the 5 characteristics of a resilient child and what gritty kids do differently. My eight-year-old had done a really neat trick with a blob of slime (yes, slime). He had stretched it out to a thin layer, held it in front of his face, then blew on it to make a "bubble." It looked exactly how bubble gum would look when you blow on it. Not surprisingly, one of my five-year-old twins was intrigued. So much so that he decided he wanted to try the trick as well. At that point, I was already cringing inside. In truth, I … [Read more...]
12 Ways You’re Already Practicing Montessori Parenting Without Even Realizing It
Did you know you're likely practicing Montessori parenting without realizing it? Discover these 12 ways you're applying the Montessori philosophy at home. Confession time: I still brush my five-year-old twins' teeth. Whenever I can help it, I go straight to brushing their teeth, assuming of course that I can do a better job of preventing cavities. Not to mention it's 10 times faster for me to squeeze the toothpaste, fill their cups, and actually brush their teeth than if I left the job to them. My husband, though, has no time for that. Whenever it's his turn to bathe the kids, he … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Encourage Fine Motor Skills for 5 Year Olds
Fine motor skills for 5 year olds are important as kids enter kindergarten. Encourage hand dexterity—even with an active child—with these fun activities! If you're like most parents, how your child holds a pencil may not be top of mind. But once she enters kindergarten, you suddenly notice how well the other kids hold theirs in comparison. You also realize that she can't really write her name well, much less cut with scissors (and forget about pulling a zipper). Come to think of it, you don't even know what her dominant hand is yet. Or perhaps it's the opposite: you're well aware of … [Read more...]
Top Challenges (and Solutions!) for Sibling Rivalry
Fed up with your children fighting all the time? Learn how to stop the bickering with these effective sibling rivalry solutions! The things my kids fight about almost seem comical. They fight about who gets to hop inside the van first at school pick-up to whose turn it is to play with a quarter-inch Lego piece. Other times it's the rude tone of voices that sets them off, or a comment taken as teasing and taunting. Perhaps you can relate. Maybe it feels like your kids are always fighting or tattling on one another. Every minute, someone is running up to tell you how the other was being … [Read more...]
7 Game-Changing Ways to Respond to Your Argumentative Child
Dealing with an argumentative child can be challenging for parents. Discover 7 game-changing ways to stop kids from constantly arguing about everything. "We're going to watch Ninjago today, because yesterday we watched Rowan Freemaker," my son announced. Usually he keeps good track of which show to watch and when, but on this particular day, he was wrong. "Actually, we watched Ninjago yesterday, so today we're watching Rowan Freemaker," I replied. His brothers seemed to remember and agreed that yes, we would be watching Rowan Freemaker instead. "No," he said, standing his ground. … [Read more...]
Unique Ways to Meet the Emotional Needs of Your Child
Meeting the emotional needs of a child raises well-rounded, competent, and capable kids. Discover 7 unique ways to nurture your child's emotional needs. Less tantrums, more listening, getting along with others... every parent wants nearly the same things from their kids, things we think are rooted in their behavior. Want less tantrums? Simply put your foot down. And while these tips and tricks are the actions we take to course-correct, they stem from a deeper reason why kids behave that way in the first place. For instance, why do kids throw tantrums, and more important, why is it that … [Read more...]
31 Totally Awesome Conversation Starters for Kids
Looking for thoughtful conversation starters for kids? Learn more about your family through these 31 question prompts and simple topics. "Daddy's home!" the kids yelled when they heard the jingle of keys at the doorknob. I was equally elated to see my husband not just home, but just in time for dinner to start. Over the years, we've eaten most of our meals together as often as we can. Dinners are a bit trickier, with work and his LA traffic-laden commute, so it's always a treat when we get to spend a weeknight dinner together. Why? These moments provide a chance to start conversations … [Read more...]
Consequences for Kids That Actually Work
Do you find that your consequences for kids don't always work? Take a look at the biggest mistake parents make, and how to apply consequences that respect your child AND curb challenging behavior, regardless of age. We've all felt that panic: trying to come up with a consequence fit for a child's behavior. Maybe your child tested your limits and you got upset. In trying to turn this chaos into a teachable moment, you scanned your brain for a good enough consequence... one that would get her to stop, to convince her this is serious, and that you've just about had it with her … [Read more...]
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