It's tough to enforce rules when kids throw a tantrum. But learn the one big reason parents should stand their ground during these meltdowns. Imagine throwing a tantrum... and getting everything you demanded. You might think this is ideal for your child, but being too lenient can often lead to adverse consequences. Giving in all the time during a power struggle may lead her to believe that negative actions are the way to get anything. She learns that throwing a fit means mom and dad break down and oblige. So, she might use this method more often than not to get what she wants. The … [Read more...]
How to Stop Kids from Fighting
Tired of your children squabbling, from arguments to hitting each other? Apply these tips on how to stop kids from fighting once and for all. Hands down, hearing my kids fight is one of my biggest triggers. You know, the kind that makes you snap, yell "Just stop it already!" or hide in your room. And it's always for the weirdest reasons, too. For instance, here are some of the things my kids have fought about: When one copied another's drawing Whether a banana and an apple do (or do not) make the number "10" Whose turn it was to read from the trivia cards Because two of … [Read more...]
How to Handle Your Angry Child
Dealing with meltdowns can be difficult, but it's during these times your angry child NEEDS you. Here are strategies to help you handle it. My kids had been so excited to work on the school garden. You couldn't peel them away from digging and turning the soil. Other than the occasional snack, they wanted to keep shoveling and pulling weeds. And then it happened: One of them didn't want to leave. Whereas the other two were ready to go home, he wanted to stay and dig. So, my husband and I did the typical moves: we showed empathy and tried to make the transition light. We even gave him … [Read more...]
How to Discipline a 4 Year Old When Nothing Seems to Work
Wondering how to discipline a 4 year old who hits, doesn't listen, or is defiant? Get parenting tips to solve challenging behavior problems. "Please tell me this all goes away when kids turn four," I had told a few friends. When we're in the middle of the Terrible Twos or the "Threenager" stage, we assume that defiant behavior disappears once those stages are done. Unfortunately, it doesn't exactly work that way. Sure, bad behavior takes a huge upswing as kids get older, especially as they learn to communicate and function more independently. But they learn how to behave throughout … [Read more...]
Toddler Not Listening? 10 Things You Can Do
Struggling with your toddler not listening and behaving? You're not alone. Discover 10 things to do to get kids to listen without yelling. My then-toddler sat flipping through a book when I called, "Breakfast time!" He ran to the dining room, with the book in hand. "You can put the book on the couch," I suggested. We typically don't allow other items at the dining table when we're eating meals, even books. "Then, you can have it after you're done eating," I continued. "No!" he shouted, adamant about bringing the book to the table. This went back and forth, with him insisting on … [Read more...]
How to Stop Your Toddler Hitting Others
Even though hitting is normal for infants and toddlers, dealing with it can be tough. Discover how to stop your toddler hitting others. I was at a loss. My toddler was hitting others for no reason, especially his brothers. Whereas the other two kids would complain, cry, or find another solution, he would resort to hitting and biting. Other times, he'd hit me during tantrums, unable to control his aggression. And still other times, he'd hurt others and laugh about it. I was thinking of future play dates or social settings where he'd hit other innocent kids. I feared being that mom … [Read more...]
How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids
Do you struggle with losing your temper and raising your voice? Learn how to stop yelling at your kids, control your anger, and stay patient. My son felt terrified of taking a bath and wanted out. He was shrieking, clamoring over the tub's edge, and flailing around an already-slippery tub. It was enough to push my buttons. I didn't have my A-game on, because if I did, I would've consoled him and shown much-needed empathy. I would've acknowledged his feelings or skipped the bath entirely. Instead, I stood my stubborn ground and refused to let him leave the tub. I scrubbed him all … [Read more...]
Your Cheat Sheet Guide to Handling Tantrums
Struggling with your child's meltdowns and angry outbursts? Get a guide to handling tantrums and learn what to do when they happen. I felt helpless. My son had been throwing a tantrum for over an hour. Nothing worked. I tried soothing him to no avail, and completely ignoring him didn't do the trick, either. Distraction, taking away toys, or offering treats made no difference. And it seemed like I'd leave every outing carrying a wailing toddler, making my quick getaway. We've all been there. The defiance, the crying-so-hard-they-can't-breathe, the flailing of the arms and legs. … [Read more...]
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