Communication Archives | Sleeping Should Be Easy

Why You Need to Respond when Adults Tease Your Child

Published Jan 15, 2020 Updated Jan 19, 2020

Do adults tease your child, even with good intention? Learn why you need to respond to others' teasing and how to do so firmly yet tactfully. You're at a family party, and grandpa teases your child and pretends to take away his toy. He means well, as most adults do when they try to make kids laugh, but now the teasing has grown out of hand and your child is getting upset. On one hand, you don't want to be that parent everyone has to be careful about with what they say to her kids. So you laugh it off, while still dropping enough hints that it's time to stop the teasing. But you … [Read more...]

How to Deal with a Child Who Cries Over Everything

Behavior

Published Dec 19, 2019 Updated Jan 19, 2020

Wondering how to deal with a child that cries over everything? These 7 phrases will help guide your overly sensitive child through this stage. The blanket that isn't set exactly the way she wants. The artwork that got bent along the corner. A sibling playing with the toy he wanted to play with. Let's not forget the stuffed animal that wasn't where he left it, the finished cookie, or the sandwich cut the wrong way. These are just some of the things my kids have cried easily about, enough to drive me crazy. In short, they cry about anything that isn't exactly their way. Sure, it helps … [Read more...]

How to Get Toddlers to Listen Without Yelling

Communication

Published Jul 22, 2019 Updated Jan 18, 2020

Frustrated when your child only responds to yelling? Learn how to get toddlers to listen without yelling and discover effective parenting tips to discipline. "No." "Don't jump on the couch." "You can't have another snack." "Stop hitting your brother." I don't know how many times I've looked at my kids and asked them not to do something... only for them to do exactly what I had just told them not to do. If I ask them to stop banging a pencil on the table, they'll look me in the eye while they continue pounding away. If I tell them to stay near me as we walk along a busy street, … [Read more...]

7 Game-Changing Ways to Respond to Your Argumentative Child

Communication

Published Aug 13, 2018 Updated Jan 12, 2020

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...]

31 Totally Awesome Conversation Starters for Kids

Communication

Published Jul 23, 2018 Updated Jan 09, 2020

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...]

Baby Sign Language Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know

Communication

Published Jul 05, 2018 Updated Jan 09, 2020

Wondering whether to sign with your baby or toddler as a way to communicate? Take a look at these baby sign language pros and cons to better decide whether to teach your child baby sign language. By: Lane Rebelo If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably heard about baby sign language, but you might not be sure if it’s for you or not. You might have heard parents say things like "Baby sign language is amazing!" or perhaps you've heard others say, "It’s a waste of time." What’s a new parent to do? How do you decide if it’s worth the effort or if it's even right for your family? Baby sign … [Read more...]

How to Stop Your Toddler Whining (Even When You’ve Tried Everything)

Communication

Published Jun 11, 2018 Updated Jan 18, 2020

Tired of your toddler whining and crying all the time? Learn how to deal with your child's behavior with these respectful but effective solutions. At some point, every mom asks herself, Is this behavior normal? Because it seems that your toddler complains about everything, even when she has no reason to. She throws a tantrum when she doesn't get the snack she wants or has a meltdown if you can't pick her up right then and there. No doubt about it: toddler whining can make the whole family miserable. It doesn't help when you've tried everything under the sun, but nothing seems to … [Read more...]

Amazing Family Conversation Starters to Try Right Now

Communication

Published Feb 26, 2018 Updated Jan 09, 2020

Want to engage with your children and help them think deeper? Discover amazing family conversation starters and questions that will ignite discussion and critical thinking. Conversations with our kids can sometimes feel repetitive, don't you think? We ask, "How was school?" to get the predictable "Good" response. We might dive into asking what they did at school, which is better, but not by much. Beyond getting more than a one-word answer, I wanted to learn how to spur conversation with my kids to get them to think differently. I knew how important family conversation starters can be … [Read more...]

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Why You Need to Respond when Adults Tease Your Child

How to Deal with a Child Who Cries Over Everything

How to Get Toddlers to Listen Without Yelling

7 Game-Changing Ways to Respond to Your Argumentative Child

31 Totally Awesome Conversation Starters for Kids

Baby Sign Language Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know

How to Stop Your Toddler Whining (Even When You’ve Tried Everything)

Amazing Family Conversation Starters to Try Right Now

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