Sleeping Should Be Easy

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6 Reasons to Stop Labeling Kids

Communication

Published Mar 21, 2020 Updated Mar 21, 2020

From shy to outgoing, difficult to easygoing, learn the negative effects of labeling kids and why you should not label children (plus what to do instead). Why bother? I would think to myself each time I took an algebra or calculus exam. I expected to do poorly, so I didn’t even try. After all, I was the “artistic” kid. I was creative, a wordsmith, not a “math person.” As I grew up, I never considered I could do well in math classes, even throughout college. It wasn't until years later that I learned the downsides of labeling kids, and that I can be good at math. That anyone can do … [Read more...]

20 Open Ended Questions for Kids You Should Ask

Communication

Published Feb 19, 2020 Updated Feb 19, 2020

Get examples of open ended questions for kids with these conversation starters! Perfect for preschoolers to practice creative and critical thinking skills. At the dentist's office, my son pulled out the map he'd been drawing. He sat sketching the rest of it when a woman noticed his map. "Wow, is that a map?" she asked. Before he could answer, she continued, "Is it a treasure map?" He and I both knew he wasn't drawing a treasure map. But, as it sometimes happens when caught off guard—or when a stranger questions him—he responded, "Yes." She pressed on. "Where's the treasure? … [Read more...]

Why You Need to Respond when Adults Tease Your Child

Communication

Published Jan 15, 2020 Updated Feb 13, 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 Feb 13, 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 Feb 25, 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...]

How to Get Kids to Listen Without Yelling and Losing Your Cool

Communication

Published Apr 15, 2019 Updated Feb 25, 2020

Tired and guilty of yelling at your child to behave and follow instructions? Learn how to get kids to listen without yelling, and foster mutual respect instead. "Don't stand on your bed," I warned my son for what felt like the zillionth time. "You might fall and get hurt." Considering that he sleeps on the top bunk, this warning didn't come lightly. But sure enough, as soon as I started to leave, I turned around to peek in the room and found him standing once again. Every parent will remind her kids of the rules, only to turn around and find them doing exactly what you just told them … [Read more...]

7 Game-Changing Ways to Respond to Your Argumentative Child

Communication

Published Aug 13, 2018 Updated Feb 25, 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 Feb 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...]

YOU ARE ENOUGH

You Are Enough

PARENTING WITH PURPOSE

Parenting with Purpose

HOW TO TEACH YOUR BABY TO SELF SOOTHE

How to Teach Your Baby to Self Soothe

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