Wondering how to deal with a child that cries over everything? These 7 phrases will 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 she wanted to play with. Let's not forget the stuffed animal that wasn't where she 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 that … [Read more...]
How to Teach Kids Gratitude
Avoid spoiling your child! Learn how to teach kids gratitude and practice thankfulness for the abundance they have. Many of us will (thankfully) never face true hardship at its grittiest. The kind that leaves you walking miles or taking three buses just to buy your groceries. Health diagnoses that leave you weeks or months to live. Most of us don't worry about diseases we drink from our water. And we don't live in a one-room makeshift home where owning a tin roof over yours is a sign of wealth. Still, sometimes we lack the empathy for these issues. We're buffered by our many comforts … [Read more...]
7 Smart Ways to Protect Your Child from Predators
Worried about predators, both strangers and those you might know? Here are 7 smart ways to protect your child from predators. You've heard the advice a zillion times: "Don't talk to strangers!" Now we know better, as that advice isn't always so effective. For one thing, 90% of child sexual abusers are people we know and trust. Second, not all strangers are terrible. When kids are lost, they may have to rely on a stranger's concern and kindness. So, how can we protect our kids? To start, it's not about having one "big talk" or warning and calling it a day. It's a constant and … [Read more...]
Why Teaching Kids about Emotions Reduces Misbehavior
Struggling with getting your kids to listen? Learn why teaching about emotions reduces misbehavior, and how to apply this in your daily life. My then-three-year-old told me I made him sad... and I couldn't be prouder. Let me back up. Picking up three kids from two schools in the afternoons was not my favorite part of the day. On one trip, I was buckling them in the van with all three telling me different stories at the same time. I was trying to listen to my eldest, who was first to talk, but his brothers kept interrupting. "You have to wait your turn to talk," I told both of … [Read more...]
Why Kids Lie and What to Do About It
Frustrated because your child keeps lying and you don't know how to stop the behavior? Learn why kids lie — and how to handle it. "I got some water on my pants when I washed my hands," my then-four-year-old said. Never mind that the tell-tale signs of a peeing accident suggested that he was lying. He had been having accidents and likely didn't want to fess up that he had yet another one. But as a parent, not only is the circumstance your child is lying about frustrating (the accident), but the very fact that he lied in the first place. Why kids lie Telling lies is normal and … [Read more...]
Family Conversation Starters to Try Right Now
Want to engage with your kids and help them think deeper? These family conversation starters 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 to encourage critical thinking and … [Read more...]
3 Ways We Unintentionally Disrespect Our Kids
No parent would disrespect her child on purpose, but sometimes we do so without knowing. Check out these three ways we unintentionally disrespect kids — and what to do instead. Would you say you disrespect your kids? If you're like me, you would assume no, of course not. You love your kids and would never disrespect them. You wouldn't want others to do so, much less yourself. But sometimes we disrespect our kids without even knowing it. We mean well and may not see how our words affect them, or we overlook the consequences of our actions, thinking all is fun and jest when really, … [Read more...]
Tell Your Kids You Love Them, Even when It’s Hard To
It's easy to tell your kids you love them during happy times. But it's just as important to do so when it's hard as well. Here's why: The downturn of the sides of their mouths. The narrowing of tearful eyes. The slight rise in the shoulders. These were the slight cues I'd see when my kids realized they were in trouble. And it all signaled one thing: They felt defensive. And who wouldn't? They don't like getting in trouble or knowing they did something wrong. And they don't want to disappoint their parents. So, they pout, cry, or even get angry. But defensiveness doesn't help anyone. … [Read more...]
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