Does your child insist on being a "big kid" and doing everything herself? Learn how to raise an independent toddler while keeping her safe. According to my toddler, being a grown-up was where it was at. He wanted to do everything adults did. He refused to sit in the grocery cart, and he liked to "discipline" his twin brother. He even fussed about holding hands when crossing the street. As a mom, I found this desire to be an independent toddler both admirable and... exhausting. I knew our job was to raise self-sufficient future adults who could function as well as we do. At the same … [Read more...]
5 Tips to Handle a Clingy Toddler
Is your child clingy and fussy, refusing to leave your side? Discover 5 ways to ease your clingy toddler into feeling more comfortable alone or with others. I was getting exasperated with my toddler. He refused to leave my side, even at home, and shadowed me everywhere I went. It was a miracle if I could get a load in the laundry or tackle the dishes in the sink. Socializing with other kids didn't help at all. Perhaps you can relate. Maybe your toddler is firmly rooted to your lap, refusing to play with other kids. Play dates and parties? Forget it. She wants nothing to do with anyone … [Read more...]
What to Do when Your Child Regresses Because of New Baby Jealousy
Has your older child regressed with the arrival of a new baby sibling? Learn what to do when kids regress because of new baby jealousy. Those two weeks after welcoming my twins home were some of the most challenging times... but not because of the two babies. As much as we prepared our then-three-year-old son about his two baby brothers, the change still took a toll on him. He didn't exactly resent, hurt or speak ill of his brothers. Instead, he regressed. The progress he'd made with learning how to manage emotions flew out the door, and he'd throw a fit over every little … [Read more...]
(OLD) The Harmful Effects of Comparing Our Kids
We all do it: compare our kids to others. All kids develop differently, and the range of 'normal' is wide. Here's why you should stop comparing kids. I jinxed myself, again. I was just beginning to think my toddler's tantrums didn't seem as terrible as in the past. And of course, he threw an all-out, can't-catch-my-breath tantrum in what should've been a fun birthday party. We had to listen to him cry the whole ride home—through traffic, of course—before he calmed down. All the while, I couldn't help but remember how his cousin and birthday celebrant was laughing with family, sharing … [Read more...]
5 Effective Techniques to Help Children with Transitions
Moving from one activity to the next can be a challenge for both kids and parents. Helping children with transitions is possible with these 5 tips. I swore I would never take him to the automobile museum ever again. I had planned a fun outing to take my then-toddler to visit a nearby car museum. I expected us to see different models of cars and play with the exhibits. Except it went nothing like that. He didn't want to visit any of the exhibits or even play with the toys on display and screamed if we even suggested it. So we figured he was hungry and ushered him quickly to the … [Read more...]
Why We Should Encourage Competence, Not Confidence, in Children
While confidence is important, competence is a better trait to nurture. Learn why you should encourage competence not confidence in children. We hear tons of advice about how to instill self-confidence in our kids. We want them to feel confident and believe in themselves. We see confidence as the key to thwarting self-doubt. And self-confidence seems to be an effective way to rebuff peer rejection. These are all great reasons, but I'm learning there's something even more important. A trait that doesn't get much recognition but paints a more realistic picture of our kids' … [Read more...]
As Frustrating As It Is, Your Child’s Behavior Is Normal
Struggling with your child's behavior? Learn the importance of child development and behavior and how it can help you stay calm when the kids misbehave. I sometimes imagine what a day would look like if my kids behaved like adults. They'd share toys all the time. They'd know better than to run with a plate full of crumbs and instead place it slowly in the sink. Or they might understand it's the end of the day, and I don't have the mental energy to listen to endless stories. Of course, that isn't what happens—the opposite, in many cases. And I'd find myself feeling exasperated, … [Read more...]
The Reason You’re Probably Not Giving Your Child Enough Autonomy
Parents should foster autonomy in children to encourage a love of learning and responsibility. Learn how to raise an autonomous child with these tips. Want to know the one thing we need to stop doing if we want to encourage our children's love of learning? We all do it, hidden even with the best of intentions. It happens when we: Bribe kids to do something with an incentive Threaten to confiscate a treasured item if they don't obey Hover over their actions to make sure they do it right Judge on their emotions, behaviors and even personalities Give rewards for … [Read more...]
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