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 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'll use this method more often than not to get what she wants. The thing is, kids are incapable … [Read more...]
How to Stop Your Toddler from Hitting
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. Other times, he'd hit me during tantrums, unable to control himself. And still other times, he'd hit others and laugh about it. Already I was thinking of future play dates or social settings where he'd hit other innocent kids. I feared being that mom apologizing for … [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. I didn't have my A-game on, because if I did, I would've consoled him and showed much-needed empathy. I would've acknowledged his feelings or skip the bath entirely. Instead, I stood my stubborn ground and refused to let him leave the tub. I scrubbed him all over and toweled him off, both of … [Read more...]
Consequences for Kids That Actually Work
Consequences for kids don't always work. See common mistakes parents make and how to give consequences to stop your child's bad behavior. We've all felt that panic: trying to come up with a consequence fit for the behavior. In trying to turn this chaos into a teachable moment, you scanned your brain for a good enough consequence. One that would get your child to stop, to convince her this is serious, and that you've had it with her antics. You know, one that would teach her a lesson. Consequences have even become common language, from the "time out" for the toddler to the teen … [Read more...]
Your Cheat Sheet Guide to Handling Tantrums
Struggling with your child's tantrums? Get a cheat sheet 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. 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. These moments happen in the privacy of our homes or under the glaring eyes of others in … [Read more...]
How to Set Limits with Your Baby (And Almost Toddler)
Struggling with setting limits with a baby? Encourage his curiosity while establishing boundaries to keep him safe as he begins to explore. My baby—once so small he felt like a swaddled blob over my shoulder—was now all over the place. At 10 months old, he'd crawl everywhere, giving me a heart attack with each turn. He'd pull himself up on shelves and curtains and wanted to keep playing instead of sleep. How can parents set limits with our now mobile babies—and should we? For many parents, the thought of disciplining babies feels impossible. They're so young and curious, but at the … [Read more...]
How to Stop Being the “Bad Guy” with Your Kids
Do you feel like you're squashing the fun for being strict and holding your ground? Learn how to stop being the bad guy with your kids. Do your days feel like you're squashing out the fun for being strict and holding your ground? You're trying to have a fun, positive moment with your kids, but you can't seem to go a minute before disciplining them yet again. You want them to ride their scooters in the yard, but have to stop them from crashing into the flower bed. They're having a blast playing chase, but you have to step in when they hurt one another. And you can't seem to let it go when … [Read more...]
How to Discipline a Toddler Who Hits
Frustrated because your child won't stop hitting others, especially you? Learn exactly how to discipline a toddler who hits, all without losing your cool. I was that mom at the park, the mom who practically had to wrestle with her toddler's flailing arms because he was throwing a fit. Apparently, it wasn't cool that I was pushing his brother on the swing while I left him on his own—and it was enough to drive him to start hitting me. With three boys, he was the only one who resorted to hitting. Usually he'd hit when he was throwing tantrums, and only toward certain people (ahem: … [Read more...]
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