Struggling when your toddler prefers one parent over the other? Learn the best ways to help him cope with separation anxiety and take to both parents. "What am I—chopped liver?" my husband joked. Although he's a hands-on dad and invested in our kids, our then-toddler always preferred me over him. Even after being away at work, my husband couldn't convince our son to so much as pay him any attention. He'd start playing games, but our toddler wanted nothing to do with it. And diaper changes? I was the "lucky" one who had to do them all. We have to hand it to our partners for being … [Read more...]
Why Every Parent Needs to Show Empathy
What does it mean to show empathy for kids? Discover ways to understand what children are feeling and why every parent needs to show empathy. Last night, my six-year-old thought I didn't care about him. And all because of wooden blocks. I opened our box of wooden blocks for my three boys to dig into. By the time they separated their stash, he had way more than the other two. In an attempt to be fair, I counted all the blocks and divided them equally among all three. And that meant taking a few blocks away from him. He started to pout and cry. It's just a bunch of blocks, I tried to … [Read more...]
The One Mistake You’re Probably Making when Your Child Misbehaves in Front of Others
Do you know what to do when your child misbehaves in front of others? See the one mistake you may not even know you're making. The lady, the boy, me... we all wished we were somewhere else, not caught in this moment. Everyone stood on edge—except the father. "No. Come back here. You need to apologize to this lady," the father said to his son, about seven-years-old. I was at Target, alone (hallelujah!), in the baby aisle when this scene played out. The boy had bumped into this other lady and kept going, oblivious to having hit her on accident. The dad, meanwhile, wasn't too happy about … [Read more...]
What to Do when Your Child Acts Out in Public
From family parties to restaurants, learn what to do when your child acts out in public, including how to handle a tantrum in front of others. I'd be at a family party, with relatives and friends around, or at the zoo, trying to placate my kiddo as he rolls on the floor. Maybe the scene erupts at a restaurant, as strangers peer our way and wonder what in the world is going on. My kids have tested me in front of others, and no doubt it can be embarrassing. If they're not kicking their legs, they're throwing things or yelling. They don't always act like this, but they've all hit a stage … [Read more...]
How to Stop Your Child from Interrupting and What to Do Instead
Does your child interrupt conversations, whether between adults or children? Learn how to stop your child from interrupting, all without a meltdown. I was sitting across from my husband during family dinner time discussing the next day's schedule. Just as I was trying to get my head straight on what to pack for lunch or what time swim classes start, the kids cut in. "I colored and glued butterflies on paper!" "This broccoli?" "Aaaaahhh!" In most cases, my kids don't know any better about interrupting. They say what's on their mind at that moment, regardless of timing or … [Read more...]
5 Things I Tell My Kids Not to Do but I Secretly Do Myself
I'm published on Scary Mommy! Check it out: You know you’re supposed to model proper behavior. Your kids follow your actions, not your words. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to follow the advice you give your kids—the things you know are good for them, but somehow you secretly excuse when it comes to you. I know I’m guilty of this, big time. I’m the most well-rounded and healthiest mom based on what I tell my kids, but confession time: Come bedtime or when they’re out of sight, I’m not. These five things I tell my kids not to do but secretly do myself will prove it: Head over … [Read more...]
Why You Need to Be Your Child’s Biggest Influence
Fast forward to the future to see a common parent child connection: A child is now a teenager and prefers to hang out with her friends... all the time. She scoffs at the idea of a family day trip and tunes everyone out the entire time. She doesn't value time spent with family and would rather be with her peers. While this may seem like the typical teenage life, it's not the kind I want my kids to have. I want my kids to actually like their parents and have a strong parent child connection. A strong parent child connection It seems I'm not alone. In Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need … [Read more...]
4 Things You Shouldn’t Say about Other People’s Children
Some comments can drive parents crazy. See if you're guilty of saying these 4 things you shouldn't say about other people's children. As parents, we get a ton of comments from others, whether loved ones or strangers, about our kids. Some of these we can laugh it off, such as when we can't help but agree. Others though need to be addressed, perhaps in defense of our kids or for thoughtlessness. The rest just drive us crazy. (Read more about being carefree in parenthood.) 4 things you shouldn't say about other people's children In most cases, people don't say these comments with … [Read more...]