Stranger anxiety in toddlers is not always a bad thing. Here’s what you need to know to help toddlers when they’re afraid of strangers. "Let's meet up for lunch," I told a friend. My husband, toddler and I were in her area, and we wanted her to finally meet the little guy. Except the minute he saw her, he cried. And I mean cried. He turned his body away from her and wrapped his arms around my neck. Even when he finally settled down, he never warmed up or showed his cheerful and friendly personality. Suffice to say, I felt horrible. Nothing about my friend would've warranted a reaction … [Read more...]
What to Do when Your Toddler Prefers One Parent
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. Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase. 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 … [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 Throws Public Tantrums
Dealing with meltdowns can be more challenging in front of others. From parties to restaurants, learn what to do when your child throws public tantrums. 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 … [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...]
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...]
Why You Should Always Intervene when Adults Overwhelm Your Child
Have you had to step in when adults overwhelm your child? It may feel awkward or frustrating, but here's why you need to intervene—and how. Imagine a family party and everyone is playing with the younger member, a two-year-old child. Grandpa is bouncing her up in his arms in what started as a game but has now been too much for her. Unfortunately, grandpa is oblivious and thinks the little girl is still having a blast. How do parents know when to intervene with family and friends—adults who may overwhelm kids but not know it? It's tricky dealing with family and friends with setting … [Read more...]