We’ve all been there. That moment when the situation goes from bad to worse. It’s usually in public, or at a playgroup where you worry about judgy moms. Right? But what if you could use parenting de-escalation strategies the next time your child loses it? Using de-escalation strategies is not just to save face as
How to use Parenting de-escalation strategies to avoid meltdowns Read More »
Autumn will be here before we know it! If you have a little one who is kindergarten-aged, you may be wondering if he or she is ready. Our kindergarten readiness checklist will help you decide, and also show you how to work on key skills. Ready to dig in? Emotional kindergarten readiness checklist: Can your
Kindergarten readiness checklist (and how to master it!) Read More »
Willful behavior is worrisome, but good news…sometimes, your child may not be acting willfully at all. Your defiant child may be going through something else entirely. Case in point: The task was simple, or seemingly simple. My young friend had stepped on another friend’s fingers and he needed to do the socially appropriate thing and
Rethinking Willful behavior: Is my child defiant or is something else going on? Read More »
Inconsistent reinforcement sounds like a big concept, but I promise it’s not! A child–whether atypically developing or typically–will repeat behaviors that are reinforced or rewarded (this is positive reinforcement) and will most likely not repeat behaviors that are not reinforced or punished. We all understand this concept as human beings; after all, we see it
The danger of inconsistent reinforcement (and how to avoid it) Read More »
You’ve decided to get help for your child in the form of therapy, and have reached out to a therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist. Good job! But how to navigate the parent and therapist partnership? You will need to work as a team with mutual respect, support, and guidance. Here’s what you need to know: Trust
When to use punishment in parenting is a hot topic. It’s also pretty commonly used in parenting, and it doesn’t necessarily deserve the bad rap it gets. Punishment, from a behavioral perspective, is just a method of decreasing behavior and helps us to learn what things are not good for us. A burn from the
When to use punishment in parenting: things to know Read More »
My child really enjoys having his hand down his pants…and it always seems to be at the most embarrassing moments, like when we’re in public! First of all, breathe, mama. It’s normal. It’s also normal to feel embarrassed by this behavior, and to cringe when your child is exploring his body in line at Target
Ask the expert: Help! My kid’s hand is always down his pants Read More »
Any attention is better than no attention! When it comes to children and attention, is that true? And if it is true, is it correct? And if it’s correct, why? And more importantly, WHY?! Attention is very valuable to children, and not just children, but people. We need it and we crave it and we
Children and attention: is any attention better than no attention? Read More »
In the fall of 2020, we were preparing to move 10,000 miles from northern Virginia to southeast Asia for three years. Prior to doing so, our family decided to take one last “Goodbye America” road trip across the United States from Virginia to Oregon to visit family out west. The whole family was excited, but our three
Things your child needs in their emotional suitcase Read More »
Ah, summer! After such an unsettled year with so many changes and new routines, it feels great to NOT be on a schedule, right? Or does it? A summer schedule for kids can be so beneficial: the structure of a summer schedule helps kids feel secure, gives them boundaries, and increases productivity for you, too.
How to create a summer schedule for kids Read More »