It’s Not about the Butt

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     I had a coaching session today with a mom of a strong-willed five-year-old and she was growing weary of the seemingly constant negative interaction with her son. “He’s sassy. He hits. He doesn’t obey. He runs away from me. He makes farting noises in time out. He climbs under the table at meals. He read more…

The Two Most Challenging Tantrums Unpacked

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The final two tantrum categories are the signature tantrums of the Level Four (Challenging Child) though all kids will dabble in these now and again.  Level Four children have a clear sense of justice (predominately favoring themselves) and they know exactly what they want to do and what they don’t want to do 24 hours read more…

Got Tantrums? Read on…

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Part 1: Tantrums are a reality: Embrace them (The following ramblings on toddler tantrums are based solely on observational and anecdotal data gathered over the last 21 years. No scientific studies support my claims. But still.) I’m always amazed at the number of young moms who talk to me with such surprise, guilt, and angst read more…

Hey, Who’s in Charge Around Here Anyway?

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 Anyone with kids has probably wondered, “Hey who’s really in charge around here anyway?” The answer to this question might surprise you:  Sometimes you have the power. But sometimes your child has it. The key is in discerning the difference. Now don’t panic. I am not suggesting that parents defer to their kids. No. You read more…

Stop Letting School Sabotage Your Relationship with Your Child

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Stop Letting School Sabotage Your Relationship with Your Child   I’m not sure how many times I have said this, but the most important part of parenting is the relationship we have with our kids. Is it honest? Loving? Respectful? Joy-filled? Secure? If it is, then parenting will be much easier–maybe even fun!  But I read more…

The Power of a Delayed Consequence

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When the boys were younger, I used to think that if I did the “right” thing when they misbehaved then they would miraculously begin to behave. So I all had to do was scour the parenting books for the “right” thing to do. How wrong I was! Kids learn to behave through a process and read more…

To the Yelling Dad in the Parking Lot

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To the dad screaming at his son in the Noblesville Pizza Hut parking lot this week, Let me start by saying that I’m sure you love your son. And I totally understand how frustrating a four year old can be sometimes. And I bet you think that what you were doing with the harsh, loud read more…