Helping Families Find Freedom
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 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…
All kids have emotional break downs. We spend nine months or even nine years dreaming of butterfly kisses, giggles and hugs but nonetheless, our children will still behave like children. Putting fits into categories is one way to differentiate the unique qualities of a child’s meltdowns and adjust our “battle” strategy accordingly. But it is read more…
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…
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 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…
Warning: Rant Ahead! Did you know that January is National Preschool Freak-Out Month? Seriously, January is the month that many preschools begin registering kids for the fall. That means that FIRST TIME PARENTS might not have a clue that in the dead of winter they need to be making plans for the end of summer. read more…
As soon as my first-born was old enough to toddle, people began asking what sports we planned on signing Michael up for. Because Bryan was born only 16 months after Michael, I didn’t even consider signing him up–not because I had a huge objection, but simply because it seemed like it would be read more…
I had all the boy’s physicals this month. It reminded me of this post from a few years ago. We were ready THIS year. Summer 2011 Yesterday Matthew (9) and Christopher (11) had their annual physicals. It has been awhile since we have had one for any of the boys so I had forgotten the read more…
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…
