Chores. Unfortunately, chores are a necessary part of life. Starting your kids off early with age-appropriate jobs helps set the tone for your expectations, creates a family rhythm of getting stuff done, teaches them important life skills and builds a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Read more.
I saw a comment on social media awhile back that read, “Threenager is no joke.” For years I have said there isn’t much difference between toddlers and teenagers except a decade of experience, so I was amused someone finally coined a term that aptly describes having a toddler (or a teenager, or both!). Read more.
Some of my favorite family photos (and memories) are of my girls covered in paint, chocolate, dirt or whatever we had gotten into that day. I get that for some people that creates anxiety and a lot of extra effort in the laundry department—for me it signified we were out and about doing things and having fun. Read more.
If you have more than one child you have probably discovered that not all parenting strategies work the same. It can be frustrating and a bit of a head-scratcher but if you think about it, it makes sense. Read more.
Even during the best of times living with young children can sometimes seem like you’re riding an emotional roller coaster. Throw in social isolation due to a pandemic and a total upheaval of your life and things can get even more emotionally challenging. We’re all feeling a little off right now. Read more.
For adults, masks make sense and can help us feel safe. But from a child’s perspective masks can be a little scary, especially if a mask reminds them of being sick (or the potential of being sick). Read more.
It’s cute (and at times exasperating), but what happens when kids, especially older kids, start asking questions that you don’t want to (or can’t) answer? Do you answer? Freeze? Lie? Avoid? Your response—or lack of a response—makes a difference – and will impact how they choose to communicate with you later in life. Read more.
A strong foundation stabilizes everything, even parenting. Luckily, we have endless information at our fingertips to guide us. With a little introspection, creating your foundation can be a little less challenging. Read more.
Raising kids is hard. Joyful, but hard. We (me included) start off as a bit naïve, full of hope and have great intentions of being the best parents possible. And some days we are. Other days leave us wondering if we have what it takes. Yes, even those of us with graduate degrees in mental health. Read more.
