Emotions and big feelings for kids are some of my favorite parenting work because I know the skills they learn now will help them forever. Knowing how to recognize, express and move through big feelings as an adult is a really important thing. Keeping the big picture in mind helps me be more patient in the moment. It's funny how mindset can really affect in the moment reactions. What are Umbrella Feelings? I started using the term umbrella feelings as a way to describe really big overarching feelings. Those times when something really big happens and suddenly your patience is thin, every little thing feels huge and icky feelings that Continue Reading
6 Thoughts that Make Parenting Harder
There are days when nothing seems to be going right around here. I'm frustrated, low on patience and feel like I'm failing at everything. The kids can't seem to settle into anything and an all out sibling war is obviously on the horizon. It's days like this that I feel like parenting is hard... too hard. But here's the thing... I actually find these really hard days really helpful. These really hard days force me to make a change. They force me to improve my parenting situation. And the quickest way I know to improve my parenting situation is to change my parenting mindset. Here are some easy mindset switches that work for Continue Reading
Bedroom Clean Up Training: No More Messy Room
Your child's room strangely resembles Berlin after it fell to the Allied forces. When you take a step inside you are walking on eggshells and toys and clothes and everything else. Clothes are strewn about in wild abandon as pretend play props, LEGO bricks, and art supplies keep sentry through the chaos. You are ready to tear your hair out, and the whole carpet while you are at it. You've had this fight before, and the mess always wins. You lie to yourself that it's not too bad. You just keep the door closed and try to ignore the noxious odors and artwork oozing out of every corner. And then your innocent/nosy friend comes over. You pray Continue Reading
Are Video Games Bad for Kids? Q & A with Dr. Rachel Kowert
Are Video Games Bad for Kids? That is a question that looms over me pretty much all the time. It's that question that causes a major sense of tension at our house. The main reason for the tension is that I am totally unclear about my feelings on the subject. Sometimes I feel like video games are a good way to relax and have fun. Sometimes I worry that my kids are quickly becoming addicted. Sometimes I even get excited about the learning potential. This sense of uncertainty makes it very difficult for me to stay consistent with any type of rules surrounding video games. I end up frustrated, uneasy and overwhelmed. The worst Continue Reading
Smooth Kids Morning Routine – More Listening & Cooperation
Does your kids morning routine need a make over? Is getting somewhere with your kids in the morning a total nightmare -- with you begging, nagging or losing your patience because they just won’t GET READY? Mornings set the tone for the whole day so it totally stinks when they start off crazed and chaotic. I know because as a mom of three I’ve had my share of stressed out mornings that left me feeling exhausted, guilty and certainly not like the mom I want to be! But, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can get your mornings turned around to where the kids listen, they cooperate, there’s no more yelling and rushing…and EVERYONE’S Continue Reading
Creating Daily Routines that Actually Stick
The ProNamel® brand has compensated me in connection with statements made in this post. I have a confession… and this one is pretty hard to admit. If you’ve been around here before, you know I like routine. It’s how I function best. It wasn’t too long ago that I realized I’d been avoiding some pretty serious daily routines. I let them slip to the back of my mind until I had no choice but to pay attention. It started with a terrible dentist appointment for one of the kids. It wasn’t just the unexpected dental work that slapped me in the face… it was the realization that I was almost standing in the way of good dental health. What?!?! Continue Reading
4 Personal Accountability Tips for Parents
It's time to start making parenting goals and using personal accountability to make sure they happen. Parenting is so busy and there is so much focus on taking care of others. Sometimes it can feel like your days are guided by what other people need and want. By figuring out what's important to you, someday dreams can become do-able goals. You can accomplish the things that really matter to you. Examples of Parenting Goals These are only a few examples of parenting goals that you might want to reach. Daily walks for exercise. Regular date nights with your spouse. Potty training. One on one time with the kids. Reading Continue Reading