Sleep Routines and setting up for success go hand in hand. It's hard to find time to do everything in the time we have. Sleep matters to parents and it's really hard to get the right amount of rest or to feel refreshed when we are feeling uncertain about the future. Keeping a sleep routine … Continue reading Routines during Covid-19
We all want grateful kids
Recently a parent raised the question of how she could encourage her children to be more grateful; "My kids get so many things and never seem to be that grateful for them". Is it realistic to want kids who are grateful? This question is loaded with an expectation. The expectation is that our kids should … Continue reading We all want grateful kids
Help! My strong-willed child won’t take “no” for an answer.
Parents of a strong-willed child can wonder how they will get through the day when everything feels like a battle. It feels like our child is in charge. Getting even the tiniest amount of cooperation seems impossible. Our strong-willed child is determined and won't take "no" for an answer. This can leave us feeling frustrated, … Continue reading Help! My strong-willed child won’t take “no” for an answer.
Why punishment doesn’t work
“The dominant problem with parenting in our society isn’t permissiveness, but fear of permissiveness.” This idea put forward by Alfie Kohn in his book “Unconditional Parenting” is as valid now as it was when he wrote it in the early 2000’s. He warns against the dangers of over-controlling and punishment. Fear or permissiveness holds us … Continue reading Why punishment doesn’t work
10 uplifting parenting mantras for you
Parenting mantras build stamina boost encourage
How to talk to children about tragedy
There was a question in a local forum for mums asking whether and how to tell an 8 year old child about the tragic events on Friday. These are the questions that parents are grappling with here in New Zealand. It takes courage for us to talk to our children about sensitive topics. We can … Continue reading How to talk to children about tragedy
Friendship feels
Navigating the social environment can be hard for kids. Knowing how to influence our child to form friendships isn't easy. What do you do when your child comes home from school and says; “Nobody likes me!” Are you the frustrated parent who reacts? “Well if you just let other people choose the game then maybe … Continue reading Friendship feels
School ready, transitions without tears
Southern hemisphere parents have the triple whammy of transition after summer school holidays. The excitement of Christmas, the longest holiday break and a sharp shock of getting back into the school routine all add to stress levels. Children can have strong feelings about these sorts of transitions. If this is your child you may even … Continue reading School ready, transitions without tears
8 ways to support a sensitive child
Do I have a sensitive child? Ways to support them.
When your teen swears – how to respond and not react
Teens blow up in a split second |how to stay calm and what to do when it happens