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
Getting up is hard to do | on cold, dark mornings
Do you have a hard time getting up in the mornings? Parents and kids can struggle on the cold winter days with bad moods. When you are in a bad mood is it hard to shake? What about your child? Are bad moods making it hard for them to get up and do what they … Continue reading Getting up is hard to do | on cold, dark mornings
Why I do what I do
This week I received an email from a parent that made me say "wow". "There are no more meltdowns." This is not a statement to be rushed past. This is a family in which people have strong feelings. They are not "YES" men or women. I am certain everyone is still this way inclined. Even … Continue reading Why I do what I do