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
Sibling fighting and what you can do about it
Is sibling fighting driving you crazy? Are you sick of being the referee? Most parents are ok with sibling fighting some of the time, but what if it is nearly all of the time? When siblings are always fighting parents need to get involved. Here are FIVE ways to reduce sibling fighting and increase harmony … Continue reading Sibling fighting and what you can do about it
Mummy will you talk to me in your nice parenting voice?
Once I started using positive parenting skills I really noticed a change in my son. His body language changed. He cuddled up to me more on the sofa. I was noticing all these changes when one day he asked "Mummy will you talk to me in that nice parenting voice?". This was a wake up … Continue reading Mummy will you talk to me in your nice parenting voice?
How to talk to kids – parenting gold dust!
The single best parenting skill you could ever ask for - why descriptive praise is like gold dust! How do we encourage children to want to do the right thing? Is it even possible? Parents want to know how to get their kids on track. Sure, there are lots of methods you've tried already. Ask … Continue reading How to talk to kids – parenting gold dust!