Empathy is the quality parents most often tell me they want their children to have as adults. None of us are born with empathy. It’s a value we pass on through relationships with others, our kids watch us from when they are small. If we want our children to have empathy for others we need … Continue reading How kids can become adults who have empathy
Looking after each other
Parents right now are adapting to very different circumstances. We feel a lot of emotion. We feel the responsibility of looking after each other. There are benefits from our being at home and we feel challenged by the uncertainty of what happens next. On a daily basis we balance our needs as parents and those … Continue reading Looking after each other
We are their safe people
The uncertainty and rapidly moving events surrounding Covid -19 are creating understandable anxiety for families. Kids take their cues about how to respond to a new situation from us. We can’t control what is going on in the outside world but we can help children feel safe by following these five steps: Top up your … Continue reading We are their safe people
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
When mealtimes are stressful
How to get through mealtimes without a war
Building flexible brains
When parents experience a lot of rigidity or chaos in the home it can help to work on ways to increase a more flexible approach.
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
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
How to get kids to listen – even when we’re busy
Being a busy parent affects everything we say and do - including how we communicate with our kids. How hard it is when kids don't listen? We already have a lot on our plate. This morning I watched a mum in her car stop at the traffic lights and quickly spoon some food into her … Continue reading How to get kids to listen – even when we’re busy