Fresh Perspectives Blog

New Perspective for the New Year

January 1, 2017

What if all the things we think are important really didn’t matter at all….? I know that thinking like this might rock your world but what if… your child’s grades & getting inducted into the gifted class or national honor society didn’t matter? what if… how your child performed on the STEM classes or AP … Continue reading “New Perspective for the New Year”

Give your Child the Gifts they Need…

December 14, 2016

Give attention to your child in the smallest ways every day and all day… – catch them being good -catch them when they need you and look them in the eye and listen -put your phone down or distractions away and be there and be present -lead them side by side coaching them as they … Continue reading “Give your Child the Gifts they Need…”

Raising them to Leave the Nest…by Renee Mattson, M.Ed.

November 18, 2016

In 6 months, our oldest child Evy will be turning 16 and be able to drive. She will be behind the wheel as Toby and I sit teeth-clenched beside our little lady bug with her “Temps”. YIKES!!! I know we will be gritting our teeth for lots of reasons beyond the mere fact that a 15 year old … Continue reading “Raising them to Leave the Nest…by Renee Mattson, M.Ed.”

A Clean Slate by Rachel Caswell

November 11, 2016

We all make mistakes and need second chances. We give our friends, coworkers, loved ones do overs. We offer forgiveness and a chance to try again. As parents, we need to give our kids that same opportunity. We need to give them the chance to fail and try again. But, I know it can be … Continue reading “A Clean Slate by Rachel Caswell”

The Problems Just Keep Coming… Give your Child Solutions and Tools to Help

November 4, 2016

The problems just keep coming…No matter how we try to avoid the road blocks that stand in the way of our child’s life it is bound to happen that they come across a problem and they will need skills to solve around it. The worst thing we can do as parents is to constantly problem … Continue reading “The Problems Just Keep Coming… Give your Child Solutions and Tools to Help”

“Name it to Tame it” written by Abby Hottle SLP and Renee Mattson M.Ed.

August 28, 2016

“Name it to Tame it” It’s a phrase coined by Dr. Daniel Siegle, author of The Whole Brain Child, No Drama Discipline and co-founder of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. Name it to tame it is a great strategy to help your child conquer and identify with their big emotions. Are they feeling scared? Are they angry? This … Continue reading ““Name it to Tame it” written by Abby Hottle SLP and Renee Mattson M.Ed.”

“Two Steps Forward, Look…Two Steps Backwards” by Renee Mattson M.Ed.

August 28, 2016

Many times couples will call us to help them with a certain part of their child’s day. “Help! We have morning time routines that are stressful and unproductive.” “Help! We have bedtime routines where no one is listening & everyone is stressed out.” In both of these situations (and in others that we deal with), we often … Continue reading ““Two Steps Forward, Look…Two Steps Backwards” by Renee Mattson M.Ed.”

Pool Rules!!!

July 8, 2016

Pool Rules!!! After spending several days lounging at a pool on vacation, I have some specific observations… Pool Rules are always posted… So that the life guards and management can hold the guests accountable… Are your House Rules posted? If not they should be. It will make it so much easier for the management (you the … Continue reading “Pool Rules!!!”

Father Them… Anyway

June 19, 2016

The idea for this post came to me this morning when I saw a quote from Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I have read it several times before and tried to use it as a model myself when dealing with difficult people in my life, but today it rings true as a model for fathers… Here … Continue reading “Father Them… Anyway”

Summer Musings from Anne Jaroszewicz …

May 31, 2016

Summer…the best time of year, and three warm, glorious months to take a break from the routines of the school year and recharge. It’s a time we encourage our children to take walks in the woods or simply lie in a hammock and daydream! But, when was the last time WE took that walk in the … Continue reading “Summer Musings from Anne Jaroszewicz …”

Add List Making to your parenting practices and see how you can change your family dynamic this month…

May 1, 2016

Who doesn’t feel better as they check things off their list? Putting all this info down on paper, helps us to set goals and remember what we don’t want to forget. Here are some list ideas to get you started… The Training List…. What are the social and emotional skills you need to teach your kids? When you … Continue reading “Add List Making to your parenting practices and see how you can change your family dynamic this month…”

Solutions for …”MEAL-TIME MELTDOWNS”

April 26, 2016

These are some of the best tips and actions plans we have used to support families with children who are picky eaters, fussing at the table, or simply making mealtimes miserable… 1. Give Kids the Power they are “Craving” through choice and voice and purpose Choice:Offer more than one vegetable. Offer two options on the … Continue reading “Solutions for …”MEAL-TIME MELTDOWNS””

Action Plan for Getting Grumpy Kids out of Bed…

April 20, 2016

Serve your little one “breakfast in bed.” Many kids wake up starving especially those finicky picky eaters who refused to eat the night before. So why not have a granola bar waiting for them at their bedside when they wake up to help them get their blood sugar flowing and help them to start off … Continue reading “Action Plan for Getting Grumpy Kids out of Bed…”

How does your child unwind before bed?

April 19, 2016

Here are some quick tips on getting kids to sleep… 1. Meditation: There are some great apps, CD’s, and books out there that focus on mediations for children and help children reboot their brains as they attempt to fall asleep or calm down when they are revved up. My favorite are books are by Maureen … Continue reading “How does your child unwind before bed?”

Show and Tell

April 12, 2016

A teacher could spend their whole day saying NO NO NO. No running, No calling out, No leaning on chairs, No talking, NO NO NO… But what works better is to give a child or a classroom of children the YES YES YES behaviors they desire instead of constantly correcting. So, if you find yourself … Continue reading “Show and Tell”

Teach Model and Practice MUTE

April 8, 2016

Kids say the Darndest things. They ask adults their age, They ask teachers if they are pregnant (when they are not… YIKES!!), They tell their grandparents their breath stinks and they say things like, “I don’t like you” or “Yuck, your green beans taste like throw up”How do we teach our kids to filter … Continue reading “Teach Model and Practice MUTE”

Give kids Choices you both can live with…

April 5, 2016

We know that Choice is one way we can give children the power they are trying so desperately to gain. When setting up your choices keep these things in mind: Give them two viable choices that you can live with. Make one of the choices a more preferable choice that they may desire more. Giving … Continue reading “Give kids Choices you both can live with…”

Make a Parenting Mental Checklist

March 29, 2016

If there is a behavior that is driving you crazy, run through our Parenting Mental Checklist to see if you have covered all your bases… Did you… Teach, Model and Practice before this situation came up? Fast Forward and give the child a chance to see and visualize how we behave? Pause and Remind before transitioning … Continue reading “Make a Parenting Mental Checklist”

Sibling Success

March 22, 2016

Sibling Success? Is it even possible? Here are some quick tips to help you think about the sibling relationship a little differently… 1. They ARE different… PERIOD… so don’t lump them all together and expect them to react the same way, enjoy the same things, and have the same talents or needs. Avoid comparisons … Continue reading “Sibling Success”

Make your Child’s “Drama Behavior” Exit Stage Left…

March 15, 2016

Do you have a drama king or queen living in your house? What about a three-nager acting like they rule the roost? Or maybe you have the “real deal” (teen) causing all kinds of headaches. Here’s what we have found… When parents get silly, act and think like a child more, and add in positive … Continue reading “Make your Child’s “Drama Behavior” Exit Stage Left…”

Behavior Changes for 2016 by Anne Jaroszewicz

March 9, 2016

Sticking with those Parenting New Year’s Resolutions? If one of your resolutions was to change the dynamics in your household around PARENTING, Child in Bloom wants to help you get there. Here are a few tips to help insure your SUCCESS! Start small – begin by taking on ONE behavior at a time. When we … Continue reading “Behavior Changes for 2016 by Anne Jaroszewicz”

Hit the Parenting Powerball!

March 8, 2016

How can some people have kids that are so well behaved? What is it that makes it look so easy for them? After four years of working with more than 250 families, I think I finally have some insight into what makes this game of parenting work successfully. Just like the real lottery, YOU ACTUALLY … Continue reading “Hit the Parenting Powerball!”

Child in Bloom’s Top Ten List for Potty Training Trouble Shooting…

March 1, 2016

1. Follow the Child’s Lead and allow for a lot of Exploration and Questions 2. Design a Storyline of how this might happen… Read it a lot!! 3. Release your Inner Germaphobe and Clean Freak… This is germy and filled with messes! Know that there will be messes 4. Focus on Saying… No Big Deal a … Continue reading “Child in Bloom’s Top Ten List for Potty Training Trouble Shooting…”

Get a Handle on Technology in your Family Life

November 30, 2015

When you look through your child’s Holiday Wish List, do you see mostly technology toys? DVD’s Video Games Gaming Systems Tablets Laptops Phones itunes gift cards Cameras Adding in more technology may end up subtracting more from your family time. Don’t let technology rob your family of crucial teachable, positive growth moments that involve people … Continue reading “Get a Handle on Technology in your Family Life”

All They Need is Love through Power and Attention

November 2, 2015

There are two things that children are usually looking for when they display inappropriate behaviors… Power and Attention The authors of the book The Connected Child do a wonderful job of describing healing and helpful ways to connect to your children. They designed the book with adoptive children in mind, but their great ideas can … Continue reading “All They Need is Love through Power and Attention”

That Darn Purple Dinosaur and his Clean Up Song

August 10, 2015

What is it with that song? … You know the one… Clean Up Clean Up Everybody Everywhere… Clean Up Clean Up… Everybody do your share… That song haunts me sometimes when I least expect it. Yes, my kids (especially my older kids) loved that Purple Dinosaur and his songs stuck with them and much to … Continue reading “That Darn Purple Dinosaur and his Clean Up Song”

Taking Care of Your Tiny Humans…

August 8, 2015

It’s hard to instill a moral compass in our kids’ lives when we follow what the world values. And what does the world value? Humans Having….. or …. Humans Being? Having Lots of Friends …or… Being a Friend to Many? Having the Championship Trophy… or… Being a Good Sport? Having the next Best Thing…or… Being Satisfied with what … Continue reading “Taking Care of Your Tiny Humans…”

Great Tips from Gretchen Greenawalt

July 10, 2015

G.R.O.W. As a seed grows into a flower, so a child into an adult. Watching people develop amazes me and helps me to see that all things are possible with little bits of support. That’s why I’ve loved coaching people through the years whether it be the students in my classroom or the college students … Continue reading “Great Tips from Gretchen Greenawalt”

Diffuse a Temper Tantrum with Signs By Shannon Buckner

July 10, 2015

It’s 5:00 in the evening and you’re prepping for dinner. Suddenly, your 12 month old shrieks from the next room. By the time you get to her side she’s thrown herself on the floor, flailing her arms and legs. As you calm her down, you are trying to figure out the cause of her distress. … Continue reading “Diffuse a Temper Tantrum with Signs By Shannon Buckner”

Invisible Mommy by Rachel Caswell

July 10, 2015

Sometimes Don’t You Wish You Were Invisible… This was a strategy I learned from some random internet search and quickly fell in love with the idea because it worked in my fourth grade classroom. During small group time I would be working with a group of children in the back of the room and wanted … Continue reading “Invisible Mommy by Rachel Caswell”

One Kind Word Can Warm Three Winter Months

March 3, 2015

It’s freezing outside and we are all having dreams of summer days spent poolside. What if we could warm up these chilly days by saying or doing something kind and teaching our children that one small good choice can melt someone’s heart. If you’ve attended one of my group presentations, then you have probably heard … Continue reading “One Kind Word Can Warm Three Winter Months”

You’re Hired!

February 16, 2015

In one of my latest one on one coaching sessions, we were dealing with a little guy who wanted lots of attention and power around his house. Mom and dad were feeding the attention that was negative and it kept repeating until they shifted their attention on catching him being good. Yeah!!! Mom and Dad!!! … Continue reading “You’re Hired!”

A Constant Mess…

December 24, 2014

A friend of ours is a writer. He is doing a piece on Love and asked Toby and I to contribute our own perspectives on: What is Love? Getting this question posed to us at this season of Christmas has been a true blessing because it has allowed us to see the connections between the … Continue reading “A Constant Mess…”

The Big Little Moments of our Day

October 16, 2014

Why is it that smallest parts of our day lead to the BIGGEST MELTDOWNS? Moving from bed to getting dressed Moving from breakfast to packing up back packs Moving from car to preschool drop off Moving from tv off to homework time Moving from playtime in the backyard to dinner…. Where is your BIGGEST MELTDOWN? It is very likely … Continue reading “The Big Little Moments of our Day”

Talk Talk

July 17, 2014

We spend so much time talking to our kids. Lecturing them about why bonking their brother over the head with a block is not a good idea. Debating with them about whether 8:00 PM is too late for another snack. Giving them a spiel on how to be polite at Grandma’s house Completing a discourse on … Continue reading “Talk Talk”

What are your Key Phrases?

July 1, 2014

You probably have certain phrases that roll off your tongue on a daily basis. In fact, your children could probably tell us what you are going to say even before it comes out of your mouth. Think about your key phrases and post them around your house. They will give you a visual reminder of your … Continue reading “What are your Key Phrases?”

No More Why?

June 17, 2014

Stop asking Why and Start asking What Your 10 year old crashed her bike into your new car. Your toddler threw his toy at the puppy. Your son whacked his sister over the head with his toy train. And you say… “Why in the world did you do that?” This question assumes your child was thinking, … Continue reading “No More Why?”

How to Have A Child in Bloom

April 17, 2014

How to Have a Child in Bloom The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss is one of my favorite books to share with children especially at springtime. This book is a lesson in faith, hope, patience and care. The boy in the book has faith that the seeds he has planted will eventually sprout. Patiently he waits as everyone around … Continue reading “How to Have A Child in Bloom”

Step Up your Time Out Strategies

April 1, 2014

What is your current method for dealing with poor behavior choices?Odds are it involves some form of Time Out. When we look up what the definition of a time-out is we find this: Time out is a technique in which a child is removed from activity and forced to sit alone for a few minutes in … Continue reading “Step Up your Time Out Strategies”

Don’t Avoid the Noid…

February 24, 2014

Your child’s outbursts in public can make you want to pull your hair out and run for the hills. They put you and your spouse on high alert and can even cause you to win enemies (the people sitting next to you at church) and lose your friends (the parents of the kid your child bit at storytime). The … Continue reading “Don’t Avoid the Noid…”

Surviving Family Parties

December 24, 2013

Spending time with family around the holidays can add extra busyness to the already stressed-out lives we live day to day… Will our kids be polite? Will they eat all of Grandma’s green beans? Will we have to leave early to ward off the ugly behavior? Use these times as teachable moments to preview expectations and set up … Continue reading “Surviving Family Parties”

Caution Don’t Feed the Monsters

October 24, 2013

Do you have monster-like-behavior lurking in your house? Whining, Screaming, gnawing at your emotions and patience? Like any monster, in order to survive, this behavior has to be fed a daily dose of sustenance. What are your giving to your child’s behavior that helps it survive? Is it a dollop of good old fashioned attention that feeds the wild beast? Is it your … Continue reading “Caution Don’t Feed the Monsters”

Give your family some legs to stand upon…

October 8, 2013

If you read my Mealtimes Matter passage from my August Newsletter, then you know how important I think it is for families to gather around a table whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Call it my soapbox, but I have a few more ideas on how we solidify our families. These essential things … Continue reading “Give your family some legs to stand upon…”

Meal Times Matter

September 3, 2013

Although dinner time at our house may not always run smoothly, it serves as the number one factor that ensures our family’s success. Studies show that children who sit down with their family regularly ( for breakfast, lunch, or dinner) are more likely to do well in school, attain their goals, and succeed socially. This is because the family … Continue reading “Meal Times Matter”

Win Win situation

September 3, 2013

We expect our kids to be big kids yet we end up doing everything for them. By letting your kids have more chances to do things for themselves and do these things with success we can hand over more power and control to them which is all they really want. Simple things like carrying their own dish to … Continue reading “Win Win situation”

The It Factor…

August 30, 2013

The “it factor”… Stop it! End it! Quit it! Are you tired of these phrases? Whether they are coming from parent to child or sibling to sibling, these phrases have one thing in common… It Do you know why these phrases rarely work? Because they aren’t specific enough. Train yourself to be more specific in … Continue reading “The It Factor…”

Happy Father’s Day

June 16, 2013

Here are few things my husband Toby has taught my children and the best part is he has taught them these things not through long drawn out conversations or dissertations but through his example… He’s taught them… …How to be a supportive son as he calls on his own parents and loves them unconditionally. … … Continue reading “Happy Father’s Day”

Child in Bloom’s Top 10

April 29, 2013

After each workshop, I ask the parents to write down the one tip they are going to go home and try to implement. Here is a list of the Top 10 tips chosen by parents this year: 10. Role play or use puppets to act out positive behaviors with your child. 9. Design a list … Continue reading “Child in Bloom’s Top 10”

Its Show Time

April 15, 2013

It’s Show Time! What show is playing at your house these days? Maybe the baby in your family is running the show. Maybe your toddler’s temper tantrums resemble a horror show. Maybe your your over-the-top reactions are keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. Maybe the sibling rivalry has turned into a violent fight … Continue reading “Its Show Time”

Goodbye to Good Job and Way to Go

March 29, 2013

I want to be clear that using the praise phrases listed on this chart are a great start, but they’re simply not enough. NOT ENOUGH? NOT ENOUGH? How can that be…? What about all those trophies they’ve received? What about all those times I’ve bought them a treat? What about all those times I’ve told … Continue reading “Goodbye to Good Job and Way to Go”

Play it Safe

March 15, 2013

Your number one house rule should be “We are Safe”. This is the one way to make sure that no one gets hurt or humiliated. This means that adults will not hurt or humiliate a child and children will follow suit. It also means that they will make choices that are safe. Of course being … Continue reading “Play it Safe”

Break It Down

February 21, 2013

Are you constantly nagging your children to accomplish the smallest task? Could it be that what seems easy to you is overwhelming to your child? Think about all the skills needed to make a bed, pick up toys, pack your backpack… By breaking tasks down into their most minute parts, we might be able to … Continue reading “Break It Down”

Space For Grace

February 18, 2013

When in doubt separate… Give them space from each other…. Give yourself space from them… Space to make a new plan. Space to get composed Space to be them self Space to gather Grace.

Who Tells The Stories

February 16, 2013

“Whoever tells the stories defines the culture.” David Walsh PhD… Author of NO : why kids of all ages need to hear it and ways parents can say it. Who is the primary storyteller in your family? Is it your television? Is it your child’s phone, iPad or video games Is it another adult or … Continue reading “Who Tells The Stories”

A Processing Pause

February 11, 2013

In this rush rush world of busy busy lives, we are quick to expect immediate responses from our children. When we ask them and expect a response they may take longer to process the request than we expect. Use this as a pausing moment for yourself. Walk away saying… “Let me know when you are … Continue reading “A Processing Pause”

Flexible Perspective

February 9, 2013

Do you find yourself in heated battles with your child? Is it because you’re both stuck on seeing the world in black or white? What would happen if you tweaked your perspectives and did some flexible thinking to work things out? Think about what you can and can’t live with, set boundaries around these things … Continue reading “Flexible Perspective”

Can You Spot The Pattern

February 5, 2013

Patterns… Where does the behavior show up? When is the behavior absent? Who handles the behavior best? What triggers the behavior? How does your parenting response affect the behavior? Why is the behavior worse in certain environments? …. Follow the patterns to find the best methods for dealing with your child’s behavior.

Don’t Go “Chicken Little” On Us

January 26, 2013

Some say we’re raising our children in The Age of Information, and who can argue with this? If we need any insights to support our parenting, it’s literally at our fingertips within seconds. Like an acorn falling from the tree of knowledge tree, all this information can be a blessing and a curse. Maybe a … Continue reading “Don’t Go “Chicken Little” On Us”

R U Working On Your Parenting

January 23, 2013

WHY do we want to be better parents?…to improve how our children RELATE to their world and the people in their lives.. HOW do we become better parents?… Gathering REAL RESOURCES, having REAL time to REFLECT, and using RESPONSES that REALLY work. WHAT happens when we become better parents?… We start to REGULATE our thoughts, … Continue reading “R U Working On Your Parenting”

How Do We Teach Self Control

January 21, 2013

“Teach your child to show strength by self control, not by controlling others” —-John Taylor PH.D and author of From Defiance to Cooperation How do we teach self control? Discuss choice making…. Positive and Negative Acknowledge positive choices and self control when you see them … Give tools for self control like: a chance to … Continue reading “How Do We Teach Self Control”

The “Good Life”

January 8, 2013

One of my favorite children’s books for helping children understand the reading comprehension concept of cause and effect is a book called That’s Good, That’s Bad by Margery Cuyler. In this book, a young boy, starts his visit to the zoo when his parents get him a shiny red balloon. Oh, That’s Good!… No That’s … Continue reading “The “Good Life””

Nasty Gets Nothing

January 6, 2013

Let’s define nasty behavior… Hurting: with words and tone, hitting, pinching, biting … Fussing: screaming, yelling, talking back, whining, tantrums… Naming these STOP behaviors is the first step. No Hurting and No Fussing are the only rules you really need. Now that we know what we are dealing with, lets get to work on eliminating … Continue reading “Nasty Gets Nothing”

Are you ready to Rumble?

January 3, 2013

Our two boys love to wrestle. We have to provide lots of time for this kind of rough housing during these cooped up winter months. It helps them to release tension and regulates their sensory systems. So here are some things we do to keep their bodies active: Pillow pile up where we let them … Continue reading “Are you ready to Rumble?”

Teach your child to take a look at themselves…

November 28, 2012

How do we help a child own up to their behavior choices and begin to make a change? The following methods encourage a child to be in charge of their good choice making… Tell them the expectations upfront so they know what they are working towards. Give them a chance to rewind when they’ve made … Continue reading “Teach your child to take a look at themselves…”

Do you feel like a Mommy Monster?

October 26, 2012

We all have an inner Mommy Monster lurking within us. It lays low, waiting for our children to push us to our limits. We try desperately to keep the monster hidden and out of sight, but no matter what, it creeps into our mindset and takes over our approach when we least expect it. There’s no escaping this … Continue reading “Do you feel like a Mommy Monster?”

The Rule of Thumb When Making Rules…

September 22, 2012

Children as young as three can think things through using the statements… “If … Then…” This is called the age of reason where they can judge what might happen next if they choose certain behaviors. This means at this early age, we can already guide our children to take on the job of regulating … Continue reading “The Rule of Thumb When Making Rules…”

Don’t be a such a sucker….

September 10, 2012

What child doesn’t love a trip to the bank? It’s one of the many errands on Mom’s list of places to go that kids simply don’t mind attending. Why is this? SUCKERS!!! Here’s what happened the other day: I was in the drive-through line at our bank… It was one of the final days of summer, … Continue reading “Don’t be a such a sucker….”

A Pin-prick of Progress

September 5, 2012

When parents ask me to step in as they try to make a change in their child’s behavior, I often say that things will probably get worse before they get better. In other words, you might see your child’s behavior escalate as they try to wriggle out of your new set of boundaries. Your child may test you to … Continue reading “A Pin-prick of Progress”

Is Discipline a Four Letter Word ?

August 30, 2012

Discipline doesn’t have to be a dirty word in your home. In fact, when you think about it, there are several positive four-letter words associated with discipline. 1. NEED Children don’t know they need discipline, and they may not act like they enjoy your boundaries especially when you are in the heat of a battle, but the right kind of discipline involving … Continue reading “Is Discipline a Four Letter Word ?”

Family Game Night

August 16, 2012

Hurry ! Before the rush of back to school events begins to take over your calendar, plan a weekly game night. Book it on your calendar. Then, turn off the tv and video games, put away your phone or IPAD, and leave the dirty dishes in the sink. Meet your family at the kitchen table or … Continue reading “Family Game Night”

Cute doesn’t Cut it…

August 8, 2012

Believe me. I am the first to melt when I see a little girl with ruffles on her tush… or a handsome young preschooler with a Cincinnati Reds jersey to match his MLB hat. I simply love to find a good deal on great clothes for kids, and my own children know when it comes to a photo opt… … Continue reading “Cute doesn’t Cut it…”

The Honest Truth about sibling emotions…

July 9, 2012

Here is the honest truth… It is the first week of July, halfway through summer and it is clear to me that brothers and sisters don’t always get along. We have a choice to make as their parents… and what we decide could make or break the rest of our summer. Here are three responses … Continue reading “The Honest Truth about sibling emotions…”

Your Parenting Journey

June 29, 2012

Summer is here, and like many families we have been anxiously awaiting a getaway that we planned months ago. The plan includes an ending spot where we will park our family for a few days and savor the sun and relaxation that a vacation brings. I would like you to think about your child’s behavior … Continue reading “Your Parenting Journey”

The Sibling Paradox

June 20, 2012

If you were to meet my sister or brother you would know right away we were related. You would see the family resemblance in our eyes and our expressions . You would listen and laugh along with us as we shared crazy stories from our childhood . We have many things in common: our mannerisms, … Continue reading “The Sibling Paradox”

So many ways to say you’re sorry…

June 5, 2012

Even as adults it can be difficult to say those three little words… “I am sorry.” When it comes to siblings who have a built in competitive nature it can be down right impossible to form those words on their lips. Even when Mom and Dad , threaten to take dessert away for weeks, the … Continue reading “So many ways to say you’re sorry…”

There is No “I” in Parent

May 28, 2012

There is no I in PARENT… When you are talking to your child about their behavior, try to avoid the following “I” statements… “I don’t like it when you scream in my face.” “I am going to take away a toy.” “I want you to make a good choice.” “I am going to put … Continue reading “There is No “I” in Parent”

Message for Moms

May 12, 2012

It is your day! Celebrate… Acknowledge…Forgive…Remember Celebrate the fact that you don’t have to be perfect at parenting. Celebrate by finding your own inner kid… Laugh ! Leap ! and Learn! with your children. Acknowledge the sacrifices you have made to make your child’s life more complete. Acknowledge the smallest things you do daily to … Continue reading “Message for Moms”

Say “Tootles” to Tattling

May 5, 2012

If your house is anything like mine, you have children who spend their days tattling on their siblings and you spend your day refereeing the arguments. When we acknowledge the tattling the accusing child gets two bonuses: First: They reported a negative behavior and “saved the day” Second: They feel like they have moved up … Continue reading “Say “Tootles” to Tattling”

Rules Rules Rules…

May 2, 2012

Rules for your city Rules for your church Rules for your library Rules for a classroom Rules for a school Rules for eating Rules for traveling in a car Rules for riding a bike Rules for… The list of rules in our world could go on and on, but the rule of thumb is that … Continue reading “Rules Rules Rules…”

Better things to do…

April 30, 2012

Better things to do…I was recently next to a parent when I heard them tell their child “I’ve got better things to do than to help you with your homework all day.” The parent and child were at an indoor sporting facility attempting to work through homework while they waited for a sibling to finish … Continue reading “Better things to do…”

Baby Steps to Better Behavior

April 30, 2012

Don’t try to respond to every issue your child presents at once. Choose the issue that is driving you crazy or affecting your child’s life the most, and focus on it first. Take one issue at a time-observe and reflect on it, devise a plan or response around that issue, make your plan consistent in … Continue reading “Baby Steps to Better Behavior”

Imagine … “Me Last”

April 26, 2012

The following phrases are normal responses from your toddler, preschooler or maybe even your grade school child. “I want to be the boss!” “I want the best toy!” “I don’t like to share!” “I get the biggest cookie!” “ME FIRST!”

Chugga Chugga Change

April 21, 2012

The following was a favorite rhyme around our house when our two oldest children were still into reading board books. It’s gone by now, and we are onto Harry Potter and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but the rhyme rings true to me as I think about the rhythm of life with kids in tow. Train chugs… clickety … Continue reading “Chugga Chugga Change”

How does a child bloom?

April 19, 2012

Sprinkle seeds of love (a love that lasts “No Matter What”). Ground them with roots of understanding ( that allows each child to have their unique strengths, interests, and needs met). Provide warmth (that surrounds the child in comfort and trust). Provide water and safety (that cleanses the dirt and harm away). Let the growth … Continue reading “How does a child bloom?”

How Does a Parent Bloom…

April 16, 2012

Sprinkle their lives with resources (books, websites, people, and tools) that positively support their mission as a parent. Ground them in roots that connect to the values and expectations they have in their heart. Surround them with people who have similar values, interests, needs and strengths and who can support their parenting cause. Provide them … Continue reading “How Does a Parent Bloom…”

No Easy Button…

April 12, 2012

Do you every have parenting moments when you feel like you made a split decision and for whatever reason it worked. You walk away dumbfounded…You didn’t plan ahead, you didn’t think it all through, you simply went on your instinct and it worked! “That was Easy,” you say, and you think to yourself, “Hmm? Why … Continue reading “No Easy Button…”

The Three R’s of Parenting

April 4, 2012

I could never figure out why educators always referred to the three r’s (reading writing and arithmetic) knowing full well that only one of those words starts with an “r.” Why would they use this to help them remember the major components of their field of work knowing full well they might just confuse the children … Continue reading “The Three R’s of Parenting”

Bedtime Routines For Toddler Sleeping

March 26, 2012

Here are a few of the bedtime ideas I have used in the past. Although they may seem like common knowledge, many parents seem to omit these key items in their bedtime routines. Routines…Positive Interactions…Support for negative feelings…Clear Boundaries

One Shining Moment

March 20, 2012

Don’t miss your child’s one shining moment… it could be your moment to shine too… It’s march madness around our house, and time to cheer on our teams to victory. In the end there will be one team that gets the title, wins it all and has the big moment. The song that they will … Continue reading “One Shining Moment”

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.

December 22, 2011

Do you recall the Staples commercial that is shown during the “back to school rush” every August?” The father is skipping and jumping down the aisles of the store, singing the classic tune and celebrating that his children will soon be spending the majority of their day at school.

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