Life in a Pinball Machine
I am standing in the kitchen getting breakfast ready for my family… Palmer (6) is banging on the counter with an action figure while he asks for a drink. Landon (2) is playing on the floor at my feet with his new and very noisy digger, saying “Play, mommy!” Keaton (9) is downstairs hollering at […]
Didn’t I Tell You What I Don’t Want?
This approach creates more of what parents want (kids getting along) instead of constantly punishing the behavior we don’t want (fighting). By using positive reinforcement, we’re shaping the environment to encourage harmony among siblings, making parenting a bit more enjoyable for everyone.
Want to Stop Yelling at Your Kids?
When we’re calm, our brains work better and we’re more likely to use the parenting strategies we know. But once we’re on the edge, it’s like an oil spill: the pressure builds, and suddenly it’s impossible to hold back, leading to a “spill” of anger that coats everything in guilt and tension. Parental yelling is no different—it’s best prevented before it starts.
Don’t You Know You’re Supposed to Behave Today?
Letting go of parenting expectations has brought more peace to our family. Instead of holding them to my invisible script, I aim to appreciate them as they are in each moment. My sons may not always behave perfectly, but embracing their real personalities has helped me enjoy this journey so much more.
This is Not a Dress Rehearsal
On my kids’ first day of school this year, I dropped off my high schooler first. How did we get here already? Parenting a high schooler always seemed like something grown-ups did! I remember thinking even having a child in elementary school was for “real adults.” Now, as I watched my son head into the […]
Summertime Parenting Blues? Tips for Handling Sibling Bickering and Family Harmony
Here are tried-and-true parenting tips to manage sibling bickering during those long summer days. 1. The Bicker Jar A Bicker Jar can be a lifesaver when siblings start arguing. Each time my kids bicker, they draw a slip from our Bicker Jar. Slips contain a mix of chores and fun, like scrubbing baseboards, pushing their […]
