Emotions matter. The ability to understand your anxiety will help you focus better on a daunting work task. Understanding your partner's point of view will enable you to constructively handle conflict. Managing your anger when your child hits allows you to remain calm and not join in the chaos. Emotional intelligence (or sometimes called the emotional intelligence quotient, EQ) is the ability to identify and … [Read more...] about How to Teach Emotions
From Acorn to Oak
6 Alternatives to Time Out
You gave the warning. It's the third time you told them not to throw the toy and they did it anyway. And now your heart is starting to race. You feel the frustration building. That's it. Time out. It's off to the special chair. You have the timer ready. Brace yourself, you know the drill. Because now you're struggling to keep them there. And the battle is growing bigger. Your frustration is rising. It's … [Read more...] about 6 Alternatives to Time Out
How to Recharge as a Busy Parent
I have a charger for my phone in my car, my office, several in my home and sometimes I keep a back up in my purse. Although the battery sometimes gets 'critically low', I am mindful to recharge it (even as a busy parent). Sometimes I'm shocked at how quickly my phone can drain, even when I'm not using it. And I've learned that some apps deplete more battery life than others. Regardless, I keep my attention on … [Read more...] about How to Recharge as a Busy Parent
What you need as a parent and where to start
Have you ever tried to remain calm while hungry or tired? Or attempt to enforce a limit (sorry kids, no ice cream tonight) after a long, stressful day at work? It probably didn't end well. This is because you're lower level basic needs weren't met. And if you don't have the necessary amount of "fuel," it's hard to be your best self. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs In 1943, Abraham Maslow created the … [Read more...] about What you need as a parent and where to start
How to Get Your Kids to Listen
Parents often tell me they want to stop repeating themselves and ask how to get their kids to listen. I agree, it would be less stressful if kids listened the first time (or even the second time!). But listening is hard, in fact, I know several adults that struggle with listening too. If you want your kids to listen to you, the best thing you can do is practice listening to them. I have taken several classes that … [Read more...] about How to Get Your Kids to Listen
Why kids don’t listen
Do your kids ever ignore you or not listen to you? Do you find yourself repeating the same thing over and over? Kids don't listen. Or at least that's how it feels. But what if I told you that kids do listen. In fact, they are sponges absorbing way more than we sometimes want. They hear us (at least most of the time). The struggle is that they choose to ignore what we are asking of them. We can't force someone to … [Read more...] about Why kids don’t listen
