A permission slip is a small piece of paper where someone (usually a parent/caregiver) gives someone else (a kid) permission to do something. If you have children in school, you are probably familiar with these small slips of paper. But a permission slip is not just for school. As parents, we need to give ourselves permission too. Brené Brown shares this strategy in her Dare to Lead programs. She focuses … [Read more...] about 10 “Permission Slips” for Parents to Sign
self-care
3 Road Blocks to Parenting Success
From the moment you become a parent, the love you have for another human is indescribable. There is joy, hope and awe. And intertwined with those positive feelings are exhaustion, fear, angst, frustration and overwhelm. The responsibilities of parenthood are overwhelming. You are now a leader guiding a young life to adulthood. It's exhilarating and terrifying. And as you try to be the best parent you can … [Read more...] about 3 Road Blocks to Parenting Success
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