Gifts & Gratitude: Helping Kids Appreciate The Holiday Season

Gifts & Gratitude: Helping Kids Appreciate The Holiday Season

Oh the holidays. The family, the food, the fun, the presents -soon followed by a fear that we are raising entitled children with no appreciation for what they have. Tis the season for showering children with special activities and a mountain of presents, then wondering why they have a meltdown when we say no more. Which makes about as much sense as taking them trick or treating and then wondering why they want to eat the candy.

She Started It! What To Do When The Kids Fight

She Started It! What To Do When The Kids Fight

Got siblings? If you do, I bet you can imagine yourself in the backseat of the car in a heartbeat, remembering the injustice of your brother hogging more of the center armrest. Or was it your sister that always jumped in the front seat before you got to the car. Maybe it was the time your dad pulled over, turned around and said, “Knock it off or I am turning this car around right now!” Takes you right back, doesn’t it? Take a deep breath; it’s okay, you are in the driver’s seat now. But the ride may still be annoying thanks to your own band of munchkins screaming in the back seat.

When Your Kid Says, "I Hate You!"

When Your Kid Says, "I Hate You!"

Remember the days of toddler tantrums? We kindly asked them not to pull the dog’s tail and they responded with a flood of tears and an effort to pull the tail just once more. Luckily a big hug or a quick game of peek-a-boo would help them move on.

Preschool Shopping 101: Finding The Right Fit For Your Child

Preschool Shopping 101: Finding The Right Fit For Your Child

I remember the moment I realized preschool had become a very big deal. My oldest daughter was about three months old and we were at the first session of a parent-infant class. I was desperate to get out of the house and meet other parents of infants. I walked in and sat down on the mat across from two friendly looking moms. I couldn’t wait to connect, until panic set in when I heard their conversation.

Video: Talking To Kids About The Las Vegas Shooting

Video: Talking To Kids About The Las Vegas Shooting

Last week I spoke with Mimi Jung from King 5 News about how parents can talk to their children about the Las Vegas shooting and other violent events. For more tips on this topic, check out Talking To Kids About Violence & Terror.

How To Talk To Your Kids About The NFL Protest

How To Talk To Your Kids About The NFL Protest

Big topics in the news have been coming fast and furious over the last year. Some of them whiz by our kids without notice, while others have our kids wanting to know more right away. The current debate over NFL players kneeling during the national anthem is one that piqued the interest of children quickly. Not surprising, as sports figures continue to be role models and heroes to our kids.

What You Need To Know About Early Discipline

What You Need To Know About Early Discipline

You survived the newborn days, and life with baby is rolling along smoothly. They are full of belly laughs, find delight in just about everything, and their biggest complaints are easily whisked away with a clean diaper, a snuggle, and some milk. As you push your easy-going babe in the swing at the park, you notice the toddler hitting her mom and think, “Wow, what’s wrong with that devil child? Glad it’s not mine.”

3 Must Have Routines For Summer Sanity

3 Must Have Routines For Summer Sanity

School’s Out For Summer

During the hectic pace of the school year, many of us parents long for summer. We work hard to keep life on track, and daydream of the long summer days where we can ease up on the structure the school year brings.

Spring Fever

Spring Fever

Spring has certainly been slow to arrive in the Pacific Northwest this year! We have struggled through days of epic rain and uncharacteristically cold April days. And yet, there have been lovely glimpses of the weather to come, of the possibilities and energy that come with spring and then with summer. I have noticed over the past few years as a mom to school-aged children as well as a parent educator in cooperative preschools, that even as each school year brings unique triumphs and challenges, there are dependable rhythms to the school year.

Help Your Child Create A Healthy Relationship with Treats

Help Your Child Create A Healthy Relationship with Treats

Behold The Power of Treats!  "Can I have some ice cream?" "I want another piece of cake!" Sound familiar? Kids seem to want them. All of the time. And, of course they do! We often have made it the source of all happiness and the forbidden fruit at the same time. All of life’s big events seem to have them.