Are We Giving Our Children Too Many Choices?
In modern parenting, especially in what’s called “gentle parenting,” or “conscious parenting”, parents are frequently encouraged to give their children choices. And in many ways, that… More
The Two Areas Where Children Need the Most Autonomy
In over 35 years of working with families, I have noticed a pattern repeat itself again and again: many parents are working incredibly hard to give… More
The Most Powerful Way to Handle Back Talk
If you’ve ever felt instantly triggered when your child talks back, you’re in good company. In my 35 years of working with families, back talk is… More
How to Help Your Child Handle Disappointment (Without Fixing It)
Disappointment is one of the hardest emotions for both children and parents to tolerate. And yet, in parenting, the opportunities for your child to experience disappointment,… More
The Link Between Over-Parenting and Childhood Anxiety
Today, I want to explore one of the most important – and admittedly uncomfortable – conversations we can have as parents: the connection between over-parenting and… More
The Key to Your Child’s Cooperation Isn’t What You Think
When we think about what we want most from our children in the day-to-day, one thing often rises to the top: cooperation. We’re not necessarily looking… More
Are There Good and Bad Emotions?
When I’m working with families, one of the things I often say is this: You wouldn’t ask your child to stop being happy… So why would… More
What’s The Difference Between A Threat And A Boundary?
Many parents struggle to understand where the line is between setting boundaries and issuing threats. And the line certainly does seem blurry at times. Let’s clear… More
Raising a Child Who Thinks, Not Just Obeys
The other day I was speaking with a couple, and the dad sighed deeply, “I just want my son to listen! Why is that so hard?!”… More
The Path to Better Behavior Isn’t What You Think
When it comes to parenting, few topics get as much attention as behavior, and for good reason. Every parent wants their child to grow into a… More