Parenting is like getting on a crazy train for a Lifelong, Wild Ride
Before I gave birth to my first child, I’m embarrassed to admit it, but….
…I thought I knew everything about parenting!
I had been a teacher and a nanny, and had done tons research. I thought I knew my stuff! I thought, “This is going to be a breeze.” I was still working on my first book, What Not to Say, and I’d begun a new career in social work. I THOUGHT I WAS ALL SET.
Nope.
Let’s just say it took me a while to admit that I didn’t know what I didn’t know–how could I? Then a cool thing happened; I was forced to stick to my own deeply held beliefs and ideals about children, and how they should be treated. This proved to be WAY more challenging than I’d expected.
You get this new, little person
and they have so many needs, so many big feelings, and so much crying to do! I had no choice but to busy myself getting better information and more support. I found some of it through local mom’s groups, and the offerings at Birth Roots Resource Center. I discovered an expanded perspective on emotional competence and human behavior at Hand in Hand Parenting where I completed a certification training.
In my life as a mom, social worker, and educator, I get to learn each and every day. I discover new things about myself, and each of my family members, too. This is why I always say, “You know your children best.”
You do! I can’t possibly be an expert on YOUR family, but I do love offering moms and dads the science, skills, and support needed to create a peaceful and calm family life. Let me know how I can help!
My Bio
I wrote a sweet little book, What Not to Say: Tools for Talking with Young Children that took me ages to finish. It even won an award (silver medal in the “Family” category, thankyouverymuch)! I wrote the Parenting Toolbox column at Parent & Family for 8 years, and have been featured on Huffington Post and other online outlets. I read all the parenting books and blogs so you don’t have to, and I’m pretty near obsessed with brain science and child development. I love helping moms and dads understand themselves and their children better, so everyone can have more fun. I’m mom to a spirited, smart, and sassy boy who gives me plenty of opportunities to take my own advice.
What I can do for you
- Compassion coaching–you can be nicer to your kids, but you have to be nicer to yourself first
- Behavior decoding (can’t you get a ring for that from a cereal box?)
- Science, skills, and support–you need all three to find any modicum of peace
- Emotional competence training–feelings are feelings, not emergencies
- Alternatives to frightening the crap out of your kids so they (occasionally) do what you want
“Bedtime has always been a challenge with our son. Sarah introduced us to techniques that have helped improve our communication during these and other trying times.”
Parents of an infant
You can also find my writing here:
