by smaclaughlin | Nov 10, 2021 | brain development, cooperation, developmental expectations, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, whining
QUESTION: My 5-year-old daughter’s whining puts me totally over the edge. How can I better handle this annoying behavior? ANSWER: I get it! Whining is so hard to take. It’s super triggering and brings us straight to our “downstairs” brain where we have less (if...
by smaclaughlin | Sep 3, 2021 | communication, discipline, emotional intelligence, family, handling meltdowns, positive parenting, problem-solving
You’re ready to get out and enjoy some time with your family. You make a plan, get organized, and prep everyone for your outing and then—there’s a stick thrown in the spokes. Maybe it’s a small thing you can manage quickly, like a poopy diaper or a shoe tying battle....
by smaclaughlin | Jun 11, 2021 | developmental expectations, emotional intelligence, social skills
Coming out of isolation Some of us have been at home, isolated with our children and families, for a very, very long time. I don’t know about you, but over at my house in addition to a decrease in the general cleanliness of things, everyone’s social skills are in a...
by smaclaughlin | Apr 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
Many are facing a lot of stress right now. While some are potentially growing from this collective experience, and others may be able to find silver linings, there is a lot that’s hard about pandemic-induced stress. Some families are much more affected than others and...
by smaclaughlin | Nov 18, 2020 | books, communication, parenting, what to say
My first book is short and sweet and didn’t make such a splashy entrance 10 years ago. But she sure has staying power. Still in print, selling like hotcakes, and making “best of” lists. I was delighted to recive an email the other day alerting me to...
by smaclaughlin | Nov 8, 2020 | cooperation, family, positive parenting
It has been a difficult time. I could be talking about the past week, few months, year, or entire presidential term. If you are suddenly feeling like I should stick with parenting and not “get political” kindly see yourself out. Everything is political,...