by smaclaughlin | Mar 12, 2018 | books, co-parenting, communication, marriage, positive parenting
Why is this so hard? Two people who are parenting together but don’t exactly see eye-to-eye is very common. Sometimes co-parenting relationships are strained, but even those who consider their partnerships really healthy can struggle (*raises hand*). We want to...
by smaclaughlin | Jan 14, 2018 | mindful parenting, mindfulness, modeling, screen time
Alright people. I’m gonna give it to you straight. I have not been writing regularly and there are likely many reasons for that. But, I discovered one in particular lately, and I feel the need to share. Back story: My 9-year-old challenged me to take a 24-hour break...
by smaclaughlin | Nov 11, 2017 | books, brain development, brain science, discipline
FRIENDS! I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get you this post about a great new book I read recently! I got an advance copy of Gentle Discipline: Using Emotional Connection–Not Punishment–to Raise Confident, Capable Kids a couple months ago and...
by smaclaughlin | Aug 31, 2017 | ADHD, books, brain development, cooperation, self-regulation
I hope you enjoy this excerpt from the newly released book from Thomas Armstrong, PhD, The Myth of the ADHD Child: 101 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Behavior and Attention Span Without Drugs, Labels, or Coercion. It’s a goldmine of helpful information! Read...
by smaclaughlin | Aug 7, 2017 | anger, communication, discipline, limits, mindfulness, my life, self-regulation
I’m thinking about rebranding my entire website and business to be entitled Kind AF. This makes sense as you may have seen we’ve quite embraced swearing at our house. I’m also itching for a vanity plate (ORDERED!) and a wrist tattoo (that will need to wait). And why...
by smaclaughlin | Jul 31, 2017 | advocacy for children, parenting, power
My name is Sarah and I’m a worrier. I hate that I worry, but it’s just the truth. I worry about my people, and your people too. Because as Sister Glennon says, “there’s no such thing as other people’s children.” That’s why I care about how you are parenting your...
by smaclaughlin | Jul 20, 2017 | advocacy for children, brain development, emotional intelligence, handling meltdowns, mindfulness, modeling, self-regulation
I know, I’m bossy. If I was a preschooler in 2017, I would surely be labeled with “leadership skills.” As it was, in the mid-70s I was said to have “taken charge” of the dramatic play area. So, there you have it. I guess I need those skills because I...
by smaclaughlin | Jul 3, 2017 | books, mindful parenting, mindfulness, resources
A new way of thinking about motherhood and how to care for yourself just like you care for your children. Read an excerpt from Feng Shui Mommy by Bailey Gaddis here: Before she was a beloved pregnancy blogger, certified birthing doula, and childbirth preparation...
by smaclaughlin | Jun 15, 2017 | books, family, fatherhood, humor
Sometimes you just want to sit back and relax and read a sweet little book about fatherhood. Sleepless Nights and Kisses for Breakfast: Reflections on Fatherhood is the book for this! Mr. Bussola’s lyrical prose is equal parts shiny and sad. It perfectly captures the...
by smaclaughlin | Jun 3, 2017 | communication, connection parenting, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, parenting, problem-solving
There’s one thing that many of us do that sabotages our relationships. Relationships with our children. With our parents. Siblings, friends, coworkers—really just everybody. It’s something that I happen to really, REALLY love doing. It leaves me feeling competent and...
by smaclaughlin | Apr 25, 2017 | books, motherhood, perspective
Oh Sarah Turner, you really get us mums (and moms, mommies, and mamas)! It’s been a while since I read such a funny book about motherhood. I should have known from the cover (which you can see depicts a baby peering in the toilet), that The Unmumsy Mum was going...
by smaclaughlin | Feb 18, 2017 | developmental expectations, discipline, family, humor, my life, perspective, poop
One of my Facebook friend’s posted this pic from her kids’ Bananagrams game a couple months ago. So great, right? I mean, “penis-poop-they-eat-toot-but” simply can’t be beat. The best part was that the mom was most upset that they spelled...
