by smaclaughlin | Jul 7, 2016 | connection parenting, developmental expectations, emotional intelligence, hope for the future, modeling, other people's children
I have a missive for all you parents. Especially the moms and dads of screaming babies, melting-down toddlers, whiny preschoolers, sassy school-aged kids, surly tweens…wait I guess I’m talking to all ya’ll when I say: Your child is not bothering me. Your child is a...
by smaclaughlin | Jun 8, 2016 | books, developmental expectations, resiliency, review, taking risks
This will be an ongoing series of book reviews. I’m lucky to have been on the receiving end of several exciting new parenting books. You may have already read my review of Heather Shumaker’s first book, It’s OK Not to Share or seen the Q&A with...
by smaclaughlin | Mar 26, 2016 | books, developmental expectations, emotional intelligence
It’s OK To Go Up the Slide: Renegade Rules for Raising Confident and Creative Kids is Heather Shumaker’s new book! You may recall I reviewed Heather’s first title, It’s OK Not To Share a couple of years ago, and loved it (you can read that post...
by smaclaughlin | Sep 1, 2015 | attachment parenting, developmental expectations, perspective, play, problem-solving
Baby behavior drive you crazy? Most parents say, YES! Why is that? What makes us so nuts about a little person acting littler? Is it the whiny voice? The “goo-goo, ga-ga?” The pretending they can’t do something they’re totally capable of? Check...
by smaclaughlin | May 29, 2015 | communication, developmental expectations, discipline, problem-solving
“Thanks for not throwing that bowl at me kiddo!” Lest you think I have some simple formula for creating Stepford children, let me share a little parenting scenario with you. First, some back story: Like many parents of school-aged children, in my...
by smaclaughlin | Nov 9, 2014 | balance, connection parenting, developmental expectations, discipline, emotional intelligence, modeling, play
Play is the first language your child speaks. It’s one that can be sustained and enjoyed for life if it is nurtured. When we tune in and play with children—really connect and play—we offer them a mirror of worthiness. Babies and kids receive that loving attention and...