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...
by smaclaughlin | Aug 29, 2014 | advocacy for children, developmental expectations, emotional intelligence, mindful parenting, modeling, parenting, parenting style, patience, perspective, self-care
When I was a new mom who shared my birth story with anyone who wanted to hear it, I quipped, “They don’t call it labor for nothing!” Even if you didn’t personally give birth to your children, the labor involved is still intense. The hard work,...
by Sarah MacLaughlin | Jun 6, 2014 | brain development, connection parenting, cooperation, developmental expectations, family, mindful parenting, parenting style
This. This sums up a lot of what I do. I help parents navigate this irony: We are on our worst behavior at home. Our kids act their worst, and we act our worst. We are more likely to hurt the ones we love. We tend to be more honest, more vulnerable, and more...
