by smaclaughlin | Oct 1, 2022 | emotional intelligence, Stress
It’s easy to forget that babies and children experience stress because we, A.) tend to think they have it easy and couldn’t possibly be stressed, and B.) notice their behavior instead of whatever emotional state (sadness, fear, STRESS, etc.) is driving their actions....
by smaclaughlin | Jul 15, 2022 | emotional intelligence, handling meltdowns, self-regulation
You pack up the kids for the beach because the sun is finally shining. You miraculously find parking that only necessitates a three-block walk, which you manage with all requisite gear in tow, and arrive to feel the warm sand underneath your toes. At that very moment,...
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 | Nov 16, 2019 | emotional intelligence, parenting, perspective, resiliency
It’s the third week of school and my son has already had his first cold. Why can’t they stay healthy? I don’t have any specific ideas for the runny nose and cough. We all know that good nutrition, exercise, and sleep (and maybe extra hand-washing) are the likeliest...