by smaclaughlin | Sep 28, 2019 | books, handling meltdowns, humor, modeling, parenting
Every once in a while, I stumble on a parenting book that’s just FUN. Weird Parenting Wins by Hillary Frank fits the bill. This book is a collection of advice from the listeners of the podcast The Longest Shortest Time and includes quirky, funny, and relatable...
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 22, 2016 | books, cooperation, developmental expectations, discipline, emotional intelligence, handling meltdowns, power, problem-solving
“It’s time to leave now.” “NO!” “Take my hand so we can cross the street.” **sits down on sidewalk and refuses to move OR runs out into road without taking hand** What is WITH these little people who just. don’t....
by smaclaughlin | Apr 30, 2016 | anger, brain development, brain science, communication, discipline, emotional intelligence, handling meltdowns, limits, modeling
My near eight-year-old has been raised in an emotionally supportive, non-punitive home. He has never been spanked, put in time-out, or given arbitrary consequences. His dad and I infrequently raise our voices in anger, and have always apologized when we do. High value...
by smaclaughlin | Jul 5, 2015 | anger, communication, connection parenting, discipline, emotional intelligence, handling meltdowns
Feelings and emotions: What do they do? Why are they important? From a neurological perspective, emotions are messages. Feelings are essentially our brains and bodies in communication with each other. If we feel scared, our brains sends chemicals into our bodies that...
by smaclaughlin | Apr 19, 2015 | anger, balance, brain development, brain science, communication, cooperation, emotional intelligence, handling meltdowns
They say you teach what you most need to learn. I couldn’t agree more. I have immersed myself in child development, psychology, emotional competence, healing trauma, family therapy (my own), early childhood education, and social work for the past 20 years. There...
