by smaclaughlin | Nov 1, 2020 | hope for the future, modeling, self-care
I have written before about the importance of parents taking good care of themselves so they can take good care of their young children. Never has this been so important. Winter—the cold, dark, and snowy kind—really is coming. The problem this year is we have the...
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 | 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 | 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 | Aug 16, 2016 | books, communication, connection parenting, cooperation, hope for the future, mindfulness, modeling
Lucky me! I get to read a LOT of great parenting books. Not everyone feels this way, I know, but here’s what I love most about reading them: more examples, testimonials, and belief in seeing children in a new way. And that, my friends, is what Positive Parenting...
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...
