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...
by smaclaughlin | Jun 30, 2016 | anti-bias communication, bodies, books, gender bias, modeling, race, sexuality, white privelege
A couple weeks ago I wrote about some ways we can parent against hate. Specifically, the kinds of hate that are causing big problems (and violence) all around us: racism, sexism, and homophobia. I talked about five pretty macro areas, which upon further reflection,...
