by smaclaughlin | Jul 31, 2017 | advocacy for children, parenting, power
My name is Sarah and I’m a worrier. I hate that I worry, but it’s just the truth. I worry about my people, and your people too. Because as Sister Glennon says, “there’s no such thing as other people’s children.” That’s why I care about how you are parenting your...
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 | Oct 14, 2015 | discipline, emotional intelligence, perspective, power, problem-solving
“He’s always grabbing for power,” “She wants to control everything,” “I have to show them who’s boss!” I hear statements like this from parents a lot. Our cultural environment doesn’t help; with its unrealistic expectations and tendency to judge how well a parent...
by smaclaughlin | Aug 12, 2015 | brain development, discipline, power, problem-solving
“Instead of assuming a power stance, a parent can become a problem-solving facilitator.” – Janet Gonzalez-Mena I’ve written about power before, but it keeps coming up. I get calls from parents who want help with discipline, handling meltdowns, and...
by smaclaughlin | Dec 27, 2014 | mindful parenting, modeling, power, problem-solving, resiliency, safety, violence
I am a woman and I have a boy child. This has proved to be a learning edge for me. It has been a joyful, worrisome, and enlightening endeavor. In my home we have worked hard to create an emotionally safe environment—a place where shame is close to nil, emotions are...
by Sarah MacLaughlin | Jun 20, 2014 | family, gratitude, my life, perspective, power
I am an optimist. I will admit it right now. The glass is half full. I can make lemonade out of lemons. I look for the best in people. I lean toward the upbeat. I have been outright accused of being a Pollyanna (a movie, which by the way, scarred me for life when I...