by smaclaughlin | Jan 9, 2020 | play, problem-solving, tips and advice, Uncategorized
Once the holidays season is over, it’s difficult to sustain the cheer through the rest of the long, dark days of winter. All that anticipation and fun come crashing to a halt. You’d think the kids would be busy with their new toys and all, but that doesn’t seem to be...
by smaclaughlin | Jun 28, 2018 | books, brain development, communication, cooperation, discipline, emotional intelligence, positive parenting, problem-solving
Three Simple Steps. Can it really be so easy? In a word: yes. First off, I LOVE that this book makes many positive assumptions about children: Your child is capable. She wants to listen and learn. He’s wired for empathy. She wants to help. He wants to feel like...
by smaclaughlin | Jun 3, 2017 | communication, connection parenting, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, parenting, problem-solving
There’s one thing that many of us do that sabotages our relationships. Relationships with our children. With our parents. Siblings, friends, coworkers—really just everybody. It’s something that I happen to really, REALLY love doing. It leaves me feeling competent and...
by smaclaughlin | Aug 15, 2016 | books, brain science, developmental expectations, parenting, problem-solving, resiliency
You know that ridiculous dating book called The Rules that was supposed to help women catch their “Mr. Right?” Silly, I know, but a lot of people appreciated the straightforwardness of the approach and how clear the, er, RULES were. Well, Erica Reischer,...
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 31, 2015 | mindful parenting, modeling, perspective, problem-solving
You might think I’m going to spend this post talking about how we need to foster curiosity in our children. How important it is for growing people to be asked questions; not just told facts and answers (or what to do). Or how the power of inquiry can help build...
