by smaclaughlin | Feb 18, 2017 | developmental expectations, discipline, family, humor, my life, perspective, poop
One of my Facebook friend’s posted this pic from her kids’ Bananagrams game a couple months ago. So great, right? I mean, “penis-poop-they-eat-toot-but” simply can’t be beat. The best part was that the mom was most upset that they spelled...
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 | 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 8, 2016 | books, developmental expectations, resiliency, review, taking risks
This will be an ongoing series of book reviews. I’m lucky to have been on the receiving end of several exciting new parenting books. You may have already read my review of Heather Shumaker’s first book, It’s OK Not to Share or seen the Q&A with...
by smaclaughlin | Mar 26, 2016 | books, developmental expectations, emotional intelligence
It’s OK To Go Up the Slide: Renegade Rules for Raising Confident and Creative Kids is Heather Shumaker’s new book! You may recall I reviewed Heather’s first title, It’s OK Not To Share a couple of years ago, and loved it (you can read that post...
