handling meltdowns | Sarah MacLaughlin, LSW

What Parents Need To Know About Counterwill {and a book review!}

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....

What If All Feelings Were Acceptable?

by smaclaughlin | Jul 5, 2015 | anger, communication, connection parenting, discipline, emotional intelligence, handling meltdowns

Feelings and emotions: What do they do? Why are they important? From a neurological perspective, emotions are messages. Feelings are essentially our brains and bodies in communication with each other. If we feel scared, our brains sends chemicals into our bodies that...

The Quickest Fix for ANY Parenting Struggle

by smaclaughlin | Apr 19, 2015 | anger, balance, brain development, brain science, communication, cooperation, emotional intelligence, handling meltdowns

They say you teach what you most need to learn. I couldn’t agree more. I have immersed myself in child development, psychology, emotional competence, healing trauma, family therapy (my own), early childhood education, and social work for the past 20 years. There...

Big Idea and Teeny-Tiny Tip #1: Triune Brain

by smaclaughlin | Mar 18, 2015 | brain science, handling meltdowns, tips and advice

Hi there! I’m thrilled to share with you: my first Big Idea and Teeny-Tiny Tip video! I kept it short and sweet–just 3 1/2 minutes. Don’t we all need help staying calm in ourselves and connected with our kids? Don’t we want to be more...