by smaclaughlin | Jan 19, 2023 | perspective, screen time, self-regulation
The winter can be a tough time with littles. You’re stuck inside unless you dress in a million layers and exhausted by the lack of sunlight and vitamin D—it’s less than fun. Who among us hasn’t checked the clock thinking it’s close to bedtime only to see that it’s...
by smaclaughlin | Nov 16, 2019 | emotional intelligence, parenting, perspective, resiliency
It’s the third week of school and my son has already had his first cold. Why can’t they stay healthy? I don’t have any specific ideas for the runny nose and cough. We all know that good nutrition, exercise, and sleep (and maybe extra hand-washing) are the likeliest...
by smaclaughlin | Apr 25, 2017 | books, motherhood, perspective
Oh Sarah Turner, you really get us mums (and moms, mommies, and mamas)! It’s been a while since I read such a funny book about motherhood. I should have known from the cover (which you can see depicts a baby peering in the toilet), that The Unmumsy Mum was going...
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 | Sep 13, 2016 | balance, books, communication, parenting style, perspective, resources
I’m sure you’re near your limit on how Americans are terrible at parenting. There are a gazillion books telling us how to do it better, including many from other cultures such as Asian “tiger mothers,” and how to bring up a French “bébé.” I personally value an outside...
by smaclaughlin | Jan 31, 2016 | emotional intelligence, mindful parenting, perspective
IMAGINE IT: not feeling so angry feeling grounded and centered in yourself not getting triggered all the time keeping the “big picture” in mind not taking your children’s behavior as personally It’s TOTALLY POSSIBLE! Jump in and COMMIT to some...