Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, and Phonological Awareness Before learning how to teach your kids to read, let me first discuss some quick terminology. Have you heard to terms phonics, phonemic awareness, and/or phonological awareness? Likely, you have not unless you’re an …

Imagine yourself having a feeling—anger, for example. You know you feel something strong, like a volcano ready to erupt, but you can’t express it. You don’t have the words to describe what you’re feeling. Maybe you’ll start acting it out—stomping …

What is Self-Regulation? Self-regulation skills include a child’s ability to manage their emotions and behaviors in different situations. “It is related to emotional control and planning as well as the control of one’s own behavior.”[1] If your child doesn’t win …

What Do We Know About the Effects of Screen Time on Kids? Parents aren’t alone because even scientists are torn about this topic. It might sound like there’s solidarity on the topic, but that’s not the case.[1] Many psychologists disagree with …

Punishment as Discipline? What this means is that we usually take the easy path when a child misbehaves and punish them. Punishment may solve an isolated problem, but it’s not really teaching the kids anything useful in the long term. Probably it’s …

Do you want a teen who lies, deceives, and sneaks behind your back to get what they want? No, you probably don’t—neither do I. Lying is a habit that starts when they are young. Then, by the time they have …

“Being raised by a single mother, I learned to appreciate and value independent women.”—Kenny Conley “As a single mum you’ll discover inner strengths and capabilities you never knew you had.”—Emma-Louise Smith “One thing I know for sure – this motherhood …

It is common knowledge that being a parent has its difficulties. All parents know that the task of rearing a child is not the easiest job in the world. In fact, it’s one of the toughest. You’re dealing with human …

Do your kids listen to you the first time you ask them to do something? If not, then you may have to keep reading. Kids will truly listen when there is mutual respect between you and them. They will listen …

When we enter into the journey of being a parent, we go through a rollercoaster of thoughts, looking a little ahead and worrying about keeping our kids safe. There’s that loop about wanting to be able to provide for them, …

1. Find Hope in the Situation The worst feeling is hopelessness. When there is no hope, you will feel like quitting or not trying anymore. As parents, we need to keep trying because our kids need us. When we have …

1. Decide that Quality Time Is Going to Happen Intention can be really powerful, and in this case, the intention to spend more quality time with your family is the right place to start. Intention takes an “I wish” and …

When the pandemic forced most children to learn at home early in 2020, many parents were terrified. I spoke with one mom who said her youngest child, Owen, was already much smarter than her at six years of age! Math …

Here are four things to keep in mind when you talk to your child as a parent. I have organized them in a way that will help you remember the important things, even in the heat of the moment. Keeping …

1. Have an Answer for “Why” No, not an answer to anyone else who asks you why you’re working, but an answer for yourself. You may be working for the paycheck, the health benefits, your passion for your career, or …

1. Don’t Reason. Do Grounding Techniques When your little one is in the midst of an anxiety attack, the symptoms will influence their thoughts, making fear seem even more reasonable. One of the best ways to reduce symptoms so that …