Ever feel like you're beating a dead horse shouting reminders to your kiddos? In these instances it is helpful to change up the ways you're communicating with your children. You could write a note to your child or leave "notices" (about fun stuff as well as reminders). Examples: Post-it on the TV- "Remember, homework first :)" or a letter in the lunchbox- "Can't wait to celebrate your birthday at home tonight!" Questions or thoughts? Let me know!

Summer break has been full of fun for your kiddos, but it's time to get them back on track to return to school. 1. In the week leading up to going back to school make sure your child is eating a healthy, balanced diet. 2. A few days before school resumes, start swapping screen time for activities such as playing outside, arts & crafts, or reading. 3. At least 3 days prior start practicing going to bed and waking up on time. 4. Lay out clothes and pack backpacks & lunches the night before. 5. On the first morning back, leave plenty of extra time!

Every time the importance of ‪#‎play‬ gets media coverage my heart swells. This interview shares important insights about the value of outdoors play for our kiddos. Can't wait to read Dr. Scott Sampson's "How to Raise a Wild Child."

Listen to what your child says and how he or she says it. Repeating your child's words and recognizing his or her feelings is very helpful. This helps both you and your child identify and clarify feelings. This also demonstrates empathy and understanding to your child. Examples: "You're excited to see your friends today!" or "It's frustrating when things don't go your way." Questions or thoughts? Let me know!

Choices allow children to experience control over their world. Choices also teach children about decision-making and problem-solving. By experiencing both successes and mistakes, children learn to accept responsibility for their choices. Example: "Today you're having an apple for snack" versus "We have apples and oranges, which would you like for snack today?" Questions or thoughts? Let me know!

You know when you’re flying and you’re told to put on your own oxygen mask before helping those around you? Well, this reminder is just as important when we’re on the ground. We cannot be helpful to others unless we first are taking care of ourselves. As parents this can be especially difficult. We love our children and strive to care for them to the best of our abilities. There is a misconception that to do so we have to put their needs first on the list. However, when we ignore our own needs we are usually not our best selves. We end up operating at 50%- trying to give what we don’t have to offer. I talk a lot about the HALTs in regards to kiddos, but this rule of thumb applies to the grow

"Children are persons in their own right. They do not become persons upon the attainment of some predetermined age or after having met certain criteria. Each child is a unique personality, and that uniqueness is not dependent on any significant person in the child's life; neither is personal significance limited to or a function of the child's behavior. Therefore, children are worthy of respect because they have worth and dignity as individuals. Their uniqueness is prized and appreciated..." -Garry Landreth

Encouragement is the active process of focusing on your child's strengths, abilities, and resources. Praise emphasizes others' opinions and fosters dependence, whereas encouragement recognizes effort and shows faith in your child's abilities. Example: "What a beautiful picture!" versus "I can see you worked really hard on that!" Questions or thoughts? Let me know!