All families experience the need for new rules and expectations in their homes. Family changes, children growing older, and old routines just not working anymore are a few reasons you may feel you need to switch things up. By informing your children of these changes and new expectations beforehand, you are giving your child the opportunity to understand and ask clarifying questions before you will be enforcing new rules. Example: It is 6:45 am and your child is running lat

Our children communicate with us in many ways other than with their words. Pay attention to what your child is communicating through their words, play, affect, and behavior. Listen to understand and reflect back what you see. Your child will feel seen, heard, and understood- and that's a great feeling to have! Application: Instead of asking a question, make a reflective statement. For example, rather than saying "How was the party?" you could say "You look like you had a g

Do you find yourself saying "no" or "stop" a lot? When children are told they can't do something, they are often left wondering "What then?" Describing the behavior you would like to see encourages cooperation from your child. Example: "Don't run around the pool!" versus "Walk please." Questions or Thoughts? Let me Know!

While disciplining our children we want to teach them about self-control and problem solving. We want our children to learn to regulate themselves- considering the results of their choices and learning from their mistakes. Punishments can be effective at stopping behaviors in the moment, but do little to teach responsibility or accountability. Effective consequences are directly related to the behavior. Limits are delivered in a way that communicate alternatives and encourage