It happens in an instant.  One moment, you’re joyfully watching your toddler play with his big brother, giggling as they roughhouse across the floor; the next, your ears are flooded with your oldest’s screams. Ouch! He bit me!!! You want to believe this was a one-time-only incident. That he just got caught up in the moment of play. But in all honesty, this isn’t an isolated incident. Your toddler has bitten before. He’s also thrown a few fists from time to time. And you’re afraid he’ll do it again if you don’t do something about it now. Parents are understandably concerned when their swe ..read more

When introducing children to a new family dynamic, one thing is certain… Kids will naturally test the waters. Whether it’s adding a new baby into the mix, a stay-at-home parent re-entering the workforce, or going through the process of divorce–no matter the circumstances, changes like these rock everyone’s worlds (kids and adults alike). And when worlds are shaken that much, pushback is to be expected. Still, nothing can quite compare to the radical shift that occurs when two families blend together to become one.  If this is a venture you’re embarking on, you know that navigating the mu ..read more

It’s the peace and quiet of children finally sleeping. But mid-way through your exhaled sigh of relief, you hear a tiny voice chirping. “Mom! Dad! I’m scared!” It’s nothing new–over the years, you’ve checked for monsters under the bed, velociraptors in the closet, aliens outside the window, and a giant, creepy clown that supposedly visits your child’s room at night. Even your best detective skills have never turned up anything more than a couple of dust bunnies and a missing sock.  Still, your kiddo remains doubtful.  Because…what if? Common childhood fears aren’t limited to nightti ..read more

“Kids today are SO disrespectful,” you’ve probably heard (or even muttered, amongst other statements).  It’s true that parent-child relationships are evolving. Many kids today behave differently, communicate differently, and have different goals and expectations than a mere generation ago.  They are growing up in a different world.  Still, teaching respect is as important now as when Aretha first sang about it. Some children today are granted more leeway and left ample room to question and challenge our guidance. This can feel and appear disrespectful.  Alternatively, kids ..read more

Guest post from sociologist and feeding expert, Dina Rose, PhD I bet you know what your children ought to eat. It’s no secret that kids should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and lots of variety, and that no one–not even the pickiest person–should subsist on crackers alone. Yes, carrots trump candy. But how do you get a child, whose loyalty to pasta knows no bounds, to even consider eating anything else? That’s the kind of question that trips parents up all the time (alongside questions about power struggles and challenging behaviors that the free Positive Parenting Solutions webinar can ..read more

It’s 7 AM, and you’re sitting in absolute silence, enjoying a steaming hot cup of coffee before diving into the usual morning madness.  You let out a deep sigh of enjoyment. These are the mornings you live for. Nothing but perfect peace until you hear… SLAM!  “Mom!”  “Dad!”  “He won’t leave me alone!” “She’s not letting me use the bathroom!” “I was here first!” Ah, yes, the morning routine has begun. And once again, your kids are at each other’s throats.  That hot coffee and silence were nice while they lasted, you think. But now the real day begins. Sound familiar? L ..read more

“That technology is rotting her brain,” your father urges while your daughter is enjoying her one-hour-a-day screen time. “I would have washed your mouth out with soap,” your mother’s voice warns when your son talks back to you. Parenting is hard enough, let alone when our parents–now grandparents–offer unsolicited advice. The reality is, parents don’t cease to be parents when their kids grow up: not least when they graduate to grandparents. Grandparents generally have legitimate, hard-earned experiences they want to share with us. Having already raised a child or more themselves, their opini ..read more

A guest post from sexual health educator Amy Lang No matter how open, informed, or confident you may be, talking to kids about sex can be tough! It can feel awkward and uncomfortable for everyone to have these conversations, but don’t let these feelings deter you–because there is good news!  Over and over again, when teens are surveyed, they say the people who have the most influence over their sexual decision-making are their parents and primary caregivers! We are powerful, we have influence, and they want and need to hear from us. Sex education at school is in no way enough. Their peer ..read more

Guest post from food writer and owner of The Picky Eater, Anjali Shah Has your baby reached the stage when they are ready to start solids? Do you want to begin this journey with them in a nurturing and positive way?  This guide will help you and your child through this transition and will set them up for success in the future to embrace healthy foods and avoid becoming a picky eater.  We’ll give you tips and tricks using the principles of Positive Parenting Solutions so that you don’t end up with any power struggles at mealtime! Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting mi ..read more

  Every time family or friends are over for dinner, your 5-year-old won’t even say “hi.” He hides behind your leg, refusing eye contact instead.  It’s been three weeks since school started, and your daughter still hasn’t spoken to anyone. Her teacher asks, in all seriousness, if she’s mute.  Many parents feel at a loss with their child’s timidness. They think they need to defend or excuse their child’s hesitation to acknowledge others, speak up, and participate.  Parents also fear shyness will be received as rude or inept. They even worry their child’s bashfulness will lea ..read more