Do you smoke? Are you often late for pick up? Is it really hard for you to stay away from your phone?  Our children see and feel everything we do, and often even call us out on that. Addressing a situation where your child calls you out on your bad habits can be a challenging […] The post What to Say When Your Child Calls You Out on Your Bad Habits appeared first on Viki de Lieme ..read more

As a devoted mother and passionate advocate of the Montessori method, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the best Montessori toys in shaping the minds and hearts of my little ones and the many parents and children I’ve guided over the years.  Piloted by the philosophy of Maria Montessori, these toys and essentials are […] The post The Best Montessori Toys and Essentials for Holistic Child Development appeared first on Viki de Lieme ..read more

A couple of years ago, when Ilay was about five, or maybe six, he met the concept of death for the first time. I can’t remember where or how, but he was terrified. The thought kept him awake in the evening and even woke him up at night. He feared us dying, and then he […] The post How to Talk to Children about Death appeared first on Viki de Lieme ..read more

As a positive parenting counselor, I constantly tell parents I work with that we, as a generation, don’t play enough with our children. We’re busy, always working, constantly checking the news, emails, and social media accounts. We want to achieve and grow as individuals, but we’re missing something important… Connection with the little humans we […] The post 10 Games to Promote SEL, Anger Management, and Communication Skills appeared first on Viki de Lieme ..read more

Addressing a child expressing self-hatred or discontent with their life is a delicate matter that requires sensitivity, empathy, and active listening.  Children’s feelings are always big, and so the words they use are big, too. They can’t assess the situation through a balanced view, so they choose the words that best symbolize what’s going on […] The post What to Say when Your Child Says they Hate Themselves appeared first on Viki de Lieme ..read more

After my post last week, I received numerous emails and Facebook messages expressing curiosity about how I handle discipline with my children, as many noted that I don’t resort to punishment or raised voices, but I didn’t state what I do instead. You’re correct, and I appreciate your interest. In response, here’s another post addressing […] The post Step by Step: Exactly What I Do Instead of Yelling and Punishing My Kids appeared first on Viki de Lieme ..read more

In the dynamic landscape of parenting philosophies, positive parenting has emerged as a compelling approach emphasizing mutual respect, open communication, and empathetic understanding between parents and children. As societal values evolve and awareness about the long-term impact of parenting styles grows, the question arises: Is positive parenting becoming the norm? I remember eight years ago […] The post Is Positive Parenting Becoming the Norm? appeared first on Viki de Lieme ..read more

In the fast-paced world of parenting, where demands and distractions seem to multiply daily, the concept of mindfulness is emerging as a beacon of hope for those seeking a more positive and connected approach. Most of us were brought up using practices of fear, guilt, and shame that still rule how we think and act, […] The post 7 Life-Changing Practices for a Life of Unbreakable Connection With Your Children appeared first on Viki de Lieme ..read more

Parenting is a rewarding yet challenging journey, and many parents seek guidance on navigating the ups and downs of raising happy, well-adjusted children. In this article, I’ll address the ten most frequently asked positive parenting questions and provide thoughtful answers to support you on your parenting journey. Remember that no matter what happens, how hard […] The post 10 Most Frequently Asked Positive Parenting Questions – and Their Answers appeared first on Viki de Lieme ..read more

    Welcome back to my second post in the series, How to raise a peaceful Child in a Violent World. I’m happy you’re here, and I hope that you and I can make this world a better place. In a world filled with endless possibilities, instilling a sense of compassion, empathy, and a desire […] The post Ten Books to Inspire Your Child to Change the World through Peace appeared first on Viki de Lieme ..read more