Sometimes you just wish you had a simple technique as an option when your child, tween, or teen is doing something you do not approve of.  If you’re a fan of Kim Payne then you may know that he works with schools using the Social Inclusion approach.
The Social Inclusion Approach teaches a “justice without blame” method to conflict resolution.  It can easily be adapted for parents at home with their children.

This approach, developed and refined over 25 …

One of the root causes of overwhelm and stress in our daily lives boils down to believing that everything must be done exceptionally, if not perfectly.  Parents often are their own worst critics and judges – aren’t we?  The expectations you have of yourself are typically far greater than what others would ever put on your shoulders.
This week let’s focus on becoming The Sustainable Parent! Expecting perfection is not on the list.
Whether you’re a mom with young children, tweens, …

One of the things I greatly admire about the team behind Simplicity Parenting (Kim, Katharine, and Davina) is their consistent practice of staying centered.  As a team, we work remotely from one another, so I don’t get to see them in the office or even often throughout the year.
Our communication is via phone and email and we had the delightful experience of gathering together in March for a team retreat.  Since working with this small group, however, I have had …

This week let’s pay more attention to how we are listening to our spouse, partner, and children.  As Simplicity Parenting Group Leaders we invite the group members in the 7 Session Course to listen to their fellow participants with “soft eyes.”
What does it mean to “listen with soft eyes?” Often we might not realize that our nonverbal communication is misinterpreted or speaks volumes about what we really think about what our kid is sharing with us.
Simply softening your gaze, relaxing …

Certainly it isn’t easy to face struggles. So many families are being challenged right now – financially, marital difficulties, with their child’s education, struggling with a child’s behavior or medical condition, facing illness…
It can seem cliche to say “use this test for personal growth.” Granted, there is no quick fix or easy path when you’re in the midst of something so personally trying.  It is common to want to fight your current test, whatever it may be – to …

Social problems such as teasing and bullying are known to us all. Most of us have been a part of a bullying situation in one way or another.  When your child is going through a time of intense social struggle it can put a lot of pressure on the entire family.  This is particularly so if he or she is being aggressive towards others.  There are many things a parent can do to help.  Such as:

Looking at the way in …

You’ve squeezed in gymnastics, soccer, and swim lessons after school followed by homework and dinner this week. The kids’ spring concert is Friday night, you have several birthday party invitations on Saturday, there’s an amazing Scottish festival on Sunday with Scottish fiddle, music, dance, songs and poetry with a chance to talk to the musicians and enjoy tea and shortbread…and you believe that your 5 and 9 year old will enjoy it all as much as you will!
Does this sound …

I had the honor of spending this past Saturday morning with an enthusiastic group of parents to discuss how we can redesign our lives so that downtime and connection are built into our daily and weekly schedules.  It isn’t unusual for a family with young children to share a daily schedule that is tightly packed with tasks, chores, activities, and appointments.  Evenings and weekends have become times for extra-curricular activities, birthday parties, craft fairs, school events, and holiday activities.
The schedule …

We just set up something new in Little Bear’s room…something we hope will help him better understand/predict his day, as well as plan out what things he needs/wants to do.  In the dollar bin at Target, we found a chart holder (like the one you can find in classrooms everywhere). 

We took it and placed small cards (1/2 index card) each labeled with a daily activity.  We placed the cards in order (left to right/up to down) and stored the …

It’s so common for parents to believe that they are respecting their young children by providing them with choices and freedom and decision-making, when, in fact, the power you are bestowing upon them is such a burden to them and can be the very reason for tantrums and defiance. Ultimately, if continued over time, you can develop your little one into the family tyrant.
Communication is critical.
This week, let’s focus on ensuring that we are stating our few requests calmly, providing …