Back to School!
132 hours until school is back in session, but who's counting, right? ;^) I hope you've had a great summer, and with the start of the new school year right around the corner, I'd like to share a few tips and a link to even more. 1. Remember that the transition to full-time school is a big one for kids! [...]
Travel Tips for Families
Yay summer vacation! Are you planning a trip with your family somewhere this summer? If so, here are a few tips for making things go a little more smoothly. Remember that when you bring your kids, it's a "trip," not a "vacation." You'll still be working plenty, so set your expectations accordingly. (Travel is work for kids, too, btw.) Plan some [...]
What mountain biking and children have in common
When mountain biking, you learn not to look too long at the obstacles in your path. It seems counter-intuitive, but it's true. (wait, how is this like children?)
Rx for Paper Plates
Since I am not a medical doctor, I am not permitted to write prescriptions for medicine. However, I have never let this stop me from writing prescriptions for other things. ;^) There are, after all, lots of non-medicines in the world that have great medicinal value. For example: pedicures, a night out with friends, a nap, a hug, a walk outdoors. [...]
Basket o’ tools
I heard about this from Carol Jackson, who I think got it from the mama who invented it... fun idea. One way to "make concrete" the skills a child needs to cope with their emotions is to have a basket of tools that they can use when they are having a strong/challenging emotion. Imagine a nice basket, easily accessible at home, [...]
Iceberg Ahead!
When we see SuperMom go sailing by, perfectly put together, with her perfect children behaving perfectly... we sometimes judge ourselves, and come up lacking. But this isn't fair.
The love… and vulnerability of a parent
I occasionally attend trainings put on by a local professional organization for therapists and social workers who specialize in infant mental health. Their meetings occur on days when I'm home with my infant daughter, and since they are a very baby-friendly group, I bring her along. One of the leaders of the group sent me a email the other day, and made a bit [...]
Snow Day!
Austin has a small chance of snow later this week. As any good southern city should, things completely shut down around here when white stuff--in any quantity--lands on the ground. Sometimes this is fun and sweet and a bit like a mini-vacation... but if you think you aren't likely to feel that way... start your engines now. Go to the [...]
Your parenting toolkit workshop this Tuesday
I'm finishing up the final touches on Tuesday's workshop "Your Parenting Toolkit." I am soooo excited about this one--it is packed to the gills with great information--from understanding our strengths and weaknesses in parenting, to how and when to play (as discipline!) to myths about parenting, to emotional intelligence. It's going to be great! There are still a couple of [...]
Time to start dating!
Quick thought for the day: schedule an appointment with your kid for this weekend... a playdate for just the two of you. If you have more than one kid, make multiple appointments, so each one is just for you and one kid at a time. Children need regular doses of our undivided attention (which means you and I also have to [...]
