The Biggest Parenting Myth – Crying is Bad.

A crying child needs help to stop. If we stop our child from crying, it means they are ok.  It’s the biggest parenting myth.  We’ve been misled to believe that when our child stops crying it means the bad feeling has gone away, and our child is ok again.  This isn’t just a parenting myth, … Continue reading The Biggest Parenting Myth – Crying is Bad.

New Year, New Balance, New Consistency.

Happy New Year!  I do know it's February already - how did THAT happen? But this year I decided to try sometime new.  For years now, just acknowledging that I don't have as much energy in the winter, when it's dark and cold, wasn't enough.  I was still trying to DO everything. And then I … Continue reading New Year, New Balance, New Consistency.

Parenting Books Vs Being Listened to.

I had read so many books and some made sense.  The images they conjured up were exactly what I was aiming for, the tips sounded right up my street, suited my ethics, the culture I wanted to adopt in my own family.  Bam! I'd found "it", sorted!  Next time I had a tricky situation with … Continue reading Parenting Books Vs Being Listened to.

We’re Not Supposed to Parent Alone!

I don't mean that a child needs two parents, or that co-parents need to be on the same parenting page. But that as parents we need other parents around us, to support US. I feel lucky that I still love, and more importantly, LIKE the man I co-parent with. I'm married to him and largely … Continue reading We’re Not Supposed to Parent Alone!

Surely Family Life (and Bedtimes) Shouldn’t be Such A Struggle!

We were doing ok, my two sons, my husband and I. We had our share of struggles. The sibling arguments, the universal family struggles of getting the kids out of the door on time. The dragged-out, seemingly never-ending bedtime battles. No huge issues. But SURELY family life could be better than mildly (or hugely) irritating? … Continue reading Surely Family Life (and Bedtimes) Shouldn’t be Such A Struggle!

HELP! My Child Won’t Let Me Staylisten… What Can I Do?

(First published on http://www.handinhandparenting.org) Those of us who know the power in expressing all of our feelings feel differently about crying. Instead of shutting down crying, we welcome the tears.  When those of us in the know get together, we might be overheard excitedly exclaiming “Oh, they had a brilliant, long cry this morning!” with … Continue reading HELP! My Child Won’t Let Me Staylisten… What Can I Do?

Struggling with Transitions? Here’s One Thing You Can Do Today That Will Help

(This article was written and first published on http://www.handinhandparenting.org) Struggling around transitions with your child? Then how many of these moments sound familiar and fill you with dread?  Do you watch the clock, count the seconds, and run requests in your mind waaaay before you ask your child to stop an activity?  Do you worry … Continue reading Struggling with Transitions? Here’s One Thing You Can Do Today That Will Help

Helping your Child’s Separation Anxiety in a Kind and Supportive Way

(First published on Hand in Hand Parenting website @ https://www.handinhandparenting.org/2021/05/kind-and-supportive-ways-to-help-your-child-with-separation-anxiety/) Feeling sad when we say goodbye to those we love is natural. We should have an emotional response because we love and care so much. But we don’t want children so overwhelmed when they leave us that it stops them from fully engaging in their … Continue reading Helping your Child’s Separation Anxiety in a Kind and Supportive Way

Tears and Tantrums

“I want the Walkie Talkie!” The cry was a heart-broken plea, at a deafening volume. My 4-year-old mindee was flat out on the floor beside me, where I had sat down to explain it was time to tidy up before I took her home.  She was sad, cross, indignant, and desperate for the toy. She … Continue reading Tears and Tantrums

Listening to Emotions Can Be Hard.

My boys cry. Not that much of a big deal, maybe. Except that for a long time I tried to make it stop. At times, I down right didn’t allow it. It's not nice to admit but it was the effect it sometimes had on me. Physically. Some crying used to pierce my ears, like … Continue reading Listening to Emotions Can Be Hard.