Hand in Hand Parenting
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!
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!
Parenting is HARD. Not always, but often. It's complex, demanding, often undervalued. Sometimes it feels relentless. When our children are struggling they show us. They signal us in unique and varied ways. Tantrums? Aggression? Anxiety? Rigidity? Non-cooperation? Sibling Rivalry? Sleep Troubles? Picky Eating? Sometimes it's US that are struggling. WE feel overwhelmed, anxious, angry, frustrated. … Continue reading Getting the Support We ALL Need
(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?
(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
(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
“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
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.
“Mum, I think Charlie must have had a really big cry!” As my 7-year-old, Charlie and myself had all been together in the garden for the past 20 minutes and Charlie HADN’T cried I was a bit confused. “What do you mean Jimmy?” “Well, Charlie seems all…light.” “Light?” Oddly, I do sometimes use that phrase … Continue reading Connecting With Kids: from laughter to lightness
Katy Linsley 