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!

Free Class – Your Anxious Child

Our children can be anxious about so many things, and it can be painful to watch. We don't need all our children to demand the attention of a room, or be the first to try out something new. We don't need all our children to be the first to pet a dog, or hold a … Continue reading Free Class – Your Anxious Child

Getting the Support We ALL Need

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

Getting Listening Support Makes All The Difference

If you have ever worked with me personally, or seen any of my webinars, it's likely that I will have gone on and on about Listening Partnerships. Well, I'm going to go on about them again!  Because they have not only changed my parenting, they have changed my life! If you have ever tried listening … Continue reading Getting Listening Support Makes All The Difference

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

Being Listened to Gives us Space to Think.

I really haven't known what I've wanted to say for nearly the whole of lockdown. Every time I have thought I might have something I might like to share, the following week has turned my head and I've felt entirely different, leaving me feeling like a complete fraud for the previous week's mood. At one … Continue reading Being Listened to Gives us Space to Think.

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

Rewards of Listening to Feelings

Christmas has not been what we had thought it might be. Sitting in front of the TV, watching the UK Prime minster telling us that more restrictions were needed, was odd. Odd in that it’s become a thing we do now. Watch Boris make Announcements.  Like we’re about to go to war. The surreal-ness is … Continue reading Rewards of Listening to Feelings