Posts Tagged "negative"

Is Positive Discipline Even Possible?

Is Positive Discipline Even Possible?

If you have been struggling with positive discipline, this may be why: the word "discipline" is loaded! It's loaded with childhood associations like punishment and force. Those associations can make positive discipline the proverbial "square peg" that you have been trying to fit into the "round hole" of discipline — the receptor in your brain has already decided what discipline is, and positive...

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Positive Guidance for Negative Self-Talk

Positive Guidance for Negative Self-Talk

I smiled when I received this glowing comment in my email from a Montessori guide and mom of 2: "Language of Listening" has been without a doubt THE MOST POWERFUL approach to working with children that I have ever encountered in my 9 years as a Montessori guide (and now 4 years as a parent). I could tell you so many stories about how it's helped me guide my very spirited 4-year old through the...

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Why Setting Natural Consequences Is Hard

Why Setting Natural Consequences Is Hard

Children bickering and fighting can derail even the most mindful parent. Here's my advice to Marilyn (children 5, 4) for how to get back on track. QUESTION: I find setting natural consequences hard at times.   So my son and daughter each got these paper police cars that you create by folding. I made them each their own. Well, my son thought it was funny to crush my daughters police car. As a...

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How To Help a Perfectionist Child

How To Help a Perfectionist Child

Saying, "That's OK. It doesn't have to be perfect," does not help a perfectionist child. I explain why in this Q&A with a mother of a 12-year-old perfectionist daughter, though the explanation applies to most ages. Question:   My biggest issue is my precious 12-year-old girl. She is a delight with a heart of gold and a perfectionist – however that is her down fall. She takes what...

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Stop Reacting, Start Exaggerating

Stop Reacting, Start Exaggerating

"I know what I should do, but I often react, instead of responding with understanding." For every parent who feels wrong for reacting in the moment, I was right there with you when my kids were little. I'd read all the books, and knew what to do, but there were times when I just couldn't do it. The thing that made a difference for me was realizing that there had to be something right about my...

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