Posts Tagged "support"
The Running Leap

Have you ever seen a child jump over a stream? They don't usually walk up to the stream, stop, and try to jump from there. They walk up, stop, and then back up far enough to get a running start. Backing up enables them to take a running leap and successfully clear the stream without falling in and getting wet. In that situation, you would never mistake a child backing up to take a running leap...
Read MoreBedtime—Kicking to Stay Awake

Question: My son basically only hits /pinches/ kicks to avoid going to sleep. Any advice on how to facilitate this behavior without facilitating the procrastination? (For instance, if I redirect him to kick the bed instead of me, then he'll kick the bed for literally half an hour or more if I let him, no matter how tired he is).—Mom (child age 2), Austin, TX Answer: Thank you for your...
Read MoreHow 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 YO 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 people...
Read MoreWhy I Let Kids Cry

When you hear a child crying, what is your first reaction? If it's a child you know, you might have an impulse to rush to their aid and fix the problem for them ASAP. If you can't do that, you may feel the need to do something to at least distract them or cheer them up. If you follow our blog or have taken our classes, you have probably heard about our technique for facilitating tantrums. In a...
Read MoreWhen Needs Appear to Conflict

"How can I provide the support and attention my three-year old needs from me and help him to be more independent at the same time?" is a question that many parents face. (See aceiatx's question in her comment on CAN DOs Work for All Ages) The short answer is: Provide support and attention when it's OK with you, and model independence when it's not. SWYS: "You are done eating and want me to...
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