Summer is here! ☀️ Or at least nearly here for most of us.
And while the kids may be free for shenanigans for a few weeks, parents often are not.
Whether that’s because you’re working, have younger children who need attention, or you simply don’t want a kid at your heel all summer complaining about having nothing to do, it’s time to make a game plan.
And I’ve got an easy one to share with you that’ll make summer break manageable (and dare I say fun?) for everyone.
This is going to be particularly helpful if you have a child who’s prone to the “I’m booooored” woes and expect you to cure it.
In this episode we’ll chat about:

 The role parents take on during summer that you should drop immediately
 Why a routine vs a schedule is a better option for summers
  The 3 things you definitely want to include in that routine

Plus the boundary you want to set from the very start of summer break if you have any intention of getting anything done during the next few weeks.
Feeling the summer vibes and excitement? Me too! Let’s kick it off with a great start by preparing for it now.
Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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How to Structure Your Child's Summer Break

Summer is in full swing which often brings about a whole lot of buzz about extra-curricular and enrichment classes.
I’m talking swim, dance, acting, art, violin, soccer, all the things.
I mean, let’s be honest. It’s freaking ADORABLE to see your kid in their little mini uniform wandering around the field while the coach/instructor tries to corral them all back in.
Or celebrating their first score/performance/award? The pride parents feel is basically at the same level it would be if they had won the Olympics or something.
That’s why I want to start off by saying I do not hate extracurricular activities.
I know there are lots of parenting experts out there who are vehemently against these classes for kinder and younger but I don’t think signing your 4-year-old up for cheerleading is the most awful thing you could do to a child.
But are the classes needed?
No.
They aren’t missing out on developmental skill-building if you decide to never sign them up for afterschool piano lessons.
Should you force them to participate?
Also no.
“But children need their parents to push them to try new things! Sometimes you gotta force them so they learn.”
I’ve heard that line and similar statements before and again: no, we shouldn’t force them.
And I’m going to tell you why in this episode.
I’m going to share the 3 reasons to sign up your kids for extra-curricular/enrichment classes and how we as parents may have gotten a little bit off track about its purpose.
And, if you do sign them up for a class, an unorthodox tip to help them get the most out of their class.
For my parents who have kids who just blank stare at their instructor during Karate or break out with their own choreography in tap dance, this tip can really help remove the battle of the wills between you and your child about participating and practice.

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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Are Extracurricular Classes Good or Bad?

So there are these cute videos on Reels and Tiktok where both parents stand on either side of the child and count to three- then they run in opposite directions and wait to see who the child follows.
And it’s this cute little trend that everyone gets a little laugh from when the child hurries after the same parent every time.
But…
It stops being so funny when it keeps happening over and over again.
It can sting a bit to see your child light up every evening when their other parent walks through the door after they spent the day screaming their head off.
Why do they turn into this sweet little cherub for their other parent?
Or watching them sweetly cuddle up on their lap during family movie night while slowly scooting you away with their foot? Like- what the heck?
You might put on a brave face and smile but jeez does it suck sometimes to feel like the other parent is the favorite!
But what if it’s flipped? Maybe you’re the favorite parent right now and you’re worried that your partner might be a bit hurt about it and you’re not sure what to do.
It’s not like you can shun your child’s love (don’t do that lol).
Don’t worry.
The good news is that parental preference and love aren’t the same things. They might prefer the other parent more, but it’s not a competition of love.
In this episode, I’m going to break down exactly what’s happening developmentally when your child seems to be picking favorites and how you can handle with (without trying to bribe your child to love you more).
We’ve discussed this in the past and it’s always helped parents to know what’s going on in their child’s brain when this happens so they can stop overthinking about why the other parent is “better” and start focusing on what really matters.
So let’s chat about your child seeming to like their other parent more (or why they seem to have latched on to you).

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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My Child Loves Dad (or Mom) More...

This is important, okay?
Not too long ago we discussed how to pick out a daycare program for your child and I love being able to support parents with such a huge milestone.
Whether it’s their first time being cared for outside the home or if they're simply changing programs - it’s important to make sure that the program is a good fit for your child.
But there’s a topic that really needs its own separate conversation.
And that’s inclusion vs integration.
Some schools will use the phrases like they’re an “inclusive school” as a buzzword but when it comes to the actual practice of inclusion- what they really mean is integration.
And this seemingly minor difference in words matters.
Even though some programs and people use the two phrases interchangeably, they’re two very different things and it has a huge impact on the quality of care your child receives.
And really just their overall wellbeing.
This is especially important if you have a child who is differently-abled, neurodiverse, or identifies with a minority and/or marginalized community.
So in this episode conversation we will be discussing:

 Exactly what makes inclusion different from integration
 How this difference impacts our children
  And what that looks like in practice (and what to look for/ask about when you tour potential daycare and programs)

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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Is it Inclusion or Integration?

If you’re reading this there’s a pretty good chance that you’re either looking for a preschool/daycare or that decision is looming in the near future.
(And boy does the time fly by! You’ll blink and it’ll be time to choose.)
There’s a lot to consider and it can be overwhelming.
A lot of parents focus on the logistical things- which is completely reasonable! It’s important to consider if it’s on your way to work or if you want a center vs a more homelike environment.
Those types of features are definitely something to think about.
But it always breaks my heart when I hear parents say after all that research they’re still facing challenge after challenge after they enrolled their child/ren and it turns out to be the completely wrong environment for their kid.
It stings a bit more too if you’ve shelled out some cash for a registration fee if we’re being honest…
I want to remind you if that’s the situation you’re in now- it’s not become to some parental failure or lapse of judgment. There are lots of places that check all the general positive marks and then end up not working out.
The factors that can make a real difference between a quality preschool and the ones that don’t work out aren’t always as obvious as a nice-looking classroom or big playgrounds.
With over a decade in the early childhood field, I have an advantage of knowing what to look for and what questions to ask- things that parents might not necessarily think of, which is okay!
That’s what I’m here for.
In this MudRoom episode, I’ll be sharing what to look for when picking out a preschool and how that makes a difference in care.
So next time you go on a tour you’ll have some clarity about what actually makes a great daycare/preschool and you can keep a sharp eye out for those green (and red) flags before enrolling.

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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How to Pick a Preschool

You might have heard the quote from the movie/book Juno: “A woman becomes a mother when she gets pregnant, a man becomes a father when he sees his baby.”
And that sentiment seems to be reflected in a lot of the parents I work with.
So, let’s just be completely honest here.
When a woman becomes a mother- typically it’s an immediate shift into motherhood and we adopt that identity pretty early on. (Although I understand that not everyone experiences motherhood the same way- this is generally.)
We understand the cues for hunger.
We can hear the difference between a poopy diaper cry and a needs a nap cry.
We can make a bottle with eyes half closed, sleep deprived, and groping around in the dark without needing step-by-step instructions.
But for some reason…stepping into fatherhood seems to be a much more…extended transition.
I’ve heard from plenty of couples where the mother explains how frusterated she’s become since she basically has to Kindergarten walk her partner through things like changing a toddlers pull up in the car.
Again, in general, it just feels like mothers jump in the pool of parenting head first but fathers kind of poke their pinky toe into the water before eventually wading it and joining mom in the deep end.
So, why is there such a stark difference between becoming a mother vs becoming a father?
In this episode of the Mudroom we’re going to chat about being a dad vs being a mom and how the way we ease ourselves into these roles can impact our children.
I’m also going to break down how we can help father’s take more ownership of the caretaking role in parenting (because they are absolutely capable and competent enough to do that!).
I’m excited for this conversation!
To be honest, it is mostly the mothers who join the parenting membership ParentAbility or are there for MudRoom conversations but it’s always exciting to see fathers participate and I want to keep encouraging that involvement.

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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Becoming a Mom VS Becoming a Dad

There are a lot of parents who watch their child bounce from one activity to another and wonder why their child can’t seem to
Just
Sit
Still.
Your kids seem easily distracted when they were supposed to be putting their jackets in the closet.
Or they’re suddenly as your leg poking their nose into your conversation when you swore you sent them off to wash their hands for dinner.
You thought they were picking up the blocks from the living room but when you come back they’ve disappeared to the playroom (again).
So, is this lack of attention something you should be concerned about?
Though it’s likey driving you nuts trying to keep track of your little busy bee, the good news is it’s completely typical behavior for kids 6 and under to have a limited attention span.
And there’s a good reason for it too!
In this Mudroom epiode, I’m going to explain why your child seems like they’re unable to focus and what you can do to help them.
Because believe it or not, they’re not bouncing from one thing to another simply to keep you from relaxing.
And before you panic, a slight spoiler alert- my advice is not to do more and bust out all the tricks and stunts to keep them entertained, nor is it to jam-pack their schedule with “enriching” activities.
As a matter of fact- if you’ve fallen into the habit of trying to entertain your child to help curb some of their boredom I really encourage you to join this week’s conversation because it’s going to help.

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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My kid can’t focus! Should I be worried?

Everyone loves a little magic in their lives and for a lot of parents, there’s a lot of joy and fun in creating magic for their children.   
Have you ever scrolled through Pinterest and seen how creative some of these ideas are?  Like “tooth fairy glitter” inside a special envelope.  Reindeer treats trailed around the backyard so Santa’s reindeer know where to park on Christmas Eve.  
Or pieces of colorful eggshells around the Easter basket that the bunny left behind.  Among the endless work of filling juice cups and potty training, these magical moments when kids are looking at you bright-eyed and giggling at the tooth fairies antics are priceless.   
But here’s the tricky part.   
Are we lying to them?  
Or, I guess a better question is are we misleading them?  
I’ve had a few people in my free Facebook community for parents ask what they should do when their child does start asking questions like “is the tooth fairy real?” or wondering if they’re doing a disservice by talking about Santa.  
After all, many of us are big on being honest with our children (as we should be!).   
In this Mudroom episode, we’re going to chat about the difference between magic vs being misleading.   
And as always, you are the expert on your child so the decision about what traditions to participate in and which ones to skip are always yours, but I think this conversation will give you a great perspective that also won’t force you to ditch drawing Reindeer hooves on the sidewalk if you don’t want to.

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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Is the Toothfairy and Easter Bunny Real?

Most of us are aware of what bribing is.
Afterall, it’s not a secret that children can sometimes be really difficult.
It reminds me of the iconic scene in the movie Lord Of The Rings where Gandalf the Wizard shouts “YOU SHALL NOT PASS!”-
That’s what it feels like when you’re running late and you need to them to just accept that the red cup is missing and you don’t have anymore time to run around the house searching for it.
They have their little feet firmly planted in front of the door with a pouty lip and arms crossed with the “you shall not pass…until the red sippy cup is found.” look.
It’s probably tempting to break out the M&M’s and tell them “if you just get in the car this once without the red sippy cup then you can have some candy.”
And I’ve talked about why bribing isn’t the greatest long-term response before.
Instead, you want to establish boundaries.
However, the difference between boundaries and bribery actually isn’t quite as obvious as parents tend to think.
While you’re probably not offering candy and treats in exchange for compliance, but those aren’t the only forms of bribery.
I see it often in my free parenting group The Parenting Posse– well-meaning parents offer advice to someone not realizing that they’re actually suggesting a “bribe in disguise”.
So, what’s the difference and how can you tell if you’re bribing your child or setting a boundry?
Int this episode we will be sharing:

 Why you want to avoid bribery if you want to see long-term changes in their behavior
 How to tell the difference between bribery and setting boundaries
 Tips on how to set effective boundaries that work

If you’ve found yourself overthinking how to get your child to listen or maybe even using bribery more often than you’d care to admit pop in for this week’s Mudroom.


Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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Bribes and Boundaries With Your Child

Picture this: you’re having a playdate at your friend's house.   
The kids request a popsicle so your mom's friend hands each one a nice, fun summer treat.  Everyone is happy and smiling and it’s just a wonderful, wholesome moment.  
Then your child accidentally spills a drop of purple popsicle on their shirt- they look down and…  Bombs away!  
They drop the F-bomb.  😮  
Now everyone is staring in disbelief and you can’t decide if this is one of those moments where you laugh (afterall, it was timed perfectly) OR if you sternly correct them for using a bad word.  Which one do you choose?   
This is actually a common question and occurrence with children.   
They hear a word and repeat it. And sometimes those words are more…colorful than others.   
How do you handle your child cursing?    
This isn’t going to be a shame-y, “OMG children should never say that!”, kinda thing either.   
Whether you decide to let them use the language or not is up to you– afterall you are their parent. But I will give some insight on:  If my family decided to allow cursing or not and why we made that decision  Reacting to your child's cursing and establishing rules about them  
If you use curse words, does that automatically mean your child will have a sailor mouth too?  So if your kid has been known to throw out a $*#&$ or a !($*@& or you’re worried about them picking it up.

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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How to Handle Your Child Cursing

Recently in the free community for parents Parenting Posse a parent asked a question about their child being unintentionally aggressive, but no matter what the parents did (taking away screen time, discussing the incident, etc) the behaviour continued.   
And this isn’t the only time a parent has asked a question with a similar scenario:
- The child keeps doing a certain perceived misbehaviour. 
- Parents gives a punishment 
- Child stops for a day or two, maybe, but then does it again.   
Rinse and repeat.   
It’s enough to drive any parent bonkers.  
Why do they keep crashing into furniture after you’ve explained how dangerous it is?   
Or why do they keep antagonizing their sibling before bedtime even though you’ve made them apologize a million times?  How many more times are you going to have to explain that dumping the hand soap and rubbing it all over their arms is not okay?

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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How to Stop Your Child from Being Aggressive

When we think about emotional, angsty, moody children we often think about teenagers, right? 
We’re picturing a 16 year old with their hoodie pulled over their head, earphones blaring Paramore to block out the world, and a permanent scowl.   So WHY the heck is your 3 year old already bursting out in tears and yelling you’re a mean momma?   
Isn’t it a bit too early for your kid to be huffing and rolling their eyes?   Why are kids so emotional?!   
A lot of parents seem to already know this is common behavior (plenty of threenager horror stories and memes floating around the internet to confirm we’ve all experienced it), but what parents don’t seem to know is that it’s also normal.  
There’s a bunch of things happening in your child’s brain at this stage that’s making them especially sensitive and it’s an important part of their development- but it doesn’t mean it’s always fun or easy.

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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Why are kids so emotional?!

Before we start I want to give a warning that I'm going to discuss some potentially sensitive topics.   
I want to talk to you about when our kids say scary sh*t.   Like when they say something violent, or really freaking dark.   
I want to approach this with compassion and sensitivity because I know it’s unsettling and uncomfortable. Sometimes parents are even too embarrassed to admit what it was their child said but…  It’s a reality for a lot of parents.   
Sometimes children say the most off-putting things.  It can be targeted at their sibling, or even you. Sometimes about themselves or a peer. Heck, it might be about someone random or just a fictional character, but when you hear it it’s shocking either way!   
Are they just repeating something they saw from a TV show they shouldn’t have been watching or from an older friend who wasn’t paying attention to their words?   
Or is this an indication of a bigger problem?  
I’ll avoid listing specific examples of this in the email because I have an inkling that if you're even remotely thinking “this is something that I can relate to” then you likely can.   
And I promise you’re not alone with this challenge.  
That’s why this week’s topic is going to be how we as parents can respond to our children when they say scary or dark things while also not shaming them or scaring them.

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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Talking To Your Child About Scary Stuff

Maybe it’s because April is around the corner and it’s Autism Awareness Month?   
Or maybe it’s just more parents becoming aware of neurodiversity in children and having more thoughts about it...  But I've been getting more and more questions and concerns from parents worried that maybe their child might be autistic.   
The important thing to know about autism is that the signs can overlap with so many other things.  And early indicators of autism can also be completely developmentally appropriate behavior at certain stages- it’s when those signs remain present past a certain age/stage that they become red flags.  But let me tell you early intervention can make a world of difference!   
I know because my expertise and background is also in early intervention!  So in this week’s MudRoom, I’ll be discussing what are those possible signs and early indicators of autism and what to do next if you suspect your child may be autistic.   
This conversation isn’t meant to be a diagnosis, but rather a resource to help you navigate the process of finding answers and help you identify what behaviours you may want to keep a more observant eye out for.

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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Autism Awareness

These conversations aren’t easy.   
But they also must be had.  
We’ve got to be honest and talk to our children about what’s happening in the Ukraine.   
Sometimes we forget that children absorb information at an astonishing rate.   
And I know you’re thinking “but we don’t watch the news in front of them” or you ask grandparents and friends to change the subject when it comes up at dinner but think about just how many times your kiddo has surprised you by asking a question about something you didn’t even know they had heard about?   
These types of discussions can be challenging, delicate, and emotionally sensitive topics that feel far too heavy to be talking to our littlest children about but the fact of the matter is If they’re not hearing it from you, there is a big chance they’ll hear it from someone else.  
It might be from a school friend who picked up something, a radio commercial, watching a TV program while waiting in the doctor’s office…  And the last thing we want to do is stick our heads in the sand and leave them confused and without someone to help them process what they’re hearing in a healthy, safe, and respectful environment.   
So, exactly how do we have this conversation?   
In this episode we´ll discuss: 
- How to talk to your kids about Ukraine without making them fearful or stressed. 
- Why it´s important to have these type of conversations

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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How to Talk to Your Child About What is Happening in Ukraine

We talk often about the importance of play for children and chat about this false expectation that children automatically know how to share (they have to learn that skill).   
Especially when it comes to siblings and breaking up arguments over that week’s favorite toy.   
But have we talked about the developmental stages of play?   
If you’re thinking “what the heck is that?” allow me to explain.  As your child grows, the way they play changes and evolves.  And this has a huge impact on not only their behavior and how they interact with their peers and siblings, but also our expectations of them.  
You see, you can’t expect an 18-month-old to play the same way your 3-year-old plays- and I’ve found that once parents begin to understand the difference in play stages, it significantly reduces stress.  
When you have a more realistic view about what to expect from your children at certain ages, discipline stops becoming a power struggle and shallow compliance and becomes more of a skill-building opportunity.   
In this episode we´ll discuss: 
- What each play stage is 
- At which age you would typically see these different stages 
- Some examples of what play looks like during each stage 
- How to help siblings who are indifferent play stages play together

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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What Does The Play Stage Look Like For Your Child?

We’ve seen the iconic scene from the Mean Girls movie where Gretchen has finally had enough and yells at Regina “YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US!”  And while it’s a funny fictional scene in a movie, as parents I know we all sigh in relief knowing that we’re not raising our children to be like that.   
Right?  Well, I’ve been hearing parents worry about their children being mean lately and it may have upticked recently in light of all these unprecedented events happening.   
We want our children to be kind and generous so it’s understandable that when we see our children behaving the opposite way, we start to worry.   
After all, no one wants their child to have a Regina George moment, right?  
So, how do we teach our children to be kind?  
In this episode we´ll discuss: 
- The actual definition of kindness and the act of kindness. 
- What “being mean” actually means. 
- And a crucial thing children need to be nice (and how you can help them with that)

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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Teaching Your Child Kindness

So we’ve talked about bribing before, right?   
“If you do this thing, then I’ll buy you the toy or get you the ice cream.”   
And most of us agree that bribing doesn’t work as a disciplinary measure.   
So, we think of other ways to “motivate” our children.   
Enter the contingent instructions.  It feels similar to bribing but instead of giving the child something tangible for complying, we offer them permission to do something else.   
For example: “if you pick up your toys then you can play video games.”  Or “once you stop yelling then you can go play.”   
I understand the thought process behind this method. You’re hoping to give them some motivation to do what you want.   
Now, this is going to be a bit of a gut punch because I know the intention is often not to be manipulative but…  It’s manipulative.   (ouch)  And I can already hear the uproar!   
This is a popular method of discipline, so if this is manipulation, then what the heck are you supposed to do to get your kid to listen to you?!  
I’m going to give you a hint. The answer is time to regulate themselves.   
But (this is important) we often inadvertently take away that time to regulate themselves and hold it, hostage, by using these contingent instructions.   
How you ask?   
In this episode we´ll discuss: 
- How can we motivate our children? 
- Effective discipline methods 
- How can we get them to actually listen to us?

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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How Do You Motivate Your Child?

I get this question quite a bit from parents and caregivers who are looking into joining ParentAbility or are generally curious about what I do.   
The question is: If my child already gets therapy, do I need a parenting coach?   (And vice versa.)   
As with most things in life, the short answer is “it depends”.   
There are so many different factors that can impact the answer to this and at the end of the day, you are the expert on your child and their needs.  But I still wanted to take some time to break down exactly what those factors are.  
In this episode we´ll discuss: 
- The difference between a parenting coach and a therapist. 
- How parenting coaching can help your child in therapy. 
- The different ways I’ve worked with my clients to help them and their child.
Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices


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When Can a Parenting Coach Help with Your Child?

If you have a 4/5 year old in your home you might be noticing an increase in emotional meltdowns in your home.   
It can feel pretty sudden too!   
Just out of the blue it’s like you’re in some kind of Real Housewives drama show and your little one is the screenwriter, producer, and the star.  
The rest of the family are just background characters walking on eggshells, hoping not to set them off.    
This is common at this age and it’s a stage I call the Limbic Leap.   
Basically it’s a huge developmental milestone where their amygdala (the “security-system” portion of their brain) is going through quite the growth spurt.   
So while their brain is re-calibrating, they’re a bit more sensitive than normal.   
This means there may be more teary eyed confessions about taking a block from a friend 2 weeks ago and worrying that the friend now hates them.   
More outbursts about why you’re the biggest meanie for asking them to pick up their crayons.   And probably a healthy dose of high-pitched “I can’t dooooo iiiiiiitttttttttt” moments for tasks they’ve done a million times before.  
I have a whole breakdown about the Limbic Leap and what’s going on in their brain while it’s happening right here.   Now here’s the kicker.   
The pandemic has made this already challenging time period in their growth that much more challenging and its impacting their behaviour in all kinds of ways.   
I’ve noticed a few common behaviour’s happening after conversations with my clients, the parents inside ParentAbility, and from threads inside the free parenting community The Parenting Posse- so let’ go ‘head and talk about it!  
On this episode we´ll discuss: 
- Why are kids having more breakdowns than usual? 
- How has the pandemic affected them emotionally 
- Learning how to handle it

Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices

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