The disease to please: Why we need to stop raising “nice” kids – and start raising kind ones

Have you ever stopped to consider why having a child whom others think of as “nice” is so important to us as parents? I’m almost 100% sure that every parent wants to raise a child that is described as “nice” - kind, compassionate, putting others’ needs ahead of their own, well-mannered, and generally liked. The … Continue reading The disease to please: Why we need to stop raising “nice” kids – and start raising kind ones

Leading versus Managing: Why parents need to bridge the gap

Leadership has been discussed over and over again in the professional world, with many blogs, books, podcasts, and courses being dedicated to the subject.  In contrast, very few people speak about the importance of being a leader in the parenting relationship. Leadership in the parenting relationship can be even more important than in the professional … Continue reading Leading versus Managing: Why parents need to bridge the gap

Why Punishment Does Not Work, and What to Do Instead

How often do you hear yourself saying “I’m counting to three and this better get done!” or yelling “go to your room and think about what you’ve done!” or at worst, finding yourself hitting your child?

Many of us, myself included, come from a cultural background where our parents believe(d) that punishment is not only a way to improve their children’s behavior, but also a hallmark of being a good parent.

Calm Amid Corona: You Are Not a Bad Parent (A Crash Course in Mindful Parenting #4)

Last week we spoke about the first two pillars of mindfulness: Acceptance and Awareness. We also discovered that there might be more going on with our kids when we parent on “autopilot.” So, where do we go from here, now that we are paying attention and becoming aware of the other factors that might lead … Continue reading Calm Amid Corona: You Are Not a Bad Parent (A Crash Course in Mindful Parenting #4)

Calm Amid Corona: A crash course in Mindful Parenting #2

This time during lockdown can be especially challenging. We are not only dealing with the pressures of working from home while home-schooling or caring for our little ones full-time, but also with the health and economic worries. While we are with our younglings 24/7 over the next couple of weeks, let’s explore and change some … Continue reading Calm Amid Corona: A crash course in Mindful Parenting #2