As parents, our focus tends to be on teaching our children healthy ways to manage (or regulate) their “big” feelings. We teach them ways to calm their breathing, slow down their thoughts, and release explosive feelings in positive outlets, such as drawing or talking a walk. But when’s the last time you checked in [...]
Karen loves picking up her daughter, Lupa, from preschool. Lupa greets her with a big hug and shows her mom the art she made at school. But when they get home, Lupa goes into meltdown mode, becoming irritable and easily frustrated by everyday things that on a non-school day wouldn’t upset her. Lupa’s mom wonders [...]
The rainy mornings and changing leaves aren’t the only things reminding us that fall has arrived. Oregon is a little more on the orange side this season, as pumpkins pop up everywhere from grocery stores to road-side stands to neighborhood front porches. Although you can find great pumpkins outside of your nearest supermarket, the [...]
As parents, many of us strive to provide our children with well-rounded experiences that, hopefully, aid them in their learning and understanding of the world. Following the STEAM model of education is a practical way of giving your preschooler (and older children) opportunities to learn a variety of skills across multiple platforms of education. [...]
It’s true that getting a toddler to sleep is exhausting work. It takes guts; determination; and a strong will. . . Or maybe just a solid bedtime routine. Easier said than done, but below are tips gleaned from happy, rested parents. Bedtime routines are a predictable set of steps you follow each night before [...]
As a fresh school year approaches, many families are gearing up for busy days ahead. With hectic mornings and long days at school and work—coupled with homework, afternoon activities, and social engagements—it’s no wonder that many families struggle to find time to simply connect and focus on one another. Knowing that you can count on [...]
Our children are connected and attached to us! Sometimes that attachment is overwhelming and it seems like they just want our attention all the time. Whether it’s an infant’s cry, your older son endlessly talking about Minecraft, or your toddler needing extra snuggles at the end of a long day, it’s built into their DNA—and [...]
Parents are at a crossroads when it comes to screen time. On the one hand, letting our children watch Daniel Tiger while we wait in line at the DMV is a huge lifesaver. But on the other, we are becoming more aware of how digital technology (smart phones, tablets, Internet-enabled electronic devices, even television) [...]
When baby number 2 was still in the womb, you may have daydreamed about what your children’s relationship would look like: “Will my oldest help get diapers for his baby brother?” Or “Will my youngest daughter dance like her older sister? Maybe they will perform in recitals together!” Flash forward to present day, and now [...]
With the kids home for summer and lots of housework that needs tending to, you may be wondering what chores you can give to your older children. Studies have shown that there are benefits to children having chores, including learning mastery of a task and feeling a sense of accomplishment. Having your child wash windows [...]
