Do you have a child with an introverted temperament? Introverted children, that's about one-third to one-half of the population, recharge their energy from time spent alone. (As opposed to time spent with other people.) You can take an assessment if you're not sure if your kids are introverts. Or read this article about the difference between shy and introverted. I have two introverts. And … [Read more...]
If You Have a Neurodiverse Child, Differently Wired Is a Must-Read
In a world full of parenting books for "typical" kids and books about understanding specific disorders, there aren't many books that guide us on how to embrace and parent an atypical, neurodiverse child. Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World is a judgment-free breath of fresh air; it shows parents like me how to see, parent, and celebrate the kids we've been … [Read more...]
What I’m Doing About My Teenager’s Screen Time Addiction
My 16-year-old daughter's therapist recently had yet another come-to-Jesus talk with my husband and me. Don't get me wrong, it was awesome. They are always awesome. But there's always some regret and a little shame that I feel getting told I need to make changes. Like, why didn't I do things differently in the first place? Why aren't I a better parent? Which is why I'm proud of my husband and me. … [Read more...]
Tips to Teach Kids How To Be Entrepreneurs
Recently my family played a board game invented by 10-year olds. It got me thinking about how to teach kids to be entrepreneurs. Then my daughter announced, "I want to be an entrepreneur," adding, "because you have a good schedule." So clearly being a role model is helpful -- my husband and I are entrepreneurs --with flexible work hours. :) But what else supports children in their efforts to learn … [Read more...]
3 Easy Strategies to Help Kids Adopt a Growth Mindset
Looking for strategies to help your kids adopt a growth mindset? Let's talk about specific strategies that can direct you and your children towards that end. The big point of growth mindset is that it can help kids persist, fail and try again, and reconsider what being successful means. Strategies to Help Kids Adopt a Growth Mindset Read Biographies About People with Growth Mindset Stories … [Read more...]
Wisdom from Fueled by Failure: Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls & Always #LikeAGirl
This post is made possible with support from Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls and Always. All opinions are my own. Failure isn't a setback. Failure is fuel. That's the message Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls and Always #LikeAGirl want tween and teen girls to know and live out. Recently, I had the chance to watch an incredible panel of women share advice and wisdom on failure and growing up for … [Read more...]
A Book to Help Your Kids Learn Strategies for Friendships
Friendships are so important to kids. As parents, we want to help our children make (and keep) good friends but, it's not always easy. We're not there with our kids. And our kids need to learn the strategies on their own anyway. That's why we need books like Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Christine McLaughlin. This book gives kids … [Read more...]
Back to School Backpack Zipper Charms (To Stay Organized)
Sometimes we all need a little help to stay organized during the busy mornings before school. Before your kids go back to school, make these helpful Backpack Shrinky Dink Zipper Charms to provide a visual reminder of daily must-haves at school. This fun idea is just one of many in The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day: Awesome Games and Crafts to Master Your Moods, Boost Focus, Hack … [Read more...]
Helpful Parenting Book of Bite-Sized Wisdom
What Great Parents Do: 75 Simple Strategies for Raising Kids Who Thrive by Erica Reischer, PhD resonates strongly with me because it's in line with both my belief in the importance of our own self-growth and my openness to continue learning how to be my best parent self. It's a helpful parenting book of bite-sized wisdom, easily digestible for parents of any age child. (Personally, I think I'm … [Read more...]
Advice for Parenting Teen Girls: Untangled
Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood by Lisa Damour, Ph.D. is a book that will give parents of teen girls hope, encouragement, and new parenting strategies. I'm recommending it to you if you are a parent of a teenage girl. The book is dense with stories and helpful advice based on Damour's knowledge and work as a psychologist for adolescents. Advice for … [Read more...]
How Danish Parenting Results in Happy, Confident Kids
The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids by Jessica Alexander and Iben Sandahl inspires me and I highly recommend it as an excellent resource for parents. Because why are the Danes always rated so happy and how does their parenting raise happy kids that become happy adults anyway? The authors, a Danish psychotherapist and a … [Read more...]
Review of Girls and Sex: Updated Sex Information and Education for Parents
I just finished reading Peggy Orenstein's book, Girls and Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape. Whoa. Parents, listen up. Whether you have a son or a daughter, you NEED to know what sexual life is like for your teenagers and college students. Moreover, we NEED (!) to help empower and support our kids through this intense, not-so-brave new world. Because it's a different game now. The … [Read more...]