Blog
Make the Most of Summer: Ditch the Screen Time Checklists
Maybe you want to limit the amount of screen time for your family, and a checklist seems like a good way to do that. Here’s why it may backfire on you.
Momo and More: How to Talk to Your Kids About the “Scary” Internet
Before we ban YouTube from our homes entirely, or store the iPad in a safe, let’s pause for a moment. There are many legitimate reasons to set limits on social media and internet access, but panic and fear aren’t among them.
Discovering True Motivation: Why I Don’t Reward Myself
As a practitioner of Positive Discipline, rewards are not part of my parenting toolbox. But even before I had ever heard of Positive Discipline or read Alfie Kohn’s Punished by Rewards, something about using rewards for motivation – even on myself – rubbed me the wrong way.
Say Yes to the No: Why it’s Important for Kids to be Able to Say No
For many parents, the word “no” seems to be on a list of things their children aren’t allowed to say. Saying no to a parent or other authority figure might be labeled backtalk, disrespect, or defiance. But saying no is a powerful tool and a necessary life skill, and we should help our kids get really good at it.
Check Your Childism {Kids Belong Out in the World}
Like racism, sexism, or abelism, childism is a prejudice against a marginalized group – in this case, children. It shows up in many ways, but one of the most prominent is our tendency to separate children from the rest of society.
“You Have to Share!” {The Problem With Forced Sharing}
When I ask parents what qualities and characteristics they hope to encourage in their children, kindness, generosity, and empathy are always included. So it makes sense that we should teach our kids to share, right?
I Hid My Phone from My Kids for a Week {Here’s What Happened}
Nothing makes a parent feel guiltier than reading articles with accusatory titles such as Kids Feel Unimportant to Cell Phone Addicted Parents, 12 Ways to Ensure Your Kid is More Important Than Your Phone, or Get Your Face Out of Your Phone, You’re a Horrible Mother (OK, I made up that last one).
This is What Toxic Masculinity Sounds Like to a Two-Year-Old
Exposure to toxic masculinity starts early, in subtle ways that might not seem important. It’s in our words, our expectations, and what we say to and around our children.
Getting to the End of Bedtime Stories {How to Embrace the Interruptions}
My oldest son asks a lot of questions. He’s four; that’s his job. Normally, this isn’t an issue. I enjoy his inquisitive nature and encourage his curiosity.