I took my very first solo airplane ride with my daughter last week and at first I was not sure how it would go. As I began to pack, I realized that I was really nervous about being stuck on an airplane alone with a toddler and for a couple of days I considered nixing…
Creating complex activities to entertain and educate your child can be time consuming, expensive, and disappointing, especially when they don’t like what you’ve created. But there are a few activities that I’ve used with children over the years that are always a big hit, cost very little, take almost no preparation, and consume young children…
Photo by Suzette Hibble www.thebayareaphotographer.com Oh boy, my daughter was sick with a week-long stomach flu, and as a result, whining has emerged. Here we go on the whining toddler ride! I find whining to be one of the most annoying and challenging things young children do to express their needs. Tantrums are easier for…
In the Montessori classrooms I’ve worked in, there are usually twenty-four children between three and six years old and just two adults. Each child has free choice of hundreds of possible activities in the classroom, and in order to maintain peace and order, we HAVE to create some rules and boundaries. One of the rules…
Photo by Suzette Hibble www.thebayareaphotographer.com Some of the recent research on the psychology of children is showing that saying things like, “You’re so smart! Good job! And He’s so cute!” can actually harm a child’s emerging sense of self-confidence. Apparently when we tell a child she’s smart because she got an A on her report…
I’ve worked for YEARS to grow as a person, to understand myself, my emotions, and my reactions to the things that happen to me. I know how to understand and express my emotions responsibly, resolve conflicts, and use positive redirection to help my child thrive. But that doesn’t make me perfect and it certainly doesn’t…
I wish every public restroom had a child sized toilet. I want small tables and chairs that fit my daughter’s body in public spaces. I hope we are moving toward accepting, celebrating, and accommodating the small-bodied humans that make up a substantial portion of our population. But I’m tired of restaurants advertising themselves as “family…
I think one of the most challenging lessons I’ve learned as a teacher and as a parent is when NOT to intervene. It is actually excruciating for me to hear a child struggling and not rush over to help. But sometimes doing nothing is actually the best thing we can do for a child. When…
Have you ever noticed how young children like to do things the same way day after day? Let’s say you just happened to make a joke at the beginning of lunch one day, so they remind you of the joke every day for the next two weeks. Sound familiar? Or, you cut the crust off…
Toddlers love to throw things, and why not? Throwing is fun and in our evolutionary past it was a crucial skill for young hunters to develop. Unfortunately for us, this urge to throw often comes out at the worst possible times and with the most breakable or dangerous items around. It also often happens when…
Shelly gave me three tips on handling my son's middle of the night tantrums. I put them to test that very night and Voila! It was MAGIC! My son woke up and I changed the way I interacted with him and he went back to sleep with no problem and was happy about it. (!!!) The energy was completely different. No screaming fits. No kicking and throwing himself around. It happened again today during his nap time. I soothed him right away and he went back to sound sleeping. I am SOLD! Shelly just changed all of our lives. Not only do we get more sleep at night, but we are all a lot happier on top of it. Thank you so much Shelly. Your knowledge is golden.
-- Catherine Just
Mother of 2 1/2 yr old Max
When I have come to Shelly for help as a coaching client, I have admired both her wealth of knowledge, and the way she dispenses it. She has a way of seeing into the heart of a situation, and providing just the right mix of support and insight at the right time. I recommend Shelly’s parent coaching wholeheartedly.
-- Jill Nagle
Shelly is my #1 go-to person when I am struggling as a parent. Her kind & generous listening, combined with a wealth (and years) of experience & training with all ages & in various styles make her suggestions down-to-earth & practical. That she is a parent herself, now, has me trust her even more. I always leave my conversations with Shelly feeling better!
-- Kendra Cunov, Yoga Teacher
& Mom to 2-year-old Trent
I really appreciate the grounded, tangible spin Shelly puts on the challenges I experience in my relationship with my son. I must say that the last week with Sky was EXCELLENT! I solicited his help a lot -- for help around the house and for help in connecting with him. I found him sharing all kinds of things with me throughout the week, when I least expected it, he was opening up with little stories to share. I loved this and my time with him. Thank You Shelly! It helps so much to be in dialogue with someone who so obviously cares and has practical, tangible tools!
-- Dana Boyd Renault
Shelly is an enthusiastic and experienced resource for families with children. She is sensitive and respectful, providing both theoretical and situational knowledge to address the needs of her clients. She presents a wealth of parenting concepts in a friendly and supportive fashion with lots of real life examples that make it easy to turn concepts into action. She works well in individual and group settings and has empowered our family by expanding our toolbox of options and solutions. -–Aaron Kadoch
Shelly is the goddess of connection and communication. She has helped me learn to approach my kids with lightness and humor even in challenging moments. Her skills, resources, and creativity have helped me develop some of my favorite parenting tools. Through our coaching, Shelly supported me to make concrete changes and find new ways to respond instead of repeating old reactionary patterns with my kids. I am now able to meet even more of my kids’ emotional needs because of our work together. My whole family is grateful for Shelly! Maureen Laltoo, Mother of 3