In my parenting coaching I get a lot of questions from parents about how to discipline effectively and what to do instead of time-outs, spanking, yelling and other common discipline tactics. When I think about the word “discipline” I think it sets up a disconnecting power dynamic where I’m in charge all of the time…
We don’t blog much about, and certainly don’t advocate much for, demands. But sometimes a seemingly rash move like a demand can really shake things up–in good ways. Last week a good friend of mine back east quit his job. His boss, who rarely had anything but criticism and sarcasm for him said, “I didn’t…
I’ve talked a lot here about giving kids attention but I haven’t yet shared about the art of conscious ignoring. Well, I really do think there’s a time and place for everything and ignoring your kids can sometimes be the best choice in a given moment. For instance, if you’re about to escalate a conflict,…
I’m gearing up for a five-day retreat in which I’ll study Nonviolent Communication Mediation intensively. As many of you know, I work as a mediator and Shelly and I use the insights of Nonviolent Communication, based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg, in our work here at Awake Parent. One of my favorite insights, or,…
OK, I’ll admit it, I haven’t seen the movie, The Upside of Anger, but I have experienced the benefits of anger for myself. I know it sounds strange, but hear me out. As a young child I was terrified of anger. I was pretty much convinced that anger was the exact opposite of love and…
What can we do when we’re about to fall into the abyss of despair? Go ahead and do so–but keep these things in mind.
Learn how to keep peace of mind and a sense of control during your kids’ worst moments.
Our first video blog! Hey there! I’m so excited about my very first Awake Parent video blog! In today’s blog I’m answering a question from my friend Marcella, who’s having some challenges with her stepson. Sometimes he has a “demanding attitude” and Marcella is ready to transform this irritating behavior. Oh! And prepare yourself for…
I’ve been wanting to be a mom for as long as I can remember. And I’ve prepared in all sorts of ways for my future children. After I graduated from college I realized that I wasn’t very patient, so I went to work at a preschool (yeah, I love a challenge). I knew that 3…
This post is part of our Whole Life Parenting series. I was talking with a friend the other day, who marveled at how her whole friendship landscape had changed after having kids. She said, “I have three kinds of friends now: Those who no longer call me, those who treat me exactly the same as…