woman sitting on sofa crying while therapist takes notes.=

Why “We Turned Out Fine” Isn’t a Good Standard for Parenting

One of the first things people say to me when they hear I teach positive parenting is, “Well, we turned out fine!” It’s often said like a badge of honor, as if it’s proof that the old ways worked. They point to their jobs, families, and how they’ve become functioning adults. And sure, they’ve made…

child and mom arguing
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3 Reasons Your Child Misbehaves (and What to Do About It)

Misbehavior isn’t about kids being difficult or trying to manipulate you. When kids act out, it’s often a sign of something deeper—like lagging skills, unmet needs, or a lack of connection. As parents, it’s easy to get frustrated or take it personally, but here’s the truth: when kids misbehave, they’re communicating something they don’t yet…

A minimalist image of a calm parent, surrounded by soft neutral tones, symbolizing peaceful parenting and emotional boundaries.
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Parenting & Narcissists: How the Same Tools Transform Tough Relationships

Sometimes, unexpected moments teach us the most valuable lessons. That’s exactly what happened during a recent networking call I joined with a group of women founders. While the call was meant to focus on personal struggles, it quickly turned into a discussion about relationships, boundaries, and self-regulation. What came out of it feels too important…

Middle or high school student sitting in a principal's office with a school backpack next to their chair, looking reflective and remorseful.

Using Natural Consequences for School Challenges

Parenting comes with its fair share of tough decisions, doesn’t it? One of the trickiest is figuring out how to handle our kids’ misbehavior, especially when they’ve already received a natural consequence. Should we step in? Should we punish them? Or maybe… do nothing and let the situation speak for itself? Let’s talk about natural…

mom covering her mouth with her hands
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Operation Bite My Tongue: Lessons in Parenting Without Nagging

The kids are home from college this week, and I’ve officially kicked off “Operation Bite My Tongue.” 🤪 Spoiler alert: it hasn’t been easy. At first, I caught myself falling into old habits. And of course, when I went out of my way to help, I made sure they knew. “I did your dishes for…

Mom and teen arguing in the living room
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Is Your Child Really Manipulating You? Understanding What’s Behind Their Behavior

When your child pushes your buttons, it can feel like they’re playing a calculated game of manipulation. But are they really? What we often label as “manipulation” in children is typically something far less sinister—and far more human. Let’s unpack what’s really going on behind the outbursts, battles, and attention-seeking behavior. What Really Is Manipulation?…

A joyful family sitting on a couch, laughing together in a warm and supportive environment.
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15 Benefits of Positive Parenting (and Why It’s Worth the Effort)

Positive parenting isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a thoughtful approach that helps kids thrive while making life easier (and way more enjoyable) for you. I get it—maybe you’ve heard about it and thought, “Isn’t positive parenting just letting kids do whatever they want?” Or maybe you’ve wondered if it means giving up discipline altogether. Spoiler: it’s…

A mother and daughter sharing a joyful moment together, lying on a bed with a laptop.

The Power of Asking vs. Telling: A Simple Parenting Tool That Can Transform Daily Power Struggles

From the moment our kids open their eyes, the day’s a symphony of instructions: “Brush your teeth! Get dressed! Hurry up—we’re late!” By bedtime, we’ve told them what to do so many times it feels like we’ve become human to-do lists. But here’s the thing—what if constantly telling them what to do isn’t the only…