The birth of a sibling can be such a big transition for little ones. It's also a time where we as parents can be stretched to our limits, meeting the round the clock needs of our newborn, and experiencing the resultant sleep deprivation. As a result, it is really common to see some behaviour arising … Continue reading Helping kids adjust to being a sibling
Attachment Play
Playful parenting can shift feelings of tiredness and irritability
It’s tough right now. Even though my family has been impacted upon in less dramatic ways that many others, it has been a challenge adjusting to being in lockdown. We’ve had fewer pleasant diversions, such as going out, eating out, and seeing friends. And we’ve had more screen time. I found myself feeling really tired … Continue reading Playful parenting can shift feelings of tiredness and irritability
A parenting strategy for when we reach our limits
With many families in isolation right now, I imagine that parents all around the world will be starting to feel STRETCHED to their limits. I want to share with you a strategy that I've found can be particularly helpful when I’ve "hit a wall"! 👉 PLAYFUL EXAGGERATION is a way of expressing our authentic feelings … Continue reading A parenting strategy for when we reach our limits
Playful ways to help kids with coronavirus fears
I have started hearing about kids who have developed fears surrounding the coronavirus. It isn’t surprising. They have no doubt heard about the illness by now. They might not understand the specifics, but they can sense the vibe around them. Things that are a part of kids’ normal everyday lives are suddenly changing. And that … Continue reading Playful ways to help kids with coronavirus fears
What to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed by kids’ noise!
Does your child sometimes make noise that drives you crazy? Perhaps it’s singing the same song over and over … maybe the latest ear worm (Baby Shark anyone?) Repeating a favourite meme, or scene from a movie? Blowing a toy trumpet, or just making random noise! I’ve got to admit that I sometimes find these … Continue reading What to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed by kids’ noise!
Frustration is an early warning sign … take heed!
This morning I noticed myself starting to get frustrated. I felt the rising tension in my chest, felt my breath become a bit faster and strained. I consider this an early warning sign! If I don’t take head at this point, things can go pear-shaped. Can you relate? At the time, I was in the … Continue reading Frustration is an early warning sign … take heed!
Using play to dissolve irritability and tension
“You all look so happy” commented a friend underneath this photo I had posted on Facebook. I wanted to tell her that it hadn’t been that way just a few short minutes earlier. My son hadn’t wanted to stop at the waterfall and walk the short distance to view it. When we got out of … Continue reading Using play to dissolve irritability and tension
“Boredom” and how to give kids the fuel they need to make their own fun
These days, a lot of children’s lives, both in school and in outside of school activities, is very structured. Periods of unstructured time are really important for kids, giving them the freedom to do what they want. But sometimes, it is not that easy. Sometimes, “boredom” takes hold. 👉 When left to their own devices, kids … Continue reading “Boredom” and how to give kids the fuel they need to make their own fun
Rethinking tickling
Sometimes it might seem like kids love being tickled ... but do they really? Did you know that the laughter triggered by tickling is different to other types of laughter? It’s actually part of an involuntary, automatic response. In fact, studies show that tickling activates the part of the brain that anticipates pain, and triggers … Continue reading Rethinking tickling
Playfulness to repair when your child says, “I’m not listening to you!”
Has your child ever said, “I’m not listening to you!”? Maybe complete with hands over their ears, humming or singing to themselves, and turning away from you? It can be quite challenging for us parents to hear! Our feelings might range from mildly frustrated to completely infuriated. It can trigger a sense of powerlessness in … Continue reading Playfulness to repair when your child says, “I’m not listening to you!”
Here With You Parenting 