How to handle tantrums lovingly

Confused about how to deal with tantrums? I sure was. I couldn’t figure out why my students or charges would just flip out over seemingly trivial things like the color of their socks. There were times when I changed the color of a child’s cup so many times I had a huge pile of dishes by the end of lunch. Sometimes I felt like I was dealing with a crazy person.

I KNOW you’ve experienced this. One minute, things are fine and the next, your child is screaming, throwing herself on the floor and crying so hard she can hardly even catch her breath to tell you what happened. Then, when you finally discover what set her off, you’re left wondering how that could possibly matter enough to create such a huge reaction. read more

How to be in charge and stay connected

As part of launching our Perspectives on Feelings audio program, Shelly and I asked for your questions related to feelings, so we could get a discussion going around the topic. You might have seen our video blogs the last few weeks.

I’m giving the camera a rest and going back to the old familiar keyboard this week. One of you asked, “My son’s a wiggler. Sometimes I need to use force to put him in diapers, into a car seat, or other places. What do you recommend?”

Here are some things to keep in mind: read more

What if they only say “I love you” when they get what they want?

Hey Everybody, Jill and I are gearing up for the big launch of the Perspectives on Feelings audio program. So, we thought we’d start by answering some of your specific questions about how to deal with feelings and how kids express their feelings. In this video I describe some things that Marcella can try with her stepson to encourage him to express himself even more authentically.

I hope you enjoyed my short video about how to give kids even more insight into their own feelings. Please let me know what you think! Oh, and keep an eye out for Jill’s first video next week… read more

What to do when they’re being demanding

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 our new audio program “Perspectives on Feelings” which will be available in August!  More info coming soon about that. First, a quick video on dealing with a demanding attitude… read more

Congratulations, Shelly and Kevin!

Shelly, the beautiful bride Shelly, the beautiful bride, and Kevin, her handsome husband!

We’re taking a break from our regularly schedule series of blogs to say…congratulations to Shelly, my co-leader of AwakeParent, and her new husband, Kevin!  I was honored to attend their wedding this past weekend in Bend, Oregon, a more beautiful city than I could have imagined, nestled unobtrusively in mountains and hills and volcanoes, rivers and lakes and forests.

The wedding was beautiful, simple, and filled with loving family and friends, just the way such a celebration should be. read more