When is a Demand for a Popsicle Not Really a Demand for a Popsicle?

We get thrown as parents when our kids ask (demand!) something that they know we are going to say no to. Have we ever said yes to a popsicle for breakfast? No! So why would they even think to ask? Read to find out .

Build Connections, Communication, Consistency, Parent as teacher, Parenting, Setting limitsElisabeth StittJuly 19, 2019Joyful Parenting Coachingconnection, respect, parenting, parenting is a skill, proactive parenting, limits, disciplineComment

That Child Is a Bully!

THAT CHILD IS A BULLY!

Have you ever written off a child in your neighborhood or at your child's school as a bully? It is easy as parents for us to get defensive and judgmental. Bullying sets parents off and strikes a very sensitive chord, but lots of what we fear is bullying is normal interactions among kids—they just need the skills and the example to use it.

Communication, Community, Confidence, Parent as teacher, ParentingElisabeth StittAugust 23, 2018bullying, bullies, UpStander, Upstanders, parenting village, proactive parenting, life skills, emotional intelligence, intrapersonal skillsComment

Reigning the Crazy by Limiting Your Kids' Activities

In talking to parents this summer, one of the comments I have heard a lot is some theme or variation on how much better the children’s behavior is during the summer compared to the school year. In other words, children who have enough downtime and sleep and fewer demands put on them, are more likely to cheerfully and cooperatively engage in family life.

Children will be happier, healthier and more ready to learn with less hectic schedules and fewer demands put upon them. READ ON for some ways to create that for your kids.

Build Connections, Communication, Community, Confidence, Consistency, Parenting, Setting limitsElisabeth StittAugust 14, 2018activities, limits, limiting homework, calm, family time, family unity, proactive parenting

Actions Speak Louder Than Words.

A recent Quora question was how do we teach our children priorities. The answer is simple. Every time you make a choice, you are teaching your child your priorities.

You are in the middle of cooking dinner, and your child demands that you stop what you are doing and come see this marvelous bug that he is looking at.

If you turn off the stove and go look, you are prioritizing curiosity, discovery, enthusiasm and in-the-moment excitement.