Posts in Community
No, Mommy! Don't go! 8 Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety
No, Mommy! Don't go! 8 Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a normal stage for kids to go through.  It starts around 6 months and usually tapers off around 2 years old.  During these months a baby is first gaining the cognitive recognition that you still exist when you are not there, which means baby can now miss you when you are not there.  The problem often intensifies because at the same time baby realizes that her primary source of food and comfort can leave her, she is also testing the ways in which she is an individual.  That's scary!  A lot of separation anxiety is about finding that fine line between growing more independent and at some level still knowing she is fully dependent on you for survival.  

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Build Connections, Communication, Community, Confidence, Letting go, Parenting, TrustElisabeth Stittseparation anxiety, calm, connection, communication, anticipation, empathy, special timeComment
What Would You Do If Your Child Were Caught Shoplifting?
What Would You Do If Your Child Were Caught Shoplifting?

This blog is in response to a letter a mom sent me about her son:

Dear Elisabeth,

I am so angry and mortified.  My 10-year-old got caught shop lifting, and I am afraid this is a sign of much worse things to come.  

Upset and Worried in Tulsa

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Build Connections, Communication, Community, Effective Consequences, Kindness, Parent as teacher, Parenting, TrustElisabeth Stittshoplifting, discipline, consequences, apologizing, making ammends, making choices, learningComment
Your Success Rate As a Parent Is Greater Than You Think
Your Success Rate As a Parent Is Greater Than You Think

(In addition to being an author on parenting, Hogan is putting together an awesome in-person conference for parents in August 2017. Called the United We Parent Conference, it will take place in Southern California and will include great speakers (like me!) and breakout groups for parents to share their insights and issues.)

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Confidence, Community, Communication, Build Connections, Parenting, Parent as teacher, Parenting stylesElisabeth Stittvalues, confidence, dads, moms, parents, parenting is hardComment
When It Is Time for Consequences
When It Is Time for Consequences

So far, everything you have done to build your consistency muscle has focused on the positive--you have modeled correct behavior, praised correct behavior and trained for correct behavior.  But still your child is using disrespectful behavior!  Now is when it get's real, when you are going to set an expectation and then hold the limit.  This will probably mean that you need to have a consequence ready--one that you can absolutely follow through on.  

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Build Connections, Communication, Community, Confidence, Consistency, Effective Consequences, Parent as teacher, ParentingElisabeth Stittconsequences, consistency, follow through, discipline, respect, empathyComment