You’re Not Alone in This It’s 8 PM. You’re exhausted from the day, and all you want is to get your toddler to bed peacefully. Instead, you’re facing screaming, negotiations, endless requests for water, and that sinking feeling that you’re somehow failing as a parent. Let me tell you something: You are not failing. You’re…
Your toddler sobs over broken crackers. Rages when their tower falls. Becomes inconsolable over minor disappointments. Big emotions in small bodies overwhelm everyone. You feel helpless watching them struggle. Today you become their emotional guide. Big feelings become manageable with your support. The Big Feelings Navigation System Step 1: Stay Calm During Their Emotional Storms…
Tired of being a referee all day long? “He hit me.” “She took my toy.” “This isn’t fair.” Here’s what I learned: Don’t solve their problems. Teach them to solve their own. What this looks like: Your new fight phrase: “You both have big feelings. Let’s figure this out.” Why this works: They learn problem-solving…
Here’s what worked for us (and lots of other parents I know): Give Them Something Special Create excitement instead of dread. We started keeping a small toy that only comes out during car rides. My daughter now asks to get in her car seat so she plays with her “car elephant.” Ideas that work: •…
Bedtime taking 2 hours and ending in tears (yours and theirs)? I used to dread 7pm. Now bedtime feels peaceful. Here’s what changed everything: Start winding down 30 minutes before bedtime. What this looks like: Your new pre-bedtime phrase: “Sleep time is coming. Let’s make everything calm.” Why this works: You give their nervous system…
You know that feeling when your toddler starts screaming in the cereal aisle and everyone stares? Been there. Done that. Got the judgy looks. Here’s what saved my sanity: Tell them the store rules before you go in. What this looks like: Your new car phrase: “Let’s remember our store rules before we go in.”…