✅ LINK IN BIO for my free parenting toolbox download. Applicable to all ages and full of tools for setting boundaries, staying calm and composed, building coping skills and more :) ➡️ Give this idea a try before the next party or play date and let me know how it goes :) 💡And, if there’s an item your child *really* loves, totally ok to put it away during the play date to prevent a very tough moment. Have your child pick it’s “hiding” spot :)

Have you noticed that anxiety and fears in our kids has skyrocketed lately? That’s why I share this *big idea* today with you. ✅ Instead of focusing only on the “thing”, shift your focus to the FEELING itself and building skills to manage through it. Because the “thing” will just get replaced with another thing if we don’t learn how to manage through the feeling. ➡️ If you have a child that’s dealing with fears and anxiety and you’d like much more practical support, proven tools, scripts, examples and strategies that work, visit the LINK IN BIO to view my parenting courses. My Everything 3-7 online parenting course has a section dedicated entirely to fears and anxiety filled with tools that have helped thousands of families like yours. Tools you can implement immediately that work ❤️

Being able to openly and safely talk about difficult topics and challenging feelings is a powerful thing (it’s reflection! ❤️) If you have a child who avoids, shuts down, gets upset, try this: 1. No lectures :) Lectures are you talking AT your child. They convey your frustration or anxiety and not much else. “You should have… why do I always… how many times… If you would just listen…” 2. Break it down. Take your time, go slow, break down the overall conversation into smaller, bite sized pieces and then back off :) You’re planing tiny seeds. 3. *BONUS* Reflect while doing something else! These are not serious, heavy, sit down, face-to-face conversations. Talk while in the car, on a walk, in the dark before bed, while playing a board game, during dinner… and chances are, your child will be more willing ❤️ I hope you’re taking full advantage of my free parenting (and life!) resources. Link in BIO for my free parenting toolbox which covers boundaries, connection, coping skills, validation, staying calm, and more 😊

What is calm? I go over 5 steps to learning more about yourself and staying calm, composed and in charge in my Free Parenting Toolbox PDF download. Click on Bio for link to download. Here are some misconceptions about calm - That calm means permissive, anything goes, no boundaries… when in fact, the opposite is true. Calm is the ultimate form of being in charge. In charge of yourself, your emotions and the situation. It’s not easy! That’s why we never have the goal of perfect. We only aim for progress ❤️

“YOU’RE SO MEAN!”  or “YOU’RE THE WORST!” I know it’s hard to hear and you may feel surprised, angry, guilty. ❤️  Do your best to avoid taking it personally and instead, recognize your child is coming from a very emotional place.   Remember, it’s totally ok for your child to feel angry, frustrated or disappointed. And you can help guide them to express those feelings in a more healthy and appropriate way.     Now, what if you actually ARE being mean? Assess the situation, breathe, and model accountability for your actions.     ➡️ “You know what… you’re right, I am not being kind right now. I’m sorry... my anger is taking over. Let’s try again.”   I hope you’re taking full advantage of my free resources ❤️ Link in BIO to download my free parenting toolbox PDF - applicable to all people, all ages and filled with tools for setting boundaries, staying calm, and building coping skills (+more!)