Emotion Regulation Myth #3
Welcome back to my myth-busting series! (If you missed either of the first two, read them here: Myth #1 and Myth #2.) Today’s myth isn’t about what “self-regulation” is or isn’t, but rather about what it can and can’t accomplish. ❌ MYTH #3: If you (the parent) master “self-regulation,” all will be unicorns and rainbows. […]
Emotion Regulation Myth #2
Welcome back to my myth-busting series! First things first: Have you signed up for my free webinar on emotion regulation for single parents (or anyone who feels like one)? If not, go do that first – trust me, you don’t want to miss it! All done? Great! Second things second: If you missed Myth #1, […]
Emotion Regulation Myth #1: The Biggest Lie About “Self-Regulation”
There’s a lot of talk about “self-regulation” these days, especially in the parenting world. And with good reason! But it’s a bit…jargony. So it’s not surprising that there’s a lot of confusion and misperceptions about it. That’s why I’m excited to share my simple visual framework with you at my upcoming free webinar, because so many […]
Consequences in parenting: 3.5 types, and whether and how to use them (without shame or control)
One of the biggest misconceptions about connection-based parenting (or “peaceful parenting,” “gentle parenting,” “conscious parenting,” or whatever you want to call it) is that it means being “permissive”: No limits. No boundaries. No expectations. And definitely no consequences! But that’s just not true. The reality is that you can – and, I would argue, should […]
Modeling the art of apology and repair: What to say, what not to say, and why it matters
When my son was a toddler, he had a book called, “The Hardest Word.” It had lots of funny, hard-to-pronounce words in it, but declared that none of those was the hardest word to say. What is the hardest word to say? “Sorry.” It’s so true, isn’t it? And here’s the kicker: Saying “sorry” isn’t […]
Transitions ahead? 5 sanity-saving tips for you and your kid
We’re in the final stretch of the school year (at least here in New York), which means… …So. Many. Transitions. Ahead! (Which always brings to mind this song for me. #SorryNotSorry for the earworm ;-).) For a lot of kids, transitions are tough. And that, of course, means it’s tough for us parents too! If […]
The #1 thing to remember as a parent: Perfection isn’t the goal. (Ever.)
A therapy patient once said to me, “I don’t trust anyone who’s never peed in the shower.” He then paused and looked at me, expectantly. It was a test, clearly. And one I have never forgotten. (Clearly.) I think we all have one: A secret “trust test.” Here’s mine: I don’t trust anyone who says […]
Failure IS an option
Years ago, a friend gave me a decorative sign that says: “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” It hung on my wall for years, giving me an extra dose of encouragement and audacity. BUT…I’ve come to realize there’s an even better question: “What would you do if you knew you COULD fail?” […]