Parenting Young Children
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How to discipline a child: Why replacing harsh punishments with compassion will improve behaviour
How to discipline a child effectively? So often, our children don’t listen, they act out, or don’t behave the way we have taught them. Inside you will read the most effective approach on how to use positive parenting to discipline a child. Get a printable with tips on being a calmer parent at the bottom […] Continue reading
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Reframe your child’s mistakes as opportunities for growth
When a child experiences a major setback, it can be a wonderful opportunity to teach resilience and foster a growth mindset. This is how. Continue reading
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Teaching children to be effective allies – backed social science
As Black Lives Matter and solidarity protests sweep the globe, many parents are asking how they can promote equality and allyship in their families. Find out what the research says here. Continue reading
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Why white parents need to talk to their children about privilege and racism
It’s been one week since a police officer knelt on George Floyd’s neck killing him. Protests and riots have broken out all over America as people call for black lives to hold the same value as those of whites. The news is littered with images of public buildings on fire in Minniapolis, police pushing back […] Continue reading
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Crisis School: How to find peace of mind when so much is uncertain
Back to school during a pandemic will mean living in a new normal. Find out how to navigate and balance crisis schooling based on educational psychology. The table was cleared, pencils sharpened, and fresh paper was ready. On the first day of my son’s remote schooling, I did some frontloading. “Some of your friends will […] Continue reading
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Explaining Social Distancing and Easing Anxiety in Kids
Inside find out how to talk to your kids about the novel COVID-19 as well as what to do with the kids as social distancing becomes more prevalent. Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency in the US. Justin Trudeau is in isolation as his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau has tested positive for COVID-19. […] Continue reading
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It’s Science. Dropping negative language improves child behaviour.
We tend to underestimate how negative language impacts children. Find out why it is a less effective form of discipline, what research on neurobiology says about how to speak more effectively and find positive phrases to improve listening and misbehaviour. Includes a printable cheatsheet at the bottom of this post We had just gotten back […] Continue reading
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The analogy that will change how you view your child’s misbehaviour
When a child’s behaviour is unmanageable, the whole family can feel it’s in a state of chaos. Equipped with one powerful analogy, parents can develop a protocol to turn their child’s behaviour around. These strategies are rooted in developmental and psychological research and can have immediate effects. Through the glass walls of the vineyard restaurant, […] Continue reading
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Breaking the golden rule of screen time is better for your family
Children are inundated with digital media. As parents, we know our children shouldn’t be on screens for more than two hours a day. However, using this one rule as your guide can actually work against you. Using insights from research and the sponsor of this post, Wellbeing.Google, you can successfully limit screen time and promote […] Continue reading
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The best consequences for kids drop threats and problem-solve instead
Research has shown certain consequences for kids undermine the goal of raising good children. However, natural and logical consequences are invaluable ways to teach children. Learn more below. First, there was a pop! Then a snap! My ears were already ringing from screaming and now it sounded like a cap gun was going off around me. […] Continue reading
About Me
Hi, I’m Alana. When I’m not nursing cold, stale coffee, I usually can be found with the baby on my hip, barefoot, and racing after my two older kids.
Thanks to a degree in psychology and a free-range childhood backing onto an expansive evergreen forest, positive parenting and play-based learning are my passions.