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Experts say this is the best way to learn to read and love it too
Competency in reading is one of the greatest predictors of success in children. But in order to procure the benefits, students must be motivated to learn to read. Here are the best ways for kids to learn to read backed by research. One of my most painful childhood memories is learning how to read at school. The […] Continue reading
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How Social Stories Help Children Who Are Struggling
Find out why social stories are an incredible tool for parenting young children. Find examples and a formula. Perfect for positive discipline. In the space of a couple of weeks, my five-year-old’s behaviour went from thoughtful and kind to unmanageably difficult. I’m used to a girl who, when I ask for help, leaps up to […] Continue reading
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How to get kids to listen: 6 sure-fire tips that will make your life easier
It can be maddening when kids don’t listen. These are research-based strategies that will teach you how to get kids to listen calmly and effectively. The number one question I get from parents joining our facebook group or when emailing me is: How do I get my kids to listen better? Though we have struggled with […] Continue reading
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Why science says this is the best approach to parenting toddlers
Toddlers are strong-willed, prone to tantrums and don’t have a great sense of danger. How can we support their development while effectively parenting them? Find out what science says are the most powerful tips for parenting toddlers here. Get a printable with all these tips at the bottom of this post About three months shy […] Continue reading
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This is why positive parenting is essential now
Find out why authoritative parenting is essential today even though it wasn’t in the past, including the pros and cons of this style of parenting and more. There seem to be two big misconceptions when it comes to positive or authoritative parenting. First, many fear that it raises children who have an over-inflated concept of […] Continue reading
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This is the Crucial Difference Between Positive and Permissive Parenting
To the unknowing eye, positive parenting can be mistaken for permissive parenting. This is because positive parents forgo the use of punishment and listen to their children’s feelings. Here is the crucial difference between the two parenting styles. My daughter and oldest son were in the throes of a heated argument when a store attendant […] Continue reading
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Why Kids Benefit From More Outdoor Play
Sadly this generation is spending less time engaged in outdoor play than generations before. Find out why we should prioritize time in nature for our kids. One of the best parts of my childhood was living in a house that backed onto greenbelt. The evergreen forest became the stage for mine and my brothers’ curiosity, […] Continue reading
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What is Positive Discipline and Why You Might Have it Wrong
What is positive discipline? Some fear it’s permissive while others may not understand everything entails. Here you will find out what it is, what it isn’t and how to use positive discipline in your parenting. At the bottom of this post, get a printable cheatsheet with these tips. To many, positive discipline sounds like a […] Continue reading
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How to Stop Sibling Rivalry Using Unbelievably Simple Strategies
It felt like sibling rivalry had overtaken our household and my sanity. In enacting three very simple sibling rivalry solutions, peace has been restored and our family is so much happier. Get a free printable with these tips at the bottom of this post. Sibling rivalry eroded the joy of parenting my kids. Of course, […] Continue reading
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Parenting a Strong-Willed Child: 10 surefire tips for effective discipline
Parenting a strong-willed child is full of ups and downs. These children are outspoken, prone to power struggles, sensitive and even more likely to have meltdowns. At the same time, they’re born leaders, dynamic, and a tremendous source of pride for their parents. Here you will find the key to raising strong-willed children successfully without breaking their […] 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.