parenting the spirited child
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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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Parenting a Strong-Willed, Highly Sensitive Child: What You Need to Know
Parenting a strong-willed, highly sensitive child is challenging. We want to preserve their spirit while effectively parenting them. This is how to work with your child’s temperament, improve cooperation and celebrate who they are. If you have a highly sensitive child, people may describe them as being an “old soul,” intuitive, and shy. My daughter […] Continue reading
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How to find peace in the heat of the moment and stop yelling at your kids
Yelling at your kids can become a hard habit to break but it can also be quite damaging. This one simple strategy stops me from yelling at my kids and it can work for you too. It was one of those hot summer’s days that had blurred into scorching hot summer’s days before it. Seeking […] Continue reading
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How to End Power Struggles with Your Strong-Willed Child
Strong-willed children are prone to power struggles. They’re outspoken and fiercely determined. As parents, it’s hard to face their challenging behaviour patiently. But in order to raise strong-willed children successfully, we must encourage cooperation while maintaining their spirited nature. This is how. The garage door swung open. “I have the best idea of my life!” my five-year-old’s […] Continue reading
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Insights & Strategies for Raising Strong-Willed Children
Raising strong-willed children is a demanding process. We can’t just demand compliance because it won’t work. Find positive parenting strategiess below. Her blood-curdling scream was enough to wake the baby and send chills down my spine. “I told you to STOP!” she yelled. I had never heard my daughter speak to me […] Continue reading
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Why Punishment Is Ineffective & What To Do Instead
As parents, it becomes easy to default to punishment. For many of us, it’s how we were raised. And when we see temporary compliance, we assume it works. Here’s what research says about punishment in the longterm as well as more effective alternatives rooted in positive discipline. As a young boy in Catholic school, my […] 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.