Posts by Deborah MacNamara, Author at Motherly
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Deborah MacNamara

Deborah MacNamara, PhD, is a developmental counsellor and is on faculty at the Neufeld Institute. She makes sense of kids for the adults who are responsibile for them. Deborah is the author of Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one), and Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love).

mom hugging two kids
Child Learn & Play

The ‘discipline’ approach that *prevents* kid problems

It is called soliciting good intentions, and the aim is to work ahead of challenging problems instead of when emotions are really stirred up.

Updated Aug. 24, 2022
Child Learn & Play, Child, Parenting
Child

Build your child’s village—and teach them how to connect with each other

Because none of us can do this alone.

Updated Nov. 16, 2022
Child, Child Learn & Play, Parenting
Parenting

When saying goodbye is HARD—help your toddler manage separation anxiety

We can’t avoid separation, but we can help them learn how to cope.

Updated Oct. 12, 2021
Parenting, Toddler
Parenting

How to tell your child is realizing her human potential—year-by-year

People with realized human potential are separate, social and adaptive beings.

Updated Oct. 12, 2021
Parenting
Parenting

Why consequences don’t work—and what to do instead

Young children simply cannot think about how an action will affect them later. Here’s what you can do instead.

Updated Oct. 12, 2021
Parenting
Life

The mother in us is born, too

Mothering must rise up in us, not be scripted onto us.

Updated Oct. 12, 2021
Life
Parenting

Am I loved and cared for? Why every child should be able to answer ‘yes’

To help our children rest in our care we will need to give them more attention than they demand and more connection than they seek.

Updated Jun. 15, 2022
Parenting
Parenting

Your child’s tears are actually signs of resiliency + security

We can’t spare our children from all that comes with the world they live in—this is impossible. It is our job to make sure we don’t send them into it empty-handed.

Updated Jun. 15, 2022
Parenting
toddler jumping on the bed
Child Sleep

The bedtime battle plan that will make you all sleep easier

For kids, sleep represents a big separation from their caretakers—but you can help them overcome that discomfort.

Updated Mar. 23, 2023
Child Sleep, Child, Parenting
child wearing a sun hat
Children's Health

What kids fear at different ages & how to help them

New worries actually mean your child is growing more independent. 

Updated Mar. 23, 2023
Children's Health, Child, Child Learn & Play, Parenting, Toddler, Toddler Health, Toddler Learn & Play
Parenting

How to get to the bottom of whining—and give your kids the tools to avoid it later

Whining is the emotion of frustration and in order to help draw it out, we will need to come alongside it.

Updated Jan. 13, 2023
Parenting
Parenting

Why gratitude isn’t something you teach—but help your children feel

The problem lies in thinking emotions are lessons to be learned rather than feelings that need to be felt.

Updated Oct. 12, 2021
Parenting
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