Positive Parenting

I refuse to raise a polite girl

I will not teach my daughter that she needs to morph into a watered-down version of herself to make other people more comfortable.

You need a break…before you break, mama

Put your feet up and relax. Please.

I don’t know who needs to hear this today but—you are enough

It is easy (entirely too easy) to look at ourselves as the lesser version of our reality. We can be our biggest critics and shamers. Our own worst enemies.

How hugging defuses a tantrum—almost every time

At first it was counterintuitive—why should my kid get a hug when they're screaming in my face? But connection was transformative in my child's behavior—and my own.

Why I’m letting my child choose their own clothes

Turns out there's more to style than matching your socks to your shirt.

11 soothing phrases to say when your child is crying

These calming phrases work a whole lot better than "don't cry."

Gentle parenting is hard—especially when everything else feels hard, too

But here are two good reasons to stay calm, even when you're struggling.

How to help your perfectionist child

It can be heartbreaking to hear a child say, "I can't do anything right."

After-school restraint collapse is real—here’s how to help your child

It's natural for kids to release their emotional, mental and physical energy as soon as the school day ends.

Your child ca​n’t be “too attached”

Here's why clinginess can be a good sign.

Dear firstborn—thanks for showing me the way

You are the incredible gift who gave me my cherished title of ‘mother.’

Aggression in toddlers: 5 common reasons for hitting + biting

They are full of energy—that energy can overcome them and they start acting kind of crazy.

Breastfeeding for weight loss is a harmful message for postpartum moms

It's not about "bouncing back."

7 delicious (and easy!) ice cream recipes to make with your toddler

BRB, making all of these now.

This is my secret weapon for dealing with mom rage

Sometimes we scream because we don't feel heard. Sometimes we scream because the stress inside feels like it has to come out. Sometimes we scream because the physical demands of motherhood are so heavy that we have to moan and find a way to give voice to the struggle.

Science confirms that ‘mom brain’ is real

How a woman's brain changes after having a baby.

Why is my potty-trained child regressing? Here’s what to do, mama

How to handle potty training regression, according to a Montessori teacher.

6 easy ways to foster anti-racism in babies + toddlers

No child is "too young" to be taught how to be an anti-racist.

What I wish we discussed about parenting before having kids

Here's what we actually talked about—and what we SHOULD have talked about.

Shaming a child for behavior doesn’t work—here’s what does

Punishment and shame don't create positive behavior change. Here's why experts say there's a better way.