Positive Discipline Parenting Blog

Sproutable's Positive Discipline blog.

Real tips. Real talk. Read & grow.

Latest post

Teaching Body Positivity to Nanny Kids

I remember feeling absolutely gutted when the sweet kindergartener I used to nanny for made a passing comment about her “big tummy” as we were reading books together one afternoon. I was heartbroken, shocked, and absolutely[...]

By Danielle Taylor

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Minimizing Phone Drama with Tweens and Teens

This is a conversation that needs to happen frequently, whether you want to get it right setting up limits for a younger adolescent or if you have an older teen who’s been using devices for a while. Spoiler: screens are always an issue! When Should You Get Your Kid a Phone?

By Casey O'Roarty

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Raising Good Humans

I just finished reading “Raising Good Humans” by Hunter Clarke-Fields. I’m constantly reading parenting books, and I’d happily recommend “Raising Good Humans” both to nannies and parents who are new to mindful parenting or who want to brush up on Positive Discipline tools and strategies.

By Danielle Taylor

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Tips for Eating Out with Young Kids

How do you feel when you go to a restaurant with your kids? Relaxed and happy? Anxious and stressed? Do you brace yourself for the disaster or embrace the opportunity to take it public? The reframe is that the challenge of eating out is also the chance at practicing social and executive functioning skills and strengthening your relationship. Try these tips to make eating out with children actually fun (gasp!).

By Julietta Skoog

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Three Superpowers When Your Nanny Child Isn’t Listening

One of the most common questions I see on nanny and parenting forums is, “What do I do when my kid won’t listen?” We’ve all been there! It’s challenging and can be embarrassing when your nanny charge simply will not listen to what you’re asking them to do, especially because we are professionals. Thanks to Positive Discipline, I have three strategies that consistently work.

By Danielle Taylor

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Joyful Courage & Sproutable: one space for all parents & caregivers

We began merging our backgrounds in psychology, early child development, public health, counseling, mindfulness, social emotional learning, social justice, racial equity and Positive Discipline, joining forces to go farther than either of us could do on our own. We used innovation, technology, Alanna’s idea of videos of REAL families, and an online platform to share the helpful, immediately useful and mutually-respectful tools world wide.

By Julietta Skoog

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Embracing pretend play with kids

It’s been a bit of a surprise for me over the last few years to realize that playing pretend isn’t as easy as I once thought.  I know I sure enjoyed it as a child, but as an adult it can feel just a bit tedious, repetitive, and perhaps is not the most engaging part of the day.  However, playing pretend with your nanny kiddos is a great way to build connection!  I also see pretend play really building those life skills that we want to see in our nanny charges when they are adults. 

By Danielle Taylor

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Getting kids to cooperate through fun and play

How do I get a child to listen without yelling or nagging? How do I invite cooperation through fun and play? One Positive Discipline tool that makes a big difference in my days as a nanny is keeping a sense of humor. Working with children is inherently funny, so lean in! At Sproutable we are […]

By Danielle Taylor

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Preparing kids for flu shots + vaccines

Kids have been getting shots since they were little, and yet it feels like each time a flu shot or vaccine comes around it is a totally new ordeal. While parents may be relieved at the protection, guess who is NOT doing a happy dance. The kids! Most dread that larger than life needle. So how do you prepare kids for vaccines and possible after effects? We’ve got tips to help.

By Julietta Skoog

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Reconnecting with your nanny child after a tough day

Even the best nannies and loveliest kiddos have tough days sometimes. It’s inevitable! But part of our job as a professional is coming back the next day refreshed and ready to try again. This can be easier said than done. How do we reconnect with our nanny kiddos after a particularly challenging day? Here’s what I do. Self-Care How can we care for others when our cup is empty?

By Danielle Taylor

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Teaching Consent & Body Autonomy to Nanny Children

Fostering an environment with a focus on consent and body autonomy is one of my top priorities as a nanny. I always want my nanny charges to feel like they are in charge of their bodies and what happens to them. This is secondary only to keeping them safe while they’re with me.

By Danielle Taylor

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