Positive Discipline Parenting Blog
Sproutable’s Positive Discipline blog for parents and caregivers of children toddler to elementary school.
Real tips. Real talk. Read & grow.
Latest post
Homework Battles: The 5 Step Reset
Semenay Erdoğan from Unsplash Do you dread the after school show down? When you ask whether they have any homework while preparing for battle? Or maybe it is after the sports and activities in the[...]By Julietta Skoog
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Summer Car Kit for Nannies
My school-aged nanny kiddos and I spend tons of time outside during summer break. We live in Seattle, so we’ve got to soak up the sun while we can! As I was recently restocking the back of my car for my tenth summer nannying (what?!), I figured I’d share some of my must-haves for anyone […]By Danielle Taylor
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3 Tips for Successful Playdates with Elementary School Kids
With warmer weather playdates are increasing. Our kids love playing with other kids! They are socially wired, and thrive through interactions with others. In the elementary years, kids still ask for playdates, especially through 2nd grade. 3rd graders and up often begin managing their own social plans, and “letting” parents know. It requires navigation and coordinating, particularly […]By Julietta Skoog
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What to Do When Nanny Kids Bite
The first time I encountered a biting situation, I was caring for two absolutely delightful toddlers in a nanny share. These kiddos had grown up together since they were about six months old and had become great friends. Both were (and continue to be) kind, loving, and sweet children...By Danielle Taylor
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School Break Survival Guide: Routines, Connection & Sanity-Saving Tips for Parents of K-5 Kids
I worked in schools as a school psychologist and school counselor, my husband is a teacher, and we have three children in elementary, middle and high school. So, as a family, our rhythm and calendars revolve around the school year cycle and we LIVE for the breaks! While they of course can be fun and […]By Julietta Skoog
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5 Tips to Get Your Baby to Sleep In
Does your baby wake up at 4am-5am? Infant early waking is usually an indication that something needs to change. Here are 5 tips to assess if these factors are contributing to those difficult early morning wakes. Light stimulation Even the smallest amount of morning light creeping through your window or under your door, stimulates your […]By Jade Folk
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You Connected Your Child with a Therapist… Now What?
Have you connected your child with a therapist or counselor and want to know how best to support your child on this journey? Before your child begins with a mental health provider, it can be helpful to ask them some questions. If you haven’t asked these questions and the relationship is already established, don’t fear, […]By Meghan R. Kaloper
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Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Nanny Kids
One of my favorite holidays to celebrate with children is Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day may be more representative of romantic love for some people, but I think it’s an awesome time to connect with my nanny kids, start conversations around consent and touch, and to celebrate platonic friendships, kindness, and LOVE. I know some adults who call it “Love Day” or “Friend Day” instead of Valentine’s - I think that’s a great sentiment.By Danielle Taylor
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Parent Self-Care and Coping with Sleep Deprivation
Parenting, especially in the early stages, often comes with, what feels like, endless sleepless nights. Coping with sleep deprivation is so difficult to manage, and is at the same time crucial for maintaining your well-being and ability to care for your child effectively. Here are some tips for parent self-care while dealing with sleep deprivation. […]By Jade Folk
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8 Fun Things to do with an 8 Year Old
I’ve always been drawn towards working with young children, and I simply don’t have as much experience with the older elementary crowd that I do with the littles. Luckily, because of Positive Discipline, I know that my first step in caring for these 2nd, 3rd, & 4th graders is to focus on building connection. The […]By Danielle Taylor
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Getting kids’ sleep back on track after summer
Getting sleep back on track after the end of summer can be challenging. Maybe you were living it up, keeping your young ones out late for more summer fun, or perhaps you were trying to keep routines consistent, but the bright summer evening light delayed bedtime for your little ones. Either way, I know we […]By Jade Folk
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