Positive Discipline Parenting Blog
Sproutable’s Positive Discipline blog for nannies, au pairs and babysitters of children toddler to elementary school.
Real tips. Real talk. Read & grow.
Latest post
Halloween Activities for Nanny Kids
I love Halloween season! I know it’s not for everyone, but I look forward to the costumes, decorations, & festivities every year, and I especially love sharing the fun with my nanny charges. Here are[...]By Danielle Taylor
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Halloween Activities for Nanny Kids
I love Halloween season! I know it’s not for everyone, but I look forward to the costumes, decorations, & festivities every year, and I especially love sharing the fun with my nanny charges. Here are a few of my favorite books, activities, and tips to help make your Halloween a success with any age. Books […]By Danielle Taylor
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Teaching Flexibility to Kids
When we think of the character traits and skills we hope our children have when they grow up, flexibility is likely on the list. Partly because they may be currently living in the land of strong-willed rigidity. If their favorite jammies are in the wash or you dare to give them the blue instead of the […]By Julietta Skoog
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Teaching Persistence
When we think of the character traits and skills we hope our children have when they grow up, persistence is likely on the list. This is because researchers like Alfie Kohn, Daniel Pink, and Carol Dweck, write that persistence, when built within, makes us more successful and happier. We all want our children to be […]By Julietta Skoog
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How to Be a Homework Helper Kids Actually Want Around
What is the best approach to helping kids with homework? I’d like to start this post by publicly apologizing for assigning entirely too much homework to my elementary students in the early 2010s. My intentions were good! I thought kids needed the extra practice, admin expected to see homework, and surely parents liked knowing what […]By Danielle Taylor
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Take Time for Training
One Positive Discipline tool that’s been especially meaningful in my work as a nanny is Take Time for Training. In short, this is simply teaching children something, often a practical life skill, before we expect them to do it themselves. Dr. Jane Nelsen breaks this down into four steps: Makes sense to me! We simply […]By Danielle Taylor
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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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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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Why Natural Consequences Work: A Nanny’s Guide to Positive Discipline That Builds Resilient Kids
As a nanny, Natural Consequences is one of my favorite ways to respond to children. In “Positive Discipline Parenting Tools,” Dr. Jane Nelsen explains that, “A natural consequence is anything that happens naturally, with no adult interference. When you stand in the rain, you get wet.” Why do we want children to face natural consequences, […]By Danielle Taylor
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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
Views Making the Most of School Breaks with Your Nanny Kids
When I was a teacher, it felt like we were never on school break, but now that I’m a nanny, it seems like kids are always on school break! Funny how that works. While school breaks can be fun and refreshing, they also have a way of disrupting routines and leave us with long days […]By Danielle Taylor
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