Positive Discipline Parenting Blog

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  […]

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 […]

Protecting & Supporting Your Child Through Divorce

Divorce can feel like the ground is shifting beneath you. It’s emotional, exhausting, and full of unknowns. And if you’re a parent, you’re not just navigating your own storm—you’re trying to protect your kids from being swept up in it, too. Supporting your children through divorce is incredibly hard.  You’re not alone. This is hard—I’m […]

Feelings, the First Foreign Language I Learned as a Parent

How will we practice? How are we going to teach them to name their feelings, express themselves clearly and assertively, and not internalize or explode their stress or negative emotions? When our children are scared, mad, or so sad, their irrational brain has taken over and is only able to yell, “Fight! Run away! Freeze!” We can guide our children into their “rational” brain by helping them feel safe and understood, while teaching them to name and express their feelings in positive ways.

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 […]