Positive Discipline Parenting Blog
Sproutable's Positive Discipline blog.
Real tips. Real talk. Read & grow.
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Feelings, the First Foreign Language I Learned as a Parent
I was visiting a friend last week and we got to talking about Family Meetings (spend more than an hour with me and this family meeting thing is likely to come up). He rolled his[...]By Julietta Skoog
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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.By Julietta Skoog
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Secret Browsers and Navigating Screens with Tweens & Teens
This week, a post in the Joyful Courage for Parents of Teens Facebook group really hit home for me. A mom was grappling with her 12-year-old son, who managed to bypass his school’s tech filters by using a “fake algebra website” to access blocked sites like TikTok and Fortnite. As you can imagine, she was […]By Casey O'Roarty
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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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Avoiding Baby Sleep Transitions
Are you finding yourself avoiding a sleep transition with your baby? Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed at the thought of starting, worried about how it might unfold, and how it might impact you and your family. If so, please know that you're not alone in these sentiments. I've been there, and navigated a similar situation with my own baby! Despite being well-versed in sleep coaching methodologies, I still found myself avoiding a transition, and that's because no matter who you are, transitions can be hard and stressful!By Jade Folk
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How to Help Your Teen Quit Vaping: A Compassionate Approach
When talking about vaping or nicotine use, it’s important to recognize that addiction isn’t just physical — it’s mental, too. The brain becomes accustomed to the release of dopamine when using nicotine, and soon, it craves that reward. This "mental brainwashing" can make it incredibly difficult for your teen to quit, even if they know the health risks and the consequences. So, how do we help our kids break free from this cycle?By Casey O'Roarty
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Infant Nap Transitions
Infant naps change drastically over the first few years of life. As your little one grows, so do their sleep needs. See below for practical insights to help you smoothly navigate the first year of baby’s nap changes, ensuring both you and your baby rest easy during the transitions.By Jade Folk
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5 Things to Know About the Science of Sleep
Here are 5 important things to know about the science of sleep (and how it can help your baby sleep better). Circadian Rhythm and the suprachiasmatic nucleus The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a small region in the brain’s hypothalamus that rules the body’s internal clock, or circadian pacemaker. It helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and […]By Jade Folk
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