Relationship-based strategies that help children feel safe, connected and supported.
You sit down beside your child with a toy. You make a suggestion. Nothing. You try another toy. Ask a question. Make a funny sound. Call their name. Still not much response. When we are trying to help a child connect, communicate or play with us, it can be very easy to start doing more….
You’ve given the warning. You’ve packed the bag. You’re already running late. And your child is still at the playground saying: “I’m NOT leaving!” It can be tempting to move immediately into more instructions. “Come on.” “Shoes on.” “I already told you.” “We need to go now.” But when a child is becoming upset, repeating…
“I won’t let you hit.” “The iPad is finished.” “We aren’t buying that today.” “It’s time to leave.” Children need boundaries. They also need connection. And these two things are not opposites. A boundary does not have to come with anger, withdrawal, shame or disconnection in order to be effective. We can be clear about…