CORE TOPICS

Mindset Shift: See Every Situation as a Teaching Opportunity

Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth. When we shift our mindset to see everyday challenges as chances to teach and connect, even the hard moments become meaningful. Every meltdown, mess, and misstep is a chance to build character, empathy, and trust.

Screen Shot 2019-11-26 at 11.11.40 AM.pn

Every child is different, but many go through a phase of picky eating. If mealtimes feel like a battle in your home, you're not alone. It’s a common challenge, but there’s hope and help!

Picky eating can stem from many things: sensory sensitivities, control struggles, or just normal developmental stages. The good news is, most kids grow out of it with patience and consistency.

Here are a few gentle strategies that can help:

Create a no-pressure table: Offer new foods alongside familiar favourites, and avoid forcing bites. Curiosity grows in a safe space.
Make food fun: Try cutting fruits and veggies into fun shapes, or let your child help in the kitchen. Ownership can lead to interest!
Establish routine: Regular meals and snacks help kids come to the table hungry but not desperate.
Model adventurous eating: When kids see you trying new things with a positive attitude, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Celebrate small wins: Even licking a new food is progress for some kids!

Most importantly, take a deep breath. This stage doesn’t define your child—or your parenting. With time, patience, and a few creative tools, mealtimes can become more peaceful for everyone.

PICKY EATERS

All kids have tough days—some show it with tears, others with silence, and many with full-blown temper tantrums. If you’re in a season where meltdowns feel constant, you’re not failing. You’re parenting a small human still learning how to handle big feelings.

Tantrums are developmentally normal, seen more frequently in the lives of toddlers and preschoolers, but even with our older children. Temper tantrums are often a sign that a child is overwhelmed, tired, hungry, and mostly a struggle with a lack of control.

Here are a few ways to navigate tantrums with patience and perspective:

Stay calm: It’s not always easy, but your calm helps regulate your child’s chaos.
Acknowledge feelings: Try saying, “You’re really upset right now. I’m here to help you calm down.” Validation builds trust.
Set clear boundaries: Being kind doesn’t mean being permissive. Hold your limits gently but firmly.
Offer choices: Empowering your child with simple options (“Red cup or blue cup?”) gives them a sense of control in a safe way.
Reflect later: Once the storm has passed, help your child name their feelings and think about other ways to respond next time.

You’re doing important and hard work. Tantrums aren’t a reflection of your failure—they’re a reflection of your child’s growth. Keep showing up with love and grace. It matters more than you know.

TEMPER TANTRUMS

POTTY READINESS

Potty training is a big milestone—but it’s not a race. Like all areas of development, every child is different. Some are ready early, while others take a little longer to get there. And that’s okay.

Readiness is more than just age. It’s about your child’s physical development, emotional readiness, and even personality. Forcing it too soon can lead to power struggles and frustration—for both of you!

Here are a few gentle tips to guide the process:

Watch for signs: Staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the toilet, or discomfort with dirty diapers are all signs your child might be ready.
Make it positive: Read fun books, let them pick out underwear, or use stickers to encourage them to keep going. Keep it an encouraging atmosphere!
Let them lead: Invite, don’t pressure. Kids are more successful when they feel in control of the process.
Expect accidents: They're a normal part of learning. Respond calmly, and reassure your child that mistakes are okay.
Keep perspective: There’s no prize for training the fastest. What matters is helping your child succeed at the right time for them.

You’re not behind. Your child isn’t behind. When they’re ready, it’ll click—and your calm support will make all the difference.

Even the closest siblings have their moments of conflict. From toy battles to shouting matches, sibling rivalry can wear on even the most patient parent. But take heart—these struggles are normal and can actually be opportunities to teach lifelong relationship skills.

Rivalry often comes from a desire for attention, fairness, or control. Rather than aiming to eliminate conflict entirely, focus on helping your kids learn how to work through it in healthy ways.

Here are a few tools that can help:

Avoid comparisons: Celebrate each child’s uniqueness without using one as the standard for another.
Coach, don’t referee: Help them find words to express their feelings and brainstorm solutions instead of always stepping in to solve it.
Model reconciliation: Let them see you apologize, forgive, and make things right in your own relationships, especially with them.
Create connection: Build positive moments between siblings—shared games, projects, or even silly traditions help bond them over time.
Normalize conflict: Teach them that disagreements happen, and what matters is how we respond.

You’re raising people with big emotions and who are learning to share space and love. Keep showing up, guiding gently, and reminding them they’re on the same team.

SIBLING RIVALRY

They just wanted to have a cute family photoshoot, so we went to the forest… and, well, they are so

POSITIVE PARENTING TOOLS

Positive parenting isn’t about being permissive or letting kids run the show—it’s about leading with connection, respect, and calm authority. It’s the model of a “backbone parent”: firm but kind, steady but compassionate.

Kids thrive when they know their parents are both strong and safe. They need clear boundaries and a nurturing presence. Positive parenting teaches our children that love and limits can go hand in hand.

Here’s how you can practice it daily:

Stay calm under pressure: Your tone teaches more than your words. When you keep your cool, you model emotional regulation.
Set clear expectations: Be consistent and kind when holding boundaries—children feel secure when they know what to expect.
Validate feelings: Saying “I see you're upset” doesn’t excuse misbehaviour—it shows empathy and builds trust.
Discipline with teaching, not shame: Guide your child toward better choices rather than punishing out of anger.
Lead by example: Show respect, honesty, and patience—even when it’s hard. They’re always watching and learning.

Being a backbone parent means standing strong in your values while staying soft in your approach. You don’t have to choose between being loving and being in charge. You can be both—and your child will grow stronger because of it.