The “No Secrets” Rule: A Strategy For Preventing Child Abuse

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Aug 24, 2021 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Teach children about secrets & surprisesNo secrets ruleSo what about surprises? Teach children about secrets & surprises Secrets are an abuser’s best friend. An abuser will use secrets to control their victim and ensure that nobody finds out what is...

Ditch Sharing And Teach Turn-Taking: 5 Reasons It Works Better

by Paige Shiels | Jul 29, 2021 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Sharing vs. Turn-taking5 Reasons to Teach Turn-takingHow to Teach Turn-TakingMore Support for Sibling Struggles  “Mom, I had it first!” “No, I did.” “It was mine!” “I don’t want to share.” Push, hit, grab…One kid is crying, one child is screaming. Eventually,...

Teaching Body Safety to Children: 3 Essential Strategies for Parents

by Paige Shiels | Jul 18, 2021 | Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Start When They’re YoungTeach Anatomically Correct NamesUse Storytelling to Help Kids Understand  Start When They’re Young One of the most common questions I get when teaching about consent and body safety is, when will our children be old enough to...

How To Embrace Your Curious Kid’s Constant Questioning

by Paige Shiels | Jul 5, 2021 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Why Do Kids Ask, “Why?”5 Practical Ways to Respond to Your Curious ChildMore Ways to Understand Your ChildKey Takeaways Picture this: you’re in the car, you’ve been driving for all of 5 minutes, and your child has already asked you: “Why do I have to wear shoes?”“Why...

How To Encourage Politeness And Good Manners Without Forcing

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Jul 5, 2021 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

3 Ways to Raise Respectful Kids1. Modelling Manners2. Narrate the Process3. Trust the Process More Support for Raising Respectful Child  “How can I make my child say please and thank you?” This is one of the most common questions I get from parents. Honestly, the...

Attention Seeking Behaviours: 3 Connection-Building Tips For Parents

by Paige Shiels | May 18, 2021 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Attention-Seeking Behaviour Is Connection-Seeking3 Ways to Foster Connection1. Plan Time With Your Child2. Notice the Behaviour You Want to See3. Teach New Ways to Ask for ConnectionMore Support for Challenging Behaviour Are your children engaging in challenging...