Discussing Estranged Family With Your Child

by Shannon Wassenaar | Dec 11, 2023 | Preschooler, Big Kid

What to Expect When Discussing Tricky Family Dynamics With KidsHow to Discuss Tricky Family Dynamics With KidsHow to Respond to Big Feelings and Tricky Questions2 Ways to Nurture Safe Relationships Final Thoughts Key Takeaways Maria’s father was very close with her...

Balancing Magic And Truth: How To Talk To Kids About Santa

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Dec 1, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

One day, my daughter came to me and said, matter-of-fact, “Mom, I know Santa’s not real.” I got down to eye level with her and invited her to tell me more. “I just know that he’s made up,” she said. I wondered out loud if there was anything she wanted me to know. She...

Sensory-Related Hitting: Effective Strategies for Parents

by Shannon Wassenaar | Nov 3, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Table of ContentsThe Nervous System’s Role Get Curious About Your Child’s Sensory NeedsHow to Stop Your Child From HittingPunishments, Threats, Bribes, and Ignoring Aren’t EffectiveOther Reasons Your Child Is Hitting More Support to End Challenging Behaviour There are...

The Ultimate Guide For Aggressive, Lying, Whining, And Defiant Behaviours

by Shannon Wassenaar | Oct 24, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Table of ContentsHow to Create Long-lasting Change Need #1: Sensory Need #2: EscapeNeed #3: Attention/ConnectionNeed #4: Accessing a Tangible Item or ActivityNeed #5: Stability Get Curious By Tracking BehaviourFinal Thoughts Imagine this: Your child starts to whine as...

Understand The “Whining Phase” And What You Can Do About It

by Shannon Wassenaar | Oct 24, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Table of ContentsWhy ‘Use Your Words’ Doesn’t WorkWhy Children Continue to Whine Identify What Triggers Your Child’s WhiningAnticipate Your Child’s NeedsTeach Your Child New Ways to CommunicateFinal Thoughts Matteo started whining from the minivan’s back seat,...

Why Children Lie And How To Encourage Honesty

by Shannon Wassenaar | Oct 23, 2023 | Preschooler, Big Kid

Table of ContentsLying Is a Normal Part of Child DevelopmentWhy Children Lie: It Serves a PurposeWhen Is Lying Is Acceptable?How to Foster Your Child’s Honesty Lies Are a Clue Into Your Child’s World  “We have five dogs at home.” Daniel overheard his 4-year-old...