How Co-Regulation Can Help Calm Toddler Tantrums

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Feb 3, 2025 | Toddler, Preschooler

It’s dinnertime, the family is gathered around the table, and suddenly, your 4-year-old erupts into tears. The cause? Her sister has “more spaghetti” on her plate. In an instant, your peaceful family meal transforms into a whirlwind of emotions,...

Stop Your Child’s Hitting With 4 Empathy-Building Steps

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Jan 20, 2025 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Imagine you’re at a playdate, engrossed in conversation with your friend, when suddenly, a piercing cry cuts through the chatter. You turn to see your child, hand still raised, standing over a tearful friend. Your immediate reaction? “TELL THEM YOU’RE...

How to Handle Toddler Tantrums in Public

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Jan 6, 2025 | Toddler, Preschooler

As parents, we’ve all experienced that heart-stopping moment when our toddler decides to have a meltdown in a public place. Their cries echo through the space, and suddenly, all eyes are on you. It’s in these moments that we often feel the most vulnerable...

How to Respond Calmly to Your Child’s Mistakes

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Dec 23, 2024 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Imagine you’re four years old. You’ve just spilled your cup of milk all over the carpet. Your heart races as you hear footsteps approaching. How will your parent react? Will they yell and punish you, or will they respond with understanding and help you...

How to Teach Anger Management to Children: Break the Cycle of Spanking

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Dec 9, 2024 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Parents often find themselves in challenging situations with their children, especially when managing their anger. Recently, I had an eye-opening conversation with a father that perfectly illustrates this struggle. He shared a memory from his childhood: “I was 7...

Understanding and Responding to Child Lying: A Positive Parenting Approach

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Nov 25, 2024 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

As parents, we’ve all experienced those moments that test our patience and challenge our parenting skills. Recently, I found myself in such a situation – a seemingly simple question about breakfast that turned into a valuable lesson about child development and...