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...

Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s School Separation Anxiety

by Shannon Wassenaar | Oct 5, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

6 Causes of Separation Struggles in ChildrenCommon Signs of Separation Anxiety”Prepare for the Goodbye” to Help Overcome School-Related Separation AnxietyA Note for Parents Disclaimer: The information and strategies presented in this blog are intended to...

Supporting Your Shy Child: Help Them Make Friends At School

by Shannon Wassenaar | Sep 12, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Why Your Child Might Be ShyHow to Encourage CommunicationBuild Their Confidence and ResilienceHelping Your Child Navigate Social Challenges at SchoolShyness Is Not Bad  Angelo is a slow-to-warm second-grade student who recently moved to a new school. At drop-off, he...

Understanding Tantrums For Highly Sensitive Kids

by Shannon Wassenaar | Jul 27, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Table of ContentsUnderstanding the Highly Sensitive ChildExperiencing Tantrums as a Highly Sensitive Child3 Ways to Help Highly Sensitive Children Self-Care for Parents of Highly Sensitive ChildrenHighly Sensitive Kids Aren’t BadKey Takeaways Does your child ever have...

The Magic of Play: Responding to Tantrums with Fun and Laughter

by Shannon Wassenaar | Jul 27, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler

Table of Contents4 Reasons Why You Should Respond to Tantrums With Play Reason #1: Play Is a Toddler’s Language Reason #2: Playfulness Can Shift a Toddler’s AttentionReason #3: Play Can Help Children Make Sense of Their WorldReason #4: Play Is Essential for Child...