What if my child doesn't learn to read? What if they fall behind in school? What if my child gets bullied? What if they never become independent? If you frequently find yourself asking questions like these, your worrier may be taking charge. This is your parent-brain on high alert, constantly scanning for threats—both real and imagined. When did we parents get a memo that we are supposed to be on high alert all the time? Are we really supposed to anticipate every possible obstacle, prevent...

To your kids you say: “You can’t do that today.” Their reaction: “You’re so mean!” And off they storm. Your instinct may be to follow them. “I’m not being mean. I’m saying, no, because…” You explain. They argue. You explain again. They have another comeback. Suddenly, the conversation is no longer about what you said no to. It’s about whether you’re mean. And now you’re arguing about the argument. What if you just let them have the last word? Not because they’re right. Not because you’re...

I had the pleasure of joining Rebecca Greene on The Whinypaluza Podcast for an honest conversation about parenting, communication, boundaries, conflict, and guilt. We discussed why children may tune out repeated explanations, how parents can recognize their emotional buttons, and why children do not always need to agree with a boundary. They simply need to understand and follow it. I also shared practical ways parents can help children manage big emotions, repair relationships after difficult...