Patty Wipfler Archives

Connection-Boosting Games To Play With Kids Of All Ages – From Toddlers To Teens

Sunday, January 30 2022

Here are 11 indoor games to generate fun and laughter for kids of mixed ages, from Hand in Hand Parenting founder Patty Wipfler. Another day at home? Clock-ticking slowly? Children not able to play

How 10 minutes Play Turned Thanksgiving Around

Tuesday, November 17 2020

By Kirsten Nottleson On Thanksgiving morning, my husband and I were both feeling a stressed trying to get the turkey, pie, cranberry relish, and salad ready to pack in the car. We were off to

How to be the Grandparent You Want to Be: An Interview with Hand in Hand Parenting’s Patty Wipfler

Sunday, September 30 2018

We know that grandparents can make a huge difference in the lives of their grandchildren. They can be another ear to listen. A teacher, a carer. Someone to share different ideas and viewpoints. They can

Five Ways to Help Kids That Hit, Kick, or Bite

Monday, October 2 2017

Sooner or later, almost every child gets carried away by strong emotions. For some children, it’s an everyday occurrence. We parents can get carried away ourselves, especially when we have one or more children

Whining? Potty Words? Hitting? How Does Your Child Tell You She Needs You?

Sunday, September 3 2017

My three-year old daughter had been seeking quite a bit of connection from me for the last day or two. She had been employing all of the tactics we’ve developed over time to get me

How Emergency Special Time Helps an Aggressive Sibling

Sunday, August 27 2017

Early one morning, my seven-year-old daughter began to be aggressive with her younger brother. She insisted that he play with her—and on her terms. He did his best to tell her no, but he wasn’t

Boy with head in hands at dinner table in a post about handling picky eaters

How Can I Handle My Child’s Picky Eating Without Disrupting the Whole Family?

Thursday, August 24 2017

Setting Limits and Staylistening Those of you with picky eaters are familiar with requests—or demands—for “something else” to eat. Rigidity around food is like rigidity around anything else: it signals a need for help. We

12 Fun Outdoor Games For Solving Power Struggles With Kids

Saturday, August 5 2017

“Mom! He’s being mean to me.” “She’s weird. I don’t want to play with her.” “They never give me a turn.” “He won’t let us climb the tree.” “She always gets to go first! Just

Does My Child Read Too Much?

Friday, January 27 2017

Dear Hand in Hand, My daughter’s school is really pushing reading. They constantly say how reading opens the world and makes for a more ready and open learner. I’ve always thought I was quite lucky

5 Strategies to Help When You Feel Judged On Your “Softer” Parenting Style

Monday, January 23 2017

Connection parenting can seem unfamiliar, daunting, and even strange to family members and friends. Unless you have tried the power of play and giggles to ease away tension and stress, joking with your moody

Before Parents Can Parent with Empathy They Need Empathy

Friday, October 7 2016

Your son just throttled your baby on the head. The baby is screaming. You hoist her up, and scream at your child. “Why did you do that?!” He starts crying, so now there’s two of

15 Connection-Building Books for Parents

Thursday, September 15 2016

Our founder, Patty Wipfler’s book Listen, Five Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges, is a treasure trove of anecdotes and wisdom drawn from her 40 years working with children and families. At the

Two Ways To Stop Your Downward Parenting Spiral

Thursday, September 8 2016

Parents’ intense feelings for their children, the everyday grind of daily life, emotional ties and pressure from society are all big contributors in this topsy-turvy whirl of emotions, she says. “Parenting is emotional work because we love our children so much,” said Patty. “Most parents have never felt that intensity of love before their first child. They would do anything for them. It’s overwhelming.”

What is a Listen Book Club? Tools, Clubs and Classes at Hand in Hand

Thursday, September 8 2016

Dear Hand in Hand Parenting I read Patty and Tosha’s book LISTEN recently and found it really useful. I’ve been trying out some of the tools at home and have seen some big differences. My

10 Surprising People That You Can Share Listen With

Monday, August 22 2016

Now we’re asking you to spread the word and get “Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges” heard by others that don’t yet know about it.

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