“I Hate Oatmeal!”
Saturday, October 6 2012
My husband was making a pot of oatmeal for breakfast last weekend, and it was time for the family to come to the table. But our 8-year-old son saw that the oatmeal wasn’t the kind
Tag: Staylistening
An Olympic Sports Day Staylistening
Friday, October 5 2012
It was sports day at my children’s new school. My daughter, 8, was in the first of her races and was keen to “get a place,” as she put it – meaning she wanted to
Stupid F*(&#! Pillow!
Tuesday, September 25 2012
My daughter, who is 7, had trouble separating at bedtime, and went through a period of crying every bedtime, without relief or change, when she wasn’t allowed to sleep in my bed. I let her
Listening Time Clears My Mind
Saturday, September 22 2012
I was going through a particularly stressful time. I wasn’t sleeping well, and often felt impatient with my kids, and not available enough for them. I had a consultation with a Hand in Hand consultant:
Not Liking Her Father’s New Partner
Tuesday, September 11 2012
I told my daughter that another parent from her school would be taking her into school that day because we carpool. She was upset and cranky about it for 45 minutes, and wanted me to
My Children’s Limbic Radar Picking Up My Extra Attention
Saturday, August 25 2012
I recently attended the Hand in Hand Weekend Retreat and wanted to report on what happened upon my return home. The retreat was wonderful. I was surrounded by beautiful redwoods, had fabulous meals prepared for
Helping my Daughter Cry
Saturday, June 30 2012
After school one day, my daughter, who is 7, and I had some time together on our own and went out for a hot chocolate. In the café, as we talked about various things, she
A Little Listening Cleared Up the Vision
Monday, June 18 2012
A sweet 9-year-old student whom I tutor came in the other day in a somewhat low-key mood. He got ready to do the math that I had planned for him. We were working on calculating
How A Gentle Approach to Aggression Made Our House a Home
Thursday, June 14 2012
I was so sad when they were not getting along and my oldest was hitting and biting, particularly because I had read so many books and was from the beginning practicing attachment parenting and positive discipline.
Helping my Child Become Who She is Meant to Be
Sunday, June 10 2012
I wasn’t sure if she would be different after in the days following, but now that a few weeks have passed I can tell you the answer is yes…My frenetic daughter, whom people often would suggest was hyperactive, is now calm and even-keeled. She remains an energetic, highly curious child, but no one would ever use the word hyperactive.
Listening to My Sons Helps Them Share
Thursday, May 31 2012
My three-year-old and I had a Special Time during my older son’s piano lesson. When it ended and was time to pick my older son up, my younger son asked if he could get stickers
How I Helped My Son Stop Biting
Wednesday, May 30 2012
Resolving the biting issue was a priority over other jobs I had, and I rationed my energy and attention to deal with his new aggression. I reduced the time I spent on my household work (I did very minimum vacuum cleaning, dish washing and cooking!) to stay close by when my sons were together so I could reach in before things escalated.
Beyond Breastfeeding
Tuesday, May 1 2012
My 2-1/2-year old son was tired. It was past his nap time. As I laid him down for his nap, he looked up at me very lovingly and said, “Can I have some of your
Helping my Son’s Friend “Unroll” his Feelings
Friday, April 27 2012
My 3-year old son and his slightly younger friend had a play date at our house. There was a bowl with a snack roll in it made of grains and fruit. Frank picked a muesli
Listening Our Way to Cooperation
Wednesday, April 25 2012
There was a five-year-old boy in my Kindergarten group who had been giving little signs of distress for a few days, showing that he was not relaxed. He threw a few toys, hit a few