by Chris Jones | Jan 14, 2021 | Parenting Skills, Parenting Tips
Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Over 70% of U.S. moms say that mothering is “incredibly stressful” and now the pandemic has intensified this pressure. Studies also show that chronically stressed parents tend to be more insensitive to their kids’ needs,...
by Chris Jones | Jan 8, 2021 | Parenting Skills, Parenting Tips
As we watch the news unfold, remember that our kids are watching us. Children expect adults in their lives to provide protection and security. When current events are disturbing or worrisome to us, children may pick up on our emotional cues and respond behaviorally....
by Chris Jones | Dec 16, 2020 | Parenting Tips, Preteens & Teens, Technology
Over a decade ago, I needed a drastic change. Within days, my father died and my daughter was born. These life-altering events made me think about the brevity of our time here, and question how I was spending it. I didn’t like where we seemed to be headed, with...
by Chris Jones | Nov 30, 2020 | Leisure & Vacation, Parenting Skills, Parenting Tips
The beginning of the New Year is a good time to reflect upon your goals and desires for yourself as a parent and for your family as a group. In today’s 24/7 world we are often moving so fast and trying to accomplish so much at once that we forget to really be...
by Chris Jones | Nov 20, 2020 | Leisure & Vacation, Mental Health, Parenting Skills, Parenting Tips
This year’s holiday season will likely be different than in years past. Yet, with a bit of reflection, planning, creative problem-solving, and open communication, it is possible to still make it wonderful. Try these seven tips: 1. Acknowledge your feelings You may be...
by Chris Jones | Nov 20, 2020 | Mental Health, Parenting Skills, Parenting Tips
Today’s youth are experiencing higher stress levels and increased isolation brought on by the COVID crisis, including challenges with distance learning. We want our kids to be resilient, but how do we, as parents and caregivers, help them build this important skill?...
by Chris Jones | Oct 19, 2020 | Parenting Skills
Recent years have brought a global pandemic, political upheaval, and other tragedies of violence and stress to our communities and the world. With frightening current events filling the constant news loops and real-time images on social media, many families—adults and...
by Chris Jones | Oct 19, 2020 | Discipline & Behavior, Parenting Skills, Parenting Tips, Preschool, Toddlers
During these challenging and uncertain times, children are socializing in very small groups, if at all. Although a small “social pod” is certainly better than having no opportunity to get together with friends, it can be challenging for children to get along well when...
by Chris Jones | Jul 8, 2020 | Parenting and Race, Parenting Skills, Parenting Tips
In response to the events following George Floyd’s death, my son’s first grade Montessori teacher hosted a family Zoom lesson on “Difference, Respect, and Empathy.” The lesson focused on accepting, celebrating, and learning about those different from us and emphasized...
by Chris Jones | Jul 2, 2020 | Parenting Skills, Parenting Tips
Does it drive you crazy when your kids say, “I’m bored”? It may be helpful to examine three possible ways to respond to their cries of boredom. The reply you choose depends on how you want to solve the boredom problem. It’s crucial to clarify your intention because...
