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❄️ A thousand times, we’ve walked outside and felt the cold air rush up and meet us, sneaking under our coat sleeves and beneath our hats. We’ve run home in the rain and wished we’d brought a rain jacket. We’ve jogged in place to keep ourselves warm when we weren’t dressed warmly enough.

⛄️ Kids? They haven’t had nearly as many opportunities to see that cold feels COLD.

🧣Our best friend when they’re resisting the seventy layers we want to put on them? Just let them feel the cold. Maybe only for a few minutes, maybe (if we can stand it) until they realize that cold is *cold* and want to put on warmer layers.

🌲 Because eventually, we want them to know how to dress themselves for the weather, and “because I said so” doesn’t stay nearly as long in the brain as “because I don’t want to feel cold!”

⚡ This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net ⚡ ⁣

Follow us here @curious.parenting for more raising resilient, curious kids. ⚡🌈⁣⁣

Also, hi! We missed you 👋🏼

❄️ A thousand times, we’ve walked outside and felt the cold air rush up and meet us, sneaking under our coat sleeves and beneath our hats. We’ve run home in the rain and wished we’d brought a rain jacket. We’ve jogged in place to keep ourselves warm when we weren’t dressed warmly enough.

⛄️ Kids? They haven’t had nearly as many opportunities to see that cold feels COLD.

🧣Our best friend when they’re resisting the seventy layers we want to put on them? Just let them feel the cold. Maybe only for a few minutes, maybe (if we can stand it) until they realize that cold is *cold* and want to put on warmer layers.

🌲 Because eventually, we want them to know how to dress themselves for the weather, and “because I said so” doesn’t stay nearly as long in the brain as “because I don’t want to feel cold!”

⚡ This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net ⚡ ⁣

Follow us here @curious.parenting for more raising resilient, curious kids. ⚡🌈⁣⁣

Also, hi! We missed you 👋🏼

You’ve just tackled the Herculean task of folding 1,000 pint-sized pieces of toddler clothing, and you're standing back, feeling pretty darn proud of your neat stacks. Then, in a blink, your little one barrels through, accidentally creating chaos and unfolding just about everything. 🙈

Your partner or friend turns to you and says one of the following things:

1: "It’s okay! You can fold them all again!"
2: “Ugh, that’s so frustrating! I know you worked hard on that. It makes sense to be feeling disappointed.”

Just like us grown-ups, kids crave empathy when those big emotions hit. But let's be real, supporting those tiny humans through their emotional rollercoasters can be a tough gig.

That's why we're so excited for the release of "Tiny Humans, Big Emotions," dropping on October 10th! We're huge fans of @seed.and.sew and their game-changing approaches to nurturing emotional intelligence in kids. This book is like a front-row ticket to a parenting revolution. Drop a book emoji below, and we'll slide you the link to pre-order your copy.

Oh, and the fun doesn't stop there – join us in Seattle for a LIVE emotions workshop with our friend, author Alyssa Blask Campbell. Just drop a "Seattle" in the comments, and we'll send you the deets! 😉

You’ve just tackled the Herculean task of folding 1,000 pint-sized pieces of toddler clothing, and you're standing back, feeling pretty darn proud of your neat stacks. Then, in a blink, your little one barrels through, accidentally creating chaos and unfolding just about everything. 🙈

Your partner or friend turns to you and says one of the following things:

1: "It’s okay! You can fold them all again!"
2: “Ugh, that’s so frustrating! I know you worked hard on that. It makes sense to be feeling disappointed.”

Just like us grown-ups, kids crave empathy when those big emotions hit. But let's be real, supporting those tiny humans through their emotional rollercoasters can be a tough gig.

That's why we're so excited for the release of "Tiny Humans, Big Emotions," dropping on October 10th! We're huge fans of @seed.and.sew and their game-changing approaches to nurturing emotional intelligence in kids. This book is like a front-row ticket to a parenting revolution. Drop a book emoji below, and we'll slide you the link to pre-order your copy.

Oh, and the fun doesn't stop there – join us in Seattle for a LIVE emotions workshop with our friend, author Alyssa Blask Campbell. Just drop a "Seattle" in the comments, and we'll send you the deets! 😉

So, your little one dropped the classic "I don't want to go to school" bomb, huh? First off, take a deep breath – you're not alone in this. Then, remind yourself: they’re really trying to tell me how they FEEL right now (although it sure can feel like they’re trying to run the show.)

We can make room for these tough feelings without changing our plans. We can let kids know we totally get how hard it is to leave home. We can remind them that their toys will be waiting for them after school. And we can tell them that we’ll be thinking of them…even when we’re not with them.

Was going to school easy or difficult for you as a kid? If it was difficult, what do you think would have made it easier?

Psst..your support made this post possible. Want more? Join our community on Patreon & check out our website for more cool stuff, like our “Holding Space for Hard Feelings” printable!

So, your little one dropped the classic "I don't want to go to school" bomb, huh? First off, take a deep breath – you're not alone in this. Then, remind yourself: they’re really trying to tell me how they FEEL right now (although it sure can feel like they’re trying to run the show.)

We can make room for these tough feelings without changing our plans. We can let kids know we totally get how hard it is to leave home. We can remind them that their toys will be waiting for them after school. And we can tell them that we’ll be thinking of them…even when we’re not with them.

Was going to school easy or difficult for you as a kid? If it was difficult, what do you think would have made it easier?

Psst..your support made this post possible. Want more? Join our community on Patreon & check out our website for more cool stuff, like our “Holding Space for Hard Feelings” printable!

🌈 Anyone else notice lots of resistance when you try to push kids to do something? Sometimes, in the business of everyday life, it’s easy to forget it’s not “us vs. them”.

When we make demands, kids see us as obstacles in getting what they want. Kids will see us as the problem, rather than their own choices.

When we partner with kids, kids see that we’re on their side. Kids will see their own choices as the path to getting what they want.

Have you noticed this with your own kids?

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈 Anyone else notice lots of resistance when you try to push kids to do something? Sometimes, in the business of everyday life, it’s easy to forget it’s not “us vs. them”.

When we make demands, kids see us as obstacles in getting what they want. Kids will see us as the problem, rather than their own choices.

When we partner with kids, kids see that we’re on their side. Kids will see their own choices as the path to getting what they want.

Have you noticed this with your own kids?

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

When we see kids as confident, capable people, they see themselves that way, too! Some things to put little kids in charge of:

⚡ Putting on their own coats
Teach them to “the coat flip”! Put the coat on the floor, have them put their toes at the top, put their hands in the holes, and then flip up! It takes practice, but once they get it…it’s a party.

⚡ Packing + carrying their own backpack
Going out? Have kids pack their own backpack. Some stuff to include: an extra diaper, a snack, a water bottle, a book and a toy.

⚡ Putting their dirty clothes in the laundry basket
Put a small laundry basket in their room. They can put their pajamas in there in the morning and clothes in there at night!

⚡ Choosing their own clothes
Whenever possible, let kids choose their own outfits. Alternatively, let them pick the top and you pick the bottoms (or vice versa).

⚡ Carrying their plate to the sink
And other meal time stuff like: carrying condiments to the table, making sure everyone has a fork or chopsticks, wiping off their high chair tray, sweeping under their seat with a handbroom.

⚡ Putting on their own shoes
Shoes without laces and rainboots are extra kid-friendly.

Want more? Grab our guide “Ways Little Kids Can Contribute” from our shop!

This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡ ⁣

Follow us here @curious.parenting for more raising resilient, curious kids. ⚡🌈⁣⁣

When we see kids as confident, capable people, they see themselves that way, too! Some things to put little kids in charge of:

⚡ Putting on their own coats
Teach them to “the coat flip”! Put the coat on the floor, have them put their toes at the top, put their hands in the holes, and then flip up! It takes practice, but once they get it…it’s a party.

⚡ Packing + carrying their own backpack
Going out? Have kids pack their own backpack. Some stuff to include: an extra diaper, a snack, a water bottle, a book and a toy.

⚡ Putting their dirty clothes in the laundry basket
Put a small laundry basket in their room. They can put their pajamas in there in the morning and clothes in there at night!

⚡ Choosing their own clothes
Whenever possible, let kids choose their own outfits. Alternatively, let them pick the top and you pick the bottoms (or vice versa).

⚡ Carrying their plate to the sink
And other meal time stuff like: carrying condiments to the table, making sure everyone has a fork or chopsticks, wiping off their high chair tray, sweeping under their seat with a handbroom.

⚡ Putting on their own shoes
Shoes without laces and rainboots are extra kid-friendly.

Want more? Grab our guide “Ways Little Kids Can Contribute” from our shop!

This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡ ⁣

Follow us here @curious.parenting for more raising resilient, curious kids. ⚡🌈⁣⁣

“Be good” is pretty vague. It might mean clean up your toys, don’t eat that bug, put on your jacket, stop licking the table legs, say hello to my colleague Susan…you get the idea. We’ll have better results by:

⚡Being specific about what we’d like kids to do
“You can ride in the cart or walk next to me, bud.”

⚡Adjusting the environment
“I know you’re feeling sooooo done with the mall. I am too. We’re leaving in five minutes.”

⚡Helping kids make safe choices
“I can’t let you bang on that plate. I’ll put it away, let’s find something else to use as a drum.”

Ready to feel confident & sure of your next steps when navigating challenging behavior? Our guide, “What’s Next After No” covers *all* the bases. Check it out in our shop! As always, we can help if money is tight, just send us an email.

This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡ ⁣

🌈 Follow @curious.parenting for more on raising liberated, compassionate kids.

“Be good” is pretty vague. It might mean clean up your toys, don’t eat that bug, put on your jacket, stop licking the table legs, say hello to my colleague Susan…you get the idea. We’ll have better results by:

⚡Being specific about what we’d like kids to do
“You can ride in the cart or walk next to me, bud.”

⚡Adjusting the environment
“I know you’re feeling sooooo done with the mall. I am too. We’re leaving in five minutes.”

⚡Helping kids make safe choices
“I can’t let you bang on that plate. I’ll put it away, let’s find something else to use as a drum.”

Ready to feel confident & sure of your next steps when navigating challenging behavior? Our guide, “What’s Next After No” covers *all* the bases. Check it out in our shop! As always, we can help if money is tight, just send us an email.

This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡ ⁣

🌈 Follow @curious.parenting for more on raising liberated, compassionate kids.

(In case you thought you were the only one.) Nearly all kids go through this phase! Here’s why:

1️⃣ They’re experiencing soooo many emotions for the first time(!) and don’t know how to regulate them yet. Remember your first heartbreak, when you thought for sure you were going to die? It’s kinda like that.
2️⃣ They are still developing communication skills to tell us (or the kid who stole their favorite dinosaur) what’s wrong yet.

Struggling with hitting, kicking, biting, and the rest? We’ve got you covered. Grab our guide “Responding to Hitting + Hurting,” available in our shop! Comment with your favorite food emoji + we’ll send the link to your DMs. Need it + can’t afford it? Send us an email!

This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡ ⁣

Follow us here @curious.parenting for more raising resilient, curious kids. ⚡🌈⁣⁣

(In case you thought you were the only one.) Nearly all kids go through this phase! Here’s why:

1️⃣ They’re experiencing soooo many emotions for the first time(!) and don’t know how to regulate them yet. Remember your first heartbreak, when you thought for sure you were going to die? It’s kinda like that.
2️⃣ They are still developing communication skills to tell us (or the kid who stole their favorite dinosaur) what’s wrong yet.

Struggling with hitting, kicking, biting, and the rest? We’ve got you covered. Grab our guide “Responding to Hitting + Hurting,” available in our shop! Comment with your favorite food emoji + we’ll send the link to your DMs. Need it + can’t afford it? Send us an email!

This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡ ⁣

Follow us here @curious.parenting for more raising resilient, curious kids. ⚡🌈⁣⁣

Silly or sad, listening to screaming coming from the backseat can make any drive feel…endless. Here are some of our favorite tips for making it to your destination without losing your mind.

What’s toughest about long drives for you?

Psst..your support made this post possible. Want more? Join our community on Patreon & check out our website for more cool stuff.

Silly or sad, listening to screaming coming from the backseat can make any drive feel…endless. Here are some of our favorite tips for making it to your destination without losing your mind.

What’s toughest about long drives for you?

Psst..your support made this post possible. Want more? Join our community on Patreon & check out our website for more cool stuff.

Our job as caregivers is to balance kids’ needs for autonomy along with their needs for health, hygiene + safety…and this can be really tough sometimes!

Finding that balance between flexible + firm is tricky. Things that can help:

💥 Acknowledging how kids are feeling…i.e. “I get it, you don’t want to do this!”
💥 Being flexible where we can. Sure, they’ve gotta brush their hair today, but maybe not tomorrow, when you’ll be home all day
💥 Finding consistency where we can: i.e. “We always put on pajamas after dinner. You know that’s the plan, and so do I!”

There’s more in our Responding to Resistance Quick Guide. Check it out on our website!

🌈 Follow @curious.parenting for more on raising liberated, compassionate kids.

Our job as caregivers is to balance kids’ needs for autonomy along with their needs for health, hygiene + safety…and this can be really tough sometimes!

Finding that balance between flexible + firm is tricky. Things that can help:

💥 Acknowledging how kids are feeling…i.e. “I get it, you don’t want to do this!”
💥 Being flexible where we can. Sure, they’ve gotta brush their hair today, but maybe not tomorrow, when you’ll be home all day
💥 Finding consistency where we can: i.e. “We always put on pajamas after dinner. You know that’s the plan, and so do I!”

There’s more in our Responding to Resistance Quick Guide. Check it out on our website!

🌈 Follow @curious.parenting for more on raising liberated, compassionate kids.

Think of the last time you said something you really regretted. Did you say it because you didn’t know it wasn’t nice?

Kids who say mean things are trying their hardest to tell us how they feel. We can help them most by showing them how to do that in a more constructive way.

In the moment, this could sound like:
⚡ “It sounds like you didn’t want Ethan to use your stuff.”
⚡ “Your words are telling me you’re feeling really angry.”
⚡ “You can say “I didn’t like it when you did that.”
⚡ “You can say “I want to be by myself.”
⚡ “If you want to tell Amara that you’re feeling angry, you can say “I’m angry!”

Kids who are super dysregulated aren’t really able to learn anything new, so it’s best to save the chats until after things have calmed down. Once things have blown over, we can share with kids:

“The thing about name calling is that it doesn’t really get your needs met. When you call someone a name or say something mean to them, they usually don’t want to help or listen to you.”

“We say mean things when we’re feeling sad or angry…and we can tell people that. You could say ‘I felt really sad when you said I couldn’t play,’ or ‘I’m feeling angry that you used my markers.’”

When does name calling show up the most at your house? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

Psst..your support made this post possible. Want more? Join our community on Patreon & check out our website for more cool stuff.

Think of the last time you said something you really regretted. Did you say it because you didn’t know it wasn’t nice?

Kids who say mean things are trying their hardest to tell us how they feel. We can help them most by showing them how to do that in a more constructive way.

In the moment, this could sound like:
⚡ “It sounds like you didn’t want Ethan to use your stuff.”
⚡ “Your words are telling me you’re feeling really angry.”
⚡ “You can say “I didn’t like it when you did that.”
⚡ “You can say “I want to be by myself.”
⚡ “If you want to tell Amara that you’re feeling angry, you can say “I’m angry!”

Kids who are super dysregulated aren’t really able to learn anything new, so it’s best to save the chats until after things have calmed down. Once things have blown over, we can share with kids:

“The thing about name calling is that it doesn’t really get your needs met. When you call someone a name or say something mean to them, they usually don’t want to help or listen to you.”

“We say mean things when we’re feeling sad or angry…and we can tell people that. You could say ‘I felt really sad when you said I couldn’t play,’ or ‘I’m feeling angry that you used my markers.’”

When does name calling show up the most at your house? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

Psst..your support made this post possible. Want more? Join our community on Patreon & check out our website for more cool stuff.

Three good reasons to move away from euphemisms for genitalia with kids:

🌈 They’re a body part like every other body part. We don’t have special names for elbows or earlobes, why have them for genitals?

🌈 It keeps kids safe. If anyone ever touches a child inappropriately, kids can tell us exactly what’s going on.

🌈 It normalizes genitals and helps kids feel comfortable with their bodies. We want kids to be able to communicate with doctors and future partners without shame or embarrassment.

Is using the ‘correct’ terms easy or tough for you? Did you grow up using them? Tell us in the comments!

Psst..your support made this post possible. Want more? Join our community on Patreon & check out our website for more cool stuff.

Three good reasons to move away from euphemisms for genitalia with kids:

🌈 They’re a body part like every other body part. We don’t have special names for elbows or earlobes, why have them for genitals?

🌈 It keeps kids safe. If anyone ever touches a child inappropriately, kids can tell us exactly what’s going on.

🌈 It normalizes genitals and helps kids feel comfortable with their bodies. We want kids to be able to communicate with doctors and future partners without shame or embarrassment.

Is using the ‘correct’ terms easy or tough for you? Did you grow up using them? Tell us in the comments!

Psst..your support made this post possible. Want more? Join our community on Patreon & check out our website for more cool stuff.

We can raise resilient problem solvers by using language that seeks to understand and address needs, rather than looking for someone to blame or punish (even if that person is ourselves!)

🌈 Sometimes, the guilt and shame of doing something "wrong" is so heavy it keeps us from solving the problem. If we were blamed or punished every time we broke something or made a mistake, our gut reaction might still be to look for someone to blame, rather than work towards a solution. It is hard work to unlearn the harmful patterns we learned as kids. Let's be gentle with ourselves: we are learning and growing, too.

⚡ When we problem-solve together, kids learn that there doesn't need to be a 'bad guy' when things get bumpy-the important thing is that we work together to fix it. This can help shift us from the never-ending "it's not my fault!" cycle and help us remember we're all on the same team.

Psst..your support made this post possible. Want more? Join our community on Patreon & check out our website for more cool stuff.

We can raise resilient problem solvers by using language that seeks to understand and address needs, rather than looking for someone to blame or punish (even if that person is ourselves!)

🌈 Sometimes, the guilt and shame of doing something "wrong" is so heavy it keeps us from solving the problem. If we were blamed or punished every time we broke something or made a mistake, our gut reaction might still be to look for someone to blame, rather than work towards a solution. It is hard work to unlearn the harmful patterns we learned as kids. Let's be gentle with ourselves: we are learning and growing, too.

⚡ When we problem-solve together, kids learn that there doesn't need to be a 'bad guy' when things get bumpy-the important thing is that we work together to fix it. This can help shift us from the never-ending "it's not my fault!" cycle and help us remember we're all on the same team.

Psst..your support made this post possible. Want more? Join our community on Patreon & check out our website for more cool stuff.

Bedtime rituals can help us build warm, cozy associations with bedtime. Knowing what to expect helps kids relax, and doing the same things every night literally sends signals to their bodies that it's time to get sleepy & rest.

What's your family's favorite bedtime ritual? Tell us below!

Bedtime rituals can help us build warm, cozy associations with bedtime. Knowing what to expect helps kids relax, and doing the same things every night literally sends signals to their bodies that it's time to get sleepy & rest.

What's your family's favorite bedtime ritual? Tell us below!

Part 2 of 2! Check our feed for Part 1.

CW: Discussion of CSA

It’s a common myth that teaching kids about "stranger danger" will protect them from sexual abuse. The truth is that most of the time (over 90% of the time, in fact), abuse happens at the hands of someone the child knows and trusts.

There are strangers that are safe people…and there are people close to us who might not be. What kids really need to know is how to recognize strange behavior no matter who the person is.

By empowering our kids with the right tools, we can help protect them.

Part 2 of 2! Check our feed for Part 1.

CW: Discussion of CSA

It’s a common myth that teaching kids about "stranger danger" will protect them from sexual abuse. The truth is that most of the time (over 90% of the time, in fact), abuse happens at the hands of someone the child knows and trusts.

There are strangers that are safe people…and there are people close to us who might not be. What kids really need to know is how to recognize strange behavior no matter who the person is.

By empowering our kids with the right tools, we can help protect them.

Our job is to balance kids' needs for autonomy along with their needs for health, hygiene + safety. and this can be really tough sometimes!

Finding that balance between flexible + firm is tricky.

Things that can help:
🌈Acknowledging how kids are feeling...i.e. "I get it, you don't want to do this!"
🌈Being flexible where we can. Sure, they've gotta brush their hair today, but maybe not tomorrow, when vou'll be home all day
🌈Finding consistency where we can: i.e. "We always put on pajamas after dinner. You know that's the plan, and so do I!"

Ready for more on what teaching bodily looks like in real life? Join us on Sunday for Curious Parenting 101! Details in highlights.

Our job is to balance kids' needs for autonomy along with their needs for health, hygiene + safety. and this can be really tough sometimes!

Finding that balance between flexible + firm is tricky.

Things that can help:
🌈Acknowledging how kids are feeling...i.e. "I get it, you don't want to do this!"
🌈Being flexible where we can. Sure, they've gotta brush their hair today, but maybe not tomorrow, when vou'll be home all day
🌈Finding consistency where we can: i.e. "We always put on pajamas after dinner. You know that's the plan, and so do I!"

Ready for more on what teaching bodily looks like in real life? Join us on Sunday for Curious Parenting 101! Details in highlights.

CW: Discussion of CSA

It’s a common myth that teaching kids about "stranger danger" will protect them from sexual abuse. The truth is that most of the time (over 90% of the time, in fact), abuse happens at the hands of someone the child knows and trusts.

There are strangers that are safe people…and there are people close to us who might not be. What kids really need to know is how to recognize strange behavior no matter who the person is.

By empowering our kids with the right tools, we can help protect them.

Grab the full printable from our website (it’s free).

Tune in later this week for part 2.

CW: Discussion of CSA

It’s a common myth that teaching kids about "stranger danger" will protect them from sexual abuse. The truth is that most of the time (over 90% of the time, in fact), abuse happens at the hands of someone the child knows and trusts.

There are strangers that are safe people…and there are people close to us who might not be. What kids really need to know is how to recognize strange behavior no matter who the person is.

By empowering our kids with the right tools, we can help protect them.

Grab the full printable from our website (it’s free).

Tune in later this week for part 2.

Modeling is the most powerful tool in our toolbox. Kids literally have brain cells called “mirror neurons” that are built to do what they see us do. Kids learn how to react to the world by watching how WE react.

They watch to see what we do in new or scary situations.

They listen to the way that we talk to them and other people.

They take notes on how to approach life from us.

The more model resilience, empathy, and kindness—the more of those traits they’ll pick up themselves…pretty cool when you think about it!

What are you hoping your kids are seeing? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

🎬 tt: funny_family79

Modeling is the most powerful tool in our toolbox. Kids literally have brain cells called “mirror neurons” that are built to do what they see us do. Kids learn how to react to the world by watching how WE react.

They watch to see what we do in new or scary situations.

They listen to the way that we talk to them and other people.

They take notes on how to approach life from us.

The more model resilience, empathy, and kindness—the more of those traits they’ll pick up themselves…pretty cool when you think about it!

What are you hoping your kids are seeing? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

🎬 tt: funny_family79

Happy Earth Day, Earthlings!

Nature contains alligator jaws and hummingbird wings. There is room for toughness, tenderness, and everything in between.

Empower kids to make a difference! We've got a guide on raising eco-conscious kids. Help kids connect with nature and become the environmental leaders of tomorrow.

Check it out at curiousparenting.net.

Happy Earth Day, Earthlings!

Nature contains alligator jaws and hummingbird wings. There is room for toughness, tenderness, and everything in between.

Empower kids to make a difference! We've got a guide on raising eco-conscious kids. Help kids connect with nature and become the environmental leaders of tomorrow.

Check it out at curiousparenting.net.

We tend to view childhood as a dress rehearsal for some hypothetical future. There’s so much pressure to prepare kids for the “real world” that we forget they’re ✨already living in the real world.✨ Kids are already living fully as human beings, experiencing all the joys and challenges that come with it. They're forming memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. They're not just on their way to becoming a whole person—they already are one.

Kids are learning, growing, and exploring the world around them with a sense of wonder and curiosity that's hard to replicate in adulthood. So let's not sell childhood short. Let's celebrate all the amazing things that make this time so special, and give kids the space and freedom to be themselves. Because at the end of the day, childhood isn't just a stepping stone to real life—it *is* real life.

☀️ Your support makes our work possible. Explore more at: www.curiousparenting.net ✨

We tend to view childhood as a dress rehearsal for some hypothetical future. There’s so much pressure to prepare kids for the “real world” that we forget they’re ✨already living in the real world.✨ Kids are already living fully as human beings, experiencing all the joys and challenges that come with it. They're forming memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. They're not just on their way to becoming a whole person—they already are one.

Kids are learning, growing, and exploring the world around them with a sense of wonder and curiosity that's hard to replicate in adulthood. So let's not sell childhood short. Let's celebrate all the amazing things that make this time so special, and give kids the space and freedom to be themselves. Because at the end of the day, childhood isn't just a stepping stone to real life—it *is* real life.

☀️ Your support makes our work possible. Explore more at: www.curiousparenting.net ✨

A large part of human communication is nonverbal, and yet the world cannot understand nor accept when someone does not speak at all. It's time we think more deeply about how we interact with one another and understand that our worth is not tied to our ability to speak.

We got to partner with author Tiffany Hammond (she/her) for this post. Tiffany is an autistic person and mama to Aidan, a 16-year-old nonspeaking teenager. “We don’t often think of all the ways we communicate without speech because speech is something that we can always rely on or fall back on when we need to,” she tells us. “The world prioritizes it.”

“While Aidan does not speak he is expressive in so many other ways. He talks through and with his hands. His eyes tell so much about what he is feeling and what he is thinking. There’s so much he can tell you, without telling you,” Tiffany explains.

Tiffany wrote the picture book “A Day With No Words” about her family’s experience. This colorful and engaging picture book shares what life can look like for families who communicate in a nonverbal way, utilizing tools (like tablets) to embrace their unique method of "speaking."

“A Day With No Words” is out May 9! Check out our stories to get a copy for your shelves.

A large part of human communication is nonverbal, and yet the world cannot understand nor accept when someone does not speak at all. It's time we think more deeply about how we interact with one another and understand that our worth is not tied to our ability to speak.

We got to partner with author Tiffany Hammond (she/her) for this post. Tiffany is an autistic person and mama to Aidan, a 16-year-old nonspeaking teenager. “We don’t often think of all the ways we communicate without speech because speech is something that we can always rely on or fall back on when we need to,” she tells us. “The world prioritizes it.”

“While Aidan does not speak he is expressive in so many other ways. He talks through and with his hands. His eyes tell so much about what he is feeling and what he is thinking. There’s so much he can tell you, without telling you,” Tiffany explains.

Tiffany wrote the picture book “A Day With No Words” about her family’s experience. This colorful and engaging picture book shares what life can look like for families who communicate in a nonverbal way, utilizing tools (like tablets) to embrace their unique method of "speaking."

“A Day With No Words” is out May 9! Check out our stories to get a copy for your shelves.

What’s your go-to parenting phrase, and where did you pick it up? 👇🏽👇🏻👇🏿

Ready for more quick, actionable parenting wins? 🚀

Join us for the LIVE class, Curious Parenting 101. We've taken all the top Curious Parenting content and packaged it into a simple, easy to follow class.

Drop your favorite animal emoji or comment “class” and we’ll DM you the details.

We'll lead you through a guided, 90-minute virtual learning session, complete with live Q&A, digital content for continued at-home learning, and exclusive access to the Curious Parenting team for follow-up support.

What’s your go-to parenting phrase, and where did you pick it up? 👇🏽👇🏻👇🏿

Ready for more quick, actionable parenting wins? 🚀

Join us for the LIVE class, Curious Parenting 101. We've taken all the top Curious Parenting content and packaged it into a simple, easy to follow class.

Drop your favorite animal emoji or comment “class” and we’ll DM you the details.

We'll lead you through a guided, 90-minute virtual learning session, complete with live Q&A, digital content for continued at-home learning, and exclusive access to the Curious Parenting team for follow-up support.

Who ✨hasn’t✨ felt the frustration of kids not listening? It's easy to jump to conclusions and assume they're being "naughty" or that we’re doing something wrong, but there are so many other reasons why kids may not be paying attention.

Sometimes they're just tired, hungry, or overwhelmed. They might not fully understand what we're asking them to do. And let's face it, kids are easily distracted by the endless interesting things around them (i.e. everything, they just got to this planet, let’s give them a second).

What makes it hard for your kids to listen?

☀️ This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net ✨

Who ✨hasn’t✨ felt the frustration of kids not listening? It's easy to jump to conclusions and assume they're being "naughty" or that we’re doing something wrong, but there are so many other reasons why kids may not be paying attention.

Sometimes they're just tired, hungry, or overwhelmed. They might not fully understand what we're asking them to do. And let's face it, kids are easily distracted by the endless interesting things around them (i.e. everything, they just got to this planet, let’s give them a second).

What makes it hard for your kids to listen?

☀️ This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net ✨

When we want kids to do something they’re uncomfortable with, it can help to ask what our goals are. Do we just want kids to do the thing? Do we want kids to feel empowered by doing the thing? Do we want kids to take joy in doing the thing? Do we want kids to learn that new experiences can be scary but exciting?

Kids need to be safe and prepared for the world. They also need autonomy & practice making their own choices—the ones that feel right to them. When kids are resistant to try something, we can see it as an opportunity to connect & collaborate on a solution that meets everyone’s goals.

⚡ We want kids to know: The reason to try something is because you want to. Not because someone else thinks you should, or is pressuring you to say yes. The person who knows best what you are ready for is you.

Kids who are raised without pressure will:

⚡ Be less likely to coerce others
“I wanted to kiss Chloe when I dropped her off, but she didn’t want to, so we hugged instead.”

⚡ Trust their intuition
“I wanted tonight to be fun, but something doesn’t feel right. I’m going to call for a ride home.”

⚡ Advocate for themselves
“I know you really want to, but I don’t want to do that yet.”

When we want kids to do something they’re uncomfortable with, it can help to ask what our goals are. Do we just want kids to do the thing? Do we want kids to feel empowered by doing the thing? Do we want kids to take joy in doing the thing? Do we want kids to learn that new experiences can be scary but exciting?

Kids need to be safe and prepared for the world. They also need autonomy & practice making their own choices—the ones that feel right to them. When kids are resistant to try something, we can see it as an opportunity to connect & collaborate on a solution that meets everyone’s goals.

⚡ We want kids to know: The reason to try something is because you want to. Not because someone else thinks you should, or is pressuring you to say yes. The person who knows best what you are ready for is you.

Kids who are raised without pressure will:

⚡ Be less likely to coerce others
“I wanted to kiss Chloe when I dropped her off, but she didn’t want to, so we hugged instead.”

⚡ Trust their intuition
“I wanted tonight to be fun, but something doesn’t feel right. I’m going to call for a ride home.”

⚡ Advocate for themselves
“I know you really want to, but I don’t want to do that yet.”

Don’t think of a narwhal. You’re probably picturing a narwhal. Think of a llama regally galavanting. Now you’re picturing a llama regally galavanting. Simply put, our brain automatically interprets “don’t” statements as “do” statements, and then has to back up and figure out what’s actually going on.

This is why it’s most helpful for kids to hear what they *can* do, rather than what they *can’t* do. When we tell kids they can’t do something (“don’t bite”), they first have to process what we’re talking about (bite) and then reframe it as a negative (don’t). ⁣⁣

If you’re ready for more super simple, super powerful shifts like this, join us for “Start Here.” In this live workshop, we’ll help you zero in on the most impactful strategies…the ones that ✨really✨ make a difference.

Comment “workshop” or drop your favorite animal emoji and we’ll DM you the details!

Don’t think of a narwhal. You’re probably picturing a narwhal. Think of a llama regally galavanting. Now you’re picturing a llama regally galavanting. Simply put, our brain automatically interprets “don’t” statements as “do” statements, and then has to back up and figure out what’s actually going on.

This is why it’s most helpful for kids to hear what they *can* do, rather than what they *can’t* do. When we tell kids they can’t do something (“don’t bite”), they first have to process what we’re talking about (bite) and then reframe it as a negative (don’t). ⁣⁣

If you’re ready for more super simple, super powerful shifts like this, join us for “Start Here.” In this live workshop, we’ll help you zero in on the most impactful strategies…the ones that ✨really✨ make a difference.

Comment “workshop” or drop your favorite animal emoji and we’ll DM you the details!

If you're ready to throw caution to the wind and raise kids who love books, here's a few ways to do it:

📚 Let them read however they want. Let go of doing it “right” and laugh about the joys of skipping ahead, re-reading one page for an hour, or reading upside down.

📚 Let kids read the way. When kids get to pick what to read, they begin to develop their preferences and feel much more empowered by the process.

📚 Model reading. Kids are always more likely to imitate us than listen to us.

📚 Support their interests. Go to the library and nerd out with them on whatever strikes their fancy that year, or week, or minute.

📚 Try audiobooks. Some people prefer or require information to be available through sound. No need to make it weird—audiobooks have the same impact on the brain as reading off a page.

How do your kids prefer to read? What book have you read over and over? Tell us in below!

We’re ✨here✨ for raising book-loving kids who will grow up to be curious, empathetic, and knowledgeable...moral degeneration be hecked.

☀️ This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ✨

If you're ready to throw caution to the wind and raise kids who love books, here's a few ways to do it:

📚 Let them read however they want. Let go of doing it “right” and laugh about the joys of skipping ahead, re-reading one page for an hour, or reading upside down.

📚 Let kids read the way. When kids get to pick what to read, they begin to develop their preferences and feel much more empowered by the process.

📚 Model reading. Kids are always more likely to imitate us than listen to us.

📚 Support their interests. Go to the library and nerd out with them on whatever strikes their fancy that year, or week, or minute.

📚 Try audiobooks. Some people prefer or require information to be available through sound. No need to make it weird—audiobooks have the same impact on the brain as reading off a page.

How do your kids prefer to read? What book have you read over and over? Tell us in below!

We’re ✨here✨ for raising book-loving kids who will grow up to be curious, empathetic, and knowledgeable...moral degeneration be hecked.

☀️ This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ✨

Happy Siblings Day! My brother, sister and I chased each other around with rakes as kids—and not in a funny way. (I’m sure my mom ✨loved✨ getting 8395 calls about it while she was at work). On a camping trip a few years ago, we all discovered we had one shared favorite memory: watching Ice Age in the backseat on our TV/VCR while on the long drive to our grandma’s house. At the time, I never would have guessed they’d become my best friends, but, here we are!

All relationships are different, but there are some things that contribute to happier, more connected relationships between siblings:
🚀 No comparisons: Comparing siblings can contribute to resentment and jealousy. Steering clear of comparing their kids to each other helps them build a bond that will last a lifetime.
🚀 One-on-one time: Even if it's just a few minutes, individualized attention can help kids feel more secure and less envious of their siblings.
🚀 Family fun: Spending time on shared experiences, making memories and having fun together helps strengthen kids’ relationships.
🚀 Conflict resolution: When kids are allowed to build their conflict resolution skills, instead of being punished whenever it arises, they learn to compromise and listen to each other.
🚀 Empathy: Siblings who grow up in a culture where feelings are accepted and acknowledged have stronger bonds. Kids learn empathy by seeing us empathize!

Tell us below: Are you friends with your siblings? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

🔎 References:
Lamborn et al., 1991
Tucker, McHale, & Crouter, 2003
Padilla-Walker et al., 2010
Brody & Stoneman, 1994
McHale & Crouter, 1996

Happy Siblings Day! My brother, sister and I chased each other around with rakes as kids—and not in a funny way. (I’m sure my mom ✨loved✨ getting 8395 calls about it while she was at work). On a camping trip a few years ago, we all discovered we had one shared favorite memory: watching Ice Age in the backseat on our TV/VCR while on the long drive to our grandma’s house. At the time, I never would have guessed they’d become my best friends, but, here we are!

All relationships are different, but there are some things that contribute to happier, more connected relationships between siblings:
🚀 No comparisons: Comparing siblings can contribute to resentment and jealousy. Steering clear of comparing their kids to each other helps them build a bond that will last a lifetime.
🚀 One-on-one time: Even if it's just a few minutes, individualized attention can help kids feel more secure and less envious of their siblings.
🚀 Family fun: Spending time on shared experiences, making memories and having fun together helps strengthen kids’ relationships.
🚀 Conflict resolution: When kids are allowed to build their conflict resolution skills, instead of being punished whenever it arises, they learn to compromise and listen to each other.
🚀 Empathy: Siblings who grow up in a culture where feelings are accepted and acknowledged have stronger bonds. Kids learn empathy by seeing us empathize!

Tell us below: Are you friends with your siblings? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

🔎 References:
Lamborn et al., 1991
Tucker, McHale, & Crouter, 2003
Padilla-Walker et al., 2010
Brody & Stoneman, 1994
McHale & Crouter, 1996

Has this come up with the kids in your life yet?

Two things are true: fat is a descriptive word like anything else AND nobody likes to hear other people talk about their bodies. Here are some ways to navigate this very common conversation when it comes up:

⚡When kids ask: “why is that person fat?”
We can say: "Just like some people have curly hair or straight hair, some people have smaller bodies, and some people have bigger bodies.”

⚡When kids say: “you’re fat” to someone.
To your kid: “You didn’t know this, but nobody likes to hear other people talk about their bodies.”

To the person: “Thanks for your understanding—we haven’t talked about this yet; we will now.”

⚡When kids ask “why are some people fat?”

We can say: “Fat is how people store energy from the food they eat. Each person’s body uses and stores energy differently.”

“People come in all shapes and sizes…and we can’t really tell anything about who someone is from what their body looks like.”

Kids should get to see bodies of all shapes and sizes. Check our stories for some of our favorite books that do this. 🌈

Has this come up with the kids in your life yet?

Two things are true: fat is a descriptive word like anything else AND nobody likes to hear other people talk about their bodies. Here are some ways to navigate this very common conversation when it comes up:

⚡When kids ask: “why is that person fat?”
We can say: "Just like some people have curly hair or straight hair, some people have smaller bodies, and some people have bigger bodies.”

⚡When kids say: “you’re fat” to someone.
To your kid: “You didn’t know this, but nobody likes to hear other people talk about their bodies.”

To the person: “Thanks for your understanding—we haven’t talked about this yet; we will now.”

⚡When kids ask “why are some people fat?”

We can say: “Fat is how people store energy from the food they eat. Each person’s body uses and stores energy differently.”

“People come in all shapes and sizes…and we can’t really tell anything about who someone is from what their body looks like.”

Kids should get to see bodies of all shapes and sizes. Check our stories for some of our favorite books that do this. 🌈

What’s an essential thing you’ve shared with your kids? Tell us below.

Imagine a world where every single person grew up knowing in their bones that they could trust their feelings, manage their difficult emotions, and figure out even the most overwhelming of situations.

A world where everyone realized that being kind wasn’t just noble—it was FUN, and where mistakes were seen as the building blocks of growth and learning. We have the ability to help kids internalize these truths from the beginning…and that’s real power.

What’s an essential thing you’ve shared with your kids? Tell us below.

Imagine a world where every single person grew up knowing in their bones that they could trust their feelings, manage their difficult emotions, and figure out even the most overwhelming of situations.

A world where everyone realized that being kind wasn’t just noble—it was FUN, and where mistakes were seen as the building blocks of growth and learning. We have the ability to help kids internalize these truths from the beginning…and that’s real power.

What’s harder: being gentle/curious/respectful with kids or being gentle/curious/respectful with yourself?

What’s harder: being gentle/curious/respectful with kids or being gentle/curious/respectful with yourself?

Getting kids to listen and follow instructions can feel like an uphill battle. When kids repeatedly refuse to do what we ask, it can feel like we’re losing control. Thoughts might start sounding a lot like “if you would JUST LISTEN!”

If this is a familiar story, you’re not alone. It’s absolutely normal to want to feel calm, collected, and in control. Take a deep breath and remind yourself these feelings are normal and okay.

At the same time, remind yourself that—caught up in a power struggle of making kids listen—it gets hard to see their needs, or even our own. It gets challenging to find solutions that work for everyone.

When this happens, it can be so powerful to slow down and ask, "What's the Actual Goal here?" It's not always about *making* kids do something. It’s often about finding ways to work *with* them to accomplish our goal.

When we shift our focus to our Actual Goals, we open up the door to more creative solutions and a more connected relationship.

Have you noticed this in your own life? Tell us in the comments!

#slowdown #focusongoals #parentinggoals

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

Getting kids to listen and follow instructions can feel like an uphill battle. When kids repeatedly refuse to do what we ask, it can feel like we’re losing control. Thoughts might start sounding a lot like “if you would JUST LISTEN!”

If this is a familiar story, you’re not alone. It’s absolutely normal to want to feel calm, collected, and in control. Take a deep breath and remind yourself these feelings are normal and okay.

At the same time, remind yourself that—caught up in a power struggle of making kids listen—it gets hard to see their needs, or even our own. It gets challenging to find solutions that work for everyone.

When this happens, it can be so powerful to slow down and ask, "What's the Actual Goal here?" It's not always about *making* kids do something. It’s often about finding ways to work *with* them to accomplish our goal.

When we shift our focus to our Actual Goals, we open up the door to more creative solutions and a more connected relationship.

Have you noticed this in your own life? Tell us in the comments!

#slowdown #focusongoals #parentinggoals

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

Do you ever feel like you're in a constant battle with kids over choices? You offer them two options for snack, and suddenly they want something completely different. You ask if they’d rather put on pajamas with rockets or jellyfish, and they act like you just suggested watching paint dry.

If this is a familiar story at your house, you’re not alone! When you get that inevitable “neither,” remind yourself that this is all part of the process of kids learning to be independent. How can they become a separate person if they go along with our plans all the time??

Take a deep breath and say something like:

🌈 “I totally get it, you really don’t want to do this right now. And: we still need to do it.”
🌈 “Not into either of those? Let’s see what other ideas we can come up with.”
🌈 “I can choose if you don’t want to.”
🌈 “Hmm, sounds like you need a third option. What’s your plan?”
🌈 “Alright I’ll pick…and I pick wash hands first!”
🌈 “I hear that. The problem is, this is something we need to get done today. Hmm…”

When kids are allowed a say in their own lives, they feel more confident *and* are more likely to cooperate (some of the time). So keep this one in your parenting toolbox!

✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising curious, confident kids. ⁣

Do you ever feel like you're in a constant battle with kids over choices? You offer them two options for snack, and suddenly they want something completely different. You ask if they’d rather put on pajamas with rockets or jellyfish, and they act like you just suggested watching paint dry.

If this is a familiar story at your house, you’re not alone! When you get that inevitable “neither,” remind yourself that this is all part of the process of kids learning to be independent. How can they become a separate person if they go along with our plans all the time??

Take a deep breath and say something like:

🌈 “I totally get it, you really don’t want to do this right now. And: we still need to do it.”
🌈 “Not into either of those? Let’s see what other ideas we can come up with.”
🌈 “I can choose if you don’t want to.”
🌈 “Hmm, sounds like you need a third option. What’s your plan?”
🌈 “Alright I’ll pick…and I pick wash hands first!”
🌈 “I hear that. The problem is, this is something we need to get done today. Hmm…”

When kids are allowed a say in their own lives, they feel more confident *and* are more likely to cooperate (some of the time). So keep this one in your parenting toolbox!

✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising curious, confident kids. ⁣

Tag your funniest friend! 💥Getting playful with kids builds our connection with them *and* can lead to increased cooperation when we need to get stuff done. While none of us have the energy to do it all the time, it can be a stellar addition to the toolbox.

Some ways to do this:

🏴‍☠️Use a silly pirate voice: "Hoist the Jolly Roger, me hearty! Will ye kindly pick up yer toys and stash 'em in the treasure chest?"

🎙️Play a game of Simon Says: “Simon says twirl in a circle…simon says jump up and down…simon says put on your pants!”

🦊 Talk to a stuffed animal: “¡Hola, mi amor! It’s me, Fuzzy Owl. Your papa wanted me to tell you it’s time to turn the tablet off and come to the table for dinner!”

🤪 Add silly instructions: “As soon as your shoes are on, wiggle your nose like a bunny and hop to the door!”

📝 Write a note: Let’s see…it says “Dear Charlie, time to put PJs on and brush your teeth! All my love, Maddy”

P.S. We want to hear your silly/playful success stories in the comments! 👇🏽👇🏿👇🏻

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising curious, confident kids (and having fun while doing it!)

Tag your funniest friend! 💥Getting playful with kids builds our connection with them *and* can lead to increased cooperation when we need to get stuff done. While none of us have the energy to do it all the time, it can be a stellar addition to the toolbox.

Some ways to do this:

🏴‍☠️Use a silly pirate voice: "Hoist the Jolly Roger, me hearty! Will ye kindly pick up yer toys and stash 'em in the treasure chest?"

🎙️Play a game of Simon Says: “Simon says twirl in a circle…simon says jump up and down…simon says put on your pants!”

🦊 Talk to a stuffed animal: “¡Hola, mi amor! It’s me, Fuzzy Owl. Your papa wanted me to tell you it’s time to turn the tablet off and come to the table for dinner!”

🤪 Add silly instructions: “As soon as your shoes are on, wiggle your nose like a bunny and hop to the door!”

📝 Write a note: Let’s see…it says “Dear Charlie, time to put PJs on and brush your teeth! All my love, Maddy”

P.S. We want to hear your silly/playful success stories in the comments! 👇🏽👇🏿👇🏻

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising curious, confident kids (and having fun while doing it!)

Tag a friend with a non-driving baby at home...everyone *needs* this info!

And let us know when you finally knew this post couldn’t be real in the comments. Happy April Fools' Day! 😉

Tag a friend with a non-driving baby at home...everyone *needs* this info!

And let us know when you finally knew this post couldn’t be real in the comments. Happy April Fools' Day! 😉

When we have to get something done, it's easy to feel like force is our only option. The problem is that forcing and controlling kids inevitably increases their resistance, and causes them to dig their heels in even further.

Kids want to have control and choices in their lives (like all of us!) When they sense that we're on their side, and will do what we can to work with them when possible, they're much more likely to cooperate when those choices aren't available.

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

When we have to get something done, it's easy to feel like force is our only option. The problem is that forcing and controlling kids inevitably increases their resistance, and causes them to dig their heels in even further.

Kids want to have control and choices in their lives (like all of us!) When they sense that we're on their side, and will do what we can to work with them when possible, they're much more likely to cooperate when those choices aren't available.

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

You probably already know that “good job” has some drawbacks. When it’s the only thing kids hear, they tend to be less willing to take on challenges, and it’s harder for them pay attention to what *they* want and feel.

If you want to move on from “good job,” try expanding it!
🌈 Focus on the process: “Good job...I know you’ve really been working hard on that!”
🌈 Comment on something specific: “Good job…you used pipe cleaners for vines. How did you think to do that?”
🌈 Share how you feel: “Good job...I love having your help.”

You probably already know that “good job” has some drawbacks. When it’s the only thing kids hear, they tend to be less willing to take on challenges, and it’s harder for them pay attention to what *they* want and feel.

If you want to move on from “good job,” try expanding it!
🌈 Focus on the process: “Good job...I know you’ve really been working hard on that!”
🌈 Comment on something specific: “Good job…you used pipe cleaners for vines. How did you think to do that?”
🌈 Share how you feel: “Good job...I love having your help.”

When a new baby comes along, older kids are suddenly expected to share everything—toys, resources, attention—with them.

When we constantly intervene on the baby’s behalf, it can seem to kids like we’re always taking their side…which can make things tough between the big kid and the baby.

Older kids are left wondering: do you love the baby more than I do? Why do they get to have everything? I need to get this baby out of here!

Instead of making kids share with the baby, try this:

⭐️ Say nothing. If the baby isn’t upset, why should we be?⁣
⭐️ Encourage kids to trade: “If you want that ball, try trading the ball for something else the baby might want to play with!”
⭐️ Make room for feelings. You might say: “It’s hard to have a new person in the house who likes all your favorite toys, isn’t it?”⁣
⭐️ Let kids choose to share: “I hear Zoe waking up from her nap. Do you want to share your dinos with her, or should we put them away in your room?”

What’s your top trick for making the “new baby” transition easier? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff on our site! ⚡

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When a new baby comes along, older kids are suddenly expected to share everything—toys, resources, attention—with them.

When we constantly intervene on the baby’s behalf, it can seem to kids like we’re always taking their side…which can make things tough between the big kid and the baby.

Older kids are left wondering: do you love the baby more than I do? Why do they get to have everything? I need to get this baby out of here!

Instead of making kids share with the baby, try this:

⭐️ Say nothing. If the baby isn’t upset, why should we be?⁣
⭐️ Encourage kids to trade: “If you want that ball, try trading the ball for something else the baby might want to play with!”
⭐️ Make room for feelings. You might say: “It’s hard to have a new person in the house who likes all your favorite toys, isn’t it?”⁣
⭐️ Let kids choose to share: “I hear Zoe waking up from her nap. Do you want to share your dinos with her, or should we put them away in your room?”

What’s your top trick for making the “new baby” transition easier? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff on our site! ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising curious, confident kids. ⁣

When we, as grownups, move away using gendered language, we make room for all kids—regardless of gender—to be sensitive, adventurous, nurturing, and strong.

How have you made your home, childcare, or classroom more inclusive of every kid? Tell us in the comments!

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡ ⁣

🌈 Follow @curious.parenting for more on raising liberated, compassionate kids.

When we, as grownups, move away using gendered language, we make room for all kids—regardless of gender—to be sensitive, adventurous, nurturing, and strong.

How have you made your home, childcare, or classroom more inclusive of every kid? Tell us in the comments!

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡ ⁣

🌈 Follow @curious.parenting for more on raising liberated, compassionate kids.

There are as many different ways to approach the Easter Bunny as there are families in the world. The important thing for kids to know is that we all get to decide what matters most to us.

How does your family celebrate spring, rebirth, and renewal? Tell us in the comments!

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising curious, confident kids.

There are as many different ways to approach the Easter Bunny as there are families in the world. The important thing for kids to know is that we all get to decide what matters most to us.

How does your family celebrate spring, rebirth, and renewal? Tell us in the comments!

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising curious, confident kids.

If we’re holding the story in our heads that kids are “annoying” us, we’ll have a much harder time engaging with them, or having fun. At the same time: kids' behavior can be…challenging.

We can change the game by shifting our focus to channeling their energy, setting boundaries to protect ourselves, and understanding and addressing their needs.

The same qualities that can be challenging for us might end up changing the world. We want to create an environment that builds creativity, self-expression, and self-discovery. We have the power to provide kids with the tools and resources they need to be who they are AND navigate the world with confidence and ease.

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

If we’re holding the story in our heads that kids are “annoying” us, we’ll have a much harder time engaging with them, or having fun. At the same time: kids' behavior can be…challenging.

We can change the game by shifting our focus to channeling their energy, setting boundaries to protect ourselves, and understanding and addressing their needs.

The same qualities that can be challenging for us might end up changing the world. We want to create an environment that builds creativity, self-expression, and self-discovery. We have the power to provide kids with the tools and resources they need to be who they are AND navigate the world with confidence and ease.

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

We want kids to be strong, independent, and fierce. To help develop their sense of assertiveness and authenticity, these key phrases will help them set boundaries, speak up, and build autonomy so they can play, laugh, and jump in all the puddles.

What’s the most powerful thing you’ve taught the kids in your life to say?

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids.

We want kids to be strong, independent, and fierce. To help develop their sense of assertiveness and authenticity, these key phrases will help them set boundaries, speak up, and build autonomy so they can play, laugh, and jump in all the puddles.

What’s the most powerful thing you’ve taught the kids in your life to say?

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids.

We've all played the classic "you've gotta try at least one bite!" game. For some kids, it can feel like too much pressure, and they’ll dig their heels in and say “no way!”

Here are some fun, playful alternatives. Low-pressure invitations like this are helpful all kids—and *especially helpful* for autistic and highly sensitive kids who might feel a bit freaked out by new or unfamiliar foods.

Are there foods you’ve learned to like as an adult? What made the difference for you? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

Check out our guide “Ways to Invite Food Exploration” for 37 fun, playful ways to invite kids to be adventurous at the table. Find it on our website or join us on Patreon and get it as part of your membership! As always, if you need this guide and money is tight right now, send us an email: hello@curiousparenting.net

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids. ⁣

We've all played the classic "you've gotta try at least one bite!" game. For some kids, it can feel like too much pressure, and they’ll dig their heels in and say “no way!”

Here are some fun, playful alternatives. Low-pressure invitations like this are helpful all kids—and *especially helpful* for autistic and highly sensitive kids who might feel a bit freaked out by new or unfamiliar foods.

Are there foods you’ve learned to like as an adult? What made the difference for you? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

Check out our guide “Ways to Invite Food Exploration” for 37 fun, playful ways to invite kids to be adventurous at the table. Find it on our website or join us on Patreon and get it as part of your membership! As always, if you need this guide and money is tight right now, send us an email: hello@curiousparenting.net

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids. ⁣

Kids are going to say words we would rather them not yell in the grocery store. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the high seas when you hear language that would make a pirate blush.

Tell us something your kid said that had you like 😱😱😱

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

Kids are going to say words we would rather them not yell in the grocery store. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the high seas when you hear language that would make a pirate blush.

Tell us something your kid said that had you like 😱😱😱

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

Kids lie because a deep, connected relationship with us is crucial to them…in fact, it’s survival. It’s really scary to think about telling us anything that might damage that connection.

At the same time—it’s tough to be lied to, and it’s natural to focus all of our attention on how to teach kids it’s not okay to lie. The thing is, though, if we really want kids to be honest with us, we need to make it *safe* to tell the truth.

Some ways we can do this?
⚡ See mistakes as an opportunity to help kids grow, rather than something to put a stop to.
⚡ Tell the truth ourselves (especially when it’s hard)
⚡ Thank kids for being honest with us…especially when it’s tough to hear
⚡ Let kids know they don’t have to lie—we’re on their team and there to help them when they need it.

Why did you lie as a kid? What would have helped you tell the truth? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids. ⁣

Kids lie because a deep, connected relationship with us is crucial to them…in fact, it’s survival. It’s really scary to think about telling us anything that might damage that connection.

At the same time—it’s tough to be lied to, and it’s natural to focus all of our attention on how to teach kids it’s not okay to lie. The thing is, though, if we really want kids to be honest with us, we need to make it *safe* to tell the truth.

Some ways we can do this?
⚡ See mistakes as an opportunity to help kids grow, rather than something to put a stop to.
⚡ Tell the truth ourselves (especially when it’s hard)
⚡ Thank kids for being honest with us…especially when it’s tough to hear
⚡ Let kids know they don’t have to lie—we’re on their team and there to help them when they need it.

Why did you lie as a kid? What would have helped you tell the truth? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids. ⁣

While punishment can sometimes help us meet our needs in the short term, it tends to create way more resistance + conflict in the long term, and here’s why: it interrupts our connection with kids. Connection is our most powerful tool...and the one that will matter most when kids are out of the house.

This doesn’t mean that they should never experience the consequences of their actions…that is a natural part of life and an essential part of living together.

It’s all about our intentions and mindset. Are we coming at it from a place of punishment, with the goal of making them feel sorry for what they did? Or are we coming at it with the goal of helping them learn better, more helpful ways of meeting their needs?

Sounds great in theory, but tougher in practice, right? We’ve got you. Our guide, “What’s Next After No” covers *all* the bases for parents and caregivers looking for a kinder, more effective way to respond to limit-pushing behavior.

We’ll show you how to:

⚡ Create the space you need to respond calmly and consistently
⚡ Hold limits without pleading, shaming, or punishing kids
⚡ Respond to “NO!” like it’s NO big deal

Ready? Grab “What’s Next After No” from our shop (www.curiousparenting.net) or join us on Patreon at the Innovator tier to grab this guide (and every guide we’ve ever released!) as part of your membership.

If you could use this guide and have limited access to financial resources, contact us through our website.

Follow us here @curious.parenting for more raising resilient, empowered kids. ⚡🌈⁣⁣

While punishment can sometimes help us meet our needs in the short term, it tends to create way more resistance + conflict in the long term, and here’s why: it interrupts our connection with kids. Connection is our most powerful tool...and the one that will matter most when kids are out of the house.

This doesn’t mean that they should never experience the consequences of their actions…that is a natural part of life and an essential part of living together.

It’s all about our intentions and mindset. Are we coming at it from a place of punishment, with the goal of making them feel sorry for what they did? Or are we coming at it with the goal of helping them learn better, more helpful ways of meeting their needs?

Sounds great in theory, but tougher in practice, right? We’ve got you. Our guide, “What’s Next After No” covers *all* the bases for parents and caregivers looking for a kinder, more effective way to respond to limit-pushing behavior.

We’ll show you how to:

⚡ Create the space you need to respond calmly and consistently
⚡ Hold limits without pleading, shaming, or punishing kids
⚡ Respond to “NO!” like it’s NO big deal

Ready? Grab “What’s Next After No” from our shop (www.curiousparenting.net) or join us on Patreon at the Innovator tier to grab this guide (and every guide we’ve ever released!) as part of your membership.

If you could use this guide and have limited access to financial resources, contact us through our website.

Follow us here @curious.parenting for more raising resilient, empowered kids. ⚡🌈⁣⁣

Kids will ask us for anything and everything, all the time, right away. That doesn’t mean that we can (or even should) give it to them. Waiting is a skill that develops with practice and time.

Some things that can help in the meantime:
⚡️ Setting a visual timer so kids can see how much time is left
⚡️ Remembering that we can acknowledge how hard it feels to wait without giving kids what they want right away
⚡️ Reminding ourselves that it’s hard to wait for kids to get better at waiting, and that’s okay 😉

What makes waiting easier at your house?

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids. ⁣

Kids will ask us for anything and everything, all the time, right away. That doesn’t mean that we can (or even should) give it to them. Waiting is a skill that develops with practice and time.

Some things that can help in the meantime:
⚡️ Setting a visual timer so kids can see how much time is left
⚡️ Remembering that we can acknowledge how hard it feels to wait without giving kids what they want right away
⚡️ Reminding ourselves that it’s hard to wait for kids to get better at waiting, and that’s okay 😉

What makes waiting easier at your house?

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids. ⁣

What do you want to pass down?

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

What do you want to pass down?

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

'Tis the season for long family road trips, which means it's also the season where kids everywhere ask: "Are we there yet?" as many times as they possibly can in under an hour.

Here are some fun games to play in the car (or on the train, or the bus, or the plane) to bust boredom and build connection.

Do you have a trip coming up? What are your best travel tips for trips with little kids? Tell us in the comments! 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids. ⁣

'Tis the season for long family road trips, which means it's also the season where kids everywhere ask: "Are we there yet?" as many times as they possibly can in under an hour.

Here are some fun games to play in the car (or on the train, or the bus, or the plane) to bust boredom and build connection.

Do you have a trip coming up? What are your best travel tips for trips with little kids? Tell us in the comments! 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids. ⁣

Let’s go ahead and acknowledge that raising a determined kid is exhausting, incredible, overwhelming, exciting, unbelievably frustrating and so, so rewarding. (Raise your hand if you felt all of these things before breakfast today 🙋🏽‍♀️).

We’re guessing the parents of Malala Yousafzai, Michael Jordan, Rosa Parks, and Greta Thunberg felt like this, too. If you’re raising a person with a whole lot of determination and spirit, give yourself a pat on the back. This is hard work, and you’re doing an incredible job—even if it feels like you’re always swimming against the current.

And if that unwavering resistance is making it tough to get anything done, don't worry. We've got your back. Check out our quick guide "Responding to Resistance" for some helpful tips and strategies that will help you navigate even the toughest moments with grace and confidence. Together, we've got this!

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids. ⁣

Let’s go ahead and acknowledge that raising a determined kid is exhausting, incredible, overwhelming, exciting, unbelievably frustrating and so, so rewarding. (Raise your hand if you felt all of these things before breakfast today 🙋🏽‍♀️).

We’re guessing the parents of Malala Yousafzai, Michael Jordan, Rosa Parks, and Greta Thunberg felt like this, too. If you’re raising a person with a whole lot of determination and spirit, give yourself a pat on the back. This is hard work, and you’re doing an incredible job—even if it feels like you’re always swimming against the current.

And if that unwavering resistance is making it tough to get anything done, don't worry. We've got your back. Check out our quick guide "Responding to Resistance" for some helpful tips and strategies that will help you navigate even the toughest moments with grace and confidence. Together, we've got this!

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising determined, confident kids. ⁣

With packed schedules, many of us learned to demand things—from kids AND ourselves—right now. Right this second. When kids want something we can give them, it can feel like we need to give it to them right away. When we want something from them, it can feel like they need to give it to *us* right away.

When *everything* is urgent, though, we quickly find ourselves out of time and out of energy for...just about everything.

When urgency is woven into every aspect of our lives, it can be hard to:
⚡ Tell whether or not we *need* to be doing every thing we’re always rushing off to do
⚡ Make time to think about + process feelings
⚡ Prioritize the needs of everyone, vs. the needs of the most visible or most powerful people in a community

If we find ourselves running from one thing to the next to the next...it might be sign that we need to do less + make room for more rest, for breathing + for reflecting.

Is slowing down easy for you? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

With packed schedules, many of us learned to demand things—from kids AND ourselves—right now. Right this second. When kids want something we can give them, it can feel like we need to give it to them right away. When we want something from them, it can feel like they need to give it to *us* right away.

When *everything* is urgent, though, we quickly find ourselves out of time and out of energy for...just about everything.

When urgency is woven into every aspect of our lives, it can be hard to:
⚡ Tell whether or not we *need* to be doing every thing we’re always rushing off to do
⚡ Make time to think about + process feelings
⚡ Prioritize the needs of everyone, vs. the needs of the most visible or most powerful people in a community

If we find ourselves running from one thing to the next to the next...it might be sign that we need to do less + make room for more rest, for breathing + for reflecting.

Is slowing down easy for you? 👇🏽👇🏼👇🏿

🌈✨ Follow us here at @curious.parenting for more on raising resilient, confident kids. ⁣

⚡This post was made possible by your support. Check out more cool stuff at www.curiousparenting.net or join our community at www.patreon.com/curiousparenting. ⚡

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