Behavior Management

How to Serve Others with Your Child

Bake some treats for your neighbors

This has to be my favorite–and one we will definitely be doing again this year. Last year, Little Girl and I baked banana bread for our neighbors, but this year I think we may make an assortment of treats, like pumpkin spice donut holes, healthy chocolate peanut butter fudge, coconut-cranberry peanut butter truffles and my triple chocolate peanut butter truffles from the Healthy Holidays eBook. We like to attach a Bible verse proclaiming Christ’s birth.

Last year, we delivered the bread on a rare white Christmas morning, and it was a blast getting to know our neighbors (most of whom invited us inside!).

By Mary Bockert, ago

The Child Safety Harness

Let’s talk about the child safety harness. I have three girls and have been in situations where I feel like they are all 3 going in different directions and I am COMPLETELY overwhelmed and in over my head…and a child harness would be ideal. But on the other hand, sometimes the thought of one makes me uneasy. Talking about child leashes is like talking about political parties. Parents are either strongly for or strongly against them.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Teaching Manners in Toddlers

Your two-year-old is being complimented by your neighbor and when they have given the compliment, your child sticks their tongue out at them. Or how about this one…Your three-year-old is at the dinner table and doesn’t like dinner so s/he throws their plate of food on the floor. If either of these sound remotely familiar, you are not alone and the light can be seen at the end of the tunnel if you just look for it.

By Mary Bockert, ago

When to Start Time Out with Your Little One

I have been at this mommy gig for eight years now and I have learned a thing or two when it comes to toddler temper tantrums and time outs. Each of my kids are different and require a different way of disciplining them based on their individual differences. With that being said, I have learned to take a cue when it comes to time out and when its appropriate to start it. Here sre some tips on when starting time out is a good idea with your littles…

By Mary Bockert, ago

The Strong-Willed Child

they become…with a bit of direction from parents, siblings, family, friends and experiences. But what if you have a strong-willed child who seems to make things difficult when, let’s say, going places, hanging out with friends, following directions, etc.? Not only can frustrations run high, but if we don’t foster positive interactions with those “special” little ones, it can do harm to whom they are to become. It is so important to view each child as individual and best help them despite how difficult their actions or things may seem.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Terrible Twos…or Should I Say Ones!

Our third daughter’s personality is larger than life and lights up a room. She knows what she wants and lets you know what that is. She can be loud and, at times, demanding. In fact, we are going through a stage right now where everything she wants better be delivered or there is a tantrum lurking around the corner. If she would have been my first, this whole parenting gig would have been a bit intimidating. And that, my friends, is why I write this blog. This is for the first-time parents who have that strong-willed child and have NO CLUE what to do.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Can You Teach Your Children Compassion?

GAH…My heart right here!
.
This little one has a heart unlike anything I have ever seen in such a small little one. Tears well up in my eyes when I think about her heart for others and bringing joy to those around her…it FAR outweighs bringing joy to herself…ever. She thrives on giving and seeing others be blessed.

By Mary Bockert, ago

Behavior Management System That Truly Works

Our family is blessed with three young girls who are a pleasure to be around and raise. My husband and I are truly blessed. As a family, we have fun together, we laugh together, and we enjoy spending time together. That being said, we also have three girls who can get on each others nerves. When summer hit for our oldest, it was evident that we needed a system set into place to make the transition into a new “norm” a bit easier and consistent when it came to everyone getting along. Being a former teacher, I am well aware that routines and consistency are key to success. Sure I could “wing it,” but why not set the girls up for success this summer.

By Mary Bockert, ago

The Weighted Blanket

Having a daughter with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), life can be quite challenging. Anywhere from tantrums, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and a very strong personality to a kind-hearted, homebody that wants to snuggle on the couch and talk about life dreams.

By Mary Bockert, ago