Simple Families

Gifts serve so many purposes. They excite the gift giver and receiver. They can make the gift giver feel like they are leaving a part of them when they aren’t present. But it’s deeply ingrained in our culture. In today’s episode we discuss how to handle receiving unwanted gifts. The post SFP 54: How do I handle unwanted gifts? appeared first on Simple Families.

The sibling relationship sets the stage for many relationships to come. We need to let our children use this dynamic to practice handling conflict. It will be anything but graceful in the early years, but this conflict serves a deeper purpose. The post SFP 53: How should I handle sibling disputes? appeared first on Simple Families.

In today’s episode we discuss how often a kid needs to go to school–we discuss how to find that magic window of time and how to shed the guilt around it. The post SFP 52: How much preschool does a kid need? appeared first on Simple Families.

Gifting at birthday parties can be tricky for those trying to be intentional. In today’s episode I discuss my personal favorite gifts to give at parties. LINKS: Seedling Craft Kits Back to the Roots Garden National Geographic Little Kids This post contains affiliate links The post SFP 51: What do you give as birthday gifts? appeared first on Simple Families.

I recently explained exactly how I feed my kids [read the post here]. I loved the enthusiastic response that I received from readers and members of the Simple Families community. Because of the overwhelming response, I decided to do a special podcast episode to answer all of your feeding questions. Without further ado, here are the questions–and tune in for my answers. LINKS MENTIONED: Exactly How...

I have shared before that I have a daily laundry habit–and it’s amazing. In today’s episode I am answering a question about this and telling you how I make it happen at our house. LINKS: The Simple Families Facebook Group The post SFP 50: How do you handle laundry? appeared first on Simple Families.

Does your child whine and complain throughout the day? In today’s episode I discuss how to handle a complainer. The post SFP 48: How Do I Deal with a Complainer? appeared first on Simple Families.

Bedtime can be a struggle for children–regardless of the age. In today’s episode we discuss this topic. The post SFP 47: How Do I End Bedtime Meltdowns? appeared first on Simple Families.

On the podcast today I am explaining the best timing for potty training–and it might not be what you think. SHOW NOTES/LINKS My favorite tips and tools for potty training The “Oh Crap” Book The post SFP 46: What is the best timing for potty training? appeared first on Simple Families.

Separation anxiety has a way of making us feel very loved and very crazy. We are talking more about this on the podcast today.   The post SFP 45: What can I do about separation anxiety? appeared first on Simple Families.

In today’s episode we are discussing about “back talk”. I give you my best strategies for handling it and some tips to keep in mind.   The post SFP 44: How should I handle back talk? appeared first on Simple Families.

Today we are discussing the best way to get your kid’s on board for clean up. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: The Toy Detox The Cooperation Mini-Course The post SFP 43: How much should I expect my kids to clean up? appeared first on Simple Families.

In today’s episode I am discussing the pros and cons of enrolling a young child in classes. The post SFP 42: Are baby classes worth the money? appeared first on Simple Families.

You don’t need to do a lot of arts and crafts activities to meet your kid’s needs. In today’s episode, I am discussing why this is. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Why I Don’t Do Pinterest-Worthy Activities With My Kids IDEAS FOR LESS-MESS ARTS + CRAFTS Dry erase crayons Paint in the bathtub Bath crayons Stickers Felt board Water Wow The post SFP 41: Should we do arts and crafts at home? appeared first on Simpl...

Independent play can be difficult to teach to toddlers. In today’s episode, we talk about how to encourage this type of play and the benefits.   The post SFP 40: How do I get my child to play independently? appeared first on Simple Families.

You don’t need a separate play room for your kids–having the toys in the living space has it’s advantages. In today’s episodes, I will discuss what to keep in mind when combining the living space and the playing space. Show Notes/Links: Our Minimalist Play Room (Video Tour) The Toy Detox How to Declutter the Toys The post SFP 39: How can I incorporate a simple play space in my living room? appeare...

I hear this time and time again: time-outs don’t work. So why do we keep using them? In this episode we talk about why I don’t recommend time outs for very young children. Cooperation Mini Course  The post SFP 38: What to do when time-outs aren’t working? appeared first on Simple Families.

Parents are not referees–it’s important that they realize that early. In today’s episode, we talk about managing competition in sibling relationships. The post SFP 37: How do I handle competition between siblings? appeared first on Simple Families.

It’s not always easy to let “things” go. In today’s episode, we discuss how to keep the conversation positive with kids–along with two key questions to ask. The post SFP 36: How can I teach kids to let go of their possessions? appeared first on Simple Families.

On the podcast today I am answering a question about how to discipline very young children. The post SFP 35: How should I discipline very young children? appeared first on Simple Families.

Birthday celebrations shouldn’t be complicated—they should be focused on what is important. In today’s episode, I discuss why we should keep celebrations small, intimate, and focused on the needs of the child. The post SFP 34: Is it possible to have a simple birthday party? appeared first on Simple Families.

In this episode we discuss switching a child’s bedroom in anticipation of a new sibling. I also talk about making the switch from the crib to a toddler bed.  The post SFP 33: Should I change my toddler’s bedroom? appeared first on Simple Families.

In today’s episode we are discussing how to repurpose items we have from decluttering. The post SFP 32: How do I repurpose the things I have from decluttering? appeared first on Simple Families.

Every parent deals with kids that interrupt. Today we are discussing two approaches of how to handle this challenge. The post SFP 31: How do I stop my kid from interrupting? appeared first on Simple Families.

Many of you are probably blessed with family and friends who love to give your children gifts. In this episode we are discussing how to talk to family members about toy minimalism. The post SFP 30: How do I handle family members who give too many gifts? appeared first on Simple Families.