Simple Families

Our kids are not going to be good at everything. In today’s episode we discuss how to approach a child that is not having success in sports or other activities. The post SFP 29: Should I encourage my kids to do things they aren’t good at? appeared first on Simple Families.

Sometimes our kids can feel impossible at meal times. In this episode, I give my best advice–and it might surprise you. The post SFP 28: How do I end food battles with my kid? appeared first on Simple Families.

In today’s episode I am answering a question from a mother about pretend play. She wonders how often she should intervene when there are disagreements or when the play shifts to an inappropriate story line. The post SFP 27: When should I interrupt my kid’s play? appeared first on Simple Families.

Sometimes babies get restless–but how much entertaining should we do as parents? In today’s episode I answer a question about how to handle a restless, bored baby. The post SFP 26: What should I do if my baby gets bored? appeared first on Simple Families.

In today’s episode we discuss how to handle big transitions with toddlers–things like moving, starting a new school, and having a new baby. The post SFP 25: How much transition can a kid handle? appeared first on Simple Families.

Preparing for your first baby can be overwhelming. Today I discuss how I suggest you spend time preparing during pregnancy, including some of my favorite books. Show Links/Notes: The Best 5 Books to Read Before a Baby The post SFP 24: How do I prepare for my first baby? appeared first on Simple Families.

In today’s episode we discuss how to maintain a minimalist play space when you have children of various ages. Show Notes/Links: Video Tour of our Minimalist Playroom The 25 Best Toys Get the Toy Detox The post SFP 23: How does toy minimalism work with different aged siblings? appeared first on Simple Families.

In today’s episode I respond to a question about how much we should push our kids to be successful. I explain that parents should provide support when teaching new skills, but kids might actually benefit when parents “disappear” and give them opportunity to persevere on their own. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Get the Toy Detox The post SFP 22: How much should I push my kid to succeed? appeared first on Simpl...

In today’s episode we are discussing how to handle the “stranger danger” talk with your children. I am not a fan of putting fear and anxiety into children. I think you can educate them and prepare them for life without scaring them. It’s important that children have opportunities to practice socializing with new adults, but at the same time maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism. Show Notes/Link...

It can be difficult to wean a baby off of a bottle. In this episode I discuss the transition from formula/breastmilk to cow’s milk. I also explain the attachment to the bottle and why this process is so difficult. I also discuss things to keep in mind when making the switch from bottles to cups. Show Notes/Links Are sippy cups even necessary? Open Training Cup Open glass (6 to 12 months) Open glas...

In this episode I will discuss three things to consider when preparing your child for a sibling. We will also discuss what type of behavior and emotions you might encounter from a young child during this period as well. I wrap up with the one thing I wish I would have known before having my second baby. Show Notes: Sign up for the Toy Detox The New Baby Book (Depicts breastfeeding) Rocker made for...

In this episode I answer a question from a mother about her child that is shy and slow to warm up. I discuss ways to support and encourage her. The post SFP 18: How Should I Handle My Shy Child? appeared first on Simple Families.

In this episode we talk about making the difficult transition to daycare as a toddler. I discuss why it is so difficult for kids to separate and give (a strange) analogy. The post SFP 17: Am I Traumatizing My Kid When I Leave Him at Daycare? appeared first on Simple Families.

It seems like kids are starting school earlier and earlier. In today’s episode, I will be discussing how to decide on the best age for a child to start preschool. Highlights: Preschool vs. Daycare–what’s the difference? What type of curriculum and education does a baby/young toddler need? What’s the best age to start school? Show Notes/Links: How to Choose a Preschool The post SFP 16 : What Age Sh...

The kids of today need minimalism. In this episode I am sharing with you some of the benefits of minimalism with kids and family. Highlights: What is minimalism? Four benefits for our children. Show Notes/Links Does your Kids Have Shiny Object Syndrome Why Kids Need Fewer Toys Research: Children learn better in simple, clean spaces Research: Clutter increases stress The post SFP 15: How Will My Ki...

Kids shouldn’t be playing with their food. That means making a mess should be the exception, not the expectation. In this episode I will discuss how to handle throwing and playing with food at mealtime. Highlights: Understand the motive Control of Error The Food Time-Out Show Notes/Links: How to Get Kids to Stop Throwing and Playing at Meal Time One Simple Tip to Get Kids to Eat Better (Why we don...

It can be hard to get kids to go to bed. In today’s episode, I am answering a question about how to get a child to go to bed (and stay in bed). Highlights: Bring the positive energy. Pattern your days for success. Get kids to stay in bed The post SFP 13 : How Can I Get My Kid to Go to Bed? appeared first on Simple Families.

Sharing is hard. In this episode, I am explaining why sharing can be such a struggle for young kids. I will also introduce the strategy that we use at home to handle sharing easily and effectively. Highlights Why it’s so hard for kids to share Walk a mile in their shoes The Method: How do handle it at home Show Notes/Links Teach Your Kids to Share Without Losing Your Mind The post SFP 12 : How Do...

Our kid’s behavior can be frustrating–particularly when they won’t “stop” when we ask them to stop. Today we are talking about why it’s so hard to get kids to “knock it off” and how we can handle these situations with success. Highlights A new lens to view behavior Inertia–and how it applies to kid behavior An easy, effective strategy for improving behavior Show Notes/Links Why My Kid Doesn’t List...

I got rid of my oversized wardrobe in favor of creating a tiny collection of clothing articles that I really love. This has been an amazing change in my life. In this episode, I will share with you how I got started and some of my favorite things. The Highlights Why I made the switch to a small wardrobe How to get started Favorite pieces that I am wearing right now Show Notes and Links Why I Got R...

Getting our kids to cooperate with everyday tasks can seem impossible. Brush your teeth, take a bath, put your shoes on…even the simple things can be a struggle with young children. In this episode I am going to explain why cooperation is so difficult. The best part–there is an easy trick to get immediate results with your kids. The Highlights Why is cooperation such a struggle? Why you can’t “thr...

Nearly all parents resort to using “time-out” with their kids at some point. But the problem is it rarely works. In this episode I explain how to use time-out correctly and why I don’t really use it much myself. The Highlights What exactly is “time-out” Why I don’t really like it or use it myself If you are going to use it–how to do it correctly Show Notes and Links The Bad Behavior I am Ignoring ...

The first year of feeding solid foods to babies is incredibly important. In this episode, I am giving you tips to get started the best way possible. The Highlights How to introduce tastes How to introduce textures The importance of positive talk Show Notes and Links Getting Started With Baby-Led Weaning Mastering the Dinnertime Hustle One Simple Tip to Get Your Kids to Eat Better Do you have a que...

In this episode I am answering the question, “how much do you play with your kids?”. I don’t actually play with my kids very much and I am going to give you an explanation of why. The Highlights What quality time looks like in our house. How I facilitate play without playing myself. When I am playing with my kids, what is my role? Show Notes and Links Catherine Wallace Quote From This Episode Why...