5 signs you’re overparenting—and how to raise resilient kids
It’s a familiar scene: Your kid is stuck on a problem or upset about a situation. Before they’ve even finished explaining, you swoop in with solutions. That’s what good parents do, right? But when rescuing becomes routine, it undermines the skills kids need to build confidence and resilience. As a clinical psychologist who works with […]
How to navigate harsh aged care reality facing millions of Aussies: ‘Nothing prepares you’
Kerry Kingham (middle) with her mum faced an overwhelming challenge all of a sudden. (Source: Supplied) They call it the sandwich generation for a reason. You’re right in the middle of it, kids on one side, ageing parents on the other, and you probably didn’t plan for it. Then all it takes is one phone […]
Stop asking ‘How was school today?’ To raise successful kids, ask 7 questions instead
“My child won’t tell me anything about their day!” It’s a common concern I hear from parents in my psychotherapy office. They’re hoping to gain a glimpse into their child’s world. But asking “How was school today?” usually leads to a one-word answer. As a therapist and the author of “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents […]
How to say ‘no’—and get them to listen
Saying “no” is essential in parenting. But setting limits shouldn’t start and end with that one word. As a certified child life specialist and licensed therapist, I know that saying “no” is meant to help kids feel safe, supported, and understood. I often help kids understand: “Your parents aren’t saying ‘no’ to control you, they’re […]
Dave Ramsey Caller Asked How To Stop In-Laws From Asking Their 10-, 12-, And 17-Year-Old Daughters For Cash. ‘They’re $10,000 Short A Month’
A recent caller on “The Ramsey Show” sparked a tough conversation about financial boundaries and protecting kids from being dragged into adult money problems. Cody from Nebraska phoned in to ask what to do after finding out his in-laws were asking their underage daughters—ages 10, 12, and 17—for help paying the bills. Cody explained that […]
How to raise money savvy kids in a world of instant gratification
Smiling teen girl holds credit card and searching what to buy online Stockplanets | E+ | Getty Images In the age of instant gratification where Gen Alpha has easy access to instant delivery services like Amazon Prime and Uber Eats, some parents are wondering how to teach the young money-saving skills. Born between 2010 and […]
How to talk to kids about disability – and why it’s important
It’s something many parents will be familiar with. You’re out in public, when your child sees someone with disability and loudly blurts something out about why that person looks different. The questions come from a place of innocence, but they’re awkward and can evoke negative feelings for the person with disability So, how should parents […]
How to teach the thrill of reading
This is an edition of The Wonder Reader, a newsletter in which our editors recommend a set of stories to spark your curiosity and fill you with delight. Sign up here to get it every Saturday morning. This week, The Atlantic published its list of the 136 most significant American novels of the past century. […]
‘Co-regulation’ is the new parenting buzzword: How to do it
The increasing popularity of “gentle parenting” has launched a new buzzword into the child-rearing landscape: co-regulation. Co-regulation refers to an adult helping a child soothe their own emotions during a stressful incident. Let’s say a child has a meltdown at the supermarket. Instead of admonishing them, gentle parenting, also known as responsive parenting, calls for […]
Why Don’t We Teach People How to Parent?
There are just some things you don’t do without preparation. You’re not meant to drive a car without taking lessons and passing a test. You aren’t supposed to scuba dive without certification. You can’t teach—or practice law, or therapy, or cosmetology—without first proving your knowledge. But you can become a parent without any training at […]