Your Parenting On Purpose Toolbox
This is where I share weekly tools and strategies to help support you both as a parent, and in living your best life — so you can be an example of what's possible for your kids.
Feel free to browse or find what you need in the categories in the right-hand column. I hope this inspires you, and by all means: COMMENT. I'm always open to feedback.
You sit down after a long day, and your child still has a math sheet, spelling practice, and reading to get through. What should take 20 minutes drags into two hours. You ask them to focus, but they wiggle in their chair, sharpen their pencil again, or find a dozen other ways to avoid getting it done. Sound familiar?
If homework feels like it takes forever in your house, you’re not alone. Many parents find themselves fru...
One of the hardest parts of parenting is knowing when to step in and when to step back. You see your child struggling, maybe with tying shoes, zipping a coat, building with blocks, or finishing a math worksheet, and your instinct is to help. You have the best intentions, and don’t want them to feel frustrated, and if we’re being honest - sometimes helping is just quicker and easier for everyone with way less drama.
But h...
How often do you hear your little one saying “I can’t” when you ask them to do something on their own? Maybe it’s putting on their shoes, tying a knot, or starting homework. For older kids, it might sound like “This is too hard” or “I don’t know how to do this.”
The problem is that when kids (and adults!) think “I can’t” or “I don’t know”, their brain stops trying because they’ve already told themselves they can’t do it....
Do you ever feel like pulling teeth would be easier than getting your child to tell you about their day at school? If so, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle with this. Some kids come home and spill every single detail (sometimes more than you want to know!), while others give you one-word answers like “fine” or “nothing.”
If your child falls into the “not a talker” category, here are some practical strategies to he...
The school day may be over, but for many families, the hardest part is just beginning. Between tired kids, hungry bellies, homework, and after-school activities, afternoons can feel like a pressure cooker.
The good news? With a thoughtful after-school routine, you can smooth out the chaos, reduce meltdowns, and create a rhythm that helps everyone feel more connected.
Why Routines Matter After School
Kids spend the enti...
Every child has rough days at school, days when they feel left out, struggle with a lesson, or clash with a classmate. As parents, we can’t prevent every disappointment, but we can teach our kids how to bounce back. That’s what resilience is all about: helping children recover from challenges and move forward with confidence.
Resilience doesn’t mean ignoring feelings or “toughening up.” Instead, it’s about learning how t...
Every parent knows the joy of celebrating when their child bounds out of school with a smile, eager to share a win from their day. But what about the harder days... the ones where your child trudges out with slumped shoulders, a scowl, or even tears?
Bad days at school happen to every child, and when they do, parents are often left wondering: What’s the best way to help? Should I try to fix it, offer advice, or cheer the...
Do you ever hold your breath as you wait to see what mood your child will be in when they come home from school? You’re not alone. Many parents describe afternoons as an emotional rollercoaster, never knowing if they’ll be greeted with smiles, silence, or a full-on meltdown.
For younger kids, parents often dread the late-day “witching hour” when tiredness and overstimulation collide. But this tricky time doesn’t only aff...
The beginning of a new school year brings change for every student, new teachers, different classmates, and shifting social dynamics. While some kids adjust quickly, others, especially those with developmental, social, or academic challenges, may find this transition overwhelming.
One of the most effective things you can do as a parent is to proactively help your child’s teacher understand who they are. Not just how they...
Does your child get anxious when it’s time to head back to school? Even kids who are excited can experience nervous energy as the first day approaches. Each new school year brings change. New teachers, classrooms, peers, and routines often come with some very normal feelings of uncertainty.
As a parent, how you respond to your child’s back-to-school anxiety can make a big difference. This is something I coach families t...
As the end of summer approaches, many parents are counting down the days until school starts, looking forward to more structure and maybe even a little breathing room. But if you're parenting a child who struggles with transitions or big emotions, this time of year can also feel like walking a tightrope.
The back-to-school transition can be especially tricky for sensitive kids, so easing them in gradually is key. In the ...
For many parents, the countdown to the first day of school brings a mix of emotions: relief, excitement, and maybe a little anxiety about how your child will transition. But if you have a child who struggles with big emotions, especially when it comes to new or unfamiliar situations, you may already be noticing the signs: shorter tempers, clinginess, or sudden resistance to things they usually enjoy.
It’s easy to think o...